Joe's Jams 12.18.08: Top Ten Songs Performed By American Idol Artists

Posted by Joe Rivett on 12.18.2008

Ruben Studdard, Kelly Clarkson and Daughtry show up twice while Sanjaya and Kevin Covais get no love...



With American Idol returning in a month and the never ending drama that is Paula Abdul, I thought this would be a good time to make a top ten list of my favorite songs performed by American Idol Artists. To all the Sanjaya fans out there, as good as Bésame Mucho was, it could not crack the list. I apologize.



10. "Tattoo" by Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks was an interesting contestant as she was overlooked for awhile but by the last few weeks, she easily stood out as the best. Not only is this song the perfect pop song but it is a great simile to use on the ladies.



9. "Sorry 2004" by Ruben Studdard

I just love the lyrics: "All them strip clubs, All them hot tubs." The fact that he says "Damn" before "I'm sorry" cracks me up too.



8. "Last Name" by Carrie Underwood

The year Carrie Underwood won was so anti-climatic due to the lack of competition, (Sorry Bo Bice). For country this is actually a heavy song. Usually a guy doesn't remember a chick's last name so it is refreshing to hear it the other way around.



7. "Since You've Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson

American idol needs to feature artists that can rock out and this song is the perfect example of how a poppy rock tune sells better than anything else. I never watched American Idol regularly until this song came out. I also like how much the bass is featured.



6. "Superstar" by Ruben Studdard

Ruben Studdard has not had a great career but that does not take away from his talent. This is a remake of the Carpenters classic which is a difficult song to sing. He shows of his incredible range including his upper register in this one.



5. "Wait For You" by Elliott Yamin

Elliott Yamin has the incredible ability to sound like a black man sort of the way Rick Astley fooled us in the early 90s. I still remember laughing when Paula Abdul cried her ass off when he left the show. It is not that I have anything against human emotion, but after reading about the Halocaust, I guess I can't get too worked up over Elliott Yamin leaving.



4. "Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson

This is one of the most difficult songs to sing. Every time an American Idol contestant tries it, they can't do it. This song reminds me of the overprotective parents I come across at my daughter's day care. Let your child stray from the sidewalk! She later did a duet with Reba and it was unnecessary and awful. Anyway, a great song with an excellent bridge.



3. "What I Want" by Daughtry

I bought this album for my wife but I listen to it more than she does. When I listened to this album, this song caught my attention the most. I was shocked at how heavy it was and how solid the guitar was. I later read that Slash played the guitar part – go figure.



2. "Truth Is" by Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia is probably the best pure singer to ever win American Idol. She has a throwback/unique voice that most singers don't have. Yes, Jennifer Hudson can sing and so could Melinda Doolittle but you know when you hear Fantasia instantly the way you know Mick Jagger.



1. "Home" by Daughtry

I'm still in a state of shock that Chris Daughtry never won American Idol and somehow Taylor no talent Hicks did. I never liked this song at first but it steadily grew on me. Maybe having a family now makes the lyrics more meaningful. The orchestral part adds a nice touch as well. I usually recommend songs to download but this is a solid album for the right price.