Ten Best First Finals Performances

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Sure, they've performed in the semifinals in front of a small studio audience, but stepping onto the bigger stage in the Top 12 (or Top 10, as the case was in Season 1) provides contestants with the opportunity to really take it up a notch and solidify their connection with the viewers, or, if they've yet to make much of a dent, provide them with one more chance to really grab the audience's attention.

Sometimes a strong first performance in the finals can sustain you for quite awhile, even if you never end up living up to the potential you initially showed (Carmen Rasmussen, Jasmine Trias). Alternatively, a rough or shaky first showing could find you trying to fight your way out of the Bottom 3 for weeks (Kimberley Locke, Jennifer Hudson).

So, in anticipation of the start of the Top 12 tomorrow, here is my list of the ten best first Finals performances:


1. Kelly Clarkson, "You're All I Need"
I fell 3/4 of the way in love with Kelly after she sang "Respect" in the semifinals, but it was this performance that sent me right over the top. Everything from her sassy sauntering around the stage, adorable facial expression, her 1-legged pants, and her AMAZING voice makes this one of my very favorite Idol performances of all time. This was the night I fell head over heels and never looked back.

2. Chris Daughtry, "Higher Ground"
If there was any question about whether or not Chris was going to be able to adapt his style to non-rock songs, this answered it once and for all. Despite the cheesy themes, he showed he wasn't going to compromise who he is as an artist.

3. Clay Aiken, "I Can't Help Myself"
Riding on the wave of momentum from having been the people's Wildcard choice in Season 2, Clay effortlessly continued his ascent into the hearts of millions of Americans with this effortless performance. He was gettin' close to having (at least part of) America right in the palm of his hands (and at the bat of his eye, of course).

4. Diana Degarmo, "Think"
I didn't always love Diana, but this performance featured some off-the-charts high belting. Say what you will about her, but this girl can sii-iii-iing.

5. Tamyra Gray, "Touch Me In The Morning"
Along with Justin Guarini, Tamyra was the clear favorite coming into the Finals in Season 1, and she handled that pressure quite nicely with this passionate, soulful performance. To this date I think the Kelly vs. Tamyra rivalry is the best the show has ever had (with Clay and Ruben a close second).

6. Trenyce, "Come See About Me"
Paula's wildcard pick Trenyce had nothing to lose when she came out lookin' like Janet Jackson and flirted her way through the Motown hit. While her facial expressions were a bit much on the smaller semifinals stage, on the big stage she looked like a pro.

7. Fantasia, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered"
Quintessential Fantasia...slurring her s's and groovin' to Stevie Wonder. As good as it was, though, I don't think anyone could have known she had a "Summertime" lurking in there.

8. Taylor Hicks, "Takin' it to the Streets"
Featuring impressive vocals, spastic dance moves, and loads of personality, it was difficult not to be charmed by Taylor's, well, Taylor-ness. The song and performer were such a good fit it ended up becoming the B-side on his first single.

9. Jasmine Trias, "Inseparable"
Oh Jasmine, this performance was so promising -- if only you had lived up to that promise! Delivering a cool, innocently sexy version of the Toni Braxton song in Season 3, she showed off her gorgeous tone and did not go off pitch even for a moment. That was the last time that happened, thats for damn sure.

10. Constantine Maroulis, "You Make Me So Very Happy"
An odd choice for me, to be sure, since I am definitely not Constantine's #1 fan, but of all the Top 12 performances in Season 4, this, for me, was the best. I had found him awkward and poseur-esque in the Semifinals and wasn't expecting much of him, but he surprised me with a casual, well-sung performance that I, much to my own chagrin, enjoyed very much.

Did I include or leave off your favorite first finals performance? Leave a comment and let me know! And check out my list of the Ten Best Semifinal Performances.