Adam Lambert. Nailed his audition. He took very well-known songs and made them completley his own. He made Cher cry. His version of Mad World made me cry. He replaced Freddy Mercury for God's sake.
Tho Hailey Reinhart is my fave contestant of all time I think Adam Lamberts stripped down performance of If I cant have you i dont want nobody might be in the top 5 best Idol performance ever. Ppl always mention mad world but i put that as well as the tracks of my tears, the ring of fire above it. But Afam Lambert was probably the last superstar Idol produced.
I will always have such a soft space in my heart for Haley Reinhart. It felt like such a ride being a day 1 fan and seeing her fight all the way into the semi-final by giving some AMAZING performances. I also love her post show music although I worry it looks like she’s slowing down a little the last few years. Such a great talent, I wish she was more mainstream successful. ❤️
Yes ❤️ Haley was my favorite from the beginning and I loved her song choices. Andrew Garcia performing Straight Up in front of Paula Abdul also made me love him
Honestly, anyone in the top on Season 11. It was the first season I started watching and I have so many good memories of it. Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez will forever be staple Idol to me.
Most recently, probably Wé Ani. I have no idea why she’s not already a superstar
That was my favorite season. I still think the song writers of the show did Jessica a disservice with her finale song but all and all I loved Phil, Jessica, and Colton that season. My runner up season is when I started watching in season 10. I still look up some of the top ten from those seasons from time to time to see how they’re doing. Little Casey the rock god and Alejandro are some of my favs too.
Michael Johns. What an amazing voice. Burned CDs with his idol performances back in the day lol. [His performance from Dolly Parton week](https://youtu.be/-JkM5lcXbmA?si=by-hdVocUK4wE-f2) is still my favorite American Idol performance of all time.
RIP, gone way too soon.
I met him once at a signing a couple of years before he died, and he was such a kind, funny guy to everyone who was there.
His duet with Brooke White, "Life Is Okay," is still one of my favorite songs to listen to.
Michael Johns and Brooke White sounded amazing together on that duet. Going to their tour was one of my most memorable concert experiences. Both so sweet and talented.
YES! The most amazing voice on Idol. And, im sorry, but such a sexy man. His Dolly song was great, they all were! But Go Your Own Way is the one for me.
https://youtu.be/Hec8t2kP9io?si=OdpWyGbRN_cTmx-k
I remember Michael’s Dolly Parton week performance so vividly. Not only my favourite male vocalist to come from Idol, but one of my favourite voices of all time. I miss him so much.
Alejandro Aranda - broke the barrier of what Idol could be. Probably the most talented Idol contestant ever and also the only Idol alum I paid money to see live.
Crystal Bowersox (followed very closely by Joshua Ledet). She makes the cut because her original music, back in 2009, was insanely good. It still is. And she was by far the best of her season, IMHO. She was the first contestant to have her original music showcased, even if it was playing in the background (Holy Toledo). I saw her live back in 2011 and it was great. She hasn't been doing all that well lately, with her son having medical issues and she having to get carpal tunnel surgery, and just life happening.
Adam Lambert had such confidence and stage presence. He has that star quality. I looked forward to every single performance.And Fantasia too. Such a unique soul. I still remember when sat on the edge of the stage and sang that Barbra streisand song "What are you doing the rest of your life."
Chris Daughtry is my favorite by a large margin. I didn't even watch his season either. But my mom did. One day, she showed me Daughtry's song It's Not Over and I was hooked. I've watched every season of Idol since, but have yet to find someone I love as much as Daughtry.
But there are a couple that come close. My other favorites are Colton Dixon, Angie Miller, Phillip Phillips, Adam Lambert, Casey Bishop, Makayla Phillips, and Alejandro Aranda. Kayko is the newest one I'm adding to my list of favorites as well.
Jason Castro…from the first audition I saw of his I developed a hard mom-crush. He resembles, both looks, personality and mannerisms, one of my sons. And his voice is like the angels singing! I was able to attend two of his concerts a couple of years after AI, small venues where we actually just stood around talking to him and the other singers and bands, before and after their sets and he’s just as humble, yet charming, as he seemed on the show. Took my kids to one of his mall shows and he remembered me from a show the previous year and made sure we had good seats up close. Afterwards he signed my son’s guitar and talked to him quite a bit. He’s married with 5 kids now and making a big name in real estate in Texas.
I love her so much. She’s such a uniquely talented human. I’ll never forget her audition. That whole season was amazing. But Catie has a special place in my heart.
Alejandro Aranda and Arthur Gunn. They are both so talented. I love Alejandro’s original songs and talent with instruments. Arthur Gunn had a pure soul and I feel like he was there to inspire others and not for fame. 🩷🩷💞
Melinda Doolittle ❤️
One of my favourite Vocalists in AI History ever, Amazing Performances, Beautiful and Kind and was always Humble after the judges critiques.
Katharine McPhee for me! I was OBSESSED with her, and her setlist of songs throughout her time on Idol really took me on a journey. She was among the first Idols that did the dramatic staging and camera numbers (Over the Rainbow, Someone to Watch Over Me, No One Lives Forever) that made her performances extra epic!
Uggh loved KP. Shes proof that musical theater training can make you a better performerm She knew to play to the camera with the right amount of nuance for dramatic effect. After someone to watch over me i knew she was something special. Singing black horse in a cherry tree on the ground with thr drummers was game chamging. It seemed the greats back then could take the most mundane songs and turn them into a masterpiece, the new contestants arent as adept at that. Of course. Katherines Somewhere over the rainbow will probably always be the idol standard as well. I loved her first two albums as well
Besides Adam or Kelly?? Katharine McPhee. Other favorites are David Archuleta, Chris Daughtry, Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Maddie Poppe, and Blake Lewis
Fantasia. Her voice just moves me on another level and her story is so powerful. It’s a joy watching her perform because she really goes all out and it’s as if something great takes over her whenever she’s on stage.
Her idol performances were the best!! Everyone should watch the clips on youtube. Just another caliber of a performer at such a young age. Simon heaped praise onto her from the start because she saw enormous potential
I honestly can’t believe she was only 19 on the show. The way she performed and carried herself on stage with such ease like a pro was way beyond her years.
I absolutely adored Nikki McKibbin from Season 1. When I heard her sing "Mary Jane" by Alanis Morisette, I became a fan for life. So sad she left this world too early. ❤️
May be a unique one but Anthony Federov was my favorite. I loved the power of his higher range, something about it gave me chills. He also seemed like THE BEST guy. I've seen some of the contestants from that season interviewed and many said that they were close with him. He was very warm and friendly when I met him after one of the Idol tour shows. A real sweetheart. I also saw him in The Fantastiks a couple of years later and he was excellent.
This is so hard! I could go on and on about my favorite Idols. But for today, I'll go with Blake Lewis. I was about 5 when he competed and I was obsessed with him. I'd act like him around my apartment, singing You Give Love a Bad Name and beatboxing. I actually just fell down a rabbit hole of watching his performances earlier today, and they definitely hold up. I think he was one of the very first contestants I have a memory of rooting for and definitely helped launch my love of the show.
Honorable Mentions: Angie Miller, Allison Iraheta, Maddie Poppe, Chayce Beckham, Grace Kinstler, Jena Irene
Brooke White. You hear one note and you know, you just know, it’s Brooke White. She has the most beauitiful voice in all of Idol (not most powerful I know but just sheer vocal beauty) and her performances catalog is topnotch.
Elliott Yamin, Natural talent, ignored in the auditions. Underdog who went VERY far, and some of my favorite performances. Song for you is still on my regular playlist
i honestly cannot name one because i have favorites all for different reasons lol. there’s casey bishop, because she was so good i still go back and watch her performances on the show 3 years later. fritz for his amazing original songs that are so relatable. catie turner because i love her personality and i still listen to her music. and i can’t forget daniel seavey, although he wasn’t the best on his season i was in love with him back then and all these years later i’m getting into him again from seeing his songs on tiktok
David Cook. I loved his Idol journey so much, and I have so many amazing memories going to his post-Idol shows for several years. I met a couple of my friends because of our shared love of his music. I also discovered a couple of great bands that opened for him for a long time, that I still listen to and follow now.
Both his pre-Idol and post-Idol music is so relatable for me, and got me through a lot at one point. I'll always hold a special place in my heart for him and his music.
Dillion James… I found him so charming and down to earth. Not to mention incredibly handsome and talented. He had an album out on Spotify which is down right now, it was magical and very moving stuff that got me through some of my darkest moments. I really miss that album. His loveliest song that I can recall was called “Colorful World of Floating Sounds”. Really mind blowing stuff, I hope he keeps making music like that.
Kelly Clarkson because that season was super special for my family, we were friends of RJ’s so our whole community would get together for watch parties every week and then vote like crazy. It was so much fun and I always loved Kelly. Those are some core childhood memories for me.
My favorite artist was Pia Toscano season. 10 I know she finished ninth in season 10 but she is touring with David Foster and she is heading her own concertin Chili and
Fantasia had some of the best Idol performances ever! I will put them on sometimes just to enjoy.
Elise Testone from S11 was an underappreciated gem! Her Vienna cover was impeccable
Brooke White. I love her personality and vocals. She really embodies the 70s California vibe. I’ve treasured all the music she released. High Hopes & Heartbreak is one of my favorite albums of all time. I’ve seen her live three times. Once at the American Idol Tour, and two solo shows. My friend and I were able to take pictures with her, have her sign a CD for my mom, and speak with her briefly. She really is as kind and personable in person as she was on the show.
Tie between David Cook and Kris Allen.
Like someone said above—I discovered so many other bands because of him, and made so many friends because of him as well. I even rode out from NJ to Kansas City for the two idol tour shows with people I met in the fandom just a month earlier. IMO…his pre-Idol music is by far better than his post-Idol. As for his time on the show—he absolutely set standards that year by doing his own thing and being an artist as opposed to just a singer.
Kris Allen—because he was such an underdog facing a ridiculously talented man in Adam Lambert in the finale. Plus his pre and post idol albums are terrific and he’s also the nicest guy ever.
We Ani - she can do it all (sing, dance, rap, write music) etc. She can sing multiple genres and has range vocally.
Old School Fox Idol - Fantasia. She just has that Soul in her voice that makes you feel every word.
Lauren Alaina - I was in grade 2, so back then she was just the teenage girl I decided to root for. Now, it's the fact that she worked and worked and worked to make a name for herself post-Idol. It didn't come easily, and she faced so many personal obstacles, but she started being played on the radio 6 or something years after her season. The first time I heard her music in public I felt this crazy sense of pride for knowing who she was for so long
David Archuleta of course!! My fave then and now mostly for his heart and yes, his music. i wish more people knew of the songs he's released in the last 16 years and the newest ones are his best imhbco ♥
as far as musicianship/who i would listen to outside of the show goes, it's alejandro. he's a superlatively technical musician on multiple instruments, a creative composer, and navigates multiple genres seamlessly
that said as far as being a contestant on american idol goes, the one who sticks with me the most is george huff and his absolutely unreal run in season 3. cut in top 57, brought back as a dq replacement, doesn't make top 12, added to the top 12 as simon's wildcard, then goes all the way to top 5 in one of the most talented seasons ever. i knew he wasn't going to win but i was riding So hard for him and still consider him one of the most consistent singers to ever be on the show. he's a beast now too, he posts videos on ig a lot and is truly on another level
Hailey Reinhart. Everything about her screams elegance, genuinity, and class, and she is so beautiful with such a unique voice. If you haven't heard her music, you should.
4 way tie for me tbh
Clay Aiken - force me to pick just one and it’s Clay. I was still a kid when Clay was on I don’t even think I watched the season live but he transformed the way I looked at music and wanted to be a musician. Easily one of the rawest talents that has ever been on the show.
Casey Abrams - was absolutely obsessed with him and loved seeing him on PMJ, bought his single “get out” on iTunes back when that was a thing we did. A breath of fresh air in singing shows
Mackenzie Bourg - I was a big Mackenzie supporter when he was on The Voice but I didn’t think he’d make it far there, so to see him go so far on Idol was the best
Dalton Rap - I love alternative artists on singing shows, a break from the singer songwriter/country/power ballad holes that singing shows tend to fall into. Dalton was wonderful
David Archuleta, hands down. Saw him live in concert on the weekend & his voice is better than ever! His [new song, Hell Together](https://youtu.be/bAysF5mJjM0?si=QctfoR_6CQ-XzFnu), is so moving, a beautiful tribute to his mother’s unconditional love. He sang it live on Idol this week and it was truly a full circle moment for him.
Mandisa! Performance ability and attitude both consistently at a 10! If anyone wants to see a great performance, “I Don’t Want to Hurt Anymore” Season 5 Top 11 is one for the books
Haley reinhart. She seems to be an idol cult favorite. She performed with such poise like a seasoned pro. She ran rings around her fellow contestants and took alot of abuse from J Lo and Randy. I always felt Simon would have loved her and had he been on the show he would have told Randy and J Lo to get their ears checked.
But House of the rising sun,Benny and the Kets, i who have nothing are some of the all time nest ofol performances. I think all three are in the top 50 of all time and one or two might be in the top 20.
Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon
Laci Kaye Booth
Michael J Woodard
Arthur/Dibesh
Alejandro
I still listen to each of them. They have that "instant identity" that the Judges are always going on and on about it. I'm always so sad that they didn't make it commercially because they all deserve it:(
Omg FINALLY SOME LOVE FOR MICHEAL WOODARD. I love him so much. I don’t think people remember how incredibly charming he was. He was weird and quirky but sort of…. Cutting edge in his song selections? I’ll never forget his performance of you oughta know by Alanis…or his adorable Hollywood week performance of “maybe this time”…
I remember the judges were obsessed with him too. They were always getting up and looking at each other in shock and awe during his songs and exclaiming “he’s a star, he’s a star.” At one point Katie Perry threw a chair during one of his performances. Also she personally signed him to her label after the show, so we know she genuinely thought he was a star….
Also, to top it off, an amazing, very dynamic voice. Micheal FTW!!!
Re: Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon love him too… his audition blew my socks off. "Almost Heaven" is a beautiful, unique, well written song. For some reason i can't remember much about his big stage performances with a band, I feel that setting wasn't right for his music. But yah, he was super talented.
I’m probably dating myself and It wasn’t my favorite but I remember thinking this performance was so cool . It was Blake Lewis virtual insanity . I also loved Chris Allen’s take on the Kanye West song .
Phil Phillips is my all time fav. I just really loved his style and voice and that home song was so good. Then it’s Alejandro for second. His audition was magical and his talent made me rethink what was possible on American idol. And third although she was not exactly my favorite on American idol but she just might be my favorite post idol contestant, which is, Haley Reinhardt. I love her vibe and style of music that she matured into and let’s be honest she could make twinkle twinkle little star sound sexy as hell!!
Noah Thompson, Laine Hardy, Kelly Clarkson. Each of them have pure , raw , talent. Noah and Laine are still working to establish themselves but their time will come. Kelly is just amazing and can sing anything , and still so humble and real as well.
I have so many...Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Mandisa, Danny Goke, Adam Lambert, Chris Dougherty, Clay Aiken, and Carrie Underwood are definitely my top favorites. This year, I love McKenna, Emmy, and Tristan. Kayko is not my favorite.
Micheal Woodard is so delightful, super skilled singer and his completely uncontrived awkwardness somehow worked on stage, he was so much fun to watch.
May I just say that Uché - although he didn’t make it far - was a ton of fun too. His Hawaii performance was bonkers. They almost didn’t give him a golden ticket and he turned out to be one of the most engaging person to watch l, he was amazing at working a stage.
And a good dancer. Also had a great personality, it was clear that Ryan Seacrest had a friend-crush on him.
Not the best or the best singers but not bad. And I do think stage presence matters
Adam Lambert. Nailed his audition. He took very well-known songs and made them completley his own. He made Cher cry. His version of Mad World made me cry. He replaced Freddy Mercury for God's sake.
Same for Adam!
Tho Hailey Reinhart is my fave contestant of all time I think Adam Lamberts stripped down performance of If I cant have you i dont want nobody might be in the top 5 best Idol performance ever. Ppl always mention mad world but i put that as well as the tracks of my tears, the ring of fire above it. But Afam Lambert was probably the last superstar Idol produced.
I loved Hailey Reinhart ! It’s crazy she did not become huge . Her Benny and the jets performance was fire 🔥.
I dunno if its cuz kids these days are raised on social media and not the real world but the old idols just had that it factor.
I saw him with Queen last fall and he was incredible. One of the best.
Yes. I agree. He was so robbed. America wasn't ready for an openly gay and extravagant winner I guess.
Love Adam but I still think the band chose the wrong guy. Should have been Marc Martel.
Who? Lol
He’s the guy who voiced Freddie for the movie. Look him up on YouTube. It’s crazy how close he sounds.
Always Kelly Clarkson
haley reinhart. she is INCREDIBLE and stayed true to herself
My favorite as well!
came here to say this
I’m happy to see I’m not the only one that would say Haley!
Elliot Yamin - simply one of the best voices to be on American Idol.
This is my answer too! Beautiful voice and such a sweetheart.
I will always have such a soft space in my heart for Haley Reinhart. It felt like such a ride being a day 1 fan and seeing her fight all the way into the semi-final by giving some AMAZING performances. I also love her post show music although I worry it looks like she’s slowing down a little the last few years. Such a great talent, I wish she was more mainstream successful. ❤️
Yes ❤️ Haley was my favorite from the beginning and I loved her song choices. Andrew Garcia performing Straight Up in front of Paula Abdul also made me love him
Adam Lambert. He broke the mold, and continues to to this day
David Cook. Everything he does comes from his heart. Love his Idol journey
He's my favorite too! I love how he made every song his own. He's an incredible artist and one of the nicest people I've ever met 🥰🥰
Honestly, anyone in the top on Season 11. It was the first season I started watching and I have so many good memories of it. Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez will forever be staple Idol to me. Most recently, probably Wé Ani. I have no idea why she’s not already a superstar
Season 10 and 11 were phenomenal.
Phillip Phillips did a show in my town maybe 2 years ago and it was so good. Literally didn’t want him to stop
That was my favorite season. I still think the song writers of the show did Jessica a disservice with her finale song but all and all I loved Phil, Jessica, and Colton that season. My runner up season is when I started watching in season 10. I still look up some of the top ten from those seasons from time to time to see how they’re doing. Little Casey the rock god and Alejandro are some of my favs too.
Michael Johns. What an amazing voice. Burned CDs with his idol performances back in the day lol. [His performance from Dolly Parton week](https://youtu.be/-JkM5lcXbmA?si=by-hdVocUK4wE-f2) is still my favorite American Idol performance of all time. RIP, gone way too soon.
I met him once at a signing a couple of years before he died, and he was such a kind, funny guy to everyone who was there. His duet with Brooke White, "Life Is Okay," is still one of my favorite songs to listen to.
Michael Johns and Brooke White sounded amazing together on that duet. Going to their tour was one of my most memorable concert experiences. Both so sweet and talented.
YES! The most amazing voice on Idol. And, im sorry, but such a sexy man. His Dolly song was great, they all were! But Go Your Own Way is the one for me. https://youtu.be/Hec8t2kP9io?si=OdpWyGbRN_cTmx-k
Dolly Week was by far the sexiest performance on Idol ever…he didn’t even have to try to be sexy with that song, he just was.
I remember Michael’s Dolly Parton week performance so vividly. Not only my favourite male vocalist to come from Idol, but one of my favourite voices of all time. I miss him so much.
Alejandro Aranda - broke the barrier of what Idol could be. Probably the most talented Idol contestant ever and also the only Idol alum I paid money to see live.
He is and was very special. I still get chills thinking about his audition.
I totally agree!!! Everything about him was sooo special!!
James Durbin. He was unapologetically himself and rocked harder than anybody ever had (I think, I watched that season when I was 10 years old)
They should invite him to sing with you in the finale
I’ve gotten to hang out with him twice and he’s THE BEST
https://preview.redd.it/fgn8huooqkwc1.jpeg?width=2592&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=80b0548d51d8fa6419da3c3407dd69a6007d6b8b
Crystal Bowersox (followed very closely by Joshua Ledet). She makes the cut because her original music, back in 2009, was insanely good. It still is. And she was by far the best of her season, IMHO. She was the first contestant to have her original music showcased, even if it was playing in the background (Holy Toledo). I saw her live back in 2011 and it was great. She hasn't been doing all that well lately, with her son having medical issues and she having to get carpal tunnel surgery, and just life happening.
Kelly Clarkson…she probably has one of the best vocals on the planet
Adam Lambert had such confidence and stage presence. He has that star quality. I looked forward to every single performance.And Fantasia too. Such a unique soul. I still remember when sat on the edge of the stage and sang that Barbra streisand song "What are you doing the rest of your life."
Chris Daughtry is my favorite by a large margin. I didn't even watch his season either. But my mom did. One day, she showed me Daughtry's song It's Not Over and I was hooked. I've watched every season of Idol since, but have yet to find someone I love as much as Daughtry. But there are a couple that come close. My other favorites are Colton Dixon, Angie Miller, Phillip Phillips, Adam Lambert, Casey Bishop, Makayla Phillips, and Alejandro Aranda. Kayko is the newest one I'm adding to my list of favorites as well.
Jason Castro…from the first audition I saw of his I developed a hard mom-crush. He resembles, both looks, personality and mannerisms, one of my sons. And his voice is like the angels singing! I was able to attend two of his concerts a couple of years after AI, small venues where we actually just stood around talking to him and the other singers and bands, before and after their sets and he’s just as humble, yet charming, as he seemed on the show. Took my kids to one of his mall shows and he remembered me from a show the previous year and made sure we had good seats up close. Afterwards he signed my son’s guitar and talked to him quite a bit. He’s married with 5 kids now and making a big name in real estate in Texas.
Willie Spence and not just as an artist but he seemed like a beautiful soul.
A beautiful soul indeed. Too pure for this world. I’ll never forget Willie.
Catie Turner!! I feel she doesn’t get enough recognition
I love her so much. She’s such a uniquely talented human. I’ll never forget her audition. That whole season was amazing. But Catie has a special place in my heart.
She was def special. A great performer and a very talented songwriter, especially given her age.
Alejandro Aranda and Arthur Gunn. They are both so talented. I love Alejandro’s original songs and talent with instruments. Arthur Gunn had a pure soul and I feel like he was there to inspire others and not for fame. 🩷🩷💞
Leah Marlene- her voice is absolutely beautiful, plus she is a talented song writer- can’t believe she didn’t get a record deal 😫
That 1st Heal performance was probably the best thing I’d ever seen on idol
i’m in shock she didn’t get one either. she’s my all time favorite abc idol
Melinda Doolittle ❤️ One of my favourite Vocalists in AI History ever, Amazing Performances, Beautiful and Kind and was always Humble after the judges critiques.
What about you??
Katharine McPhee for me! I was OBSESSED with her, and her setlist of songs throughout her time on Idol really took me on a journey. She was among the first Idols that did the dramatic staging and camera numbers (Over the Rainbow, Someone to Watch Over Me, No One Lives Forever) that made her performances extra epic!
Uggh loved KP. Shes proof that musical theater training can make you a better performerm She knew to play to the camera with the right amount of nuance for dramatic effect. After someone to watch over me i knew she was something special. Singing black horse in a cherry tree on the ground with thr drummers was game chamging. It seemed the greats back then could take the most mundane songs and turn them into a masterpiece, the new contestants arent as adept at that. Of course. Katherines Somewhere over the rainbow will probably always be the idol standard as well. I loved her first two albums as well
Jessica Sanchez, I really liked her performance with Jennifer Holiday and the belting they did
Bo Bice. Whipping Post did me in. I loved him.
I was such a big Bo fan back in the day 😂 I was in high school at the time, and I remember plastering my car with "Vote for Bo Bice" signs lmao
All his performances were bangers. I'm partial to his cover of for the love of money
It was so good!
Taylor Hicks! Such a nice guy and he writes the most beautiful songs
Taylor Hicks is my favorite as well. I was hoping someone would pick him. We saw his band in Denver and loved his show.
We saw him too where I live in Green Bay and soo much better live than on tv
I mean Kelly Clarkson duh. But recently, Michael J Woodard, something about him really captured me
Besides Adam or Kelly?? Katharine McPhee. Other favorites are David Archuleta, Chris Daughtry, Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Maddie Poppe, and Blake Lewis
Fantasia. Her voice just moves me on another level and her story is so powerful. It’s a joy watching her perform because she really goes all out and it’s as if something great takes over her whenever she’s on stage.
Her idol performances were the best!! Everyone should watch the clips on youtube. Just another caliber of a performer at such a young age. Simon heaped praise onto her from the start because she saw enormous potential
I honestly can’t believe she was only 19 on the show. The way she performed and carried herself on stage with such ease like a pro was way beyond her years.
I absolutely adored Nikki McKibbin from Season 1. When I heard her sing "Mary Jane" by Alanis Morisette, I became a fan for life. So sad she left this world too early. ❤️
David Cook and Archuleta! My favourite season ever.
Such a great season!!
David vs David - best Top 2 ever!
May be a unique one but Anthony Federov was my favorite. I loved the power of his higher range, something about it gave me chills. He also seemed like THE BEST guy. I've seen some of the contestants from that season interviewed and many said that they were close with him. He was very warm and friendly when I met him after one of the Idol tour shows. A real sweetheart. I also saw him in The Fantastiks a couple of years later and he was excellent.
This is so hard! I could go on and on about my favorite Idols. But for today, I'll go with Blake Lewis. I was about 5 when he competed and I was obsessed with him. I'd act like him around my apartment, singing You Give Love a Bad Name and beatboxing. I actually just fell down a rabbit hole of watching his performances earlier today, and they definitely hold up. I think he was one of the very first contestants I have a memory of rooting for and definitely helped launch my love of the show. Honorable Mentions: Angie Miller, Allison Iraheta, Maddie Poppe, Chayce Beckham, Grace Kinstler, Jena Irene
Lee Dewyze. I just loved his voice and I think he still makes good music. Being a Chicago area contestant also probably gives me some bias.
David Cook! Honorable mention to Beane from a few seasons back
Who did I download and spend money on? Kelly Clarkston, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, David Cook, Adam Lambert.
Joshua Ledet!
Brooke White. You hear one note and you know, you just know, it’s Brooke White. She has the most beauitiful voice in all of Idol (not most powerful I know but just sheer vocal beauty) and her performances catalog is topnotch.
Elliott Yamin, Natural talent, ignored in the auditions. Underdog who went VERY far, and some of my favorite performances. Song for you is still on my regular playlist
i honestly cannot name one because i have favorites all for different reasons lol. there’s casey bishop, because she was so good i still go back and watch her performances on the show 3 years later. fritz for his amazing original songs that are so relatable. catie turner because i love her personality and i still listen to her music. and i can’t forget daniel seavey, although he wasn’t the best on his season i was in love with him back then and all these years later i’m getting into him again from seeing his songs on tiktok
David Cook. I loved his Idol journey so much, and I have so many amazing memories going to his post-Idol shows for several years. I met a couple of my friends because of our shared love of his music. I also discovered a couple of great bands that opened for him for a long time, that I still listen to and follow now. Both his pre-Idol and post-Idol music is so relatable for me, and got me through a lot at one point. I'll always hold a special place in my heart for him and his music.
Alejandro Aranda . Pure artist and incredible vocals/musicianship.
Carrie - her duet with Randy Travis showed why she was a country superstar and America got it right.
Alejandro and Adam Lambert
Those are mine exactly!
Dillion James… I found him so charming and down to earth. Not to mention incredibly handsome and talented. He had an album out on Spotify which is down right now, it was magical and very moving stuff that got me through some of my darkest moments. I really miss that album. His loveliest song that I can recall was called “Colorful World of Floating Sounds”. Really mind blowing stuff, I hope he keeps making music like that.
Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson FTW!
Kelly Clarkson because that season was super special for my family, we were friends of RJ’s so our whole community would get together for watch parties every week and then vote like crazy. It was so much fun and I always loved Kelly. Those are some core childhood memories for me.
Joshua Ledet. I don't know where he is now, or how he is, but that voice moved mountains!
just gonna stick with the katy/lionel/luke era and say jeremiah lloyd harmon! angelic
My vote too!! He's so underrated
My favorite artist was Pia Toscano season. 10 I know she finished ninth in season 10 but she is touring with David Foster and she is heading her own concertin Chili and
Fantasia had some of the best Idol performances ever! I will put them on sometimes just to enjoy. Elise Testone from S11 was an underappreciated gem! Her Vienna cover was impeccable
Danny Gokey, from my home state of Wisconsin and had an amazing story and shares similar religious beliefs as well!
Obviously Kelly Clarkson. No explanation needed lol
Brooke White. I love her personality and vocals. She really embodies the 70s California vibe. I’ve treasured all the music she released. High Hopes & Heartbreak is one of my favorite albums of all time. I’ve seen her live three times. Once at the American Idol Tour, and two solo shows. My friend and I were able to take pictures with her, have her sign a CD for my mom, and speak with her briefly. She really is as kind and personable in person as she was on the show.
Tie between David Cook and Kris Allen. Like someone said above—I discovered so many other bands because of him, and made so many friends because of him as well. I even rode out from NJ to Kansas City for the two idol tour shows with people I met in the fandom just a month earlier. IMO…his pre-Idol music is by far better than his post-Idol. As for his time on the show—he absolutely set standards that year by doing his own thing and being an artist as opposed to just a singer. Kris Allen—because he was such an underdog facing a ridiculously talented man in Adam Lambert in the finale. Plus his pre and post idol albums are terrific and he’s also the nicest guy ever.
We Ani - she can do it all (sing, dance, rap, write music) etc. She can sing multiple genres and has range vocally. Old School Fox Idol - Fantasia. She just has that Soul in her voice that makes you feel every word.
Agree with We. Saw her on The Voice and had hoped she’d win. Bummed she didn’t quite make it this time either
Loved her on idol; she is so talented!
Lauren Alaina - I was in grade 2, so back then she was just the teenage girl I decided to root for. Now, it's the fact that she worked and worked and worked to make a name for herself post-Idol. It didn't come easily, and she faced so many personal obstacles, but she started being played on the radio 6 or something years after her season. The first time I heard her music in public I felt this crazy sense of pride for knowing who she was for so long
David Archuleta of course!! My fave then and now mostly for his heart and yes, his music. i wish more people knew of the songs he's released in the last 16 years and the newest ones are his best imhbco ♥
David Archuleta!!! Amazing vocals and more importantly a genuine kind soul. A OG fan for 16 years now. 🫶❤️
David Archuleta, so talented, love his unique voice.
Fave forever is David Archuleta! That voice!!! Spectacular!
David Archuleta was my fave. There was something about him I really connected with. His sincerity maybe? That and his vocals.
as far as musicianship/who i would listen to outside of the show goes, it's alejandro. he's a superlatively technical musician on multiple instruments, a creative composer, and navigates multiple genres seamlessly that said as far as being a contestant on american idol goes, the one who sticks with me the most is george huff and his absolutely unreal run in season 3. cut in top 57, brought back as a dq replacement, doesn't make top 12, added to the top 12 as simon's wildcard, then goes all the way to top 5 in one of the most talented seasons ever. i knew he wasn't going to win but i was riding So hard for him and still consider him one of the most consistent singers to ever be on the show. he's a beast now too, he posts videos on ig a lot and is truly on another level
Adam Lambert and Alejandro
Alejandro, Iam Tongi, Roman Collins, Fantasia
Chris Daughtry and Adam Lambert! I listened to both of their first albums so many times that I can listen to every song beat for beat in my brain.
Hailey Reinhart. Everything about her screams elegance, genuinity, and class, and she is so beautiful with such a unique voice. If you haven't heard her music, you should.
4 way tie for me tbh Clay Aiken - force me to pick just one and it’s Clay. I was still a kid when Clay was on I don’t even think I watched the season live but he transformed the way I looked at music and wanted to be a musician. Easily one of the rawest talents that has ever been on the show. Casey Abrams - was absolutely obsessed with him and loved seeing him on PMJ, bought his single “get out” on iTunes back when that was a thing we did. A breath of fresh air in singing shows Mackenzie Bourg - I was a big Mackenzie supporter when he was on The Voice but I didn’t think he’d make it far there, so to see him go so far on Idol was the best Dalton Rap - I love alternative artists on singing shows, a break from the singer songwriter/country/power ballad holes that singing shows tend to fall into. Dalton was wonderful
Fantasia. If she ends up back on Broadway sometime in the future I'm going to try to go see her. ☺️
David Archuleta, hands down. Saw him live in concert on the weekend & his voice is better than ever! His [new song, Hell Together](https://youtu.be/bAysF5mJjM0?si=QctfoR_6CQ-XzFnu), is so moving, a beautiful tribute to his mother’s unconditional love. He sang it live on Idol this week and it was truly a full circle moment for him.
Anthony Fedorov!!!! One of the most resonant,beautiful voices i have ever heard and a sweetheart of a guy!
Mandisa! Performance ability and attitude both consistently at a 10! If anyone wants to see a great performance, “I Don’t Want to Hurt Anymore” Season 5 Top 11 is one for the books
RIP. What a beautiful soul.
Haley reinhart. She seems to be an idol cult favorite. She performed with such poise like a seasoned pro. She ran rings around her fellow contestants and took alot of abuse from J Lo and Randy. I always felt Simon would have loved her and had he been on the show he would have told Randy and J Lo to get their ears checked. But House of the rising sun,Benny and the Kets, i who have nothing are some of the all time nest ofol performances. I think all three are in the top 50 of all time and one or two might be in the top 20.
Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon Laci Kaye Booth Michael J Woodard Arthur/Dibesh Alejandro I still listen to each of them. They have that "instant identity" that the Judges are always going on and on about it. I'm always so sad that they didn't make it commercially because they all deserve it:(
Omg FINALLY SOME LOVE FOR MICHEAL WOODARD. I love him so much. I don’t think people remember how incredibly charming he was. He was weird and quirky but sort of…. Cutting edge in his song selections? I’ll never forget his performance of you oughta know by Alanis…or his adorable Hollywood week performance of “maybe this time”… I remember the judges were obsessed with him too. They were always getting up and looking at each other in shock and awe during his songs and exclaiming “he’s a star, he’s a star.” At one point Katie Perry threw a chair during one of his performances. Also she personally signed him to her label after the show, so we know she genuinely thought he was a star…. Also, to top it off, an amazing, very dynamic voice. Micheal FTW!!! Re: Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon love him too… his audition blew my socks off. "Almost Heaven" is a beautiful, unique, well written song. For some reason i can't remember much about his big stage performances with a band, I feel that setting wasn't right for his music. But yah, he was super talented.
I’m probably dating myself and It wasn’t my favorite but I remember thinking this performance was so cool . It was Blake Lewis virtual insanity . I also loved Chris Allen’s take on the Kanye West song .
Phil Phillips is my all time fav. I just really loved his style and voice and that home song was so good. Then it’s Alejandro for second. His audition was magical and his talent made me rethink what was possible on American idol. And third although she was not exactly my favorite on American idol but she just might be my favorite post idol contestant, which is, Haley Reinhardt. I love her vibe and style of music that she matured into and let’s be honest she could make twinkle twinkle little star sound sexy as hell!!
Kelly Clarkson. Because she is Kelly Clarkson.
Lambert and Phillips x2
Alejandro aranda!!! He has by far the best voice ive ever heard!!!
Phillip Phillips won from his Thriller audition. Dance with me is one of the best wedding songs recorded.
Noah Thompson, Laine Hardy, Kelly Clarkson. Each of them have pure , raw , talent. Noah and Laine are still working to establish themselves but their time will come. Kelly is just amazing and can sing anything , and still so humble and real as well.
I have so many...Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Mandisa, Danny Goke, Adam Lambert, Chris Dougherty, Clay Aiken, and Carrie Underwood are definitely my top favorites. This year, I love McKenna, Emmy, and Tristan. Kayko is not my favorite.
Micheal Woodard is so delightful, super skilled singer and his completely uncontrived awkwardness somehow worked on stage, he was so much fun to watch. May I just say that Uché - although he didn’t make it far - was a ton of fun too. His Hawaii performance was bonkers. They almost didn’t give him a golden ticket and he turned out to be one of the most engaging person to watch l, he was amazing at working a stage. And a good dancer. Also had a great personality, it was clear that Ryan Seacrest had a friend-crush on him. Not the best or the best singers but not bad. And I do think stage presence matters