On June 11, 2002, a little reality competition made its debut on Fox. It was based on the wildly popular British reality singing competition called "Pop Idol." At the time nobody had any idea just how big "American Idol" would become, but it soon became more than a cultural phenomenon. It brought an entire country together in a way that will probably never be repeated. On "Idol" we chose who would become a superstar. Imagine today's music landscape without Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood? It's hard to imagine. Recently, "Idol" has struggled to find the magic that they once had early on with Randy, Paula, and Simon. As the the cultural phenomenon comes to an end after 15 seasons, I've decided to look back on some of my favorite past performances.

1. "House Of The Rising Sun" - Haley Reinhart (Season 10 Top 5)

Haley is easily my favorite contestant that has ever graced the Idol stage. Her narrative during Season 10 was incredibly interesting. She always found herself in the bottom three even though she delivered the best vocal week after week. During Top 5 week, Randy Jackson basically said that every other contestant did awesome with their first round. His exact quote was, "Round one is a tie between Lauren, Scotty, James, and Jacob." Haley was pissed and she put all of that anger into this flawless performance. I listen to her version of this song to pump me up for anything. Queen Haley Reinhart, basically.

2. Jena Irene - "Can't Help Falling In Love" (Season 13 Top 4)

By the time Jena Irene was on the show most people had stopped paying attention. Honestly, Season 13 was the last time I was truly invested in the show. Jena was a wildcard pick and made it all the way to the finale, she ultimately came in second to Caleb Johnson. Jena wowed the judges and the audience multiple times throughout her season. This was her shining moment. After Idol she released a studio version of this song. Look it up, download it, support independent artists like Jena. She is the real deal.

3. Adam Lambert - "Mad World" (Season 8 Top 8)

Simon Cowell never gave standing ovations. Simon gave Lambert a standing ovation for this performance. Production-wise, this is the greatest Idol performance of all time. The lighting, the camera work, the costumes all make for an extraordinary performance. It's no wonder that Adam Lamber has gone on to be a huge star after the show.

4. Kris Allen - "Heartless" (Season 8 Top 3)

This is the performance that led Kris to win Season 8, in my opinion. He flipped this Kanye West classic on its head and made it his own. A very brave, innovative, and effective decision.

5. Kelly Clarkson - "Natural Woman" (Season 1 Top 8)

Ah, the original Idol. Ah, the fedora. Ah, the amazing performance that showed the country just how special Kelly Clarkson is. Season 1 introduced us all to this amazing vocalist who was also incredibly likable. I could go on and on about Kelly Clarkson, but I'll just let the video do the talking.

6. Carrie Underwood - "Alone" (Season 4 Top 11)

Let's all take a moment and appreciate Carrie Underwood's '80s hairstyle. Okay, now let's appreciate her impeccable vocals. Carrie is one of the best singers to ever hit the Idol stage. She has obviously gone on to have an amazing career post-Idol, her Grammy's pretty much have Grammy's at this point. After this performance, Simon said, "I not only think you're going to win this show, but I think you will go on to sell more records than any other Idol winner." And well, Mr. Cowell, you weren't wrong.

7. Phillip Phillips - "Home" (Season 11 Top 2)

"American Idol" Winner's Singles are usually really cheesy and terrible. One was literally called "Do I Make You Proud?" This was an exception. Phillip Phillips (I still don't believe that's his birth name) was the favorite to win his season, but this song solidified that. The song went on to be a massive, multi-platinum selling hit. I dare you to not sing along.

8. David Cook - "Always Be My Baby" (Season 7 Top 7)

David Cook was one of the first Idol contestants that would completely flip songs on their heads. He took this amazing Mariah Carey ballad and turned into an equally amazing rock ballad. It's no wonder David Cook went on to win his season.

9. Candice Glover - "Lovesong" (Season 12 Top 6)

Season 12 was straight up garbage. It was the season of the cringe-worthy Nicki Minaj/Mariah Carey feud. But this season had some serious talent: Candice Glover went on to win and this performance perfectly explains why. She covered Adele's cover of The Cure's classic, and she did it exceptionally. Mariah Carey literally threw glitter on her after the performance.

10. Jena Irene - "Creep" (Season 13 Top 7)

Yes, more Jena. I remember this performance so distinctly for many reasons. This is when Jena really solidified her spot as a serious contender and this is when I fell in love with her. This theme week was also incredibly interesting, it was titled Competitor's Choice. The contestants picked songs for their fellow competitors. Whoever picked this gem for Jena probably kicked themselves because she so clearly stole the show.

11. Katharine McPhee - "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" (Season 5 Top 3)

This was an iconic moment for both Idol and Katharine McPhee. The lighting, the a cappella intro, and Katharine's emotion made it one of the best performances to ever happen on "American Idol." It has stayed iconic; McPhee performed it this season on an episode of Idol and she performed it on the short-lived NBC musical series "Smash," in which she starred.

12. Fantasia Barrino - "Summertime" (Season 3 Top 8)

I didn't like Fantasia when she was on Idol. Looking back, I realize how wrong I was. This performance was show-stopping and it is no surprise that Fantasia went on to win Season 3.

13. Haley Reinhart - "Bennie and the Jets" (Season 10 Top 11)

I love Haley Reinhart so freakin' much. If I could, I would have had at least four more of her performances on here. Like this one, or this one, maybe even this one, and definitely this one. Haley isn't just my favorite contestant, she is my one of my favorite artists of all-time. This was the performance that really made her stand out to me. It was truly her breakthrough moment. You can never go wrong with sitting on a piano during a performance.

14. Jordin Sparks - "I (Who Have Nothing)" (Season 6 Top 11)

One of the most magical parts of any Idol season is the moment when a front-runner emerges as a front-runner. This performance is when Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks emerged as a real contender. Jordin has seen some success since her win but she is still, in my opinion, one of the best vocalists to ever step foot on that stage.

15. Jessica Sanchez - "Try A Little Tenderness" (Season 11 Top 7)

How does this huge, powerful voice come out of this little human being? Jessica is a force of nature and she gave Phillip Phillips some serious competition during Season 11. This was a comeback performance for Jessica and she beyond delivered.

"American Idol" has given us so many amazing performances over the course of 15 seasons. It was such a huge part of my childhood, so it is a little bit upsetting to see it go away. But thanks to YouTube, I will always be able to relive my favorite moments from past season. The "American Idol" series finale airs Thursday, April 7, on Fox.