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

[Linda in Virginia]

Thank you, thank you, at last someone who really gets American Idol and I believe the best they have ever or likely will ever "The Aiken Icon".

Yes, Clay is not only a very talented singer, but he can also write when he feels the urge. Clay is also a personality, this is apparent to many of us who follow him and his career.
I do not care for Fantasia's kind of singing at all, nor Bo Bice. I can recognize that Chris Daughtry has a good voice and can sing, although I don't care for much of his kind of music. I think Elliot Yamin could replace Fantasia on that list or Bo Bice. All in all not much wrong with your list at all since you do recognize "THE BEST:.

[KnowsEverything]

Katharine, Kelly & Carrie should be top 3 :) The rest looks good!

[Lidija]

#1. Clay Aiken is the best. Love
him

[Kathy]

Yes, Clay will ALWAYS be No.1 in my book. I have noticed the last two performances on T.V. are a little sub-par for him. Cold, overworked vocal cords or something. He'll work it out. Take care Clay, you have a bunch of concerts coming up. One show had horrible sound behind him. Not his fault.

[Shasa]

Hehehe this is so funny. How did fantasia get on this list? Please, she makes lists that don't include idol contestants so of course she'd be on any list that includes idol contestants. She's the best that why she actually, you know, won.

[Linda Snyder]

Clay #1 ! Thank you!

[Michele]

You are so right with #1. Clay Aiken is by far the best.

[SaRaH]

Carrie # 9
Katherine #6
Kelly #2
this is all wrong!!!!

[SaRaH]

Carrie # 9
Katherine #6
Kelly #2
this is all wrong!!!!

[SaRaH]

oh and what about Vonzell???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

[SaRaH]

5.vonzell
4.Chris.
3.kelly
2.Kat
1.Carrie

[Janice]

Clay will always be #1 for me - he is the reason I'm listening to music again. A voice that is truly amazing and a true "American Idol". I would put Carrie at #2 and would add Elliot to the list and take Fanstasia off. Her voice hurts by ears.

[Jane]

Clay Number 1?That's bad!He isnt even that great!Agree with sarah carrie should be number 1!

[Jorge]

Yo.I know fo sure that this is all messed up.I gotta go with katherine cuz ya kno not only does she sing good but she is daaaammmmnnnn....fine!

[Rick]

Some of you don't seem to understand that this blog is talking about vocal quality, not sales or awards. In that regard, I don't think there can be any doubt that Clay Aiken should be #1 ... look at all the legends who have praised his perfect tone, pitch & range. He sounds like no one else, completely unique & blew everyone away as soon as he opened his mouth on IDOL. No one else has before or since. Clay is the biggest STAR to come out of IDOL because it is his destiny.

[Ann Marie]

WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT WHO MADE THIS WAS IT A 4TH GRADER THIS IS ALL WRONG.WHY IS EVERYONE SO OBSSESSED WITH CLAY KELLY CLARKSON IS THE BEST LOOK AT ALL HER AWARDS SHES THE MOST FAMOUS BY FAR CLAY FANS IF YOU WOULD HAVE HAD THIS MUCH SUPPORT DURING THE SEASON HE COULD HAVE WON BUT NO.... NOW YOU GO ON WEBSITES POSTING A MILLION COMMENTS.I TELL YOU IF ONLY IF ONLY

[Jorge]

Yo>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Rick Rick Rick.....Then y didnt your home bro win da competition?Huh..If hes the best to come out of aI????

[Walter]

Hey hey hey everybody.whats fantasia doing her.whats clay doing as #1?Whats carrie doing as #9?Carrie should at least be number 2.Oh well we all know these things are unbalanced.probably some "Clays #1 fan writing this".

[Summer What a Beautiful Name]

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THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY~

[Kasie P.]

What the CRAP! Carrie should be #1 not !9 why clay #1 he is GAY and rude to kelly ripa i cant stand him Carrie is so better than him Go Carrie

[Patti]

Loved your take on the Idols! While I loved Kelly and think she has an amazing voice and has done incredibly well commercially, Clay has been the one contestant with the most talent.

He is so unique that his handlers have not known what to do with him because he is that talented. He has not been marketed properly but that does not take away from the fact that he by far has been the most consistant and talented person on Idol.

Success in sales does not mean that person is not the best. He has been extremely successful in touring, why because he is absolutely magic when he is on stage live! Treat yourself and go see him, you will be amazed.

Absolutely correct in your #1 pick. He is the vocal find of the decade and longer! We have only begun to see the talent of this man!

[Dan]

I'm just telling it like it is ... There was no one better than Clay and it's unlikely we'll see this kind of unique talent for another 20 years. The originality of his voice is what truly sets him apart. There are no comparisons.

[n'est-ce pas, eh?]

Yes, Kasie p., Carrie has done a lot better than Simon, Randy and Paula ever expected her to do..and I think she's amazing, too; however, Clay has more talent than all the others put together, including Kelly C. Yep, Kelly has done exceedingly well ..and so would Clay have gone much further faster, if RCA had put their marketing machine behind him, as well as Kelly.

As for all the other controversial comments you've made......well...guess they're just not important enough for me to comment about.

Clay's #1.......no doubt, whatsoever, in my mind.

'Simply put, there are no comparisons.' So true....

[Summer What a Beautiful Name]

blada blada blada .... A good artist...has personality....voice...stage presence...and the "Likability factor" WHo does that describe....................................................CARRIE
CARRIE
CARRIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[WORLD RENOWNED GENIUS]

It has come to my understanding that for this list Clay Aiken was seleted to be in the #1 spot.People are having a dispute because of this.I wouls have to say I do not think that he should hae been seleted as the 1st spot.Kelly is much more succesful and has that attitude that just draws you to her.She has great Talent vocally and stage wise.She deserves to be in the #1 spot.& all of you know that that is the truth.With Carrie as #2 and Katherine #3.

[WORLD RENOWNED GENIUS]

Thank you and Good Night

[Robin]

Yes, you are so right. Clay Aiken has been the most talented singer to grace the American Idol stage. During the run of AI, even though there were some perofrmences the judges didn't like, never once did they say he was pitchy, or off key. That's because, Clay was never, ever, ever off key. Once in a while he gets a little scratchy when I think his allergies are bothering him. But, he is never off key. And, Clay has the most amazing range. Very low notes, to very high notes. And, everywhere in between. I t has been said by many music experts, that Clay has an extremely large range, hitting many octaves both high an dlow that most veteren singers do not. And, now since AI, I think Clay has had some vocal coaching, and his voice is even better. Stronger then before. And, I never thought you could improve on perfection.

Not only does Clay sing with perfection, he is the ultimate performer. Charming, witty, humerous. Entertaining. A 3 hour concert, is just never enough.

Thank you for your choice. Clay really is the very best talent fro American Idol, and beyond.

[Carissa]

I think the only part of the list I really agree with would have to be 1 & 2. I think Clay and Kelly could tie for top spot defenitly. I used to have a hard time choosing which one I loved more. I realized long ago that that was stupid of me. They are both amazing singers and the down to earth personalities that I love about an artist. It's no wonder their the only solo artists I love. No matter what anyone says, both of them can sing and haters hate to admit it.

If you moved Carrie to Fantasia's spot and Bo to LaToya's spot, that top 6 would be perfect. As is, I think you correctly placed Clay, Kelly, and Chris. Nice list!

[Madison]

I'm not an Idol watcher but your choices are quite accurate. Clay Aiken puts a shiver up my spine every time he sings. I've seen him in concert and he just blew me away. He sang for over two hours and his voice was still strong at the end. On the other hand, when I saw Kelly Clarkson, she was nothing like her CD. By the time her 70 minutes was up, she could barely hold a note. I prefer Carrie much more than Kelly.

[Amanda]

I agree with your number 1 and 2, however I would have included Jennifer Hudson in the top 10. I think she has far more potential than Fantasia.

[Reg]

Haha. Again this kind of thing is totally subjective. I disagree with you on some of the names. My top 10 singers with best voice talents , without stage presence considered(subjected to my subjective opinion and my moderate knowledge on music and singing) for the past 5 seasons will be (in seasonal order) :
1. Kelly Clarkson,
2. Ruben Studdard,
3. Fantasia,
4. LaToya London,
5. Jennifer Hudson,
6. Carrie Underwood,
7. Anwar Robinson,
8. Elliot Yamin,
9. Mandisa,
10.Paris Bennett.
With Kim Locke close in 11th position.
Yeap, not all the people in my list above are my favs. (My favs are only Jen Hudson, Elliot and Ruben). And from the list that you put up, no way I agree with Kat McPhee on top 10 - tho she was my fav for a while - she's quite far from my top 10 list based on talent. And even Tamyra, compared to the more recent seasons, she became overshadowed a little bit.
yeah. again this is partially subjective. =)
Oh, and for some of your comments :
1. Tamyra's A House is not a Hime - hmm, I don't really like it cos it's very shaky til towards the end. Actually she had done much better in other weeks, like 'Touch Me in the Morning' and that big band piece - can't recall the title.
2.LaToya did have 'not-so-good' weeks, one of them was the Motown week, can't recall the title of song. it's the week when she had a bad hair day. haha!
3. And Aiken... sheesh... I hate to say this, but he's never my favourite. And no doubt he has high range, but so is Bo and Constantine. Oh well... It's just my personal opinion tho. And one thing why I always prefer Ruben than Clay is that Ruben exudes this warmth and his voice just brings calmness and tranquility. Even looking at today's fact that he's not selling album as well as Clay and despite the rumour about the wrong voting result, the fact is he's still a winner. And no way I'm gonna change my stand. Ruben all the way! haha!

[Reg]

Was reading the past comments you made. Dude, you totally overrated Kat. She's good and going to last long as star. but as singer, vocally, she's not even in top 5 of the great vocalist of her season. sorry. I'm not bias tho cos I did root for her for her overall package. But not for the voice - or inner talent for that matter.

[Elaine]

I have to agree with Reg about Kat. She shouldn't even be on the list. Jennifer Hudson should, and even Ruben. While I'm sure Kat has a future in entertainment of some kind, it won't be for singing or selling records. I would have put Kelly first just because of record sales, radio appeal, Grammy and other awards, and amazing concerts, even though Clay will always be #1 for me. Carrie should be #3. As for the rest, I would have included Taylor and Elliott Yamin, but time will tell. Fantasia? ok, but she should be further down the list. (p.s. Chris Daughtry's version of "Walk the Line" WAS highly original but it was not HIS original as this version was previously sung by another band. And I think #4 is too high.)

[carol]

Bo Bice beats by a long shot. Should be #1 best voice best looks sang "In A Dream" acappela no one had ever attempted it before.Plus he's the sweetest guy ever also the best he can be to his fans.

[Reg]

Ah, Elaine, thanks for bringing up the originality issue on 'Walk the Line'. I was thinking that there was some issues about it when it was said to be originally done by Chris. Anyway, he's still a great singer, but yeah, no 4 is too high.
And Dan, from your previous posts I thought you are against Taylor and Elliot and stated that their voices are just wedding singer standards - i must totally disagree with you. Elliot is technically one of the best if not the best that season. The way he executed 'A Song for You' and 'Somebody to Love' is just flawless... THAT is real technique. Well, but then again this is your blog afterall, so it's up to you to voice out your opinion! :)

[ellen]

You're so arrogant and stupid it shows. The only reason you slammed Taylor is because Taylor puts Clay to shame. In a couple of years (it's happening already) nobody will remember Clay, but they will know who is Taylor. He's brought back soul to music.

[Kayla Sumari]

Whoever wrote this article is just stupid. Clay Aiken is the contestant who deosn't deserve to be in the top 10. His very narrow niche fanbase of middleaged Claymates have the access to computers, time to politic for Aiken, and the resources to support him but they are all he has going for him. He is a lifeless singer who doesn't deserve to be called an "artist".

Kelly Clarkson is the best performer to ever appear on any Idol stage anywhere in the world and has become on of the most important and influential artists of her generation. Below is a recap of her most recent albums successes:
Breakaway Turns 2 this week on November 30th, and wow, have we been on a rollercoaster!!!!!
So whats better then to write to Kelly (Kinda), Give all the Birthday wishes, and anything ya want to say cos we all know Kelly does roam the boards.

Breakaway's History
Debut Date - Tuesday, November 30th 2004
1st Single - Breakaway
2nd Single - Since You Been Gone
3rd Single - Behind These Hazel Eyes
4th Single - Because of You
5th Single - WalkAway

Tours:
1st Tour - Breakaway North American Tour 2005
2nd Tour - The Hazel Eyes Summer Tour 2005
3rd Tour - Breakaway New Zealand/Australian Tour 2005
4th Tour - Kelly Clarkson European Tour 2006
5th Tour - The Addicted Summer Tour 2006

Awards:
Teen Choice Awards :
2006: Won - Choice Female Artist
2005: Won - Choice Album (Breakaway)
2005: Won - Choice Summer Song (Behind These Hazel Eyes)
2005: Won - Choice Single (Since U Been Gone)
Nickalodean's Kids Choice Awards :
2006: Won - Favorite Female Singer
TRL Awards :
2006: Won - Countdown Killer
MTV Asia Awards :
2006: Won - Favourite Female Artist
Radio Disney Music Awards :
2005: Won - Best Sleepover Song ("Since U Been Gone")
2005: Won - Best Song To Sing Really, Really Loud ("Since U Been Gone")
Juno Awards :
2006: Nominated - Album Of The Year (Breakaway)
Radio Music Awards :
2005: Won - Artist Of The Year / Mainstream Hit Radio
Peoples Choice Awards :
2005: Won - Favorite Female Performer
XM Nations Award :
2005: Won - Pop Artist Of The Year
2005: Won - Dashboard Anthem - Best pop sing-along (Since U Been Gone)
MTV Video Music Awards :
2006: Won - Best Female Video (Because of You)
2005: Won - Best Female Video (Since U Been Gone)
2005: Won - Best Pop Video (Since U Been Gone)
Billboard Music Awards :
2005: Won - Hot 100 Female Artist
2005: Won - Pop 100 Artist of the Year
2005: Won - Pop 100 Female Artist
2005: Won - Pop 100 Single (Since U Been Gone)
2005: Won - Pop 100 Airplay Single (Since U Been Gone)
2005: Won - Hot Digital Track (Since U Been Gone)
2005: Won - Hot Dance Radio Airplay Artist
2005: Won - Hot Adult Contemporary Artist
2005: Won - Hot Adult Contemporary Song (Breakaway)
2005: Won - Top Soundtrack Single (Breakaway)
2005: Won - Adult Contemporary Artist
American Music Award :
2005: Won - Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist
2005: Won - T-Mobile Text-In Award (Artist Of The Year)
2006: Won - Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist
2006: Won - Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist
Grammy Awards :
2006: Won - Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (Since U Been Gone)
2006: Won - Best Pop Vocal Album (Breakaway)
The Much Music Video Award (MMVA) :
2006: Won - People's Choice: Favourite International Artist

5 Singles
5 Tours
35 Awards

Clay Aiken will never approach any of these distinctions in his career. The writer of this article wanted to create internet activity and "Hits" for the site by giving the Claymates something to crow about and he accomplished that but the article itself is complete crap.

[Kayla Sumari]

Kelly Clarksons "Breakaway" has sold almost 12 million copies worldwide and her next album is the most highly anticipated album of 2007. Placing Clay Aiken in "ANY" conetemporary comparison of talent or career success is ridiculous. Clay Aiken isn't even popular enough to sell out small theater venues. His last 2 tours only averaged about 1500 in attendance and lost money for the promoters. Clay Aiken is a joke - NOTHING MORE!

[trev]

#1 Clay for sure.
#2 who am I kidding noone else on my list, as for Kelly after what I saw/heard live, You could shove all the awards and accolades down my throat and it wouldn't make one bit of difference...SHE WAS AWFUL. Sorry Kayla you can have her. Clay is my #1 and the only thing to come off of Idol worth listening to for me.

[Greg]

I've got to say that without a doubt Clay Aiken deserves the #1 spot all the way. He needs no introduction because his voice is unique and recognizable. Unlike some others (Kelly for example, and now Daughtry) that people need to wait to hear the DJ tell who is singing because they sound like everyone else.

I would have put Jenn Hudson and Carrie Underwood in the # 2 & 3 spots, then followed by Kelly maybe. She cancels way too many concerts though because of her voice strains (although she says she is sick). Carrie will definitely outshine Kelly (comparing winners) in the end because her voice is clear and can sing without any strain.

[TJS]

Clay range is much more than Kelly's. Come on. Apparently, whomever said that has NOT listened to much of Clay's music. I have attended many concerts of Clay-the Juke Box Tour was the most fun and really showed Clay is a true all-around entertainer-from crooner to rocker,and then some. If there was a list of what makes up an 'IDOL' Clay would have checkmarks on every aspect. None of the other alumni would;including Kelly. Ruben was handed the 'win' by the producers-absolutely no question about that. Two producers even admitted Clay received 80 percent of the vote every single week he was on. No one can question that. Purchase, if you can find it in Walmarts (exclusive), Clay's new EP ALL IS WELL- will blow you away. Oh- Taylor as the most successful??? ROFLMAO!!!!!

[Tina]

If you watch LIVE performances, Pickler is much better than Kelly. Like Simon said, AI is looking for recording stars for those with voices need to be manufactured in the studios. Kelly is a recording singer no matter how you look at. I agree Carrie has more powerful voice, when she sings, there are no unnecessary runs all over the songs. Thanks for the blog. It is entertaining.

[Chena]

Katharine McPhee. she is just.. wow. her album is gonna be great, she's the true idol.

[Katrina]

I think Miss Underwood should be a bit higher on the list don't you??

[Kasie P.]

Carrie carrie carrie carrie carrie carrie carrie cariie carrie carrie carrie carrie carrie carrie carrie carrie
ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!

[Katie Miller]

here's my list:
1. Kelly Clarkson
2. Carrie Underwood
there's only 2 that are the best. clay aiken shouldn't have even stood a chance going up against those two. that's crap. whoever wrote this article must've been on crack or something.

[Cyn]

Wow Dan, you really know how to attract um, commenters. What's that they say about the sublime to the ridiculous?
They can't tell that this is your blog? Are they in such a hurry to state their opinion that they don't even know where they've landed?!
Kudos btw on your writing, which is always well-thought out and expressed and to the dozen or so commenters that were civilized and articulate.

Boo to rude people. This is a personal blog by an informed gentleman who knows his stuff.

[ashley]

I dont understand how someone who didnt even win the competition can possibly be number 1 on this list. Clay was different, sure, but his popularity fizzled shortly after the hype from his season was gone. The only two people that really kept their popularity going were Kelly and Carrie. Those two deserve to be on the top spots. They both have amazing voices! As for the contestants from this past season, who knows what is in store for them... so i'm not counting them out. However this list needs to be deleted and redone!!

[Bravo]

Ugh,Claymate blog, not exactly unbiased? Clay is nowhere near the top, and it's a no brainer that Kelly one of the best contemporary singers around period, not just in relation to Idol.