#8: Crush- David Archuleta
David Archuleta (or David "Enchilada" as my dad used to call him) is also not one of my favorites from Idol, especially now. I just remember this from my childhood. I never particularly cared for this song, and I promise it's not out of being biased and just disliking anything Archuleta does. I just never really connected to this song. At least Spotlight had the saving grace of me actually liking it despite my dislike for the artist. Crush doesn't have that. So with that being said, why is this higher than Spotlight you might ask? I'm probably wrong, but I'm pretty sure this was a bigger hit than Spotlight. So it’s only fair that this is higher.
#7: Hollow- Tori Kelly
Tori Kelly is probably one of Idol's best vocalists. Kind of the definition of a White person sounding Black (in my humble opinion). Hollow is gorgeous. I really appreciate that she described it as a love letter to God and you can hear it in the lyrics (especially if you're Christian of course). Anyone who loves Jesus with zero shame has my respect. And of course vocally she sounds great. Another personal favorite, I would love to place this higher. But again I have to be fair about this. I do believe this was relatively bigger than my previous pick, and it's definitely bigger than Spotlight (and better) and it's Not Over (not better).
#6: I Hope- Gabby Barrett Ft. Charlie Puth
Gabby Barrett is probably the first Idol alumni from the revival to actually make it. When I started hearing I Hope on the radio, I was very surprised and strangely proud. I did like her during that season, I just didn't expect her to actually make it. The best thing about the song is probably the cleverness of the lyrics. How she and Puth express the hope of the ex-partner finding someone new. Then all of a sudden say, And Then I Hope She Cheats. I find that to be very clever and somewhat of a twist. Idol obviously doesn't always hit a homerun with its alumni, but it is nice to know that it is still possible for them to make a star.
#5: Gone Gone Gone- Philip Philips
I did not watch Philips' season, I was angry with Idol at the time so I skipped his season. When I first heard this song, I didn't even realize it was Philips until probably a few years after it was released. I was also surprised with this one as I did not expect Philips to actually get a hit. I would not say I love this song, but what draws me to it is that for me it's relatively nostalgic. But that's just the case for me personally. Now Home was also a contender for this list (and ironically, Philips is not the only artist on this list with a song called "Home"), but I'm pretty sure Gone Gone Gone was bigger. It was played in a Spider-Man movie (cough cough, Amazing Spider-Man 2, cough).
#4: Whataya Want From Me- Adam Lambert
Now if you don't know what this song is then you've been living under a rock. Because it was literally everywhere when it was released. Due to Adam Lambert being yet another person on this list that's NOT particularly my favorite (though the boy can SANG, I will not deny that), I tried SO HARD to keep myself from liking this song. But eventually I gave up. I love this song. It's too dang catchy and Lambert sang the HELL out of it. This is probably one of the most recognizable songs from an Idol alumni, that alone should explain why this song has a high placement on this list. I wish I could put it lower, but I like it too much and its impact is too huge for me to deny.
#3: No Air- Jordin Sparks Ft. Chris Brown
This song is dramatic as Hell, but I love it. This one was also everywhere when it came out and basically shot Sparks straight to the top. This was also during a time where Chris Brown was a likable person. I do consider this song to be one of the biggest male-female duets in music history and it did not take long for it to become one of Idol's most iconic songs to date. It is also just a good song. I know it's dramatic, but that's part of its charm and probably wouldn't work without the drama. Say what you want about Brown, but him and Sparks' chemistry on this track is spot on to the point where I kind of shipped them at the time. I definitely don't now knowing Brown's nature, but it is what it is.
#2: Jesus Take The Wheel- Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood is without a doubt Idol's biggest artist and in my opinion the best as well. It should come as no surprise that this song is this high. What I appreciate the most about this song is that Underwood chose to make a worship song one of her first singles. She didn't have to do that, but she did. And it was a HIT! Even today, she shows no shame in singing for Jesus. I freaking LOVE Carrie Underwood. And now she's a judge on Idol, I'm so proud. I'm aware Before He Cheats is often considered Underwood's signature song, and for good reason. With all due respect to that song, I think Jesus Take The Wheel has a bigger impact on both Underwood's career and Idol's legacy. But as significant as this song is, It wouldn't be fair for me to give it the top spot. And it kills me to say that.
Like always, here are some honorable mentions.............
-I'm Here doesn't count -Also super high for a male
-Another surprise success -Rest In Peace ✌🏾
#1: Since U Been Gone- Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson literally started it all. That alone is more than enough for this to top the list. Clarkson's win without a doubt was a huge significant moment in both music and television history. But I think Idol's legacy (as well as Clarkson's) was officially cemented the second Since U Been Gone was released. Fast-forward 2-3 decades later and the woman is now a talk show host. Adding to that, this song is catchy as HELL. Every single one of these Idol alums have indeed made their mark in the music industry with these songs. But at the end of the day, Since U Been Gone will always and forever be the OG and none of these artists would be where they are now without Clarkson paving the way. Way to go Kelly!
The Google Slides link is down below. Thanks For Reading.
Google- https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1nVcabq-TnMQakQAOoJrk7iUx_X348dlYtr7MEkToE-w/edit?usp=sharing
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