Top 10 American Idols

Talent is never in short supply on "American Idol," but the true talent doesn't always win.

In the first five seasons of "American Idol," three of the five winners deserve to make the All-Time Top 10 American Idol list. Two of the winners -- Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks -- don't even crack the Top 10.

Of all the singers who have graced the Kodak Theatre stage in the last five seasons, these are the best of the best:

10. Tamyra Gray
It's incredible that Gray finished fourth in Season 1, especially since the marginally talented Justin Guarini was one of those ahead of her. Gray became one of the early favorites, especially with show-stopping efforts like Burt Bacharach's "A House is Not a Home." Gray went on to make a name for herself starring in "Boston Public," which gave her a forum to showcase her vocal talent.

9. Carrie Underwood
America's sweetheart. Winner of Season 4 and a proven commercial success. Her debut album, "Some Hearts," went quadruple platinum and is the fastest-ever selling female country album. Week after week Underwood consistently delivered stellar performances, most notably Roy Orbison's "Cryin' " and Heart's "Alone." She was never in the bottom 3. Always passionate, emotional and professional but never over the top.

8. Kimberley Locke
Powerful, determined and not what you'd expect of an American Idol. Locke broke the mold that looking good in a belly shirt was a requirement to advance. The full-figured diva could really turn it on when she wanted and finished third in Season 2, despite landing in the bottom 3 several times early in the season. Blessed with a wonderful alto voice, Locke was by far the best of the girls, finishing third to Studdard and Clay Aiken.

7. Bo Bice
Despite coming off as a "good 'ol boy" at first glance, Bice was one of the best talents to grace the stage. His versatility and charming personality were welcome attributes for a show that routinely features big egos and shallow perspectives. Bice soared through Season 4, finishing runner-up to Underwood. Memorable moments included his covers of Jim Croce's "Time in a Bottle," the Ides of March's "Vehicle" and The Allman Brothers' "Whipping Post." Bice gracefully cut across genres and created his own lyrical spirit.

6.  Katharine McPhee
Her "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was one of the show's most memorable moments. How she finished second to Taylor Hicks in Season 5 is beyond comprehension. Just off a recent tour with Andrea Bocelli, McPhee is releasing her debut album next month. Her powerful, breathtaking vocals and charismatic stage presence (including the wardrobe malfunction) perked ears and turned heads week after week.

5. LaToya London
Ms. Automatic from Season 3. Perhaps there has been no contestant with the week-in, week-out consistency of London. She never had a bad performance and her singing was terrific. She had an uncanny sense of dynamics, and was clinically professional with each song. Despite her talent, she only finished fourth. It may have been her low-key personality that hurt her chances. Her version of "Somewhere" from "West Side Story" is one of the show's all-time best performances.

4. Chris Daughtry
Cut from the cloth of powerful angst-rock singers, Daughtry followed in Bice's footsteps as a promoter of rock music on what had pretty much been an all-pop show. Daughtry was all-business-all-the-time, ignoring a safe approach by choosing songs like Queen's "Innuendo" and "Styx's "Renegade." His version of Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line" was highly original. Despite his talent, Daughtry only finished fourth. He just released his debut album after turning down an offer to front the band Fuel.

3. Fantasia Barrino
Season 3's winner arguably holds the show's best performance with her version of "Summertime." Week after week Barrino wowed America and the judges, consistently putting in the evening's top performance. Once London was voted off, it was inevitable that Barrino ("just call me Fantasia") would be crowned. Barrino's power, range and personality played well together. Of the five seasons, she was probably the only "lock" to win it all from the outset. She was that good.

2. Kelly Clarkson
America's darling. She holds a special place as the singer who propelled "American Idol" to what it is today. Because she was the first winner, Clarkson holds classic status. Her powerful voice, commanding stage presence and ability to connect are qualities of a superstar.  With a Grammy in her pocket and two multi-platinum albums, Clarkson's victory was a harbinger of things to come.

1. Clay Aiken
The best singer to ever stand in front of Randy, Paula and Simon, period. Aiken's unique voice is unmatched. Invited back as a wildcard, Aiken wowed America with his version of Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and never faltered thereafter. Week after week he towered above the competition, but somehow lost to Studdard in the Season 2 finale.  He was one of three contestants never to appear in the bottom 3 (Clarkson and Underwood are the others). What makes Aiken No. 1 is that he's an original. Simply put, there are no comparisons.

Comments

[jdanton2]

i would have Tamyra Gray at #1 who also had several other tv shows to show off her acting and singing skills as well, Half & Half,Tru Calling,What I Like About You,All Of Us and Las Vegas .Tamyra also appeared on Broadway in Bombay Dreams and the movie The Gospel as well as a short film for H&M denims which was shown around the world. Tamyra also has done great things with her music as well . she released an incredible cd called The Dreamer in which she co wrote 12 out of 13 songs ,co wrote the season 3 winning song I Believe performed by Fantasia and Diana .Tamyra also co wrote 2 songs on the recent Jessica Simpson cd as well. by the way Tamyra recently married Sam Watters who was one of the co writers of the previous mentioned songs.

[Sam]

This was hardly written by a Claymate. First of all, he's a guy, idiot. So am I & I can see how unique & individual Clay Aiken is compared to just about anyone else from AI. The blog is about the voice, people, not about who's the most popular at this moment in time. The voice will always be there. This writer has a right to his own opinion & as a music educator, I agree with most of what he's said.

[Dean]

Totally agree with Clay as #1. His voice is pure and his vocal range amazing. Only singer I know that can do the glory notes and hit the lower register equally well. Sounds even better live. Every winner, every idol singer since has been compared to him, not Kelly or Carrie. Now #2 I will give to Carrie. Her voice is almost as pure but she does tend to sound shrill live sometimes. Been to her concerts, so please rabid Carrie fans don't tell me it isn't true. #3 to Kelly, not so much for her voice but because she changed her style to fit the "mold" so she got the sales for her second album. Getting more respect for all idols. However, she sounds way too much like the recorded version at her concerts as well. Many reporters have picked up on that. Or else her voice sounds harsh and strained. Been to her concerts and I prefer her recordings over live performances. Her more rabid fans need to deal with the fact that sales do not equate to the best voice. Spears is an good example of that.

[Danielle]

Clay *GAG* ge is no where near uniqe, he brings nothing new to the table, he's just a singer thats it, nothing else, he is sooo ugly as well, you should of put Kelly Clarkson has number one, that was your first mistake.

[Marissa]

CLAY IS SOOOOOO GROSS!!!!!Chris or Kelly or even Kat should be higher then him.

[Adalaigh]

I think that Kelly, and Carrie should be #1 over Clay IMO, they have a better voice then him, point blank.

[Daelynn]

BOOO CLAY, he is boring he puts me to sleep *YAWN*

[Caleb]

As a guy, you should of put Katharine as number one, not Clay, Clay looks like my ex hahaha

[Kylie]

ROCK ON KELLY YOU SHOULD BE NUMBER 1 OVER CLAY!!!!!!!!

[Tim Limbach]

Isn't it interesting how all the people here bashing Aiken write as if they're middle-schoolers? Whereas the folks who know a once-in-a-lifetime voice when they hear it have more well thought out positions? Get over it, children. Start your own blog if you can't handle the truth.

[Marjorie Backus]

UNMATCHED! dead on! every single one of the others have been "heard before" although Kelly & Carrie can really belt out those tunes, the unique sound and sytle is pure Clay!

[Lexa]

While I definitely agree with you that Clay Aiken IS the number 1 American Idol of which there could be no doubt and while I agree with you that Kelly Clarkson ranks number two...that's where it stops for me.

Taylor Hicks is definitely worthy of that title and should without a doubt be on that list. His talent is amazing and watch out when his CD drops.

Also not on the list is Constantine Maroulis. While he may have lost in the 6th place, his legions of fans still clamor for every bit of information from him. Certainly moreso than LaToya London or Tamyra Grey.

[Jan Scott]

Man - I have to agree with previous poster LEXA ....almost. I would put Connie before Taylor all day long.

But getting back to Clay....this wonderful man is a phenominom...a one-of-a-kind and a heart as big as all get out. There is no one like him.....anywhere. Long may he continue to do wonderful things, and entertain us with the voice that God must have given him.....because he is so worthy.

[Ann]

Rock On Clay!!! Clay Aiken will be the most successful and most popular Idol contestant ever when all is set and done. Clay Aiken has more fans, more talent, and more determination than all of the other Idol contestants combined. Also, Clay Aiken is more than just a fabulous singer. Clay Aiken is an incredible entertainer which all of the other Idol contestants lack. Clay Aiken Will Rule, Clay Aiken Does Rule, and Clay Aiken Rules!!!

[Achin4Aiken]

Clay IS the top 10!!!!

[ms]

I dont understand why Katherine is on the list at all. Elliott Yamin was a far better singer than she was. Yes, she's a very pretty girl, but so what? I agree with most of the list. Carrie should be higher and Elliott should be on it. As for the #1 spot Clay Aiken is the only real choice. His voice is the best they have ever had on the American Idol stage and it doesn't seem like they'll get anyone as good anytime soon. He's talented,smart,entertaining and very charismatic. The guy has stage presence and an incredible voice. He grabbed my attention from the moment he opened his mouth at his audition and I loved every moment he was on stage. Some people have IT and Clay Aiken has IT in spades. The guy is awesome. He's defintely #1!

[Rejenne]

This is absolutely on the money! I truly believe that CLAY AIKEN is the best contestant to ever gone on American Idol. By far, He's the best vocals to date.

[Maylon]

Still top of that list. People can go on and on about who gets all the sales and awards, that does not mean they are the most talented, just promoted by the media. Whether you like him or not Clay remains the best vocalist on Idol. A lot of people just do not know what a good vocalist is, these days. Very funny.