Phillip Phillips
Season 11's resident heartthrob (he had to be, with that name) stole the semifinals with his sexy, best-of-the-season performance of Bob Seger's "We've Got Tonight."
Jennifer Hudson
This Oscar winner proved that finishing seventh (in season three) wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Before she got the boot, J.Hud belted out Barry Manilow's "Weekend in New England" to a stunned audience.
Adam Lambert
Although he was arguably robbed of the season eight crown, Adam's fierce duet of "We Are the Champions" with eventual winner Kris Allen was so impressive, the legendary rock group invited him to serve as their frontman in summer 2012.
Jessica Sanchez
OK, who didn't get the shivers when Idol hopeful flawlessly belted out Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You"?! Season 11's best performance so far.
Clay Aiken
With a huge gospel choir backing him up, the season two runner-up's pipes were smooth as buttah when he sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel.
Kelly Clarkson
Hot damn, the show's very first winner showed off her stunning range when she nailed the highest notes in "Natural Woman." No doubt Aretha Franklin would approve!
David Archuleta
The then 16-year-old's rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine" sent chills down the spines of nearly every viewer out there.
Carrie Underwood
The competition produced its first future country superstar when Underwood took all in season four, but it was her powerhouse performance of Heart's rock ballad "Alone" that won over voters.
Chris Daughtry
All season long, the singer revealed his talent for adding his own rocker twist to any song, and this was the case when he belted out Johnny Cash's "Walk the Line."
Jordin Sparks
At just 17 years old, the eventual winner of season six proved during her cover of "I (Who Have Nothing)" that she possessed an impressive voice beyond her years.
Lee DeWyze
Eight singers sang backup for the season nine winner during his soulful rendition of "Hallelujah."
Fantasia Barrino
The season three winner's fate was pretty much sealed after she killed it during her pitch-perfect performance of George Gershwin's "Summertime." Randy even declared it "the single best Idol performance of any season I've ever heard."