For the last of my American Idol top 10 lists, I am ranking the top 10 Idol Contestants who should’ve won. Because the right winner won seasons 1, 4, 7, 13, and 15, I am not including those seasons on the list.
10. Jax (season 14)- Clark Beckham seemed like the most innovative, unique singer, but began to be a little stale toward the end. Jax emerged as the true star of the season, and the biggest shock was her placing third while Beckham and eventual winner Nick Fradiani made it to the end. Because the season had an overall awkward feel to it (partially due to the Harry Connick Jr. vs. Quentin Alexander battle and the awkward sing-off eliminations that didn’t have much of an effect), I don’t really mind Fradiani winning it all. He was a good singer overall. But Jax was more of a marketable artist, in my opinion.
9. Crystal Bowersox (season 9)- This is the worst season of American Idol, partially due to it being the last of Simon, and partially because of Ellen DeGeneres’ lack of judging skills (love you Ellen, but even you can admit it was a mistake to judge Idol). This season sucked. And while my personal favorite was Lee DeWyze (the eventual winner), I think Crystal was the more unique voice of the season and had more of a consistent journey. Either way, the season was a dud.
8. Jennifer Hudson (season 3)- Looking back on it now, Hudson has had a WAY bigger career boost from Idol than Fantasia did. Looking back, I think Hudson should have won, but in the moment, Fantasia was a fine winner and deserved it.
7. Haley Reinhart (season 10)- Haley was one of the most unique, beautiful voices we have ever heard on Idol. It had such rasp and texture to it. Season 10 was stacked in my mind, and many people could have won that season (Pia Toscano, James Durbin, Casey Abrams). My personal favorite was Haley, but I am satisfied with Scotty McCreery taking the gold, for he was by far the best country male singer we’ve seen on the show.
6. Clay Aiken (season 2)- I didn’t actually watch season 2, but Clay Aiken definitely had much more of a unique sound than eventual winner Ruben Studdard. The first big shock in Idol history, and judging by Studdard’s career, Aiken probably wishes he was Idol’s first male winner…as do I.
5. Angie Miller (season 12)- Candice Glover was a great winner, but Angie Miller was more than a singer. She wrote music, played piano, and sang with such heart. I am shocked she didn’t at least make it to the finals, as she probably would’ve been the winner. Hopefully we’ll see her emerge more in the future. Let’s hope.
4. Melinda Doolittle (season 6)- Jordin Sparks won over audiences by the end of the season, but Melinda was the most consistent of the season and deserved to be in the finals. She wasn’t necessarily “pop” star material, but did enough to deserve the win, despite falling short in third place.
3. Jessica Sanchez/Joshua Ledet (season 11)- I grouped these two together. Phillip Phillips beating two of the most unique voices in Idol history? Bull crap.
2. Adam Lambert (season 8)- Lambert is probably one of the top contestants in Idol history. An incredible talent through and through. While he was definitely robbed of the prize, Kris Allen proved to be a good winner, also producing some amazing music throughout the season. I’m team Lambert, but it was a strong season for sure.
1. Chris Daughtry (season 5)- The original snub…Daughtry was the most shocking boot in history, coming in 4th place, when he was expected to sweep the competition. While Lambert was better in my opinion, Kris Allen was a more deserving winner than Taylor Hicks was. The fact that Daughtry lost to Hicks is blasphemy.
Kaseyhope101 I enjoyed Caleb's performances the most that season. Jena probably had a better finish, but Caleb's overall journey was more consistent. In my opinion. It's all opinion.
For the last of my American Idol top 10 lists, I am ranking the top 10 Idol Contestants who should’ve won. Because the right winner won seasons 1, 4, 7, 13, and 15, I am not including those seasons on the list.