'American Idol': The 15 Best Performances Ever

15. RUBEN STUDDARD, ''Superstar'' (Season 2)
There will always be fans who believe Ruben should have played runner-up to Clay, and certainly the Velvet Teddy Bear's post-victory recordings (''Sorry 2004'' — just sorry) haven't won him any converts. But in today's world of histrionic pop ballads, there's something to be said for a beautiful song delivered with straightforward simplicity. With his soulful semifinal rendition of this classic Carpenters' tune, Ruuuuben began his own journey to stardom that took him right to the Idol finals and beyond.

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