Can you believe we’re on the 14th season of American Idol? It doesn’t seem possible that it’s been going on for that long, but the show started before either of my children were born. I admit I still watch a lot of TV, and Idol has always been a guilty pleasure of mine. I’m usually not a big fan of reality TV shows, but make it a talent competition – especially a singing competition – and I’m interested.
We didn’t start watching American Idol until season three. (But I’m still a Kelly Clarkson fan.) Season three was the year of the infamous William Hung, with his terrible rendition of “She Bangs” that ensured he didn’t get any further. (Thank goodness.) But more importantly, that was also the season of Fantasia Barrino and Jennifer Hudson. I remember how impressed I was with the talent on display that season, and we watched every episode faithfully, cheering as Fantasia won the crown that year.
Beyond the talent, I loved the judges setup, too. You could count on Paula to say something nice to the performer, no matter how bad the performance. Randy was always the middle-man: you never knew which way he would go with his comments. And then there was Simon, the harsh voice of reality in the industry. I appreciated his blunt critiques and the high bar that was set to impress him. Most of the time, I agreed with him, too. I was hooked at that point.
When season four started, we watched all of the audition rounds and never missed an episode. It was difficult to not get caught up in the moving stories of the singers – for some, this was their one chance to get out of a bad situation and make a name for themselves. While I liked pop music, I was also a fan of rock, and this season gave me more variety with Constantine Maroulis and Bo Bice giving a rock edge to many of their performances. I will never forget Constantine’s performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” that season – that was the first song that I ever actively sought out to download onto my (new at the time) iPod.
Perhaps my favorite seasons, though, were seasons five and seven. Season five was the year that Taylor Hicks won American Idol, but I still remember it as the season of Chris Daughtry. I don’t think anyone heard his version of Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive” and had any doubt that he was a star. We were fans of his for a few reasons. He was an older contestant, working to raise a family, and we identified with him, having a daughter of our own at that point. When he was eliminated at the top four, we were stunned and furious. Thankfully, like so many other Idol alumni, that didn’t stop him, and we were thrilled to attend the first concert in Columbus a few years later for his band, Daughtry.
You will have to take my word for it that the backlit singer in the photo is Daughtry. 2010 iPhones weren’t great in concert settings.
But Chris Daughtry paved the way for David Cook in season seven. Another rock singer, I was stunned at his arrangement of Lionel Richie’s song, “Hello,” turning what always seemed to be a soft melody into a rock anthem. But I was even more impressed during Mariah Carey week, where each of the singers – even the guys – had to perform a Mariah Carey song. Of all of the contestants, I wondered how he’d be able to make a song work. Yet his original arrangement of “Always Be My Baby” is now probably my favorite song of his, and definitely my favorite arrangement ever of that song. (It remains in my iTunes playlists, along with a few of his other songs.) Never have I been so invested in a reality TV show as I was that season, jumping out of my seat and clapping when David Cook was announced as the winner.
The tagline of “Superstars Made Here” is truth in advertising: had it not been for American Idol, there are several great stars that we might never have had the chance to hear. No other show has produced this many top singers. Idol’s alumni have sold more than 60 million albums, have garnered more 250 million downloads and have been certified with 20 Platinum and 13 Gold records; and more than 70 Idol contestants have been on the Billboard charts with 440 songs attaining No.1 Billboard hit status. Idol contestants have conquered Broadway, television and film, and have won numerous awards and accolades, including American Country Music Awards, Country Music Awards, Grammy Awards and an Academy Award. Not bad for 13 completed seasons of a talent show!
The new season of American Idol is on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8/7c on FOX, and it’s already shaping up to be a solid season of talent, based off of the auditions I’ve seen so far. I was really impressed with the vocalists coming out of the Nashville auditions alone. Reality TV that focuses on the drama between contestants just isn’t for me. I prefer the focus to be on solid talent, and American Idol is the best at delivering that. (Other than Hollywood Week, which always has a little drama with it.) The show keeps drawing me back in because I love the chance to hear new, fantastic singers.
What about you – which singer was your favorite from past American Idol seasons? Will you be watching this season? Tell me in the comments to enter for a chance to win $100 VISA gift card.
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Scotty or Carrie underwood
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/563070519399153665
Scotty was my favorite he is so talented and I love his voice. I might watch the new season.
https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/563150403110723585
My all time favorite American Idol is of course Carrie Underwood.
My favorite was Kelly Clarkson; i am not sure if I am going to watch the new season.
my tweet https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/563336555839102976
I admire Jennifer Hudson for all she’s accomplished. My favorite season of American Idol was Season 7, though. I was a big Jason Castro fan at the time.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/563338069332733952
I like Carrie Underwood the best! And I am watching American Idol. There are a lot of great singers this season. My favorite is Shannon Berthiaume.
my email jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com
I like Carrie Underwood the best! And I am watching American Idol. There are a lot of great singers this season. My favorite is Shannon Berthiaume.
Tweet Entry
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/563341781790519296
Gosh, I’d probably still have to say Kelly Clarkson.
My favorite from past American Idol seasons would have to be Carrie Underwood.
Tweeted here: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/563357047383543809
Ruben Studdard is my favorite. And I will catch a few episodes this season.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/563369306193682433
I like Carrie Underwood. I might watch the new season
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/563385468423647232
So glad you mentioned Daughtry! His “Love Lies Bleeding” haunts me still. Definitely Daughtry.
Hmmm…maybe I’ll be alone on this one, but I love Adam Lambert. Especially liked when he was on the auditions this year.
tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/563432945487073280
My favorite American Idol from past season is Carrie Underwood! I am watching this season. It is very good!
carrie underwood!
mjf926 at gmail dot com
tweeted
https://twitter.com/MelindaJoy926/status/564206136476598272
Kelly Clarkson was my favorite from past seasons.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/564280859021549568
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/564280859021549568.
Carrie Underwood! I’ve been watching American Idol this season on hulu.
I sent out a tweet!
https://twitter.com/electricstar/status/564544789891543041
i really like Carrie underwood and Kelly Clarkson
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/564546040280662016
My favorite singer from American Idol is Carrie Underwood
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/564585745059688448
My all time favorite American Idol is Kelly Clarkson and I also like Jennifer Hudson 🙂
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/564620011184992258
carrie underwood for sure.
Loved Kelly Clarkson!
I think my favorite was Jennifer Hudson.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/564762475481292800
I have no favorite from past American Idol seasons nor will I be watching this season
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/564781607253729280
Carrie Underwood is my favorite.
Thanks so much.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/564796141955710976
Thanks again.
I have many favorites, including David Cook, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood. But my favorites are a tie between Kris Allen and Jason Castro.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/564822718894190592
Ruben Studdard is my favorite
I have never watched American Idol.
My favorite is Jennifer Hudson.
[email protected]
I really only watched the first season and whatever season Christ Daughtry was on, after that, too many similar shows came out and it was the same thing over and over. I like rock music which is genearlly not featured on these types of shows. My favorite was Chris Daughtry
I don’t have a favorite quiet yet, but we are enjoying watching Idol!
Kelly Clarkson is my favorite past American Idol singer. She's had a successful career but seems to have stayed a real person.
Carrie Underwood has been my all time favorite idol. I am currently watching the new season and love it so far!
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/564863405224652800
I always really liked Jordin Sparks.
My favorite Idol from the past has to be Phillip Phillips 🙂 He’s the one whose songs I listen to the most. I haven’t watched the show since the first seasons, however, so I won’t be watching this season either. It’s just not my bag! 🙂
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/564866679520641024
my favorite is Justin from the 1st season
Love Carrie Underwood!
Carrie Underwood.
I will try to watch this season. My favorite is Katherine McPhee.
I loved Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lambert. Will watch when gets down to the final 10. tvollowitz at aol dot com
I loved Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lambert. Will watch when gets down to the final 10. tvollowitz at aol dot com
Kelly clarkson
My favorite past contestant was Carrie Underwood. I love her music! I plan to watch this season, can’t wait to see the new music talents!
My favorite from past Idols is Bo Bice and I am watching this season.
Adam Lambert is my all time favorite. I missed a couple of nights this year but I’ll be watching!
https://twitter.com/pantherpaw327/status/564947288792252417
Kelly Clarkson is my very favorite American Idol. Thank you!
I am a Carrie Underwood fan.
Phillip Phillips
My favorite was Stefano Langone – thank you.
Oh yes watching this season!
thank you
Tweeted here
https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/564982084943740929
i love ruben he is still my fave
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/564992730728640513
My favourite AI person is Justin Guarini.
Carrie Underwood is my favorite american idol winner
i liked carrie underwood. not watching this year
I am not sure who to vote for since I do not watch much
Kelly Clarkson was my all time favorite. I will be watching this season.
I like adam lambert he’s has a good voice!
Taylor Hicks
My all time favorite is Carrie Underwood, but I don’t watch it much anymore
Jordan Sparks
My favorite is Carrie Underwood. I won't be watching this season, due to my schedule.
My favorite was Bo Bice. Thank you for the giveaway!
I tweeted–https://mobile.twitter.com/DonnaJacoby2014/status/565215039641382912.
ruben is whom i like best!
I got caught up in some of the very early American Idol shows.. The first seasons. I think it’s lost a lot of its flare since then. As much as I hate to say… It was kind of fun to watch simon :/ I liked Clay a lot too
I’ve never watched American Idol.
I always watch.
I miss Simon!
Mr. Adam Lambert!
Carrie Underwood all the way, she’s still my fave! 🙂 We have it DVR’d with this current season but haven’t had much time to watch it yet with a new little one.
Carrie Underwood.
I like Kelly Clarkson
The last time I watched Carrie Underwood was on. I like her. 🙂
Love that rock
My favorite singer from American Idol is Kelly Clarkson. I won’t be watching this season. I stopped watching the show a few years ago.
My favorite is Jennifer Hudson. She has such an amazing voice.
I Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/565305464423202816
I have watched every season since the beginning. A lot of my favorites did not win, but I would have to say my favorite winner (besides the first Kelly Clarkson), was Phil Phillips. He is so cute! I have seen 3 different Idol tours! It is early but I am rooting for Jax this season (she is from my home town_.
I like Carrie Underwood! will probably watch this season.
I like carrie underwood the most
tweeted
Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are my favorites
https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/565325285886029825
my favorite now is kelly clarkson
Kelly Clarkson is one of my favorites! Yes we will be watching.
Carrie Underwood
Adam Lambert rocks
Adam Lambert
I loved Jennifer Hudson, such a powerful voice!
https://twitter.com/SeymaShabbir/status/565348954108592130
Carrie Underwood was my favorite. I won’t be watching.
I liked Casey Abrams and James Durbin.
My favorite is Carrie Underwood. Thanks.
There are so many great singers but I think my favorite is still Kelly Clarkson! Yes, my family will be watching this year!
Chris Daughtry is my all time favorite AI. I have gotten to meet him about 7 times. My next favorite is Adam Lambert. And I did meet him twice. He is a real sweetheart through and through.
https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/565392125056253953
I always look forward to the vast variety that is featured every year on American Idol.
Tweeted -https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/565393187494428672
I have to say Carrie Underwood was my favorite performer on Idol. I’m not able to watch it this year due to my work schedule and no DVR!
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/565403722260688898
Carrie Underwood was my favorite. Will catch a few episodes.
I’ve loved a bunch of them, two of my favorites are David Cook and Daughtry. I watch Idol but don’t always get to watch the whole thing!
https://twitter.com/mjzimelc/status/565439112849936385?s=17
kelly clarkson
I really liked David Cook.
https://twitter.com/mgoss123/status/565486935456890882
My favorite was kelly clarkson and I will be watching..I love that show!
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/565487327779520516
Carrie Underwood was my favorite. I do plan to watch the new season.
Reuben studdard
Carrie Underwood is my favorite idol!
I tweeted ~ https://twitter.com/ClairFreebie/status/565522454387646464
Kelly Clarkson was my favorite, but not sure if I will watch this season
Clay Aiken and Yes I am planning on watching this season.
Hmmm I never actually watch to the end….I usually watch the beginning few weeks and then fall off 😉
Kelly Clarkson, no not going to watch the new season.
Carrie Underwood
https://twitter.com/dddiva/status/565562955748900865
I liked Kelly Clarkson
https://twitter.com/canexican1/status/565563986889162754
TWEETED TOO! https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/565568324583825408
I WAS A FAN OF CANDICE GLOVER, THE SEASON 12 WINNER! I’D LOVE TO WATCH THIS SEASON BUT I’VE BEEN SO BUSY!
Rueben Studdard would be my all time favorite!
Carrie Underwood is still my favorite of all time and I will be watching the new season.
David Cook was my favorite. I don’t watch AI anymore.
Carrie Underwood is my favorite.
I loved Kelly Clarkson
tweeted
https://twitter.com/tomgibson3770/status/565582662006747136
Favorite: Kelly Clarkson. I’m not watching this year.
https://twitter.com/miriama59/status/565586203706392578
I don’t really have a favorite, I do love Carrie Underwood. I have too much going on right now, I probably will not be watching this season!
Carrie Underwood was my favorite
Daughtry was my favorite! I was sad when he got cut!
https://twitter.com/Giantsis/status/565598137721835521
I like Clay Akins.
I tweeted at: https://twitter.com/CoreyOlomonWA/status/565598986862854144
I liked David Archuleta the best even though he didn’t win
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/565601860879646722
I would say Chris Daughtry, my gf loves him and has traveled state to state to see him. Then Adam Lambert I love how flashy he is 🙂
Dohtrey!!! Then Carrie Underwood! 🙂 American Idol Rocks!
My favorite contestant was Reuben Studdard! I have not watched the last couple of seasons because of the judges but I used to watch all the time.
I love the show and I really have to go with Scotty!
https://twitter.com/Silverkat47/status/565619723413753856
I don't watch american idol, so I really don't know any of the singers and I really don't plan on watching it anytime soon.
I’m still a fan of Carrie Underwood.
Will not be watching.
Female would be Carrie Underwood and Male would be Phillip Phillips!
Kelly Clarkson – you really felt like a star was being born on that show.
the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson! my favorite! I haven’t had a chance to watch the last 3 seasons of the show
KC
my tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/565662074517610496
I haven’t been watching this season.
My favorite is Carrie Underwood.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/565681043307790338
Carrie Underwood by far.
It’s a toss up, but honestly I still really liked the first with Kelly Clarkson. I’ll try to keep up this season! [email protected]
carrie underwood is me favorite and no, I won't be watching this year
[email protected]
I tweeted! =)
https://twitter.com/lilahshea/status/565731168314986496
[email protected]
I’ve always liked Katharine McPhee. She has an amazing voice.
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/566247337102954496
I love Kelly Clarkson.
https://twitter.com/618mom23boys/status/573131716036063232?lang=en