Fifteen seasons and eleven judges later, American Idol plays their swan song as the fourteen-year series officially comes to a close.
Having birthed mega stars such as Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, and Jennifer Hudson, the show calls it quits after it crowns its 15th winner.
Join us after the jump where we revisit some of our favorite idol moments from the groundbreaking show…
5. Kelly Clarkson – ‘Natural Woman’
The Idol OG shows why she was season 1’s victor with this rousing performance of ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.’ Setting a bar to a level that many idols after her failed to rich, Kelly remains on of the shows top standouts. Putting her vocal acrobats to work, the ‘Breakaway’ belle blew the crowd away with this showing.
4. Haley Reinhart – ‘House of the Rising Sun’
Arguably one of Idol’s most gifted vocalists, Haley soars with this sensual interpretation of the The Animals classic hit. She managed to captivate her audience though performing a track many of the shows young demographic may not have known. Though ultimately placing 3rd in the competition, the raspy vocalist remains one of the series favorites.
3. Joshua Ledet – ‘No More Drama’
With major shoes to fill, Joshua Ledet took on one of Mary J. Blige’s most notable classics. Hoping to secure a spot in the season 11 finale, Josh put his all into this performance including losing his in-ears halfway through. Though ultimately not making it to the top two, this performance took us to church and then some. Well done.
Candice Glover – ‘Lovesong’
After auditioning for the show three times, Candice Glover became American Idol’s 12th winner and broke the series’ five-year male winner streak. With her astounding rendition of ‘Lovesong’ Glover demonstrates such control and power over her voice. With an effortless talent, alluring sound, and clear understanding of her craft, Candice showed up and showed out. Here’s hoping her next project reflects her true vigor.
1. Fantasia – ‘I Believe’
Our #1 spot goes to none other than Ms. Fantasia Barrino. The North Carolina native brought “I Believe,” written by Season 1’s Tamyra Gray, to life. This moment remains one of Idol’s most authentic. This was an era in the show where focus seemed more on the talent, than the story. (Which was very short lived). Nonetheless, this performance showcased true emotion, true passion, and true vocals. Thank you
*********************
Honorable Mentions:
Fantasia – Summertime
Jennifer Hudson – I Have Nothing
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Yasssssssssss ? Fantasia killed that performance.
I would have rated Fantasia’s ‘Summertime’ in the top 5, she really did the song justice and Ella would have been proud.
I don’t get the Fantasia hype at all.
The go on ahead and sit back down.
Your grammar is atrocious.
Clearly no one gets the hype about your fav seeing that she has had to fake a marriage and hasn’t went gold 04.
Thats okay, everything not for everybody. I cannot see the Beyonce hype but i respect that people do (apart from crazy stans)
Btw, i love Fantasia
Soooo y’all forgot about season 1’s Tamyra Gray “This House is Not a Home”
Yaaasssss that was epic!!
the problem with these talent show is that they never spend the time to develop, launch and promote these artists. Also when you have a new idol or xfactor or voice winner, then why invest in their career?
Girl you’re a Rihanna fan, what would you know.
Is brandy still a murderer ?
kiii @ yellow
.
she got away with murder and her brother made Kim kardashian
.
No wonder…….
Stfu b****.
kii at u thinkin your drags are funny, brandy may be a murderer but at least she can sing unlike those white h*** u stan 4
oop @ yellow
.
Bi-polar biatch
.
I won’t furtherly or extend your 5 mins on TGJ
.
you can jump of the stool now, that body ain’t gonna hang itself
.
Good luck dying a slow painful death
rihanna was an advisor on the voice and gave some solid advice to the contestants, so obviously rihanna knows a thing about singing.
So ur mad coz I don’t find your corny reads funny oh well ?
also a fan of whitney, etta, mj, toni braxton, jencarlos, marc anthony….but again what the f does that have to do with what i said?
Which Jencarlos? Last name?
canela
I think the idea was (although it initially seemed to be) that your talent is what got you through and people see the improvement during the weeks so you see the artist develop.
the scheduling doesnt really give the contestants time pick up new techniques to improve and develop their vocals, then afterwards they dont invest the time and money to establishing the acts that win and a new season starts soo quickly the audience doesnt get the chance to truly bond with the winner as an artist.
I never found this show interesting at all. I think it’s a cheap, easy, false route to stardom. 99% of contestants don’t have what it takes to be a star and this show gives them this false hope that they will be one. I’m glad it’s ending
Girl, sit
The only people that got any type of fame are Kelly (obviously), Jennifer Hudson (supposedly), fantasia, that gay twink that looked like an elf, um that’s about it
oooh… that time the original Asiana Grande shaded the chemicals and plastics offa Oilnika. Remember that?
I know an iggy ain’t talking plastic
I’m also talking about #1s sis
.
I mean isn’t that what Asiana 1.0 (Moomoo) was talking about,
You mean the to Number One platinum albums that nicki has, how many does iggy have again
Joshua Ledet’s ” You Pulled Me Through” should have been included, not the video that was posted.
WTF where’s Rih?
.
oh silly me this isn’t the Voice
.
oh it’s also not a most horrifying performances……
LOL.
A Taylor “stan” talking about vocalists? The Apocalypse must be near…
http://youtu.be/sxPj_P6UIxk
thank you
kii my fave wasn’t the one going on a singing competition tv show…..
.
Nice try tho
@Blue and @what now
.
I guess we can all dismiss ourselves on this post
.
my fave sits with your fave comfortably in the vocals department
@Taylor That’s because they know your fav isn’t even on a Rihanna or JLO singing level to ask her. The KIII is how u stan for Tori and even she shaded Taylor on winning an award. You stan for the most overrated artist of ALL time.
honey rihanna is miles ahead of taylor in the singing department. Atleast rihanna tries, taylor is bad all the time
Kelly Clarkson will remain the best vocalist who ever won the show… Jessica Sanchez’s “And I am Telling You” should be on this list as well
fanny’s summertime is GOAT
Jennifer Hudson – Circle of Life
Ruben Studdard was my fav.
Crystal? Is that you???
My Fav….
http://youtu.be/bzNbsbMGp-4
Reasons beyonce will never be a legend .
Not among the top five vocalist in the game
No diamond album
No diamonddsingle
No classic song
No classic video
Not among the top five performers of all time
honey if you stan shakira then stan shakira, why you obsessed with beyonce
She never talks about Shakira…
NEWSFLASH: SHE’S NOT REALLY A SHAKIRA STAN. That’s pretty damn obvious.
But Rhianna has none of those things…..
LMAO She’s suppose to be the “digital queen”, YET Gaga and Katy are the ones with DIAMOND SINGLES, not her hahaha.
first and only artist to sell 100 million digital sales
“”March 2, 2016 at 1:39 pm
blue says:
rihanna was an advisor
on the voice and gave
some solid advice to the
contestants, so obviously
rihanna knows a thing
about singing.”
__________________________________________________________
Knowing a thing about singing =/= being ABLE to sing
.
cos Rihanna can’t carry a tune even if it was packed in her hand bag
.
#bye bluemas
kiii not bluemas
.
Drag ha
????
U would laugh at ur own corny reads wouldn’t u career aka taylor .
Brandy should run u over next ?
too bad rihanna can sing and has proven it time and time again. Also unlike some people her singing got her a recording contract within 24hrs some people can only get those as part of a group
have no clue what bluemas is, so jokes on you!
Fantasia before the legendary Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood??? this website is bias as F***!!!! There is nothing special about that can’t read bish
Have several seat with this b*******!
But this is an opinion so there can’t be bias, yours is different and you’ve voiced that …although in a negative manor.
Whaaaaaat??? YOU listen to Jen Canela? I would’ve never thought!
@blue
Adam Lambert’s “Mad World” should be here before some of these other rankings.
Carrie Underwood should definitely be on this list. She is incredible!
Good for fantasia
KELLY! KELLY! KELLY !