Though American Idol has produced some bona fide stars since kicking off its massively successful run back in 2002, including Clay Aiken and Carrie Underwood — there’s little doubt that the show has given a legion of woefully untalented contestants a forum with which to aurally attack viewers the world over. And while there are dozens upon dozens of sub-par warblers to choose from, we’ve settled on the 10 most screeching, downright crude performers that have bafflingly stepped in front of Simon, Paula and Randy.
number 10
Nathaniel Golden Jr.
Song: “My Girl” – The Temptations
There’s little doubt that Nathaniel Golden Jr. got off to a rocky start before he even opened his mouth, as he arrived at the auditions clad in a ridiculous outfit that included pants cut down the side of each leg (which, as he told Ryan, required a thong underneath). The worst was yet to come, however, as Nathaniel offered up a tuneless rendition of The Temptations’ classic soul hit “My Girl.” Nathaniel’s surprise at the judge’s uniform hatred quickly morphed into indignation, and the would-be crooner concluded his appearance by calling Simon “an asshole and Randy “fat.”
Simon says: “Look, I think the reality is I’ve heard better people sing outside subway stations.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFL59V-bLWY
number 9
Irada Jafarova
Song: “Unbreak My Heart” – Toni Braxton
There’s little doubt that hopes were high for Irada Jafarova when she first strode into the auditioning room, as her exotic looks and slinky outfit virtually promised a sultry rendition of Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart.” Such hopes were quickly dashed as Irada launched into an abbreviated and thoroughly tuneless take on Braxton’s hit, which deservedly earned her a chorus of snickering derisiveness from the judges. After Randy asked her if she had anything else, Irada only exacerbated matters by offering up a brief medley consisting of poorly conceived takes on Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” and LeAnn Rimes’ “How Do I Live.” Undoubtedly realizing her failure, Irada quickly stormed out of the room without a single word after her disastrous appearance.
Simon says: “Without being rude, you’re one of those packages you get at Christmas time where you say, ‘Can I give it back?’”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnFdQFOrLSE
number 8
Erik Lawhon
Song: “If You’re Not the One” – Daniel Bedingfield
With his comically high-pitched voice, Erik Lawhon got off on the wrong foot with Simon before he had a chance to belt out a single note. Simon’s derision was palpable as Erik offered up a vase-shattering rendition of Daniel Bedingfield’s 2002 smash hit, though it was actually the notoriously easy-going Paula who ultimately cut the boy off. And though both Randy and Paula voted “no” on well-meaning Erik, Simon — in a final stab at joshing the eager contestant — actually voted “yes” knowing full well that his thumbs up would hold the same effect as a “no.”
Simon says: “You sing like an Auntie.”
number 7
Leandra Jackson
Song: “The Star Spangled Banner”
What she lacks in talent Leandra Jackson surely makes up in enthusiasm, as the aspiring chanteuse pours every ounce of her being into as over-the-top a rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” as one could possibly imagine. This Cleveland, Ohio native clearly has few doubts as to her musical abilities, as evidenced by her wildly gesticulating body and pained facial expressions. And while we can’t help but admire Leandra’s steely determination to please the judges, it’s certainly not difficult to see why she didn’t quite make the cut. It’s also interesting to note that Leandra’s sister Lashunda was trying out for the show at the same time, although — not surprisingly — she fared just as poorly as her sibling.
Simon says: Nothing. Simon’s stunned silence says it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXSVD1zftNM
number 6
Sarah Santiago
Song: “That’s the Way it Is” – Celine Dion
While we can’t help but admire Sarah Santiago’s never-say-die attitude, it’s certainly not difficult to see why she got the boot. After launching into a tuneless rendition of Celine Dion’s “That’s the Way it Is,” Sarah repeatedly interrupts the judges and attempts to prove that she really can sing — although it remains crystal clear that she really can’t. And as opposed to her mere presence as Simon is, it’s Randy who seems the most perturbed by Sarah’s abilities — as he eventually refers to her as “one of the freakiest” contestants he’s ever seen.
Simon says: “You have one of the worst voices I’ve ever heard in my life.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn3a3B_cJDM
number 5
Fookling Lee
Song: “I Can’t Stand the Rain” – Graham Central Station
Fookling Lee undoubtedly holds the dubious distinction of being the brainiest contestant to crash and burn before the judges, as she skipped high school, plays three instruments and graduated from Harvard University. Yet all the smarts in the world couldn’t disguise the fact that she simply cannot sing, and it was with laughter that Randy finally cut her off by saying, “I can’t stand this anymore!” Fookling looked genuinely puzzled when all three judges slammed her performance, though Paula at least tried to be diplomatic about it (“You obviously heard in your own head different than what we heard.”)
Simon says: “Fookling, you are one of the worst singers I’ve ever heard in my life and I’m not exaggerating. That went beyond horrific.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0k6LmNt3qQ
number 4
Rhonetta Johnson
Song: “You Remind Me” – Mary J. Blige
If nothing else, Rhonetta Johnson could never be accused of lacking self-confidence. In her pre-interview with Ryan Seacrest, Rhonetta boldly claims that she’s got the talent to compete with folks like Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey. She quickly proves otherwise, however, as she stumbles through truncated, barely recognizable versions of Mary J. Blige’s “You Remind Me” and Ciara’s “And I.” Simon, Randy and Paula unanimously vote her off the show, and Rhonetta spends the next several minutes ranting incoherently on a variety of topics (including her impending fame and the worthlessness of the judges).
Simon says: “Everything’s gone wrong today.”
number 3
Kenneth Maccarone
Song: “Believe” – Cher
Kenneth Maccarone waited for over 12 hours before he was given his big chance, and he immediately launched into a surprisingly faithful rendition of Cher’s hit single “Believe” (well, as faithful as a man can be). Kenneth’s efforts at modulating his voice to duplicate Cher’s sound didn’t exactly go over well with the judges, and Randy spent the majority of his performance ducked behind a piece of paper. Simon’s subsequent efforts at encouraging Kenneth to pursue a career as a female impersonator didn’t go over too well, as Kenneth eventually hit Simon with a snarky rejoinder that won the approval of both Randy and Paula (“If we’re going based on what people do and what people say, then why aren’t you on the backside of a pair of jeans?”)
Simon says: “You did Cher like Cher, so logic says become a female impersonator.”
number 2
Ryan Hart
Song: “Smashed into Pieces” – Silverstein
Ryan Hart’s efforts to introduce death metal to the three judges — not to mention the viewing audience — went off as poorly as one might’ve expected, as the fiesty youth offered up a surprisingly faithful rendition of Silverstein’s “Smashed into Pieces.” From the moment he launched into the screaming tirade that makes up the bulk of the song, it was completely clear that Simon, Randy and especially Paula were not in the least impressed. Simon’s decision to finally cut the hopeless hopeful off triggers a sarcastic rant from Ryan, as he tells off Simon (“I’m bored with you!”) and derides the entire process (“Too hardcore for you, man!”)
Simon says: “Why on earth are you here?”
number 1
William Hung
Song: “She Bangs” — Ricky Martin
Undoubtedly the most notorious contestant to ever grace American Idol’s stage, William Hung’s wide-eyed demeanor and complete lack of guile transformed him into a cult figure virtually overnight. Innocently proclaiming that he “has no professional training” as a singer, Hung seemed unfazed by Simon’s expectedly brusque response to his routine. Far more impressive, however, is the manner in which Hung managed to turn his brief appearance on the show into a full-fledged career, as the would-be crooner booked appearances on shows like Jimmy Kimmel, The Late Show with David Letterman and The Howard Stern Radio Show. Just when it seemed as though Hung was going to slink back into obscurity, Koch Entertainment signed him to a record deal — with his debut album Inspiration hitting stores less than three months after his initial American Idol appearance (the disc has since sold over 200,000).
Simon says: “You can’t sing, you can’t dance, so what do you want me to say?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RrLQUN8UJg
Courtesy askmen.com