The Top 10 Performances of
American Idol 5

Season 5 of American Idol ended with a bang with its thrill-a-minute two-hour grand finale. Perhaps AI's best production ever, the evening featured great performances, superstar surprises, comedy gold, and touching moments, all showcasing just how strong the Top 12 was this year. This special night had a special ending, with the much-deserving Taylor Hicks winning the title and declaring, "I'm living the American Dream!"

It's difficult to pinpoint the best of such a strong season, but the It's Destiny! panel is sure going to try. You know we can't resist making a good list!
Following are our picks for the Top Ten Performances of American Idol 5.

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Top 10 Performances of American Idol 5: Destiny's List

1. Burt Bacharach Medley by Top 12 (Grand Finale)
Every single member of the Top 12 had a shining moment in this medley. They looked great to boot in their fabulous red-dresses-and-black-suits wardrobe. If you chopped this up into separate performances (like my colleagues did in their following lists with Elliott Yamin's "A House Is Not A Home" section of this medley), it would overflow my top ten list. Instead, I am counting it all as one great big fabulous performance. And the best one of the season at that. Season Five was really devoid of the group songs/medleys we've seen throughout past seasons, but they more than made up for it at the finale, with this medley in particular. This was American Idol doing what American Idol does best.

2. "We're In This Love Together" by Paris Bennett with Al Jarreau (Grand Finale)
When Paris hit the stage for this number, she looked hip and adorable and sounded phenomenal. When Al Jarreau joined her onstage, she immediately fell into groove with him and more than held her own as she followed his jazzy scat with a soaring one of her own. This Paris performance was full of superb vocal talent, confidence, and fun. It was like watching an old pro superstar up there.

3. "These Foolish Things" by Paris Bennett (Standards Week)
Paris brought world-class talent and artistry to the Idol stage with this stunning performance. Her unique, delicious, ultra-appealing tone and phrasing were on full display. One of the few performances of the season that warranted repeat viewing.

4. "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Gedeon McKinney
(Semi-Finals Week 2)
The most robbed contestant ever on the show, Gedeon didn't even make it to the Top 12. With captivating performances such as this one, however, he proved himself one of the most talented artists in American Idol history. With a strong, piercing voice full of conviction, professional-level stage presence, and great fashion sense, watching Gedeon during this performance felt like we were watching a Motown legend. Exciting stuff!

5. "Do I Make You Proud" by Taylor Hicks (Grand Finale Coronation)
Taylor did the nearly impossible with this one. By totally committing and putting all his passion and soul into the performance, he managed to turn this syrupy, seemingly ill-fitting song into something legitimate and exciting and even moving. In the hands of a lesser artist, the song would have seemed totally foolish. With this performance, Taylor displayed why he was the deserving winner of the American Idol title. Soul Patrol!

6. "A Song For You" by Elliott Yamin (Love Songs Week)
Captivating vocals on a captivating song. Confidence poured out of Elliott as he commanded the stage with his beautiful delivery. Thrilling! This performance surely could (and should) have paved his way to the Top 2.

7. "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" by Michael Sandecki with
Clay Aiken (Grand Finale)
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this. Comedy perfection! A thrilling, hysterical and extremely entertaining performance. Rewind. Watching again...

8. "If Tomorrow Never Comes" by Elliott Yamin (Country Week)
With a cry in his voice that just totally captivated the listener, Elliott proved himself a serious contender with this performance. Stunning vocals delivered with painful beauty and conviction. A truly special performance. I would buy the record and blast this on my radio anytime.

9. "One" by Elliott Yamin with Mary J Blige (Grand Finale)
This performance got off to an amazingly moving start with Elliott's mother, Claudette, introducing him by saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, MY Elliott Yamin." With heart strings already set in motion, the music began, and Elliott sounded fantastic. The intensity was kicked up yet another level when Mary J Blige joined him onstage. By the end of the song, there was no question that we had just witnessed something very special.

10. "Mystery" Chris Daughtry with Live (Grand Finale)
There's nothing like watching someone's dream come true. Seeing Chris onstage with his idol was thrilling. It's obvious that Chris has molded himself after the band's lead singer, Ed Kowalczyk. They were like mirror images onstage as they sang together, with their bald heads, matching vocal stylings, similar outfits, and identical stage movements. One couldn't help being excited for and proud of Chris during this performance. A magical moment indeed.

Honorable Mentions:
Guys Medley (Grand Finale), Girls Medley (Grand Finale), "Something" by Taylor Hicks (Birthyears and Billboards Week), "I'm Every Woman" by Mandisa (Semi-Finals Week 3), "Walkin' After Midnight" by Kellie Pickler (50s Week), "Best I Ever Had" by Bucky Covington (Country Week), "When A Man Loves A Woman" by Gedeon McKinney (Semi-Finals Week 3)

Top 10 Performances of American Idol 5: Tammy's List

1. "Hemorrhage" by Chris Daughtry (Semi-Finals Week 2)
There's a reason Fuel wanted Chris to be their new lead singer. Only one viewing of this performance is necessary to realize why. Well, that, and to capitalize on the popularity of AI. But Chris is good, too.

2. "Black Horse and The Cherry Tree" by Katharine McPhee (Birthyears/Billboards Week)
With this song Katharine let her hair down and emerged as someone who could be a viable contemporary artist.

3. "Father Figure" by Ace Young
(Semi-Finals Week 1)
You might feel like you need a shower after watching this performance, but there's no denying that this song quickly put Ace amongst those favored to win. We'll ignore the fact that it was a downward spiral for Ace after this. Yet another victim of 'peaked too early' syndrome.

4. "A House Is Not A Home" by Elliott Yamin
(Grand Finale)
If only Elliott had been able to sing a full version of this song. This snippet heard on the AI5 finale was simply divine. Free of the pressure and high stakes of Idol, Elliott was able to shine.

5. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Katharine McPhee
(Top 3 Week/ Judge's Choice)
Katharine gave this song the drama it deserved, and she threw herself into the performance, engaging the viewer in a trip through time, complete with some ruby slippers.

6. "In The Ghetto" by Taylor Hicks
(Elvis Week)
Taylor wisely left the wedding singer antics behind and stepped into his own with this song, revealing the depth of his talent.

7. "Higher Ground" by Chris Daughtry
(Stevie Wonder Week)
Get this man to the recording studio, STAT!

8. "I Walk The Line" by Chris Daughtry (50s Week)
Performances like these were the reason Chris was pegged from the start to be the one to watch during AI5. His intensity and passion with which he delivered the song will be memorable in years to come.

9. "Be Without You" by Paris Bennett (Birthyears/Billboards Week)
Paris gave Mary J Blige a run for her money with this performance, and made the most of choosing a song that was current and that she could easily sell to the audience.

10. "I Don't Hurt Anymore" by Mandisa (50s Week)
Mandisa reminded everyone why she made the top 12 in the first place with this sassy performance.

Top 10 Performances of American Idol 5: Liza's List

1. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Katharine McPhee
(Finale)
Gorgeous vocals and arrangement. She sung this so beautifully - and in key despite her earpiece going out on her (coughsabotagecough)

2. "A House Is Not A Home" by Elliott Yamin (Grand Finale)
His best vocal of the whole season and possibly the best male vocal I've ever heard on this song, and that includes Luther and Ruben.

3. "A Song For You" by Elliott Yamin (Love Songs Week)
It moved Paula to blubbery tears, and I can't deny that I got a bit misty myself.

4. "These Foolish Things" by Paris Bennett (Standards Week)
Amazing vocals from the 17-year old. Just listening to her, it felt like you were back in a smoky jazz club in the 50's.

5. "Since I Fell For You" by Katharine McPhee
(Semi-Finals Week 1)
This was Katharine at her best, personality-wise. She was cute, sexy, playful and dorky all at the same time. Oh, and she has a great voice too.

6. "In The Ghetto" by Taylor Hicks (Elvis Week)
When focusing on just his vocals without the distraction of his stage antics, he showed he can be a vocal tour de force.

7. "Moody's Mood For Love" by Elliott Yamin (Semi-Finals Week 2)
The most difficult song probably ever sung on the show, and he nailed it.

8. "Hemmorhage" by Chris Daughtry (Semi-Finals Week 2)
Just for having the cojones to sing this song on the Idol stage is reason enough, but he sounded great doing it.

9. "I'm Every Woman" by Mandisa (Semi-Finals Week 3)
Pitch perfect on a very difficult song to sing. She used her voice to its fullest here and gave the best performance of this overused Idol song.

10. "Taking It To The Streets" by Taylor Hicks (Top 3 Results Show)
One of the most fun performances of the season due in large part to the interaction with the other two finalists and Elliott and Katharine's Snoopy dancing.

Honorable mentions:
"Do I Make You Proud" by Taylor Hicks (Grand Finale); "Midnight Train To Georgia" by Paris Bennett (Semi-Finals Week 1); "I Don't Hurt Anymore" by Mandisa (50s Week); "Someone To Watch Over Me" by Katharine McPhee (Standards Week); "If" by Patrick Hall (Hollywood Round)

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We Asked You, "Who Was Your Favorite Guest Star On
The American Idol Finale?"
35% Mary J Blige, 22% Live, 20% Dionne Warwick,
19% Clay Aiken, 4% Prince

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