It goes without saying that American Idol changed TV viewing experience for the world. It showed how powerful reality TV shows can be. And all credit goes to the humongous number of talented contestants it produced. They have over the years given some incredible performances which have made for some great moments for the music fraternity. So, let’s take a look at 10 of the most powerful American Idol performances of all time.
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10. I Will Always Love You – Syesha Mercado (Season 8)
Season 8 is one of the best seasons of American Idol, and third placed contestant Syesha Mercado was one of best vocalist of that season. During Top 9 round, Syesha sang ‘I Will Always Love You’ by Dolly Parton when it was the theme to pay tribute to Dolly Parton. Her vocal range surprised from everyone alike and proved why she was one of the top 3 contestants of her season.
9. Whole Lotta Love – Elise Testone (Season 11)
During season 9, when it came to giving a tribute to ‘Their Personal Idols’, Elise Testone sang ‘Whole Lotta Love’ by Led Zeppelin. Although she placed sixth during season 9, but she was one of the most memorable contestants coming from American Idol.
8. Alone – Carrie Underwood (Season 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMBSDpB3WB8
Season 4 winner Carrie underwood is claimed by many as one of the greatest singers ever to come from the show. During the Top 11 round, when the theme was ‘Billboard number ones’, Underwood decided to sing ‘Alone’ by i-TEN. Well, it proved that why she was and is one of the biggest name in today’s music.
7. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Clay Aiken (Season 2)
Season 2 runner up Clay Aiken during the Top 2 round sang ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ by Simon & Garfunkel. Although he didn’t win, he over the years have become a successful singer and has been an inspiration to a whole lot of new contestants.
6. Stuff Like That Here – Kelly Clarkson (Season 1)
Original winner, Kelly Clarkson is the one who started it all. She performed ‘Stuff Like That Here’ by Betty Hutton during the Top 6 round, when the theme was ‘Big Band’. It was the performance which locked her as the winner.
5. Hemorrhage– Chris Daughtry (Season 5)
This performance is the only one in the list which was not performed in the semi-final stage. But as they say, some gifts come early. Chris Daughtry placed 4th in season 5. Yes, he did not win. I know that’s a shocker. During the Top 20 semi-final round, when there was no theme allocated, Daughtry sung ‘Hemorrhage’ by Fuel. And it made him the fan favourite of the season.
4. Mad World – Adam Lambert (Season 8)
Season 8 runner up was a fan favourite and judge’s darling all through the season. During the Top 8 round, with the theme of ‘Year They Were Born’, Lambert sung 1982 classic ‘Mad World’ by Tears For Fears. This song proves how much he was robbed when he didn’t won season 8.
3. Bohemian Rhapsody – Constantine Maroulis (Season 4)
With season 4, contestant Constantine Maroulis paved the way for rock singer and singers in their late 20s. During the Top 8 round, when the theme was ‘Songs from Birth Year’, Constantine chose to sing the 1975 classic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen. Although Constantine finished sixth in the competition, his legacy specially with this performance lives on.
2. Summertime – Fantasia Barrino (Season 3)
Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino during the Top 8 round of her season gave the performance which was hailed by many as the best performance coming out of reality TV. The theme for the week was ‘Movie Soundtracks’, for which she covered ‘Summertime’ from the movie ‘Porgy And Bess’ sung by Abbie Mitchell. Still to this day, it would give the chills to whoever watches that performance.
1. Love Song – Candice Glover (Season 12)
After failing to secure her position as a finalist in season 9 and 11, eventual Candice Glover returned for season 12 for her shot at winning the title. From the get go, she gave one after the other performances which proved that she was a force to reckon with. But none could match what she did in the Top 6 round of her season. She took on ‘Lovesong’ by The Cure as part of the week’s theme ‘Songs They Wish They’d Written’. The performances was so powerful that the studio audience would not stop applauding and giving her a standing ovation. Judge Randy Jackson said that it was one of the best performance in the show’s 12 year history, while fellow judge Mariah Carey acknowledged her by showering glitters on her. This is one performance you have got to see to believe.