American Idol - Life Changing Moment - Ruben Studdard

As I mentioned in a previous Life Changing Moment, my first encounter with American Idol was Season 2, Wildcard night. Clay Aiken blew me away, but I hadn't yet been introduced to Ruben Studdard. I am an unapologetic Ruuuuben fan! Researching this life changing moment brought back so many memories! I really could have selected any song, because Ruben drew me in each and every week. He had a nack for picking just the right song! I selected this song only because the video included the judges comments. All of the Velvet Teddy Bear songs were amazing and they always put a smile on my face.

Take a look:

American Idol - Life Changing Moment - Constantine Maroulis

Before David Cook and Chris Daughtry, it was Constantine Maroulis and Bo Bice that changed the American Idol landscape forever. Those two brought some "rockers" into the American Idol competition for the first time. Constantine's early exit sent season 4 into a tailspin for me. Perhaps this was more of a life changing moment for ME...haha! But, hey, its my blog!

American Idol - Life Changing Moment - Carrie Underwood

This video is of the infamous performance that prompted Simon to predict that Carrie Underwood would not only win the competition, but also sell more albums than any other Idol. Does Season 8 have another Carrie Underwood? Time will tell I guess...take a look:

American Idol - Life Changing Moment - Elliott Yamin

This is Elliott's first performance for votes during the Top 12 guys. Not only did Elliott prompt Simon to declare him "potentially" the best male vocalist in 5 seasons after this performance, BUT this was America's first real sighting of him. Putting to rest the notion that a singer with no airtime during the auditions and Hollywood weeks couldn't advance. When you got it, YOU GOT IT! Take a listen:



I still find Season 5 to have had the most talented Top 12 to date. No other season - EVEN CLOSE.

American Idol - Life Changing Moment - Jordin Sparks

In this performance Jordin took it to the next level, IMHO, and grew as a performer, by leaps and bounds. All it takes is one magical performance, for one of our Idols to finally "get it". I think this was Jordin's moment:



These "Life Changing Moments" aren't going to be in any particular order. Keep an eye out every other day or so, for my next "Moment". It's fun traveling down memory lane...isn't it?

American Idol - Life Changing Moment - Clay Aiken

As some of you may (or may not know), I did not start watching American Idol until Season 2. I initially tuned in because it was on right before my FAVORITE show at that time, "24". This first performance was shot during the "Wild Card" show, which was also, my first show. Clay Aiken did not make it through to the Top 12 in his original round due to the bad luck of being in a group including Ruben Studdard and Kimberley Locke. But, he took the judges advice, cleaned up his "image" and came back with a performance that IMHO was a life changing moment. Ironically, Clay, Ruben and Kimberley went on to become the final three that season! Take a look:



What do you think? We are returning to a similar format this year, for the first time since season 2. Will the Top 3 of season 8 all come from the same group?