Top 10 American Idol Performances That Made Us Cry
#10: “God Only Knows”
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Maddie Poppe When ABC launched its “American Idol” revival in 2018, there was more pressure than ever to find a bonafide artist. Eventual champion Maddie Poppe proved to be a stunning song interpreter. Her top 5 performance of The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” is an all-time great. With her big, innocent eyes regularly looking directly into the camera and her gentle coo of a voice, it was hard to imagine anyone else taking the crown at the end of the season. If her voice wasn’t enough to bring on the waterworks, Poppe’s performance was dedicated to her mother, who was watching proudly as her daughter became a star. The poised Maddie was visibly moved by the end, and so were we.
#9: “Can't Help Falling in Love”
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Jena Irene Some songs are so iconic it’s best to either leave them alone or take big swings. Season 13 contestant Jena Irene took a massive swing with her rendition of this Elvis ballad, and she nailed it. Irene’s expert-level vocal flourishes wrung every bit of feeling from the song and even layered on some new ones. It was clear that she was pouring her heart out on that stage. Then-judge Jennifer Lopez couldn’t even wait until the end to give her a well-deserved standing ovation, and ran up on stage to hug and kiss her once it was over.
#8: “Over the Rainbow”
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Katharine McPhee You know you’re comfortable on stage when you can just deliver a powerhouse vocal from the floor. Season 5 contestant Katharine McPhee left us sobbing with this velvety smooth jazz rendition of “The Wizard of Oz” classic. It’s hard not to feel instantly nostalgic when you hear “Over the Rainbow.” It’s a song so well-crafted it seems deceptively simple and straightforward. McPhee didn’t oversell it here. Embodying the number’s hopeful message, her lilting voice sailed over the melody with grace and ease. All three judges sang her praises. Not only did it represent a personal peak for her in the competition, but Simon Cowell declared it a season standout.
#7: “If I Can’t Have You”
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Adam Lambert While his take on “Mad World” won acclaim, it was Adam Lambert’s gentle reimagining of the Yvonne Elliman/Bee Gees disco hit, “If I Can’t Have You,” that made us verklempt. The season 8 runner-up has always had a special talent for taking dance songs and making you think “wow, this is actually really sad.” But that’s not all Lambert brought to the track here. The new arrangement allowed him to find the real pain and vulnerability hiding in plain sight. When you hear him wail on the chorus, it’s hard to remember what the number sounded like before he stripped it back.
#6: “I Believe”
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Fantasia Emotions were already high when Fantasia Barrino was announced the winner of Season 3. Fantasia sang her heart out every week, but it was always clear how badly she wanted to win. When her dream came true on stage in front of her loved ones and all of America, it’s a wonder she could even make it through the reprise of her coronation song. Her post-win rendition of “I Believe” is one for the ages. She closed out the season with a tearful and joyous celebration of faith and possibility, as fireworks, confetti, and a choir filled the stage around her.
#5: “You Set Me Free”
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Angie Miller Original songs can be tricky. You’re not only exposing your singing to criticism, but your songwriting as well. Yet season 12’s eventual third place finalist Angie Miller knew she needed to stand out. It worked. As she tore her way through her original number, “You Set Me Free,” it was clear the judges didn’t expect this from her. She earned a standing ovation and turned the odds completely in her favor. As judge Nicki Minaj would say, Miller was not even in contention for a top spot until that moment. We can see them changing their minds in real time, inspired by her vulnerability, natural talent, and raw rendition.
#4: “No More Drama”
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La’Porsha Renae Before stepping on the stage with this Mary J. Blige song, season 15’s La’Porsha Renae mentioned her personal connection to the lyrics. Given that it’s an anthem about finding strength after an abusive relationship, this already gave the moment the potential to be intensely affecting. La’Porsha kept her composure through the deeply personal and ferocious interpretation. However, by the end, she was left shivering with tears, and we followed suit. She left it all on the stage and then some. The performance had a profound effect on the audience and the judges, particularly Jennifer Lopez, whose reaction echoed all of ours.
#3: “Bridge over Troubled Water”
Clay Aiken We’ve seen what a choir can do to up the sob factor on the “Idol” stage. From the first note this one hits, it’s clear this is gonna be a powerful moment. Finalist Clay Aiken took the entire show to church with his gospel-inspired take on the Simon & Garfunkel tune. Aiken’s voice, with that mix of softness and power, cut right through the song like a knife through warm butter. The soaring voices of the choir put it all over the top. His performance was so unforgettable, he reprised it at the finale and during the show’s twelfth season, ten years later.
#2: “Piece by Piece”
Kelly Clarkson The tears were flowing the night Kelly Clarkson made history as the very first “Idol” winner. But her impassioned performance during a season 15 episode went viral. As she performed her single, “Piece by Piece,” Clarkson broke down, even offering a breathless apology to the audience. But there was nothing to apologize for. We were all in the palm of her hand as she sang the song she co-wrote in response to her father’s absence. It encapsulates a reality she explained she only felt the real depth of once she had a family of her own. Watching her perform on the “American Idol” stage once again felt like a true culmination of her career and success in spite of the hardship. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Rainbow,” Sam Finelli
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“Hallelujah,” Jason Castro
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“Imagine,” David Archuleta
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“I (Who Have Nothing),” Jordin Sparks
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“If Ever You’re In My Arms Again,” Ruben Studdard
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Ruben’s Take on This ‘80s Ballad Won Hearts & Broke Them, Too
#1: “Monsters”
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Iam Tongi Hawaiian native Iam Tongi already won the judges over with his warm spirit and story about his recently deceased dad, Rodney. And that was all before he started singing. Tongi performed James Blunt’s “Monsters,” a touching ballad from the point of view of a grown son talking to his father. To say it was soul-stirring would be a true understatement. By the end, the judges and millions of viewers were crying – us included. The song took on an incredibly poignant meaning at the season finale, when the original artist, James Blunt, had to step in and sing for Tongi when he became overcome with emotion. Tongi was crowned the winner that evening.
