The 10 Best Performances in ‘American Idol’ History

Alright, I am a complete sucker for a romantic display, and what grander a gesture than a starry-eyed duet with the person you love on one of the biggest stages in America? Maddie Poppe and her on-screen relationship with country charmer Caleb Lee Hutchinson during their Idol run had hopeless romantics such as myself hooked from the very beginning.

Following an official relationship hard launch, Poppe and Lee combined Israel ‘Iz’ Kamakawiwo‘ole’s ‘Over the Rainbow’ and Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’ to win the hearts of millions. If he wanted to, ladies, he would–and on national television!

Although their relationship didn’t seem to last outside of the show, you can always rewatch this beautiful performance to cope.

This next performance from former backup singer Melinda Doolittle was unfortunately not enough to secure her win, much to the dismay of Idol viewers. With all due respect to the runner up (Blake Lewis) and winner (Jordin Sparks) of Season Six, many fans believe there was no more consistent performer in the competition than Doolittle.

Aside from the Ella Fitzgerald classic, she also performed ‘mission’ songs in order to raise money for charity. Her talent and professionalism are that of a seasoned pro, and her good-hearted nature makes Melissa hard to forget.

She lives rent-free in the heads of millions of fans–including the one and only Simon Cowell, who later said she should have taken the win for the season.

Picture this: you are entrenched in a battle of all battles, against a competitor with whom you share a name, competing for the crown of a competition show you didn’t even intend to audition for. This is how David Cook found himself on Season Seven of American Idol.

After attending auditions in support of his brother, Cook was convinced to audition himself and advanced in the competition far beyond his imagination. The ‘Battle of the Davids’ saw him pitted against David Archuleta.

With a unique rendition of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ that wowed the audience, the Houston-born rocker proved once again that taking risks is what the show is all about. He certainly knew how to shake up the season with his twists on cover songs, and ultimately took the crown.

Sorry, David Archuleta–the iCarly girlies still love you!

We talked about Fantasia Barrino and her stellar vocals in my last Idol article, but it cannot be said enough how inspiring both her talent and her story are. I can assure you that most of the nation was holding its breath during this incredible performance, watching and waiting to see the eventual Season 3 winner finally ascend to the top.

Fantasia’s season seemed to mirror the turbulence of her personal life, but she clawed her way from a record number of Bottom 3 and Bottom 2’s all the way to her crowning moment.

That same perseverant spirit that had audiences rooting for her from the very beginning dazzled even the judges, who agreed that Barrino’s finale rendition of the George Gershwin classic ‘Porgy and Bess‘ was the best performance ever to grace the Idol stage.

Okay well, with a name like Bo Bice, how could he not stick in your brain? You would think it would have the Phillip Phillips Effect (can I trademark that?) but if not for his name, this Season 4 competitor should be on your mind for his unique (and rather strategic) performance of Badlands’ ‘In a Dream’.

Bice was competing against the season’s ultimate champion, the one and only Carrie Underwood, who we would imagine now is tough competition. But at the time, making history as the first Idol competitor to perform with a live band accompaniment, Bo made a name for himself regardless.

His choices in songs proved that the then 28-year-old had a rocker edge not seen before on the show, and he knew how to play to his strengths. Despite the fact that he did not secure the crown for his season, this performance is certainly worth remembering.

If you know anything about me (probably you don’t, it’s okay, I’ll just tell you), you know I am a Disney girlie. And as a Disney College Program alum who worked at Animal Kingdom Lodge (true story), I can think of nobody more qualified to judge a performance of this iconic Lion King classic.

Okay, there’s probably people way more qualified. Somebody like Simon Cowell, perhaps.

But in a race to the crown, who better to channel than Simba, everyone’s favorite fun-loving king? Jennifer Hudson surely considered this in selecting her song for Elton John Week. And although she didn’t advance beyond the Top Seven of Season, everyone could tell from this display of her talent that J. Hud was going to be a star.

After two Grammy Awards, a Tony Award, ten NAACP Image Awards, and an Academy Award, I’m sure Hudson looks back on this moment as just the beginning.

Yes, Chris Daughtry, as in that Daughtry. If you didn’t already know, Daughtry got his start from Season Five of American Idol. And even though he didn’t win, his cover of Fuel‘s ‘Hemorrhage (In My Hands)’ proved that the soon-to-be lead vocalist had the rock star quality.

Shortly following his exit from the show, Chris received a record deal from RCA Records and formulated the namesake rock group. According to Reuters, Daughtry’s self-titled first album and its 2.287 million sold copies landed as the top-selling album by an artist in 2007.

I guess you could say ‘It’s Not Over’ for the Season Five Top Four contestant.

It is simply impossible to write a list like this one without mentioning the ever-glamorous Adam Lambert. Although he was not always the fan-favorite (in fact, he surely knew how to make people angry at times), Lambert did have a most memorable season, polarizing himself as a rare talent among his fellow competitors.

The current Queen frontman’s rendition of ‘Mad World’ was hauntingly beautiful, and I can’t think of another episode where judge Simon Cowell gave a standing ovation before that night. In fact, the performance was so beloved by Idol fans that it made the cut for his Acoustic Live! EP.

It was a true American Idol moment, and I’m still wiping tears as I listen to it now.

It’s no question that Carrie Underwood would make this list, given that she was crowned champion for Season Four of Idol with a record 70 million votes. She is one of the most recognizable names in contemporary country, and her 80s pouf and powerhouse vocals charmed the audience despite her quietly talented nature.

Underwood herself has admitted that at the time of her Idol season she was rather shy, which one might find hard to believe if you’re used to the undeniable charisma she possesses as a seasoned artist. This performance would be the one to change it all, kickstarting the country star we all know and love today.

This cover of Heart’s signature ‘Alone’ broke through her small-town shell and put Carrie on the map as a serious contender. The ‘Before He Cheats’ singer has remained comfortable in the spotlight ever since.

And thank goodness for that, because I can’t imagine sitting down after a breakup to watch New Moon so you can cry with Bella to Lykke Li’s ‘Possibility’ again.

When American Idol got its start, Kelly Clarkson was not the frontrunner you’d think she’d have been. But in a sultry performance of Aretha Franklin’s ‘Natural Woman’, she was able to turn the tide and carve out her place as American Idol’s sweetheart.

It’s a hot debate what her best performance on the inaugural season was, and I wouldn’t blame anybody for having a different opinion with so many stunning covers to choose from. With an edge-of-your-seat high note like that, though, this rendition has gone down in Idol history–and for good reason.

The Queen of Soul left behind big shoes to fill, and I think everyone would agree that Clarkson did a fantastic job rising to the occasion. Now a three-time Grammy Award-winner, it’s clear that she was always meant for stardom.

She even performed the iconic ballad for “Kellyoke” on a Women’s Day edition of The Kelly Clarkson Show 18 years later.