Memorable performances from televised singing contests

I don't watch them all.  You know.  Those reality shows that are singing competitions.  I've missed the X Factors and America's (Australia's) Got Talent.  I've watched most American Idol seasons, a few seasons of The Voice (America & Australia), and the two Rock Star shows.  So, no, this is not a complete list. There is no Susan Boyle, Singing Nun, or any of the One Direction guys.  They all caused quite a stir, but I didn't see them. This list is completely my preferences and my favorites based on my viewing. 

I stuck to a rule.  They had to be memorable enough performances to me that I didn't have to go internet searching for help.  I pulled from my mental rolodex to compose my list.  Then, I used youtube to find video clips.  Join me for this musical journey, will you?  (There are 15 in all.  I seriously doubt you will join me for the entire post, but it would be fun to believe that you will.)  In no particular order....

1. Marty Casey (Rock Star INXS) - Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" - I liked Marty.  A lot.  And bought his Lovehammers music since this show's appearances.  If you like this performance, check out Marty perform Radiohead's "Creep" and Britney's "Baby One More Time".

2. Adam Lambert (American Idol) - Tears for Fears/Gary Jule's "Mad World" - Adam was know for his vocal theatrics.  In this performance, he was controlled, intense, and magnificent.

3. Carrie Underwood (American Idol) - Heart's "Alone" - If I'm not mistaken, Carrie is the Idol contestant that has sold the most.  This is the performance that caused Simon Cowell to correctly make that prediction. I have not purchased one song released by Carrie Underwood, but that doesn't mean that I don't respect her talent.

4. Jena Irene (American Idol) - Paramore's Decode - Most of the time, when I watch these shows, I ask myself "would I buy this person's album?" After seeing this performance, I decided I'd buy hers.  Sadly, I'm not sure she even made an album.

5. Mitchell & Steve (The Voice Australia) - Marc Cohn's "Walking in Memphis" - Two seasoned veterans who've probably played a lot of bars and pubs, been session musicians, and never quite made it.  Bless 'em for still chasing their dreams.

6. Dilana (Rock Star Supernova) - Nirvana's "Lithium" - Damn.  This chick rocked.  This performance rocked.  (side note: Butch Walker fans - you catch a glimpse of our favorite producer a couple of times in this)

7. Chris Daughtry (American Idol) - Fuel's "Hemorrhage" - The worst tragedy in the history of American Idol is that Taylor Hicks (who?) won his season.  But, Daughtry's career isn't worried about his loss.  I love this guy's voice.

8. Toby Rand (Rock Star Supernova) - Original! - Prior to this television venture, Toby's group, Juke Kartel, had a good fan base in Australia.  This was/is one of their songs.  Yep, this one is still in regular rotation on my ipod as well as Juke Kartel's "Save Me".  When I moved here in 2008, I saw them perform in a small pub in Sydney.  And, it was awesome!

9. Kelly Clarkson (American Idol) - Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman" - Am I remembering this correctly?  She worked in Wal-Mart, right?  She is the epitome of what this kind of show is capable of doing for you.  Burleson, Texas y'all.

10. Matthew Garwood (The Voice Australia) - Phantom of the Opera's "All I Ask of You" - He didn't even make it past the battle rounds, but this performance gave me chills.  So good.  Plus, it is what makes that whole coaches don't get to see the singer until they turn around part about The Voice so much fun.  The judges reactions in this clip are priceless. 

11. David Cook (American Idol) - Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" - I actually have this song on my work playlist.  It shows that a good pop song can be worked to be appealing to anyone (because I can't take Mariah Carey's version).  

12. Jordis Unga (Rock Star INXS) - David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" - This song has been covered by many...most famously (is that a word?) by Nirvana.  You know what?  I like this version the absolute best.  Truth.  It is also on my work playlist.  Meaning, for the last five years, I've heard this song on repeat at least 3 times a day.  I still love it. 

13. Bo Bice (American Idol) - Badlands "In a Dream" - He was going up against the girl with the major pipes (Carrie Underwood).  He took a risk to show he could sing.  I'm not sure if any other Idol contestant has ever sang acapella.  I'm a sucker for a good ol' Southern boy singing a good ol' Southern rock song.  What can I say?

14. Gabriel & Cecilia (The Voice Australia) - Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" - These shows, judges, coaches, mentors are always talking about making a song your own.  This brother and sister duo did just that.  This is BY FAR the most unique performance of a cover song I've seen on any show.  They aren't necessarily my style of musicians, but I couldn't look past the musicianship and individuality.  Warning: it's a bit strange, but it's 2 minutes.  Give it a listen for the uniqueness of it.  You may hate it, and that's okay too.

To close this little collection of mine..............

15. Clay Aiken (American Idol) - Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" - That's right...judge me all you want...but don't judge without listening because this performance is really good.  I'm serious.  It gave me goosebumps then, and I just watched it again.  Goosebumps again.  That last note.  Wait for it.  It's less than 3 minutes of your time to give.

What did I miss?  If you watch or have watched any of these shows, share your most memorable performances with me.