Idol 1 - David Cook

1. David Cook

Season 7, Winner

Seriously, this feels surreal. We are finally here! My favorite American Idol ever - and this doesn’t come as a surprise to most of you, I’m pretty sure - David Cook. Yay!

Season 7’s winner who, arguably, defined the popular phrase “making the song your own” as he reworked pop favorites into new and fantastic gems. Oh, and he's the ONLY Idol I got to vote for - I was in New York when the last 6 weeks of that season happened, so I was able to vote for him. Technically, I helped him win - along with millions of people. Haha.

To be perfectly honest, if you had told me during the earlier rounds of Season 7 that David Cook would be my favorite Idol finalist EVER, I would've slapped you and called you a liar! Haha. Well, of course, I wouldn't have slapped you, but you know what I mean. I thought David's audition was decent - a little mediocre maybe. Same with his Hollywood stuff. Basically, I wasn't really feeling the hype about him at all.

The semifinals started and I really still wasn't into what David was "Cookin". Ha! Ok, lame joke. Moving on. To me, he seemed like a second rate Daughtry, which is saying a lot, considering Chris wasn't one of my favorites of his season. Frankly, I didn't even want David Cook in the Top 12 at that point. I mean, I figured he would possibly make the Final 12 - maybe Top 8 - but I seriously wasn't looking forward to having to hear him each week.

Then suddenly, he had me at Hello. Haha. Really. That to me was a serious game-changer for Cook as he was able to show his potential as a true artist and not just an amazing vocalist. It was a risk that paid off really well. I mean, that moment turned him into a serious contender, possibly giving the other David - Archuleta, not Hernandez. Ha! - a run for his money. It was that good!

So early into the Finals, I was already looking forward to him and he just delivered one good performance after the other every single week. I thought his first three weeks of the Finals, he was consistently either the best or second best of the night. But if I'm being honest - even with a string of great performances - I just knew that there was no way anyone was taking the crown from David Archuleta. I mean, everybody loved that cute kid.

I remember that I even made a comment in my old - now, non existing - blog after the Top 10 week that it was so ridiculous how David Cook has no shot at the title, even though he's consistently great. Of course, I got criticized for that because the Archuleta fans were mad that I was, to some extent, insulting their kid, and the Cook fans were somehow disappointed that I was writing him off. Ha! But, at that point, I definitely wanted Cook to win. He really deserved it.

He - out of all of the contestants - seemed to be the one that had mastered consistency and originality. I don't necessarily mean "original" as in he arranged his own performances and I know that he used some arrangements from other musicians. But, the fact that he wasn't okay with going the predictable route during a themed week and that he obviously was able to stuck with whatever the theme was - but brought it into his own world of music - was very admirable of him.

Needless to say, he truly kept me on the edge of my seat. True, he was skilled at doing covers of covers like, say, Eleanor Rigby and Billie Jean, but he was also able to prove himself as an amazing artist that can create his own arrangements like Always Be My Baby and Little Sparrow. He even showed his versatility just by singing songs (shockingly) straight-up like The Music of the Night and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. He was nothing short of exceptional. So when the Finale came and he was crowned as the new American Idol, I was grinning like a retard.

To me, David Cook is one of the few - out of all seven seasons - that I feel absolutely deserving of the title during their season, and any other winner would just be wrong. No, I'm not saying that other contestants weren't extremely talented, all I'm saying is that in these particular seasons, one person dominated in a way that screamed American Idol, for whatever reason, and David Cook is absolutely one of them. Sure, people like David Archuleta and Syesha Mercado were amazing talents with amazing voices, but I certainly would not have felt right if either of them had won.

I believe Cook brought the show to a whole another level. He is, by far, the rocker that stands out to me of all the Idol seasons; he was the best, or one of the best almost every night; his performances were so unique and interesting; he is extremely marketable; he's a real musician and songwriter; he was able to adapt to themes, or adapt themes to him. He just had so many of the right things going for him during Season 7, and I was VERY relieved that my initial predictions were wrong. Haha.

I simply don’t know what else I could say about David Cook. I mean, I’ve never had my favorite win American Idol before him, so to see him actually be the winner of Season 7 - and the fact that I voted for him. Haha - was one of the best and happiest moments I’ve ever experienced, as an Idol fantard of course. Seriously. Who knew that the guy with the bright red streak in his hair who sang Livin’ on a Prayer in Omaha would be the actual Season 7 winner, more so become my favorite American Idol EVER? Not me. Suffice it to say, he just truly captivated me in more ways that I could fathom.

There’s a lyric in one of the tracks of his debut album: “All these heroes come and go, but you’re still standing.” Sure, many other people have graced the Idol stage in past seasons, and many more to come this coming January and possibly in the future, but one thing is for certain: there has never been, nor will there ever be another David Cook, and this David Cook is a true American Idol, and someone that will always be standing as the rest of them come and go. Beat that!

Favorite performance(s): It's a predictable choice, but my favorite from Cook is absolutely Billie Jean. Words can't describe how much I love this performance. I was extremely worried when I read the spoilers about this, but his version was just sensational. I saw this performance countless times, and I still get chills every single time, without fail. Hello was another brilliant performance. I didn't know what to expect, but the arrangement was great and it fit him like a glove. Also, I thought he was amazing with The Music of the Night and the hauntingly beautiful Always Be My Baby. His version of Little Sparrow and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face were also really good. Well, he has had so many great performances, but these are just my faves.

Billie Jean

Always Be My Baby

Hello

The Music of the Night

Little Sparrow

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

Eleanor Rigby

Permanent (American Idol 8 Finale)

Light On

The end! Well, that wraps it up for my first project, Idol 100. This really feels surreal. Thank you for reading and commenting, guys! I really appreciate it. I guess, this is it! See you on American Idol Season 10.

Idol 2 - Kris Allen

2. Kris Allen
Season 8, Winner

After Kris Allen was crowned the American Idol of Season 8, I typed this sort of catchphrase on my old - now, non existing - blog, Have No Fear, The Underdog Is Here. Haha. Seriously. This was the most appropriate thing to say at that moment. Kris, to me, was the first dark horse to ever win American Idol and even beat everybody's heavy favorite, Adam Lambert. Crazy no?

Of course, I'd be lying if I say that I was already rooting for Kris Allen from the get-go. I mean, he clearly had roughly 10 seconds during the audition rounds and in Hollywood week, he was barely featured - aside from the awesomeness during the group round that was White Chocolate. So, coming into the semifinals - with a new format to boot - I completely written him off the competition.

Yes, he performed a serviceable performance of Michael Jackson's Man In The Mirror but I absolutely didn't expect him to sneak his way into the Final 13. Group 2 was, arguably, the most competitive group of that season with Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert, Matt Giraud and Megan Joy in it. I'll even throw in a couple of amazing vocalists such as Jesse Langseth, Mishavonna Henson and, yes, I have to mention her, Jasmine Murray. So, aside from the gorgeous boy-next-door look and decent performance, I didn't know how he managed to stand out. Well, he proved me dead wrong as he was able to beat both favorites Giraud and Megan Joy.

Going into the Final 13, I obviously still had doubts - I even predicted him early on to be eliminated eight or seventh. He just screamed cannon fodder to me. But somehow along the way - with a surprising string of amazing performances - he won me over. I mean, I have to hand it to Kris, in a talent show that more often than not favors big voices, he made the most out of his limited range by making up for it with his immense musicality and emotional connection.

Let's be honest, other contestants demanded the viewer's attention with flash, pizazz, and glory notes, while Kris, on the other hand, just drew people in with his simplicity and, to some extent, quiet confidence. Heck, some even had fancy lighting and glamorous outfits, and all he had were jeans, a t-shirt - sometimes those plaid polos he likes so much - and his guitar or sometimes a piano.

Now, the other thing that I really liked about Kris Allen was the way he recreates the material into something of his own. He may not have been the pioneer of song arrangement on the show, but he managed to make me listen to all of his performances. Look, Kris took pleasantly dull numbers like Remember the Time and How Sweet It Is and infused them with his funky, fresh style. He turned the overdone Donna Summer and Bill Withers ditty into something refreshing and modern. Oh, and during the Movie theme, he picked a beautiful, yet obscure indie track, Falling Slowly, and made a moment out of it. He even arranged a Kanye song that was undeniably better than the original. And when he was saddled with that crappy single No Boundaries, he shockingly made it not just listenable, but emotional and infectious, to a point where I'm not even embarrassed anymore to admit that I love it. I love that trite Idol coronation song - even better than Jordin Sparks' This Is My Now. Haha. Do you see what he has done to me?

But all that being said, I still went into that Season 8's Finale completely ready to embrace Adam Lambert as the next American Idol. It's not that I didn't have much confidence on Kris winning the whole thing, it was just that the odds were definitely against him that time given the way the producers and judges seemed to want Adam to win. But yes, Surprise! Surprise! Kris Allen won and obliterated the concept of a Chosen One on Idol - well, Chosen Three during that season, Gokey, Rounds and Lambert. So, whatever other people say, I most definitely think that he earned it and he was a completely worthy winner.

People criticized him for being a mediocre singer but seriously, just because someone's voice isn't huge, or octave-scaling, or range-y, doesn't mean it can't be fantastic. No, this is not a dis against Adam Lambert, it's just an acknowledgment that there are all kinds of voices worth getting worked up about. And Kris, who obviously hailed from the less-is-more school of singing, undeniably put down some stellar, show-stopping performances that season. Enough said.

As for his post-Idol debut album, I think it's pretty strong. I actually felt vindicated after I heard the whole record because it's so much better than what I've expected. The record seems very high-quality, and doesn’t seem overproduced, unlike most of the post Idol’s debut albums. The album flows effortlessly from song to song and there is a cohesiveness and somewhat of a story line going on. Oh, and there is a bunch of higher register and falsetto in the album and he sounds gorgeous in parts. I actually had no idea that he had so many shades/levels to his voice. Dare I say, the best debut album of any Season 8 finalist.

Album Review: Kris Allen

Favorite Performance(s): It goes without saying that Kris Allen delivered a pretty good list of amazing performances. I think his version of Heartless was, arguably, the biggest showstopper of Season 8. His take on the classic, Ain't No Sunshine, was also phenomenal and so was the Donna Summer re-arrangement of She Works Hard For The Money. Other favorites were Falling Slowly and Make You Feel My Love.

Heartless

Ain't No Sunshine

She Works Hard For The Money

Falling Slowly

Make You Feel My Love

Live Like We're Dying

The Truth

*ugh! how come there's no decent live performance of Kris on YouTube?

Idol 3 - Katharine McPhee

03. Katharine McPhee

Season 5, Runner-up

Arguably, the most drop dead gorgeous Idol finalist EVER! Seriously. If gorgeousness is the sole basis of topping this list, Katharine would most definitely be at #1. But of course, she's not just that because I think Katharine is a pretty talented individual - almost multimedia, if you ask me.

Ok. When Katharine's audition was being shown, I really didn't expect to like her. I mean, she seemed like she would be very stage school, over rehearsed, and too precise. Well, at least, these were my assumptions based on the fact that her mom teaches voice lessons. I figured she'd be everything I hate in these 'white girls' on Idol. Haha. But, when she opened her mouth and sang, I was shocked. Her audition was nothing short of brilliant. By far, one of the best auditions I've ever witnessed on Idol. I loved everything about it that she immediately kicked Paris Bennett out of my Top spot for Season 5 - although now, I still prefer Paris' audition.

Oddly enough, I actually didn't expect her to be much of a contender at that point. The edit she got during Hollywood week wasn't the best so I knew she'd have a hard time during the live show. Suffice is to say, McPhever was non-existent at that time. But going into the semfinals round, Kathatine definitely didn't disappoint with her first performance. She was clearly a force to be reckoned with, and undoubtedly the best of that night. Really. I was very happy to see her become sort of a front-runner after that.

Sadly, it wasn't all roses with Katharine. See, the thing about Katharine was that when she's on, she was freaking on. But, at some point, it became sort of a guessing game, "Will Kat be spectacular this week or not?" Yes, I love her for being so darn daring with her song choices, but she needed to learn her limits during her Idol run. Her upper register could just be so unbearably screechy at times, and she'd sound like she was going to lose all vocal control at any second. But her soft, medium range was absolutely phenomenal - possibly one of the best on Idol. Easily one of the most beautiful tones to ever grace the stage.

Heck, I can't even tell everyone how badly I wish she had stayed at her A game throughout the entire competition. I honestly think she could've won Season 5 if she had just played it smarter. Seriously. Take risks, but knew her limits. What a beautiful sight that would've been no? But as critical as I'm being right now, she's still at #3. Obviously, the good definitely made up for the bad. I have to say though that between Katharine and Taylor Hicks, she should've won. Really.

Now, I know that some people have always been quite critical of Katharine and her personality - heck, even now, 4 years after her run on the show. For me, I was never bothered by her personality. Really. You have to be a real a*shole for me to be bothered by your personality on this show, see Danny Gokey. Haha.

Well, somehow, I can see where the issue was. The moment the judges were being critical of her, she'd often have a slightly irritated face, or she'd have a very noticeably fake smile going on. Yes, that can be annoying to some, but I think people were jumping to conclusions calling her entitled and stuff. I mean, she's good and she knows it, but it's just harder for some people to listen to criticisms than others. So, bashing her for it is just plain stupid. That's really grasping for straws, and that's a crappy reason to not like her. But that's what you get when you leave power in the hands of the voting public. Haha. So, whatever.

As for her post-Idol career, I somehow managed to keep up with it and I'd say I love almost all of her materials. Her critically panned self-titled debut album I thought was very underrated. Yes, it wasn't the strongest debut album to ever come out of the franchise but it was pretty decent - almost good actually. The record has a good mix of RnB and pop tracks that's not short of catchy hooks. Now, her sophomore album, Unbroken, is a totally different story. That record is possibly one of the best pop/adult contemporary albums to come out in a while. I'll go on the limb and say that album even easily ranks up there with Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway album. Oh, and I love that she's also into acting as she has done movies already like House Bunny and guest starred in Community and CSI. I heard NBS is cooking up a sitcom with her as the lead star. Let's see.

Album Review: Unbroken

Favorite performance(s): Like I said, I loved Katherine's audition so much. I thought she started off really strong - sounding almost like a throwback singer - but when she got to that bridge, she took it too another level and it still gives me chills hearing her flawless runs and beautiful tone until now. Other than that, of course, her showstopper Over the Rainbow is a personal favorite. Simon hit it in the nail when he said it was possibly the most perfect song for her voice. It was beyond beautiful. I loved the arrangement, and I thought her tone laid on the song brilliantly. Similar to that, I think she also did a terrific job at staying within her limits in Someone to Watch Over Me, and it paid off in spades. It was such a subdued and gorgeous ballad. Black Horse and The Cherry Tree was also really good. It was modern and fresh - something I didn't exactly expect from her. Since I Fell For You was another one that seemed to fit her voice perfectly. She really made a name for herself with that one. Other ones I really liked were Until You Come Back to Me and the infamous I Have Nothing.

Audition

Over The Rainbow

Someone To Watch Over Me

Black Horse and The Cherry Tree

Since I Fell For You

Until You Come Back To Me

I Have Nothing

Over It

Love Story

Love Story (Jay Leno Show)

Had It All

Terrified (ft. Chuck's Zachary Levi)

Idol 4 - Elliott Yamin

4. Elliott Yamin

Season 5, 3rd Place

Who knew someone like Elliott Yamin - an obvious underdog - would suddenly become one of the best Idol contestants EVER? Frankly, not me.

But I have to say, Elliott really epitomized what the competition was all about. I mean, you don't really get much more of a raw talent than Elliott. He wasn't a seasoned performer who had been striving for a music career. He had rarely even sang in public before he was on Idol. I felt like he was a true gem - a diamond in the rough. Elliott was a brilliant vocalist!!

But, as I have said a number of times in this blog, Elliott Yamin was probably one of the most underrated finalists on Idol, who no one thought would even get a remote chance of advancing to the next round or even winning the whole lot. Needless to say, he was just another cannon fodder during Season 5. He got zero exposure during the auditions and was barely noticed during the Hollywood Week. Thanks to the obnoxious Brittnum twins though, because their drama made me notice Elliott even just a little.

To be honest, going into the Top 24 of Season 5, I didn't really care for him that much. Yes, I was aware that he had so much raw soul in his voice, but that was just about it for me. But then, he performed If You Really Loved Me on his first live performance and I was in serious awe. He was absolutely amazing. I was also happy to hear Simon tell him that he was potentially the best male vocalist they had ever had on Idol. The next week, Moody's Mood For Love happened and I just lost it. His rendition of that song was just phenomenal. By that point, I considered myself a fan and decided Elliott to be one of the two contestants that I would be rooting for that season.

Now, going into the Top 12, I figured that I should not to get my hopes up with him. I probably predicted Elliott to end up at about eighth or ninth place in the competition. That time, I thought that he just didn't have the fanbase to carry him further - a couple of trips at the Bottom 3 even if he did amazing the previous night proved that. But somehow, he managed to sneak his way every single week and survive all those brutal cuts. That was the moment I realized that he was basically winning people over because of his outstanding performances. He just didn't rely on pure hype, he worked very hard for it.

Truth be told, Elliott Yamin had such a Cinderella story on Idol. I mean, even though he could sing circles around most of his competition, almost no one expected him to make the Top 3 of that season. He was clearly the underdog. And despite being extremely consistent, he often was denied credit from Simon Cowell. Heck, almost everyone had him completely written off at the beginning of the competition. In the end, he missed the Finale by merely .2% of the vote! Sad.

But I really couldn't have asked for much more. I mean, I remember early in the competition, I told myself that I'd be happy to get ten performances from Elliott. Well, I got that and seven more. Haha. Elliott went out on top, and I couldn't have been happier with his run in the competition. Seriously.

Now, after Idol, I was really thrilled when I learned that Elliott got a record contract - even though it wasn't as major of a label as I had hoped for. Still, it was a better deal than I expected. He got to make his debut album the way he wanted to - without 19 tainting his style - and it was undeniably great album. Elliott's tone on every song of that record just pierced right through me. I was even more happy when his debut single, Wait For You, became a huge hit - very deservingly - worldwide. Sure, he didn't top the success he had when he released his second album but I think it was still a solid effort from him. Nonetheless, I'll still be waiting anxiously for his third studio album!

Favorite performance(s): Where do I even begin? I really loved almost every performance Elliott gave. My very favorite performance, though, would have to be Moody's Mood For Love. I mean, after 9 seasons, this still ranks second on my All-Time Best American Idol Performances. As I've said, just the modulation and key changes made this absolutely phenomenal. Of course, A Song for You was a classic. That song was like Elliott's anthem, and he completely delivered it with so much passion and believability. Trouble was also really good. I'm such a sucker for some ridiculous soul singing and he certainly delivered it with this performance. It was the grittiest, bluesy-soul clincher I have ever heard on that stage and I was completely giddy after hearing it! His performance of Somebody to Love was also ridiculously outstanding. Elliott couldn't have picked a Queen song better suited for his voice. If I Can Dream is another favorite and so is I Believe It To My Soul and If You Really Love Me.

Moody's Mood For Love

A Song For You

Trouble

Somebody To Love

If I Can Dream

I Believe It To My Soul

If You Really Love Me

Wait For You

Idol 5 - Fantasia Barrino

5. Fantasia Barrino

Season 3, Winner

My lips may be big, but my talent is bigger. Yes, it's one of her famous lines on American Idol. I just love her. Ha!

Let's go back a few years to season three. As you all know, this was my very first season of Idol, and I remember being impressed with Fantasia. She had a pretty unique quality to her voice, and I could tell that she was the sort of contestant that the judges were really looking for. But still, she wasn't that big on my radar. The contestants I was thinking about going into Hollywood were Leah LaBelle, Jennifer Hudson and even Camille Velasco - not really Fantasia Barrino.

I do think, however, Hollywood week changed that a bit. I mean, she gave us one of the most memorable Hollywood auditions which she prefaced with the quote I wrote earlier and yes, she speaks truth! She busted out with an incredible take on Aretha's Think and that really got my attention. So, I wasn't one bit surprised when she slayed the competition the first week of the semifinals. She absolutely earned her place in the Finals!

Believe it or not, at the start of the top 12 Fantasia was below Leah on my list of faves. Fantasia was my third fave, but her and George were fairly competitive in my eyes. But consistency counts for so much, and Fantasia was extremely consistent. Seriously. Every single week it seemed that Fantasia was either the best or second best of the night.

Believe it or not, at the start of the Top 12, Fantasia was below LaBelle, Velasco and Hudson on my list of favorites. But consistency counts for so much, and Fantasia was extremely consistent. Seriously. Every single week, it seemed that Fantasia was either the best or second best of the night. She would almost always pick the perfect song and absolutely nail it. Fantasia has a brilliant understanding of her musicality. I would say a good 90% of the contestants that come on Idol are in serious need of direction, but that cannot be said about Fantasia. She was like a seasoned pro, yet she was just a teenager. Unbelievable! If there was ever someone who epitomized the idea of an American Idol, it is absolutely her. Just ask the judges. Haha.

Now, I think people look beyond foolish when they talk crap about Fantasia and say she's awful or screechy or whatever ridiculous adjective they use. That just shows their ignorance about her and her style. I mean, it's one thing to not be crazy about someone based on personal preference, but you've got to give Fantasia respect. While she isn't the most commercially successful winner, she is possibly the best received critically. Heck, she has got the most Grammy nomination for any Idol contestant. Oh, and all of the who's who of the music industry have been lavishing praises on Fantasia since she won in 2004.  This girl is a star and has earned the respect of America. Really. What an embarrassment that would've been if Diana had beat Fantasia.

Another thing that gets under my skin a bit is when people downplay Fantasia's post-Idol success. No, she hasn't sold as many records as Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood, but she doesn't have the mass audience of the pop or country markets either. She's certainly killing it in her genre though. As I've said, she's been nominated for 7 freakin' Grammy’s, wrote a book, starred in a record-breaking Lifetime movie, starred in a huge Broadway musical, has her own reality show, and sold nearly 3 million albums world-wide. She came from nothing and left a huge dent on the music industry. If people can't see that, they must be blind. Ok, I'm not mad, I'm just saying. Haha.

Fantasia's self-titled sophomore release was probably one of my favorite post-Idol albums that I've heard, although her new album, Back To Me, was also really good. In both albums, her voice was so beautiful and passionate, and she did a terrific job of showing her relevance in modern RnB. And yes, I absolutely loved her live performance of Bore Me on Idol a few seasons ago. Ha! That nitty gritty soul is something I was exposed to growing up, so I got it and loved it! I know a lot of you all just didn't get it. That's fine. Fantasia is a world-class talent that doesn't need everyone's approval. Her natural gift speaks for itself!

Check this out!  

I'm His Only Woman - Fantasia Barrino and Jennifer Hudson


Favorite performance(s): Where to begin? I think that Fantasia, more than any other contestant, has given us the most show stopping performances on Idol. Of course the most famous would be Summertime. This was an absolutely brilliant moment for Fantasia. Every single choice she made in her delivery was flawless, and the emotion really sold it. This performance still ranks as THE all-time best American Idol performance. Really. Fantasia also really lucked out with getting I Believe as her coronation single. Easily my favorite winner's single, and her take on it was perfect. To me, the moment she won was easily the most emotional moment EVER on the show. Yes, I still get teary eyed watching it back. Haha. I have got to mention her other great performances such as Always On My Mind and Chain Of Fools.

Summertime

I Believe

Always On My Mind

Chain Of Fools

I'm His Only Woman - an amazing Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson duet

Bore Me (Yawn) - Idol Performance

Hood Boy

I'm Doin' Me

Idol 6 - Vonzell Solomon

6. Vonzell Solomon

Season 4, 3rd Place

I know this may raise some eyebrows but yes, Vonzell Solomon has been one of my favorites since, of course, Season 4. Come on! Just watch the videos below and it'll just speak for itself. Really. Ha!

I thought Vonzell sounded extremely controlled with all of her runs when I first saw her in Orlando. But really, it took a little while for her to become my absolute favorite contestant during her season. I mean, throughout the early parts of Season 4, I was all about Mario Vasquez, Nikko Smith and Anwar Robinson. Sure, Vonzell was my favorite girl, but it wasn't until Top 12 that I was completely a fan and rallied behind her for an American Idol win.

I knew right away that Vonzell wouldn't have much of a fair shot on Idol from the get go. For understandable reasons, Idol wants a variety of winners, so it was too soon for another black female RnB singer to win right after Fantasia Barrino. Even though I expected that and understood it, it didn't make it any easier to watch. I really think Vonzell gave only one lackluster performance throughout the whole season, but you definitely wouldn't think that if you just had Simon Cowell's comments to base it from.

Seriously. Pretty much every single performance he found something pointless to harp on her about. Whether it was the way she was dressed, subtle things about the way she performed, one or two off notes, you could count on Simon Cowell to blow it up into something bigger - while ignoring the same flaws or even worse ones from the precious chosen ones. Ugh! Oh, and it was especially hard when he still managed to criticize her after some of the very best performances of the season - Don't Leave Me This Way is one glaring exaple. It was beyond annoying.

Now, even though I knew the odds were against Vonzell, I still supported her every week. Actually, she did MUCH better in the competition than I had ever anticipated. I think I predicted her to be voted off around sixth or seventh place at the beginning of the finals - I even though Nadia Turner would place much higher than her.

A few early Bottom 3 appearances didn't make me feel any more optimistic. But she overcame the odds and landed in a pretty good spot. Frankly, Vonzell didn't really need to win Season 4. All she needed to do was to make the Top 2 to get a contract. Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood were going to be signed regardless. So, it's definitely not a surprise to me that Vonzell's career has been non-existent, despite being one of the most talented contestants EVER to be on the show.

I do think that she, by far, has got one of the best controlled voices of any American Idol contestant when it comes to melisma - probably the best female. I mean, she seriously did some ridiculously amazing runs and I just wish people would recognize how difficult they can be. She deserves much more credit than she gets. Now, I've said that visual performance skills don't really matter to me, but I can still recognize that Vonzell is a natural performer. Other than Bo Bice, she probably had the best stage presence of anyone on Season 4.

Truth be told, if she had been on just about any other season except for Season 4, she might've gotten more respect than she did. I think she's certainly better than people like LaToya London - who definitely got on the shrieky side a bit - and yes, I'll even go there, Jordin Sparks. But alas, Idol isn't ever going to be completely fair and unbiased. Sad. Anyway, here's to hoping that we get a Vonzell album soon because I can really see her as a very viable RnB artist. Heck, she would even pass as a member of Destiny's Child. Sigh.

Check this out!  

Dirtbag - Vonzell Solomon


Favorite performance(s): Hands down, her version of I Have Nothing was, arguably, the best on that Idol stage. I like the nuances in her vocals and the control and power was spot on. Not too loud (Jennifer Hudson) but not too weak (Katharine McPhee) not too bland and predictable (Trenyce) but not too over-the-top (Lakisha Jones) and certainly not shaky (Leah LaBelle). I also loved her fun performances from Chain Of Fools, On The Radio and of course, the riveting I'm Every Woman and Don't Leave Me This Way. Her more serious performances were also really good like People and I'll Never Love This Way.

I Have Nothing

I'm Every Woman

Don't Leave Me This Way

Best Of My Love

On The Radio

Chain Of Fools

I'll Never Love This Way

Idol 7 - Jennifer Hudson

7. Jennifer Hudson

Season 3, 7th Place

Yes, it's the Dreamgirl herself at #7!!

I didn't become a fan of Jennifer Hudson after her successful album and Grammy nominations. It also wasn't after her movie debut and Oscar win. Heck, it wasn't even after she sang A Circle of Life. Haha. Yes, I've been in love with Jennifer's voice since the first time I saw her. Let's start at the beginning, shall we?

Like what I've said several times, Season 3 was the very first season of Idol that I watched. I was mildly impressed with the Idol hopefuls throughout the auditions, but as they were wrapping up, Leah La Belle was actually my favorite contestant that time. That was until I got to see the Best of the Rest episode and that was the very first time I laid my eyes on Jennifer. I had a feeling I'd like her - because I love a good, rich black woman's voice - and boy, did she not disappoint. Jennifer's rich timbre sent shivers up and down my spine as she sang Share Your Love With Me. Every single note was just beautiful. By then,  I just knew she would have to make the finals with such a brilliantly soulful gospel voice like that!

Soon enough, I realized that Jennifer wasn't quite the front runner that I had hoped she'd be. Her group one performance though good wasn't that spectacular, but I still thought it was enough for a spot in the Top 12. But to my dismay, she didn't even make the Top 3 - by sheer votes - the following night. And yes, thank God for Randy Jackson for bringing her into the Wild Card round. I figured that there was no way the judges would let such an undeniably unbelievable undiscovered talent go unnoticed. Ha! She got her spot in the Top 12, just like what I expected - but it was, arguably, a bumpy ride.

In my opinion, Jennifer never gave a bad performance. Every single performance I saw from her was very good. Sure, some were better than others, but she did NOT deserve the harsh criticisms she got from Simon Cowell - not by a long shot! Her early Bottom 3 appearances were quite disappointing for me. Had people forgotten that incredible sound that came out of her mouth during her audition? Fortunately, everything was soon about to change!

Elton John Night was such a special night for Jennifer Hudson. It was so amazing to hear a musical legend of John's caliber lavish praises upon her and yes, she absolutely deserve those praises. Jennifer set the bar so high for the competition when she finally brought the house down in the way I knew only she could. Her gospel-tinged Circle of Life was so full of power and richness, that only a deaf person could deny her talent. Oh, and it's one thing to give a showstopper like that, but Jennifer kept on delivering for the remainder of her time on Idol. Without a doubt, she left just when she was about to reach the peak of her potential than anyone on Idol, EVER.

Which brings me to THE most shocking elimination night in Idol history. Seriously. Ryan Seacrest had prefaced the Top 7 results show as a shocker, but it still didn't prepare me for what was to come. It was a no brainer that the three divas - Fantasia Barrino, LaToya London and Jennifer Hudson - were crushing the competition during Season 3. Obviously, they were consistently head and shoulders above the other competitors. So, when they were all placed into a group, it was obvious that they would be safe. But when Ryan announced that they were, in fact, the Bottom 3, my jaw literally dropped. I can still vividly remember that moment. Yes, I know it was just a TV show, but it felt so surreal.

That time, my only prayer was that LaToya London would be sent packing. Then, to my horror, Latoya was told she was safe and it suddenly felt like a kick in the stomach. A total abomination! Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia Barrino were supposed to be the Final 2!! It was a serious WTF moment on Idol, but I just knew that Jennifer was doomed, though. I was seriously upset to a point where I wanted to cry - I know! Haha. I asked myself, "what in the world did I just witness?" It was, to say the least, a total travesty.

Now, One thing Jennifer has taught me is that you can't keep a good girl down and yes, she showed that to the world! Five years after her untimely exit on Idol, she's won an Oscar, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Grammy Award - plus over 20 more awards. She's had a number one single. A gold selling debut album. She's even sang at the Super Bowl. Clearly, she's been completely and utterly unstoppable. Jennifer Hudson has shown everyone that she is a world class star. Furthermore, she's proved that she is an amazing strong and determined person on the inside. I mean, back when the news first broke about her family's murders, my heart just ached for her. Her comeback a few months after that completely floored me especially when she sang You Pulled Me Through at the Grammy Awards - that was that time I could not contain myself. I love her and can't wait to see what other successes will come her way!

Favorite performance(s): My absolute favorite performance from Jennifer was definitely Circle Of Life. It was the performance she is most remembered for and with great reasons, of course. She completely blew me away with this one. Weekend in New England was absolutely fantastic. The arrangement fit her so perfectly. The way it gradually built up into this monstrous whirlwind of power and passion still sends me chills. It's the biggest joke in Idol history that she was sent home after this performance. I Have Nothing was also really good.

Circle Of Life

Weekend In New England

I Have Nothing

Spotlight

If This Isn't Love

You Pulled Me Through

Idol 8 - Kelly Clarkson

8. Kelly Clarkson

Season 1, Winner

Just like Carrie Underwood at #11, I expect to receive a couple of criticism soon for putting the original American Idol at just #8. Again, let me explain..

Kelly Clarkson is possibly among the Top 5 most popular contestants to ever come out of Idol - even after 9 years - and is often called the best contestant EVER. Well, I would say she's had an amazing post-Idol career - possibly one of my favorite post-Idol contestants. But somehow, that doesn't play into my favorites. Yes, it can affect a little - case in point, Brooke White - but it can just do so much.

Kelly was an absolute stand out on Season 1, even from her very first live performance. She was definitely my favorite of the night, and I was so glad she moved on. Really. Imagine what the competition would have been like without her! Travesty. Haha. Well, it's kind of hard for me to really analyze the progression of Season 1, since I knew all of the results before even watching, but from what I understand it took a while for Kelly to become a frontrunner. Somehow, it seemed that even after a few weeks into the Finals, Tamyra Gray and Justin Guarini were still the ones who were expected to do better than any other contestants. I even read somewhere that Tamyra lead the betting odds, followed by Justin, then Kelly.

I guess the main thing that disappointed me about Season 1 was - well, the main thing was really the lack of great talent in the Top 10 - but the other worst thing about that season was how karaoke Idol was. Haha. I mean, when did Kelly or any of the other contestants, for that matter, really show any musical relevance? Probably never! At least, not that I can think of. Quite frankly, Kelly would've killed it in a more recent season, I think. I would've loved to hear the types of performances she would do and I wonder if she would've gone the pop-rock route on the show. Anyway, my point is that watching Season 1 back, all I got from Kelly Clarkson was an outstanding karaoke version of the songs and not much more. It was a bit disappointing although it's not her fault.

Now, was Kelly the rightful winner? Honestly, a part of me would've liked Tamyra Gray to win Season 1 - or at least make the final two - but I don't think she could've had nearly the success Kelly did. So, yes, Kelly was the right winner. But if I'm being honest, when the name Kelly Clarkson comes to mind, I instantly think of everything she has done post-Idol and that's not to say she wasn't great on the show because I thought she had an amazing voice. However, the first season, as I've said, was definitely more karaoke compared to the seasons after that and the song choices were much more limited since the show was still in its incipient stages and hadn't yet earned its credibility. Therefore, Kelly just got to live up to her true potential after the show. 

That's why I cannot rank her any higher than this if I'm being completely real. When I first set up my rankings a few months ago, Kelly was about a couple of spots higher than this - just like Carrie Underwood. But a big part of that was because I almost felt obligated to have her that high. But alas, I am keeping my list 100% real! So, deal with it. Haha.

Now, as I've said, I didn't watch Season 1 but I definitely liked what I already knew about Kelly, and it just got better with her debut album, Thankful. Yes, I wasn't entirely a Kelly Clarkson fan convert after that - even though I really enjoyed her single, Miss Independent - but it was her second album, Breakaway, that got me into the whole Clarkson bandwagon. Then, she released My December, and I thought I got to appreciate her as an artist even more. Truth be told, her progression as an artist really made me admire her more than anything else - aside from her amazing voice, of course.

Favorite performance(s): Kelly absolutely gave a ton of showstoppers in the first season. My favorite, however, was her sassy take on Stuff Like That There. Of course, Natural Woman was a classic Kelly performance and so was her coronation song, A Moment Like This.

Stuff Like That There

Natural Woman

A Moment Like This

Because Of You

Never Again

My Life Would Suck Without You