Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell sat along the judges' panel and witnessed Kelly Clarkson’s rise to fame as "American Idol's" first ever winner. Now, 15 seasons later, we have the host Ryan Seacrest, who hasn't aged a bit, along with an entirely new set of judges: Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. There are an endless number of moments to choose from, thus, I’ve narrowed it down to finalists. These rank as my top 15 most memorable performances.

1. “A Moment Like This” — Kelly Clarkson (Season 1)

Everything about this performance is beautiful. Maybe it's the emotion in the song after being declared winner or rather, the simplicity in her voice. Everyone was crying tears of joy because Kelly Clarkson deserves every bit of her success. To not put her performance first as one of the most memorable moments would be an injustice.

2. “Alone” — Carrie Underwood (Season 4)

Undeniably, Carrie Underwood is one of the top "Idol" winners. Her rendition of Heart’s “Alone” only proves just that. Her performance not only demonstrated her fearlessness but the power in her voice. No wonder this song sparked her career.

3. “Home” — Phillip, Phillips (Season 11)

Wasn't this song one of the most popular songs following this season? Such a wonderful voice signing a well-written song. On the second to last episode of Season 11, he debuted one of his original songs and this might have been the reason he won.

4. “Suspicious Minds” — Chris Daughtry (Season 5)

I'm still angry that Chris Daughtry didn't win this season. I can understand being a runner up in comparison to Elliott Yamin and Katharine McPhee, but sorry, Taylor Hicks, this one should have been Daughtry. Maybe that was just me who thought this song should have made him progress into the third round because America didn't seem to agree with the judges. Come on, even Simon Cowell said, "That worked."

5. “Mad World” — Adam Lambert (Season 8)

Adam Lambert won this season. Maybe he didn't win on record but he did in the audience's minds. He didn't take his performances lightly. Theatrics played a great part in his success but also, the quality of his voice. His range made this one of the most memorable performances.

6. “I Who Have Nothing” — Jordin Sparks (Season 6)

Yet another one of my personal favorites, Jordin Sparks. The females on the show demonstrate great power and range. Once again, she proved why America continued to vote for her.

7. “Heartless” — Kris Allen (Season 8)

Given Kris Allen takes on Kanye West, he does so in a way to warm the audience's hearts. His sweet voice makes us all love him a little more.

8. “Your Song” — Casey Abrams (Season 10)

Elton John is a legend and Casey Abrams did him justice. Not only did Abrams cover his song perfectly but he showed his softer side. He proved to the audience why the judges saved him the week before.

9. “Summertime” — Fantasia Barrino (Season 3)

Fantasia became more well-known after her time on Broadway, but "American Idol" gave the woman her start. We can't deny that this song is the reason she won season three. One of the greatest performances due to the emotional response from the audience.

10. "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?" — Ruben Studdard (Season 2)

How could you not vote for Ruben Studdard? I'd like to think my family vote solely, because he's wearing a flat cap in this performance. Although, Ruben deserved all his success with this one.

11. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” — Clay Aiken (Season 2)

I have to put Clay Aiken on this list, especially following the winner of season two. He seems grateful to have made it this far. Constantly, we're reminded of season two because of Ruben as well as this man.

12. “Circle of Life” — Jennifer Hudson (Season 3)

Despite the fact that Jennifer Hudson was eliminated after the top seven, this performance still gives me chills. Maybe it's another Elton John rendition, but one of the few that made a name for herself following "American Idol," even though she didn't make it as a finalist.

13. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” — Katharine McPhee (Season 5)

I was surprised she didn't win season five, but nonetheless, this performance became quite a memorable one.

14. “I Will Always Love You” — Jessica Sanchez (Season 11)

Anyone that can pull off Whitney Houston like this deserves praise. No wonder she was the season 11 runner-up. Although, she sang this during theme week of Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder, she killed it. Her performances only progressed throughout the season.

15. “Always Be My Baby” — David Cook (Season 7)  

This is the season in which two men with the same name fought to be declared the winner. He performed this one during Mariah Carey and seemed to make a perfect song choice. David Cook was not known for such a soft, sincere approach thus this performance became a memorable one. Yet another contestant who deserved his title.

Many can spend hours arguing who should have won a certain season or rather, debate over their favorite judges. A 15-season series already is too much. Many followed each contestant and voted after each performance. As much as a lot of us loved this series as kids, we need to say goodbye. "American Idol" has come to an end, although it’s been quite a journey.