Longtime American Idol fans remember the outstanding group performances from the earlier seasons, in which the contestants sang together during the results shows. These group performances were fun and fantastic, showcasing the contestants' personalities and camaraderie. They sang and danced without the pressure of being critiqued by the judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell. They also showed off their beautiful harmonies and performed choreographed dances. Sometimes silly, sometimes moving, but always entertaining, the group performances are a relic from a different American Idol era. Some fans miss the old days of AI.
As the series evolved over the years, and made the switch from FOX to ABC, the show combined its performance and results shows. Because of time constraints, the weekly group performances have become a thing of the past. However, fans remember standout American Idol winners Kelly Clarkson (season 1), Ruben Studdard (season 2), Fantasia Barrino (season 3), Carrie Underwood (season 4), and Taylor Hicks (season 5). They all sang alongside their fellow contestants before they were superstars. These seasons also include American Idol legends Jennifer Hudson (season 3), Chris Daughtry (season 5), and Katharine McPhee (season 5), among others.
American Idol seasons 1-5 had some of the best group performances in the history of the show, mainly because they feature some of the greatest stars to ever perform on the AI stage. These are the performances that catapulted them into the spotlight. Whether current American Idol viewers want to learn more about what the show was like in early seasons, or longtime fans want to take a nostalgic trip back in time, they will find some of the best group performances ever on this list.
Season 1 - Paula Abdul Medley
During American Idol season 1 in 2002, the final four contestants paid tribute to judge Paula when they sang a medley of her hits during 1980s/1990s week. Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Tamyra Gray, and the late Nikki McKibbin happily performed "Straight Up," "Opposites Attract," "(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me," and "Cold Hearted," during which Paula jokingly pointed to the notoriously critical Simon.
The greatest moments from the performance were seeing the elated smile on Paula's face as the contestants sang to her, and the finalists themselves breaking out of the pressure cooker of the competition to have fun singing and dancing together. They laughed and joked during the performance, showing off their playful personalities. The highlight of the performance was when the finalists pulled Paula up onstage with them to dance. It was a true celebration on the American Idol stage.
Season 2 - Bee Gees Medley
In 2003, American Idol season 2 featured Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb as a guest judge, as the Top 4 finalists sang their greatest hits. The medley kicked off with the finalists, Josh Gracin, Kimberley Locke, Clay Aiken, and Ruben Studdard singing "Stayin' Alive" together in harmony. Each contestant was spotlighted as Kimberley sang "If I Can't Have You," and "Woman In Love," Ruben sang "How Deep Is Your Love," Josh Gracin sang "Run To Me," and Clay Aiken sang "Too Much Heaven." The contestants supported each other with backing vocals. They then sang "Lonely Days" as a quartet. The American Idol contestants finished the performance with rousing versions of "Night Fever" and "You Should Be Dancing," during which they danced with each other. They even went out into the audience to get everyone involved with the party.
Season 3 - Elton John Medley
Imagine a world in which American Idol legends Fantasia Barrino and Jennifer Hudson harmonize on Elton John's "Benny and the Jets." It happened in 2004 during American Idol season 3, when the Top 9 contestants paid tribute to Elton John on the results show, after he served as a guest mentor the night before. The female contestants, Fantasia, Jennifer, Diana DeGarmo, Jasmine Trias, Camile Velasco, and LaToya London kicked off the performance. They then handed it off to the guys, Jon Peter Lewis, John Stevens, and George Huff, who sang a beautiful version of "Daniel." They then came together to rock out and perform a choreographed dance during a spirited rendition of "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting."
Season 4 - When You Tell Me That You Love Me
The American Idol season 4 Top 12 finalists came together to record the single, "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" by Diana Ross, to raise money for American Red Cross Disaster Relief in 2005. The single appeared on the American Idol Season 4: The Showstoppers compilation album. They performed a different version of the song on the live show, which featured each contestant singing a line from the verse, and then coming together in gorgeous harmony to sing the chorus. The finalists included Lindsey Cardinale, Mikalah Gordon, Jessica Sierra, Nikko Smith, Nadia Turner, Anwar Robinson, Constantine Maroulis, Scott Savol, Anthony Fedorov, Vonzell Solomon, Bo Bice, and winner, Carrie Underwood. The performance was moving and emotional, and made all the more special because it was for a good cause.
Season 5 - Elvis Presley Medley
Chris Daughtry and Katharine McPhee dancing together to Elvis Presley tunes? It happened in 2006, when the American Idol season 5 Top 4 finalists sang a medley of Elvis hits on the results show, following an Elvis-themed night. Chris and Katharine were joined by Elliott Yamin and Taylor Hicks for one of the most entertaining group performances in American Idol history. The medley kicked off with Elliott cheerfully singing "Don't Be Cruel," with his fellow finalists providing backup. This led into "Blue Suede Shoes," during which Katharine showed off her dance moves as the guys sang the line, "Go, Kat, go!"
Taylor then danced through the audience singing, "Heartbreak Hotel." After that, Katharine slowed things down with a sweet version of "Are You Lonesome Tonight?," followed by Chris singing "Love Me Tender." They all then headed to the judges' table to sing "I Just Can't Help Believin'" to judge Paula Abdul. They concluded the performance with a jubilant version of "Burning Love," during which they blissfully and freely danced on the platform in the audience. It was a truly spectacular group performance.
American Idol seasons 1 to 5 had some of the greatest group performances that the show has ever seen. The finalists lit up the stage with their talent and pure love for performing. American Idol should consider bringing group performances back in order to showcase the finalists' musical abilities and personalities.
American Idol airs Sundays & Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.