From soulful pop ballads with chicken clucks, to acoustic MJ and original songs, these American
Idol auditions brought star power so intense they could even light up Simon’s face.
Keep watching to find out more about these iconic performances.
Long before she became a Grammy-winning singing sensation, Carrie Underwood was just another
nervous American Idol hopeful.
Of course, she didn't need to worry: between her sunny demeanor and adorable humility,
she proved to be likable right from the start.
During her interview, the singer spoke about living a, quote, "simple" day-to-day life
on a farm, stating that she loved animals and would even get up early to help her dad
feed their cows.
Underwood expressed her desire to move on to the next round, saying that she'd never
even been on a plane but, quote, "wanted to go to Hollywood really bad."
Singing Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me," Underwood gave a captivating performance,
with judges Jackson and Paula Abdul constantly encouraging her rich, passionate vocals.
The initial judgement from the notoriously critical Simon Cowell?
Quote, "Very good."
Underwood's stunning rendition naturally earned her a ticket to Hollywood, and she even showed
off another special talent of hers at Cowell's request.
Though it was far from the most impressive display of her skills that day, Underwood
announced:
"I have the ability to cluck like a chicken…”
“Okay, make it work, come on, make it work.”
“I can’t smile or I can’t do it.”
Nowadays, the fifteen-time Grammy-award winner Kelly Clarkson is known for being a pop superstar.
However, back on the first season of American Idol, Clarkson was just a promising talent
with a big dream.
In her interview with Ryan Seacrest, a 20-year-old Clarkson joked with the host that she was
going to be a fashion designer if singing didn't pan out.
She even showed off a classically 2000s top she made from repurposed denim.
Of course, once Clarkson performed her lights-out rendition of Madonna's "Express Yourself”
for the judges, it became clear that she wasn’t in need of a backup plan.
Instantly bubbly and charismatic, Clarkson even palled around with the judges, pretending
to critique Randy Jackson while sitting on the panel alongside Paula Abdul and Simon
Cowell.
All three judges said yes to Clarkson going to Hollywood, with Cowell jokingly adding
that that she could go, so long as she delivered a style message to host Ryan Seacrest:
“You have to fix your highlights”
Though it would seem that Clarkson was born to be a star, she would later tell The Guardian
in a 2011 interview:
"I had no idea what the show was until the third audition.
My goal was just to be a backup singer — I never intended to be in front."
Jordin Sparks would go on to win her season of Idol, and become a celebrated singer and
Grammy-nominated artist.
But before all that could happen, she had to get through to Hollywood.
In her tryout, the then-16-year-old Sparks stated that she had a longtime passion for
singing, and had been eagerly waiting to meet Idol’s age requirement so she could finally
appear on the show.
After a warm introduction with the judges, Sparks won Simon Cowell’s initial approval
with her song choice of Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me.”
Showing off plenty of range, Sparks gave the judges a technically impressive and heartfelt
performance to mostly positive reviews, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
While Randy Jackson and Paul Abdul were blown away by Sparks, Cowell called her act, quote,
"a bit too cutesy, a bit over the top."
His constructive criticism was met with determined protest from Paula, who was immediately charmed
by Sparks’ luminous smile and expressiveness while singing.
Although Cowell admitted to liking Sparks, he continued to oppose his fellow judges'
verdict that she had delivered a perfect performance:
“Everything was perfect”
“It wasn’t — it wasn’t perfect”
“I’ll make a prediction – I think you’re gonna do really well.”
Looking back on the judges’ words, the audience would definitely agree that by winning the
season, Sparks did a lot more than just ‘well’.
Today, the fabulous R&B artist Fantasia Barrino is a Grammy-winning singer, actress, and producer.
In 2004, Barrino jump started her career with an Idol audition during the show’s third
season.
During her interview, the then-19-year-old hopeful told viewers what reactions she expected
to get from the judges.
While she believed Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul would enjoy her performance, she said
she expected, quote, "a little trouble out of Simon.”
Once she was in front of the judges, the calm-and-collected Barrino said she was determined to make it
as an artist regardless of how her Idol experience worked out.
The young contestant then gave a moving, vocally-rich performance of Lauryn Hill’s "Killing Me
Softly."
As predicted, Jackson responded to the "Truth Is" artist positively, saying, quote, "This
girl can sing," while Abdul agreed, calling her, quote, "a strong, wonderful singer."
Cowell's initial reaction was also favorable, but he questioned her role in the competition:
“I always try and imagine people at this stage – where you go throughout the competition,
because you have such a distinct voice.”
At Jackson's suggestion that Barrino sing another song to give them an idea of her range,
she gave her dynamic rendition of Tina Turner’s "Proud Mary."
With judges convinced of her talent and versatility, Barrino sailed through to the Hollywood round,
with Cowell admitting, quote "I actually think you're one of the best we ever had."
Barrino would live up to the hype, as she ultimately went on to win her season.
He would go on to be a successful singer, actor, producer, and director, but before
all that could happen, Clay Aiken first had to get his foot in the door.
The Idol hopeful tried out for the second season of the series, striding into his audition
fully confident of a positive outcome.
Simon Cowell was less than impressed by Aiken’s claim that he was "the American Idol" and
asked, underhandedly, if he had watched the show before.
Aiken’s response?
“You had some good talent, you had some good talent, but I think, uh, as far as the
top ten goes, I could’ve been up there.”
Aiken announced he would be singing Heatwave’s "Always and Forever," and delivered a performance
that genuinely lived up to the singer's prior statements.
Though his vocals were unquestionably stunning, Cowell bluntly stated that Aiken didn't, quote,
"look like a pop star.”
Randy Jackson similarly echoed Cowell's words, apparently astonished that a contestant that
didn't physically meet their expectations could be a fantastic singer.
Unshaken, Aiken nudged them to move him on to the next round and leave the final decision
up to America.
With that, the judges agreed that Aiken should get a ticket to Hollywood.
True to his words once again, and with a chic new haircut and wardrobe, Aiken would be the
runner-up for his season of Idol.
Melinda Doolittle would go on to become an Idol fan favorite and later release her debut
album, Coming Back to You to rave reviews.
But back in her 2007 interview, the then-background-singer looked wide-eyed and timid, and she admitted
to being so nervous at taking center stage that her hands were shaking.
When asked by Simon Cowell if she wanted the artists she sang backup vocals for to, quote,
"fall off the stage" so she could take the spotlight, Doolittle earnestly responded that
she felt most comfortable in the background.
However, the artist admitted that she had to face her fears and challenge herself.
Doolittle sang Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life," giving a smooth and energetic rendition
of the song.
Though the judging panel was dazzled by her performance, Randy Jackson had some concerns
over Doolittle’s clear insecurity:
“If you’re a background singer for a long time, I don’t know if you can really come
upfront and be that solo singer.”
However, given that Doolittle’s vocal performance was one of the best they had ever heard, Randy
and the other judges all agreed.
When it came to whether or not Doolittle would move on to Hollywood, the answer was, quote,
"One million percent yes.”
His distinctive grey hair might have made him stand out among the normally young Idol
performers, but it was Taylor Hicks' voice that really separated him from the rest of
the contestants.
During his interview, the Season 5 hopeful stated that he was a life-long performer with
a passion for music and entertainment.
Hicks added that he was happy with his more mature appearance, saying,
"I'm not trying to be somebody different, I'm not having somebody trying to make me
look any different."
In the audition room, Hicks started with Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come."
Showing off effortlessly smooth vocals, Hicks performed with incredible honesty, no doubt
imagining his dream was coming true.
Paula Abdul was pleasantly surprised with Hicks’ talent, though she clearly wanted
more from his stage presence, as she asked him to sing something else.
Hicks expressively snapped and moved his feet to a couple bars of "Swanee River," which
earned him praise from all three judges.
However, Simon Cowell was not ultimately convinced of Hicks’ likability and voted against his
progress in the competition:
“This is a guy who should be singing backgrounds, not in the spotlight.”
On one of the rare occasions where Cowell proved to be dead wrong, Hicks went on to
win his season.
Katharine McPhee's unquestionable talent would lead her to become a successful recording
artist and actress of the stage and screen.
However, before her regular television appearances, McPhee got her start with an audition for
American Idol at the age of twenty one.
In the audition room, McPhee and the judges bantered about the looming, though supportive,
presence of her mother, a vocal teacher who instructed McPhee from when she was a little
girl.
The singer even agreed with Simon Cowell's comment that her mother was, quote, "possibly
living her career" through her daughter.
The Smash star then sang Billie Holiday’s "God Bless the Child," wowing the judges with
her commanding pop and soul infused performance.
The entire panel was immediately convinced of McPhee’s idol quality, with the often
harsh Cowell praising her for a keenly contemporary sound.
Their heaps of praise and affirmative votes brought a surprising emotional reaction from
McPhee:
“You should be excited.
Your mom’s gonna be proud.”
“I never thought I would cry for this.”
Ultimately, McPhee's impressive voice earned her the runner-up finish in Season 5.
With a background in theater, it's no wonder that Adam Lambert delivered so many attention-grabbing
performances on the Idol stage.
Little did he know that his Idol performances, starting with his downright regal audition
for the show’s eighth season, would skyrocket him to international stardom.
In his interview, the "Whataya Want From Me" singer talked about his entertainment background,
having just performed as Fiyero’s understudy in the L.A. production of Wicked.
Of his new ambitions for the Idol stage, he said:
“I wanna go out there and fearlessly just give them a show.”
Lambert made a bold choice with Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody,” offering an emotional
and energetic couple bars of the rock classic.
His take earned him praise straightaway, though Simon had no problem expressing his concern
that while Lambert's voice was good, he also found the "If I Had You" singer to be too
"theatrical."
Regardless, Cowell, Abdul, Jackson and guest judge Kara DioGuardi all gave Lambert a yes.
It’s safe to say these judges were relieved after a clearly taxing audition season.
“Can I try it over?”
“Akila, I don’t think we can do anymore songs”
“Please, just one more, please, please!”
The musical creative would go on to be the runner-up for the eighth season, and even
fill Freddie Mercury’s shoes as the new frontman for Queen.
Phillip Phillips proved you can save the best for last during the Savannah auditions in
Idol’s eleventh season.
The "Home" artist would go on to win Season 11 of Idol, but he proved he had star quality
right from the get-go.
During his interview, the 20-year-old spoke about how much he treasured his father’s
unconditional support in his music career.
Producers spoke to Phillip's father, who gushed over his son's talent, as well as Phillip’s
mother, who gushed over Ryan Seacrest:
“Now I got to tell you, I’ve watched it every year since you’ve been on and you
are more handsome every year.
Not as handsome as my husband, but you are close.”
The folk-rock artist started his audition with a lively version of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition."
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with judge Jennifer Lopez noticing, quote,
"It's like you have electricity going through your body."
At Randy Jackson's request, Phillips grabbed his acoustic guitar and gave a second powerful
performance, singing the Michael Jackson classic "Thriller."
With sum-total zero doubts amongst the superstar panel of Lopez, Jackson, and Stephen Tyler,
there was nothing left for the judges to do but send Phillips to Hollywood.
Nowadays, Jennifer Hudson is well on her way to earning the coveted EGOT award grand-slam.
But before she became a household name, she got her start on Idol’s third season in
2004.
The sunny Chicago native had just finished working as a theatrical performer on a Disney
cruise ship before making her way to the Idol tryouts.
However, the Empire actor reassured the judges’ panel that her audition would exceed any ocean-bound
Disney performance.
Though immediately humble and personable, in response to Randy Jackson's prompting,
Hudson agreed that she was the next American Idol.
The Dreamgirls actor performed Aretha Franklin's "Share Your Love with Me" with unparalleled
technical talent and emotional insight, earning especially high praise from Randy.
“Brilliant.
Absolutely brilliant, the best singer I’ve heard so far.
Brilliant.”
It came as no surprise that the votes for Hudson’s progress to Hollywood were all
a straightforward “Yes.”
And though she would ultimately come in seventh place, JHud is definitely a winner in Idol
fans’ hearts.
Kellie Pickler would go on to have a successful career in entertainment, releasing music and
hosting her own Daytime Emmy nominated talk show called Pickler & Ben, along with journalist
Ben Aaron.
Still, before she could become a star, she had to overcome the judges panel in her Season
5 Idol audition.
In her interview, the cheerful 19-year-old told Idol viewers about her life in a small
town with her grandfather.
She revealed a truly heart-wrenching backstory about her mother’s absence and father’s
persistent drug abuse:
“It’s hard to see somebody that you care about, especially your own father, locked
up in prison.”
But despite her hardships, the young contestant radiated optimism throughout the audition
process.
Chatting with the judges beforehand, Pickler admitted that she rarely sang in front of
other people.
While this explanation could have preceded a not-so-great performance, Pickler's rendition
of "Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" proved the young contestant had
a powerful voice.
The talk-show host provided another mini-performance to show off her powerhouse vocals, singing
Martina McBride’s "A Broken Wing."
Though Cowell noted that she was, quote, "oversinging" slightly, all three judges ultimately agreed
that Pickler’s winning personality was something special, and they sent her on to the next
round.
Multi-talented creative and self-proclaimed "social media personality" Todrick Hall has
not only made a name for himself in on-screen entertainment.
He's also a Broadway star, with recent stints in Waitress and Kinky Boots.
However, with all his accomplishments, not everyone remembers that Hall was also on American
Idol.
Nevertheless, his standout audition was definitely one for the Idol history books.
The confident Hall wanted to make sure his tryout was unique beyond any doubt, so he
sang a special original piece, written with the Idol judges in mind.
Hall's song was a melodic parody that incorporated messages to the judges and jokes about the
antics of prior contestants.
While his clever lyrics clearly amused Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and guest judge Joe
Jonas, Simon Cowell appeared less than impressed.
“I think you’re a good singer.
I think it was a cutesy audition.
Voice wise, I’m not jumping out of my chair.”
Even so, all four judges eventually said yes, earning Hall his ticket to Hollywood.
He would make it to the Top 16 before being eliminated.
Check out one of our newest videos right here!
Plus, even more The List videos about your favorite superstars are coming soon.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell so you don't miss a single one.