The 20 Best Reality T.V. Performances of 2012: Part One

By: Jacob Elyachar

In the final two days of 2012, many people will be reminiscing over the best that this year had to offer.

I will be counting down the 20 best performances from competitive singing competition shows.   For the first time ever, both the United Kingdom’s version of X Factor and Australia version of The Voice will be represented in this two-part article.

 

20. Cassadee Pope-“Behind These Hazel Eyes” (The Voice: Season Three)

Our countdown kicks off an energetic cover of Kelly Clarkson’s monster hit by The Voice: Season Three winner Cassadee Pope.  This pitch-perfect performance made the former Hey Monday lead singer a standout and helped her advance through to the final stages of the competition.

To watch this impeccable performance, click here: http://youtu.be/ggxY2L26iMU

19. Phil Phillips & Elise Testone-“Stop Dragging My Heart Around” (American Idol: Season 11)

One of Idol’s best duets of the season came from Stevie Nicks’ two favorite rockers.  Phil and Elise paid tribute to their guest mentor when they tackled her duet with iconic rocker Tom Petty during Top Eight Week.   They had great vocal chemistry and entertained the crowd.

18. LYRIC 145-“ Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” (X Factor USA: Season Two)

Simon Cowell’s rap group stunned everyone when they tackled one of Disney’s most intriguing songs on the X Factor stage.   The trio breathed new life into the Mary Poppins classic and received positive comments from all four judges.

17. Jennel Garcia-“Home Sweet Home” (X Factor USA: Season Two)

The show’s resident rocker delivered an unbelievable cover of Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet Home,” which was one of the few highlights on the Top 16’s Made in America night.

 

16. Skylar Laine-“Wind Beneath My Wings” (American Idol: Season 11)

During this past season of American Idol, contestants had to deal with several strong vocal powerhouses in the forms of Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet and Elise Testone.   Skylar Laine showcased that she could have the vocal chops to keep up with the competition with an unbelievable cover of Bette Midler’s classic.

Skylar received a standing ovation from both the audience and the judges for this performance.  To watch this performance again, click here: http://youtu.be/-L4RsfAhhvY

15. Kim Yarbrough-“Tell Me Something Good” (The Voice: Season Two)

The best Blind Audition of season two of NBC’s hit show was Kim Yarbrough’s astonishing cover of Chaka Khan and Rufus’ signature song: “Tell Me Something Good.”  Kim’s powerhouse vocals and stunning showmanship not impressed the audience but Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera as well.

14. Katrina Parker-“Jar of Hearts” (The Voice: Season Two)

One of the best surprises of the second season of The Voice was Katrina Parker’s tour-de-force cover of Christina Perri’s “Jar of Hearts.” From the moment the music started to the final note, Katrina’s version gave everyone goose bumps and should have been nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

13. Tony Vincent-“Sweet Dreams Are Made of This” (The Voice: Season Two)

If there was an award for the Best Last Chance Performance in The Voice’s history, it would hands down go to Tony Vincent!  His outstanding cover of “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” was a perfect blend between Marilyn Manson’s menacing version and the Eurhythmics’ bold original, which entertained everyone.

12. Ella Henderson-“If You’re Not the Only One” (X Factor UK: Season Nine)

This stunning 16-year-old from across the pond delivered one of the best performances from the season when she sang for her life during the show’s seventh week of competition.    Even though she was eliminated after this incredible performance of Daniel Bedingfield’s “If You’re Not the Only One”, I strongly believe that she has a future in the recording industry.

You can watch Ella’s performance by clicking here: http://youtu.be/9fThYqgb8Rk

 

11. Andrew De Leon-“Regresa A Mi” (America’s Got Talent: Season Seven)

One of the true standouts of the previous season of AGT belonged to the gothic opera singer, who stunned everyone during his audition.  However, when he was brought to Vegas, Andrew flopped and was eliminated from the competition.  Luckily, Howie Mandel gave him one final chance to impress America and Andrew delivered the performance of the season with his cover of Il Divo’s “Regresa A Mi.”

Part two of this series will be posted tomorrow!