Have you been overcome by excitement tingles yet? In less than 12 hours season 9 of American Idol will premiere on Fox, giving us all new contestants to love (and sometimes hate), new sharp-tongued cracks from Simon Cowell, more dawg-laden rants by Randy Jackson, more stern-yet-sweet advice from Kara DioGuardi, and a brand new judge to make us laugh in Ellen DeGeneres.
Through all of the delicious side dishes, we really tune in to hear the great voices of talented undiscovered singers. From sultry soul singers, big theatrical wailers, and angelic soothers, Idol has seen every kind of voice imaginable. Here are 12 of the best we’ve heard throughout Idol’s eight seasons:
David Archuleta
- Voices don’t get any more angelic than Archie’s. You hear the judges make comments like “For [insert tender age], this kid is great.” That was never the case for David. For ANY age he’s amazing.
Elliott Yamin
- The true test of a great vocalist is if he or she can take the most overdone songs and make them exciting still. Elliott’s a real soulman with a love for the soul standards, but his lush voice made the oldies goodies every time.
Carrie Underwood
- Rarely is it obvious Idol has founds its winner from the audition rounds, but clearly this was the case when Carrie Underwood stepped in the room. She didn’t even know how good she was or would continue to be week after week. Many have tried after her, but no one can cover Heart’s “Alone” like she can — Heart probably can’t do “Alone” like she can anymore.
Fantasia Barrino
- If you want a voice you can feel, a voice that will give you goosebumps, a voice that will make you feel like you’ve gone to church and caught some kinda holy spirit, Fantasia was your Idol.
LaToya London
- Lumped in with Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia, LaToya was the softest of the “three diva,” but what made her excellent was that softness and the control she had over her voice. It made it effortless for her to cover any genre well and with a big note to finish.
Clay Aiken
- If Clay didn’t give you chills at least once during his run on American Idol, you’re dead inside. Haul yourself off to the nearest morgue. He’s the first Idol to get hit with the “too theatrical” critique, and thankfully for those who’d follow, he made it OK.
Kelly Clarkson
- Fans of the first season of American Idol undoubtedly tuned in to see this talented Texas girl. Stunning performance after stunning performance, Kelly was clearly the best talent found during the first round.
Kris Allen
- Give Kris an acoustic guitar and watch him go! He’s all about the simple things. No bells and whistles. Besides, his luscious voice doesn’t need it!
Melinda Doolittle
- Big, amazing voices sometimes comes in teeny, tiny, humble packages. Any genre she tackled, Melinda ended up putting a soulful spin on and slaughtering with her powerful vocals.
David Cook
- Rock contestants are often given a pass. They don’t have to be as vocally gifted as long as they leave you head banging, right? David clearly didn’t get that memo. His chilling voice gives even your soul singers a run for their money.
Chris Daughtry
- Chris surprised many when what some thought would be a hardened rocker turned out to be a smooth, soulful warbler with edge.
Adam Lambert
- Adam displayed impressive skill with his magnificent voice. Dramatic highs and sultry lows, this theatre freak makes you fall in love with every note.
Uhhh Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson are missing from this list, and are the BEST singers to EVER come from this competition..
ok take Carrie off since she was mentioned, But Jennifer Hudson is a better singer than half of the people on this list..
I have to agree with David’s rendition of Imagine! It has been the most beautiful performance for me as well and my feelings for American Idol has not been the same since that performance. David you rock!
WOW! Haven’t watched David Archuleta’s Imagine is quite a while and forgot how great it was!
You have such wonderful videos posted and off to watch more! Thanks!!!!
totally agree with all these great choices… my number 1 and 2 are david archuleta, and elliott yamin…. 2 of the finest male singers to grace the idol stage, and david, for me, is one of the finest male voices in the business today… ”imagine” that night was pure magic, and here’s to more magical moments from him in future days…
WOW! Imagine was and is my all time favorite performance of Davids. A masterclass performance! While I still watch AI each season, nothing has touched me quite like this performance did!
David Cook is so under rated. Nice seeing him on the list.
Fantasia pretty much blows. Jennifer Hudson should be there instead.
There will never be a performance of Imagine greater than David Archuleta’s. A stunningly beautiful and moving performance. This was one of Idols greatest moments of all time. David continues to amaze as he brought us his recent Christmas tour.
Love seeing David Archuleta sing, “Imagine.” Wow, the memories of Season 7. David Archuleta has an awesome voice. His voice just touches me so much. I love his albums and can’t wait for his book and his new album to hit the shelves.
Fantastic! Just got done watching all the videos and all the artists were outstanding! Loved Elliot and Fantasia and Clay just wow!
American Idol really has been a wonderful vehicle for undiscovered talent! Thanks again!
Jennifer Hudson’s Circle of Life vs. Fantasia’s Summertime. I might put both of those performances ahead of Clay Aiken on Unchained Melody–if the song for him were Solitaire, then he’s be squarely in the top 10 for me.
But every other choice I agree with. And I never agree with these lists.
Funny that the write up about Kris Allen is about him playing guitar and the song is one on which he played piano. Good pick though–he’s got such an easy voice to listen to.
And David A at the top with Elliott. Nice.
Just wish beautiful voices were selling records these days.
Just watched Kelly Clarkson. I didn’t see that season but I think she did better on the Big Band song she did another week. But WOW–Look at her jawline!–She was so much better looking when she was 20 pounds (or more) lighter.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW Where is Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Frenchie Davis (Her audition is better than a large amount of these performances)lol, Tamyra Gray, Carrie Underwood & Syesha M? lol They slay a few ppl on this list easily lol.
OK..I See Carrie lol
So glad to see David Archuleta at the top of this list! David is such an amazing singer and performer! But more than this, he is an amazing person, not just as a teenager (which is exraordinary), but as a human being. Super talented and super nice!
Great selection! David Archuleta’s rendition of “Imagine” is simply A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. :)
There have been alot of wonderful performances by all of these artists & some not mentioned, but I have to go with Imagine by David Archuleta. His singing comes from a true place in his heart. A singer like him is once in a decade, he is totally unique & instantly recognizable. Please check him out on you tube, just his perfromances from his Christmas tour alone(which included a few of his own hits, plus 2 covers). Those performances will knock you out. I agree with Pat’s previous comment, I wish the beautiful voices were the ones selling more songs. Right now, all we hear is songs weighed down by autotone. I like a few of the songs outthere, but very few can sing live. One of the reasons I am such a huge fan of David A., he can sing live & is a fabulous performer. I cant watch Idol anymore after the things they pulled on David & last years antics, but I do wish the new contestants the best of luck, as well as the past contestants.
Half of these performances I’ve never seen. Thanks for sharing. I do want to watch Idol this year for some reason. I don’t know if I’ll have the intense desire I did the year David Archuleta starred. I’d never watched it before that year, and then it was mentioned about his voice. I watched it when he sang Imagine and that would have to be the ultimate performance to get hooked. I was upset when he didn’t win. So, the next year, my hubby wanted to watch, and I watched most episodes but was not dragged in like the year before. This year…I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
I think Kelly’s “Stuff Like That There” was by far the best, most fun performance she did. It was a show stopper.
Of Clay’s performances, “Solitare”, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” or “To Love Somebody” where all better than “Unchained Melody”, good as that one was.
Beautiful and amazing performances – but it was David and his brilliant rendition of Imagine that captivated my heart..
Great list and so many talented Idols. I love listening to Clay Aiken. Melinda Doolittle is my next favorite. Both of those singers have amazing voices.
What is this??? Somebody at David A. fan page must have told everyone to come over and comment. Sure David is good, but guys, be subtle if you are trying to spam a site. It is laughable and I am sure that is not what you want.
I do agree that you have David Archuleta on this list, I feel he was born to sing. The man’s got pipes!!! However, I feel Carrie Underwood & Jennifer Hudson should be on this list as well. I am not feeling some of the other artists on this list though. I won’t mention the names of the Artist’s though, because I am sick of the fans wars that take place due to over zealousness.
There have been many really good singers that I have enjoyed hearing on Idol. However, none of them have impressed me the way David Archuleta did each and every week. I connected with him and his beautiful music like I have not connected with any other singer on Idol or anywhere. I think there is something so magical about the way that David is able to sing, and make the audience feel that true emotion that is always part of his performance. He has not only the voice of an angel, but a heart to match. Seeing David perform in person is an experience that will always be part of you. He is purely amazing in every way.
I have to agree with docb. I think Kelly’s Stuff Like That There was her best performance.
Clay had so many amazing performances. I think Solitaire or To Love Somebody were both better than Unchained Melody.
Sorry about that, Come to think of it, I do see Carrie Underwood lol ~Opps silly me “-)
Ok Jennifer Hudson missing from this list? Epicfail
Great voices, all. My favorites are Carrie, Clay, and Kelly, but they are all deserving of accolades.
Good luck to the next crop of AI ‘kids’ – they have some pretty hefty shoes to fill.
Love David Archuleta’s Imagine. Thanks for posting this.
Imagine by David Arculeta changed my life. A spell was cast that night that has lifted since. I am in love with music again. David has a supernatural gift that can’t be explained. Thanks David!
These are pretty decent choices. I loved both Elliot Yamin and Chris Daughtry, I think Idol remained the powerhouse it is because of Kelly Clarkson. I wasn’t impressed with Jennifer Hudson while she was on Idol so I’m pretty ok with her not being on this list. But above all else, it was David Archuleta’s Imagine that left me in awe and with chills. No other Idol performance did that for me -so I am completely in agreement with that choice.
I can’t “Imagine” there ever being another Idol like David Archuleta. The only time I was ever moved to pick up the phone and vote was for David A. There was no one before and so far, no one since. I’m still sure that a lot of people didn’t bother to vote because they were so sure Archuleta would make it without their help. Certainly all the judges had expressed who their favorite was in that final competition. Perhaps their confidence in him is what ruined it. I just hope that all will eventually recognize what we’ve got in David. He’s such a wonderful person, almost doesn’t seem posible for one so young. I also hope that the thinking that he’s only an Idol for teens and tweens will stop. His popularity goes much further than that. I’m 70.
Congrats to the David A. fans. They have run off any other fans by their OTT posting. I can’t tell you how silly it is to see ALL the posts telling us the same thing over and over. How staged!! Please!! I am sure David is a lovely young man and he probably sings well………but he is no the most popular, or the only Idol to make people feel good.
Someone above said you were too transparent. Well, you sure are. Your agenda is tiring and has run other people off. I guess that makes David look popular…yeah, thats it!!
I wish more people had enjoyed Melinda Doolittle. She is a talented young lady and a great person too.
to the melinda doolittle fan – she is an awesome talent, and it’s nice to see you proclaim that… it’s not david’s fault people feel they way they do for him, or that he has managed to maintain a large and enthusiastic following two years past his idol year… both of them are fantastic vocalists who deserve all the accolades they have received… i wish there were more of you, but don’t hold it against those other fans who have no qualms just being fans, with no agenda other than to back their favorite.
I don’t understand how the David A fans are running off other fans – there have been no negative comments made by his fans about other idols – seems some people have a problem that he has fans – don’t quite get it – we all support artists we enjoy and believe in, don’t see anything wrong with that. I personally have purchased music from a number of the idols mentioned although David A. is my favorite but I guess that makes me OTT.
Great choices. Elliott is the best…never once he had a bad performance.
Awesome choices. I think I would have picked Kelly Clarkson’s awesome I Surrender though. Pleased to see Melinda Doolittle on there – that performance made me cry when I heard it live. A great grouping a favorites here including Archuleta, the only Idol who inspired me to vote (and buy an iPod, his CDs, go to his concerts). And Imagine was right where he hooked me.
why is david cook on the list? he is not that good of a singer. david foster is right when he said david cook’s voice is so ordinary you can find the likes of him in bars all over the place! why is jordin sparks and katherine mcphee not on the list? they’re great singers–much better than the stubbly cook.
Disagree with a couple of the choices such as Fantasia and Adam Lambert. Both are more suited to the Theater and that definately would be where I would see and hear them. Those that I would actually listen to are Elliot, Kelly and Daughtry. But the ultimate prize is David Archuleta, I would listen to his laugh, giggles, humming and definately I have gone to more of his concerts I probably should admit. But live there is no better singer today. His Imagine just touched my heart and from that moment on I knew there would be no other for me. His character and soul creates a package that is hard to resist. Talented beyonds words. I will buy any and all albums he makes and to as many concerts as possible. Imagine that! And I’m 60!
I don’t care if people are bothered by comments from Archie’s fans (they aren’t approving of David to begin with and have to say so by blaming his fans and pretend to be unbiased, HA!) … I don’t care if there are tons of comments saying how great Archie is … I can never say it enough nor hear it enough … because I (as well as his fans) can’t help myself (ourselves) … and because it’s all true what we say and feel about David!!! :)
My favorite singers of AI in random order have been Carrie, Chris, Kelly, David A., Kris, Allison, Clay, Melinda, Latoya, & Jordin. I didn’t care much for Fantasia, Reuben, Taylor, and Adam. One person that I didn’t like was Blake Lewis. His b bopping instead of singing was annoying to me. I really hope someone who is truly a star wins this season. To the people who throw off on the fans of certain artists is really sad, because there are many fans of all of the idol stars. I hope they all continue to do great in their careers.
again Jennifer Hudson being left off this list, is a complete failure..
Yay, my favourite performances through the seasons of AI are there. Nice to know Neon and other people share the same gut reactions I had after watching them.
Sorry, but I am not a David Archuleta fan but I do have to say he had a beautiful rendition of Imagine. Although I’m a Melinda Doolittle fan, and I follow her, I don’t have sour grapes because David is very well like by his fans! I can see why. He is a very nice and humble young man AND talented singer! He and Melinda ought to get together to do a concert! Wow!
David A. is loved because he IS love. I’ve never know another individual, especially at his age, who is so committed to his talent AND service to others. He unselfishly devotes whatever free time he has inspiring and helping others. Right now he is in Central America doing just that. To know him, isn’t just to love him, but to respect and admire him. Not too many people have that effect on others. Especially not at 19 years of age.
I am a David Archuleta fan, he is truly amazing. In my opinion he will be around for a long time.
In reply to:annonymous says:
January 13, 2010 at 3:22 pm,
That would be wonderful to see. And, I’m sure, quite heavenly to hear.
David Archuleta should be tops on the list. His talent is phenominal. We fans were hooked from day one. The purity and strength of David’s vocals are superb. I’ve attended 8 of his concerts. Look forward to many more. I love his albums and admire David for being himself and his appreciation for his fans. He’ll always be No.One in my book. BTW I’m 67.
I loved it when David Archuleta sang “Imagine” on AI. I fell in love with him that night and have continued to be a fan!!
Agree with a lot of this list, for me Kelly’s “Stuff Like that there” sold me on her. For Clay, while loved every one of his performances, “To love Somebody” was my favorite. You’re right..you had to have gotten chills at least once while listening to him…theatrical or not ..the man has chops..looking forward to his new album!
1st: never watched AI in the past, but of course I have heard of these people…kinda. Own a Clarkson cd. Did not know Underwood, Cook, and Daughtry were idol until much later. Then last November someone showed me Adam Lambert’s performances, blown away instant fan. Got the cd, been watch lots of shows i normally don’t, will actually go to a concert of his. So i had to watch season 8 last week. Kind of a boring show, liked the top 4 people. That top 5 results episode, bit intense. This article gave me a chance to see some of the other top people… it was..uh… interesting. They are all really good singers. I made it through some of them: Underwood’s: i really like Heart and her version was cool. Aiken: I love the song, but he was doing some funky things with that melody..no. Cook: I did listen to this because normally he sounds like Hinder, but he changed it up, cool. Then I am an Adam fan, so of course.. I like Play that Funky Music and Change is Gonna Come better though. I like when he goes nuts with the vocals. There is one positive aspect of idol i have noticed: at least these people can sing. All these people are more interesting than Taylor Swift.
David Archuleta’s Imagine is timelessly on the list of top idol performances. Even my dad said ‘Wow, he can sing.’ But the more interesting fact about the song is that he told his vocal coach after the performance that he wanted to deliver the spirit of the song instead of showing off vocal techniques. That’s why we could feel the message of the song owing to his sincere heart. He remains that way still. What a rare gem.