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It has been a great season of American Idol with many moments that will stay in the minds of Idol viewers for years.  The performers have managed to turn it up a notch this season and add an entirely new dimension to the talent show.  No longer is performing a song as written enough.  Simply being technically perfect will not win the prize.  American Idol contestants are expected to go above and beyond to give the audience a thrill.  There have been several moments this season where that has occurred.

Michael Johns Tackles Queen 

American Idol contestant Michael Johns gave it his all during Hollywood week.  On a show that is known for botching up Queen songs, Johns took on the ultimate test, and he delivered.  Johns managed to win over numerous fans with his take on Queen.  It was the performance of the season for Michael Johns, and unfortunately he was never able to live up to the bar he had set for himself.  Eventually, Michael Johns’ run on American Idol was over, but that performance will continue to stay in viewers’ minds.

David Archuleta Channels John Lennon 

David Archuleta was talented, and millions of American Idol viewers knew that.  Still, it was his performance of Imagine that catapulted him to the top of the season.  His performance brought tears to the eyes of many of the American Idol viewers, and it sent chills up the arms of even more.  Archuleta managed to showcase who he wished to be as an artist with that performance.

Brooke White and the Beatles 

In a season of ups and downs for Brooke White, the first Beatles night was a refreshing moment on American Idol as she performed Let it Be.  The performance consisted of White, a piano, and her sultry vocals.  It was scaled down but beautiful, and definitely showed a different side of White.  She was vulnerable yet in control.  Later, the control would fail her and she would never again reach the heights that she did with Let it Be. Jason Castro and Hallelujah Even though he was a sound performer in the beginning of the competition, Jason Castro had failed to have a moment that truly blew American Idol viewers away.  That all changed when he delicately strummed his guitar and sang Hallelujah.  It was a beautiful rendition of the song, and he managed to infuse a lot of emotion into the lyrics.  It was as if he was feeling what he was singing, which is oftentimes missing from the American Idol contestants.  It was a season changing moment for Castro, although it has been both a blessing and curse.  His performances have often been compared to Hallelujah, and they have come up short when next to his moment of greatness.

David Cook Does Michael Jackson 

When David Cook’s song was announced to be Billie Jean by Michael Jackson, American Idol fans were confused.  Surely he would not be taking on Michael Jackson.  That did not make sense.  However, instead of doing the version of the song made famous by Jackson, Cook chose the lesser known Chris Cornell version, and he nailed it.  It was slow and haunting, and his voice was almost guttural.  It was a groundbreaking performance, not only for Cook, but for American Idol as well.  Cook had managed to cross some imaginary line that American Idol contestants had yet to cross, and the risk was well worth it.  He received praise from judges and fans alike.

With still more performances to come, surely there will be some more amazing moments on American Idol.  The competition is fierce this year, and the contestants are the best yet.  It has been a remarkable season of American Idol.

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