The Top 10 Best American Idol Performances of All Time

May 22, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Entertainment

The Top 10 Best American Idol Performances of All Time

Since its debut in 2002, American Idol has provided some of the most iconic moments in television history. The show has introduced the world to some of the biggest names in music, and has given aspiring singers a platform to showcase their talent.

Over the years, there have been countless amazing performances on American Idol, but some have definitely stood out more than others. Here are our picks for the 10 best American Idol performances of all time.

1. Carrie Underwood – “I’ll Stand by You” (Season 4, Top 12)

Carrie Underwood’s performance of “I’ll Stand by You” during the Top 12 round of Season 4 is one of the most emotional performances in American Idol history. Underwood brought the entire audience to tears with her moving rendition of the song, and her performance is still considered one of the best in the show’s history.

2. Jennifer Hudson – “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” (Season 3, Top 12)

Jennifer Hudson’s performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” during the Top 12 round of Season 3 is one of the most iconic American Idol performances of all time. Hudson brought the house down with her powerful vocals, and her performance is still considered one of the best in the show’s history.

3. Chris Daughtry – “I Walk the Line” (Season 5, Top 12)

Chris Daughtry’s performance of “I Walk the Line” during the Top 12 round of Season 5 is one of the most electrifying performances in American Idol history. Daughtry brought the audience to their feet with his rock-infused rendition of the song, and his performance is still considered one of the best in the show’s history.

4. Adam Lambert – “Ring of Fire” (Season 8, Top 12)

Adam Lambert’s performance of “Ring of Fire” during the Top 12 round of Season 8 is one of the most dynamic performances in American Idol history. Lambert brought the audience to their feet with his unique take on the song, and his performance is still considered one of the best in the show’s history.

5. David Cook – “Billie Jean” (Season 7, Top 12)

David Cook’s performance of “Billie Jean” during the Top 12 round of Season 7 is one of the most memorable performances in American Idol history. Cook brought the audience to their feet with his electrifying rendition of the song, and his performance is still considered one of the best in the show’s history.

6. Kelly Clarkson – “A Moment Like This” (Season 1, Top 2)

Kelly Clarkson’s performance of “A Moment Like This” during the Top 2 round of Season 1 is one of the most unforgettable performances in American Idol history. Clarkson brought the audience to their feet with her powerful rendition of the song, and her performance is still considered one of the best in the show’s history.

7. Ruben Studdard – “Flying Without Wings” (Season 2, Top 2)

Ruben Studdard’s performance of “Flying Without Wings” during the Top 2 round of Season 2 is one of the most beautiful performances in American Idol history. Studdard brought the audience to tears with his moving rendition of the song, and his performance is still considered one of the best in the show’s history.

8. Clay Aiken – “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (Season 2, Top 2)

Clay Aiken’s performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during the Top 2 round of Season 2 is one of the most stirring performances in American Idol history. Aiken brought the audience to their feet with his emotional rendition of the song, and his performance is still considered one of the best in the show’s history.

9. Jordin Sparks – “No Air” (Season 6, Top 3)

Jordin Sparks’ performance of “No Air” during the Top 3 round of Season 6 is one of the most breathtaking performances in American Idol history. Sparks brought the audience to their feet with her powerful rendition of the song, and her performance is still considered one of the best in the show’s history.

10. Phillip Phillips – “Home” (Season 11, Finale)

Phillip Phillips’ performance of “Home” during the Season 11 finale is one of the most goosebump-inducing performances in American Idol history. Phillips