Top 20 Greatest American Idol Performances

A House Is Not a Home by Dionne Warwick
Back in season 1, the show was still finding its footing, but what it did find was some major talent. Fourth place finisher Tamyra Gray covered this classic heartbreak track for Burt Bacharach night, and some fans say it shouldve won her the whole show. Gray had range, and A House Is Not a Home showcased all of it. From those soaring high notes to those low growls, she made the song her own. The judges were practically tripping over themselves to compliment her, and among longtime fans, it still ranks among the very best performances the show has ever seen.

A Song for You by Leon Russell
The prompt was love songs. Elliott Yamins deeply romantic and smooth rendition of A Song for You was the clear winner of the night. Taking on the Leon Russell song made famous by Donny Hathaway, Ray Charles, and others, Yamin left it all on stage. It was so good, Paula Abdul was in tears afterward. While Simon Cowell wasnt crying, he was just as impressed. The famously tough judge even called the performance a vocal masterclass. The husky-voiced R&B singer may have come in third on the hotly-contested fifth season of the show, but this was a first rate performance.

Chandelier by Sia
This 2014 single was a huge hit, but its not a track for beginners. After reaching the top four, Trent Harmon decided it was time to pull out all the stops. Chandelier tested his versatility and falsetto. Needless to say, he passed that test with flying colors. Judge Harry Connick Jr. complimented his technique, noting his ability to feel every lyric despite the acrobatics the song calls for. There have been a lot of great singers on American Idol, but the way Harmon disappeared into the song proves that first class performers are harder to come by. Harmon ended up winning the entire season.

In a Dream by Badlands
Season 4s final two became a showdown between rock and country. Bo Bice brought good, old-fashioned rock and roll to the Idol stage. Always a risk taker, Bice decided to present this rock song by Badlands a cappella. Singing without a band is a lot harder than it looks. The judges commended his bravery, but even more than that, they were ecstatic about the performance. He absolutely destroyed this number. Bice had the entire studio in the palm of his hand that night. Not only did his risk make him stand out, but it also reminded everyone that Carrie Underwoods win wasnt a sure thing.

Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
The top 10 of season 7 were tasked with picking a song from their birth year. Contestant David Cook chose Billie Jean by none other than Michael Jackson himself. Instead of competing with the funk-infused beats of the King of Pop, Cook reinterpreted the song as an acoustic rock ballad. Simon Cowell was worried about the choice until he heard the song on performance night. By the end, Cook was launching into a massive, full-throated scream. The audience was screaming right along with him. All three judges were blown away by his vocal skill, his audacity, and his amazing control. They predicted right there that he could win the whole season. Several weeks later, he did.

Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz
Near the end of season 5, Katharine McPhee delivered a gentle and devastating rendition of this classic movie song. The runner-up dialed back her usual showy style for this one. Instead of Broadway-level dramatics, she relied on what Paula Abdul called her natural gifts. Her Over the Rainbow showcased her incredible trill, strong belt, wide range, and ability to tell a story through song. Given that Over the Rainbow has been done to death, its hard to overstate just what an accomplishment it is that you dont even think of Judy Garland when you hear her sing it.

My Funny Valentine from Babes in Arms
Slow, seductive, and full of jazz inflections, Melinda Doolittles version of this American Songbook standard was earning applause halfway through. She has a strong belt and a way with phrasing that only truly accomplished singers can manage. But its the way she dips into her lower register that really sets her apart from the crowd. And this was only the top 20 round. It doesnt feel like a performance. It feels like a challenge. She threw down the gauntlet and dared the competition to do it better. Considering Doolittle was one of season sixs very best talents, most of them didnt have a chance.

Jealous Guy by John Lennon
As the cast of season 9 was whittled down, the judges wanted to see more vulnerability from its contestants. Casey James chose to cover John Lennons introspective solo effort, Jealous Guy. He took to the stage with only his own guitar and a cello player for backup. It was a bare bones production as far as Idol staging goes. From the choice of song to his grounded, confident stage presence, James gave us exactly what we were looking for. Few contestants ever have this much confidence and genuine gravitas so early in the season. His smoky, bluesy vocal stylings proved that he wasnt just a talented musician. He was a professional.

God Only Knows by the Beach Boys
The weeks prompt saw the competitors dedicating a song to their mothers to coincide with Mothers Day. Maddie Poppes connection with her mom was evident throughout the song. The season 16 winners lilting coo of a voice made a classic Beach Boys tune sound like a lullaby. As it goes on, the band layers in more instruments and voices until the music swells. But Poppe never overdoes it. Between her mother wiping tears away and Poppes own shudder of emotion at the end of the song, its hard to believe there was a dry eye in the house that night.

Its a Mans Mans Mans World by James Brown
This song was a natural choice for this season 11 contestant. He had a growl of a voice that could electrify an audience just like James Browns could. But he didnt just rest on the similarities. Backed by a brass band, Joshua Ledet brought his own flair to every syllable of every lyric. To watch this performance was to watch a singer constantly trying to top himself. Just when we thought he couldnt go further, he blew the roof off the place at the climax. The entire room, audience, judges, and maybe even a few fans at home, were on their feet by the end.

Alone by Heart
When Season 4s country diva decided to do a song totally outside her wheelhouse, it paid off in dividends. With her blonde hair done up in retro curls and her big eyes looking right into the camera, Carrie Underwood belts out that immortal chorus with undeniable power. The performance was so good it prompted the shows toughest judge, Simon Cowell, to make a game-changing prediction. Underwood would prove he was right to believe in her by eventually winning the season. Her take on Alone was one of the big reasons why she emerged victorious. Also, shoutout to the backup vocalist whos singing that harmony like the rent is due tomorrow.

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
You know its serious when they bring out a whole choir. During the season 2 finals, eventual runner-up Clay Aiken completely blows everyone away with this gospel-inspired rendition of the classic Simon & Garfunkel tune. Its the last time hell get to perform for votes, and you can feel just how much he wants to win through his velvety smooth vocals. Now, some may say that standing ovations are given a little too freely nowadays. But when Aiken hits that impressive last note, he more than earns his. Just ask judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson!

No More Drama by Mary J. Blige
Few artists can channel their own pain and passion into a relatively short performance slot quite like this Season 15 runner-up. La'Porsha Renae was forthcoming about her private struggles while on the show. Her rendition of Mary J. Bliges empowering tune No More Drama is a prime example of why she connected with audiences so deeply. She rips through the anthem with fire and strength, commanding the stage like a seasoned professional. As soon as its over, Renae, the judges, and even Ryan Seacrest are overcome with emotion. It goes without saying, but so are we.

Cant Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley
This then-teenage chanteuse was almost an early-out in Season 13. When she failed to earn enough public votes to advance past the semi-finals, she was saved in the Wild Card Round. Soon, she proved herself to be one of the strongest performers of the season. Accompanying herself at the piano, she delivers a measured and powerful interpretation of Elvis Presleys timeless song, "Can't Help Falling in Love." Visible chills strike judge Jennifer Lopez as she listens. After the performance is over, Lopez actually walks onstage and gives Irene a kiss and hug. Haunting, elegant, and unforgettable, its clear that the contestant set the new standard for all future interpretations of the song.

Circle of Life from The Lion King
Season 3 saw some amazing singers controversially be sent home long before their time. Powerhouse Jennifer Hudson was one of them. She hit her stride during the Top 9, with a powerful cover of Circle of Life from The Lion King. Its so good, she even blew away the songs composer, guest mentor Elton John himself, during rehearsals. Her elimination a few weeks later, and the landing of the seasons Black women in the bottom three, prompted John to call out the shows voters. But given her career since finishing in 7th Place on Idol, its safe to say Hudson has had the last laugh. If this performance proves anything, its that she was always destined for stardom.

The House of the Rising Sun by the Animals
From week to week, this Season 10 finalist surprised us all with her versatility and technique. Idol audiences could always expect Haley Reinhart to own the stage. Her take on House of the Rising Sun is no exception. While the arrangement is taken from the Animals version, Reinharts raspy delivery and varied approach to the classic folk song make it unmistakably hers. Whether shes wailing on a high note or cooing a low one, every moment and choice feels perfectly measured. Even the judges, who many felt were sometimes unnecessarily hard on her, couldnt deny the greatness of this particular performance.

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin
Arguably the most successful of all the shows winners, Clarksons vocal prowess is fully on display throughout the first season. Still, when it comes to picking the best performance from her winning run on the show, Natural Woman is the easy answer. It requires some real courage to take on an Aretha Franklin classic, but Clarkson performs like a pro in her iconic bowler hat and tie. Also, who knew she could hit a whistle tone like that? If her 20+ years in the industry are any indication, Kelly Clarkson really has fulfilled the shows original premise: to find the next superstar.

Mad World by Michael Andrews feat. Gary Jules
We could always count on Season 8s eventual runner-up to bring the drama, and bring it he did on multiple occasions. For that years Year They Were Born theme, Lambert chose the 1982 Tears for Fears song, Mad World. However, he opted for the haunting, stripped-down cover of the song featured in the 2001 film Donnie Darko. If you ask us, the choice is the right one, as it allows him to better show off his incredible vocal range. Lamberts theater background is evident throughout the performance. He doesnt just sing the song he feels every word of it. Even the notoriously critical Simon Cowell gives him a standing ovation!

Lovesong by the Cure
This season 12 champion was known for her big voice and big heart. No one could nail a ballad like Candice Glover. Still, nobody could have predicted the heights she would reach with her take on Lovesong, originally recorded by the Cure and covered by Adele. Ten seconds in, Glover puts her stamp on the song. She takes gorgeous liberties with notes and phrasing like a seasoned jazz vocalist, and brings the classic to new, impressive heights. Its so impressive that judge Mariah Carey coolly walks onstage afterwards and pelts Glover with a handful of celebratory glitter. Honestly, that might be up there with winning a Grammy.

Summertime from Porgy and Bess
American Idol has seen its fair share of barnburners, but no one brought the house down like Fantasia Barrino. Her performance of Summertime from Porgy and Bess truly epitomizes everything that makes the show so great. From the floor of the stage, she blew the rest of the competition out of the water with sheer lung power and effortless vibrato. Its a truly magical moment and were all really lucky it happened. Fantasia was ultimately declared the winner of season 3 and treated us to an encore of this performance on finale night, receiving an even bigger ovation.




What do you look for in a perfectAmerican Idol performance? Tell us in the comments.