As the series comes to a close this week, there's no better time to look at some of the best American Idol performances of all time. The show has been on for an insane 15 seasons, and has resulted in some amazing singing careers. There have been hundreds of awesome performances on this show, but here are some of the top, in order of occurrence.
1. Tamyra Gray - "A House is Not a Home"
You can't even google Gray's name without a video for "A House is Not a Home" coming up. This performance shows why Gray has been working on Broadway and the music and acting industry since her time on "Idol."
2. Kelly Clarkson - "Natural Woman"
Clarkson knew what songs she sounded amazing on, and "Natural Woman" was one of them. With one of the most powerful voices to come out of "Idol," Clarkson shows with this song why she is the original winner.
3. Clay Aiken - "Bridge over Troubled Water"
One of the original icons of "Idol," the season two runner-up proved why he got that far with his performance of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
4. Fantasia - "Summertime"
The season three winner sung this Gershwin classic with her signature vibrato and rasp, making it one of the most well-known "Idol" performances.
5. Carrie Underwood - "Alone"
The season four winner, and arguably the most successful Idol of all time, delivered this wildly popular and well-liked performance of "Alone."
6. Katherine McPhee "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
One of the most iconic performances from "American Idol," the season five runner-up is probably performing this at every concert she has for the rest of her life. Subtle and powerful, McPhee delivers this classic song effortlessly.
7. Chris Daughtry - "Hemorrhage"
Cowell said Daughtry's performance "stands up in a different class." This performance and many others caused Daughtry to rise to stardom and earn fourth place on the show's fifth season.
8. Jennifer Hudson - "Circle of Life"
This song choice got Elton John to call Hudson "one of his favorite performers" out of the entire group. So with a testimony like that, there's no wonder Hudson has one of the top "American Idol" performances with this song.
9. David Archuleta - "Imagine"
The season seven runner-up wowed judges and audience members with his performance of "Imagine." He even had Simon Cowell calling him "the one to beat." This performance shows why.
10. David Cook - "Hello"
Arguably one of the most unique performances on "American Idol," the season seven winner may have changed the show's game with this performance. Cook's performance of "Hello" may have been one of the first on the show to move from a cover to a completely different arrangement.
11. Adam Lambert - "Mad World"
The season eight runner-up performed "Mad World" with a haunting and powerful quality. His use of theatrics coupled with his vocal ability created a performance that made the audience and American public go mad.
12. Haley Reinhart - "House of the Rising Sun"
This performance earned Reinhart a standing ovation from the judges and over two million views on YouTube. The third place winner of "Idol's" tenth season used her bluesy style and rasp to perform "House of the Rising Sun."
13. Jessica Sanchez - "And I am Telling You"
Sanchez, the season 11 runner-up killed this song famously sung by Jennifer Holliday and "American Idol" alum Jennifer Hudson.
14. Candice Glover - "Love Song"
The way Glover slows down her vibrato in this song alone is something to be discussed. Randy even deemed it one of the greatest "American Idol" performances, and Mariah Carey literally walked up to her and threw glitter on Candice, so it's legit.
15. LaPorsha Renae - "Diamonds"
LaPorsha Renae is currently in the top three of "American Idol's" final season. Renae impressed guest judge Kelly Clarkson with this performance, as well as writer Sia. Her powerful vocal performance of "Diamonds" has been a standout in the final season.
