Kelly Clarkson’s interpretation of “Stuff Like That There” helped her get to the finale. (Photo property of 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America & FOX)
By: Jacob Elyachar
One of the most successful Reality T.V. shows of all time returns tomorrow night on FOX.
Idol veterans Ryan Seacrest and Randy Jackson will welcome Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban to the Judges’ Panel and will also begin their search to find the next superstar.
Hopefully, the next American Idol could be the first female winner to win the title since Jordin Sparks way back in American Idol: Season Six.
If the ladies of American Idol: Season 12 want the crown and title this season, they should try to watch these memorable performances.
Kelly Clarkson (Season One): “Stuff Like That There”
If you have dreams to make it to the finale, you need to embrace Idol’s intriguing theme weeks. Kelly Clarkson gained enough momentum to face off against Justin Guarini with her flawless vocal cover of the Big Band Classic: “Stuff Like That There.”
Jennifer Hudson (Season Three): “Circle of Life”
The future Oscar and Grammy winner delivered the best performance of the night on Elton John week with her astonishing cover of Sir Elton’s Lion King track: “Circle of Life.” She had a phenomenal vocal performance that not only received incredible feedback from the judges but also blew away the legendary entertainer.
Fantasia (Season Three): “Dreams”
One of the best moments from any American Idol finale night was the Season Three’s cover of the Desmond Child-Andreas Carlsson track. Not only did Fantasia display impressive vocal gymnastics that gave viewers chills, but also she delivered one of the most convincing cases on why she was worthy to be called an “American Idol.”
Carrie Underwood (Season Four): “Alone”
Carrie Underwood’s star making moment came when she performed a cover of Heart’s signature song: “Alone.” This performance showcased that Carrie was able to come out of her comfort zone and could tackle any genre of music that came her way.
Melinda Doolittle’s cover of “Home” gave Diana Ross goose bumps and made Paula Abdul weep. (Photo property of 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America & FOX)
Melinda Doolittle (Season Six): “Home”
You know that contestants are on the right track, when they give their guest mentors goose bumps. When Melinda Doolittle sang “Home” to the legendary Diana Ross during the Top 12 week in the pre-performance package, the Motown icon stated that Melinda gave her goose bumps. During the live show, she gave the audience chills, made Paula Abdul cry and received a great comparison from Simon Cowell.
Allison Iraheta (Season Eight): “I Can’t Make You Love Me”
Season Eight’s resident girl rocker took the tempo down to deliver her best performance on the show: a cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” This performance showcased Allison’s soft side and she successfully enchanted audience members with her mesmerizing vocals.
Crystal Bowersox (Season Nine): “Me & Bobby McGee”
The best performer in the lackluster season known as American Idol was Crystal Bowersox. Week by week, Crystal was the only contestant who successfully delivered consistent performances. During Top 11 week of Season Nine, Crystal’s cover of Janis Joplin’s “Me & Bobby McGee” featured quality vocals and superb musicianship that helped her reach the finale.
Pia Toscano earned the first standing ovation of her season when she performed her cover of the Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You.” (Photo property of 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America & SYCO TV)
Pia Toscano (Season 10): “I’ll Stand By You”
Once contestants hit the Top 24 week, they must stand out if they want to secure a spot in the Final 12. Pia’s cover of the Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You” made her a standout and a season favorite because of her astounding vocals and stage presence. Even though she was eliminated from the competition early, Pia still remains one of the best female vocalists to have ever graced the Idol stage.
Haley Reinhart (Season 10): “I Who Have Nothing”
Haley Reinhart was a singer that always had a hard time winning over the judges because they had high expectations for her. Haley finally met those expectations when she covered Dame Shirley Bassey’s “I Who Have Nothing.” This was her finest moment on the show because she beautifully interpreted that song and that performance delivered her into the semi-finals of Season 10.
Jessica Sanchez (Season 11): “And I Am Telling You (I’m Not Going)”
My countdown concludes with last season’s best performance. Season 11’s runner-up delivered the vocal performance of her season when she covered Jennifer Holliday’s monstrous Dreamgirls hit. Jessica hit all of the notes and proved that she was meant to perform not only in the American Idol finale but also on the world stage.
