What is the best American Idol season ever?

Which American Idol season produced the most unforgettable moments? From Kelly Clarkson's Season 1 debut to the record-shattering two-Davids Season 7 finale, vote for the season that best defined the show's legacy.

Season 4 (2005)

The season that launched Carrie Underwood, who became the highest-certified female country artist ever and the show's biggest commercial success.

1/12

Season 1 (2002)

The groundbreaking debut season that introduced the world to the format and launched Kelly Clarkson's legendary career from the very first episode.

2/12

Season 7 (2008)

The David Cook vs. David Archuleta showdown that drew a record 97 million votes in the finale, the most in the show's history at the time.

3/12

Season 8 (2009)

Adam Lambert's theatrical performances sparked global debate while Kris Allen won, making it one of the most discussed and beloved seasons.

4/12

Season 5 (2006)

The highest-rated season in the show's history, averaging 30.6 million viewers per episode, featuring finalist Katherine McPhee and winner Taylor Hicks.

5/12

Season 3 (2004)

The emotionally charged season won by Fantasia Barrino, whose powerful story and gospel-rooted voice produced some of the show's most memorable performances.

6/12

Season 10 (2011)

The season that produced both Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, two country acts who went on to major mainstream success.

7/12

Season 16 (2018)

The acclaimed ABC revival debut that refreshed the format with Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan as judges and introduced winner Maddie Poppe.

8/12

Season 6 (2007)

The season that turned Jordin Sparks into a pop star and featured the unlikely rise of Sanjaya Malakar as a pop-culture phenomenon.

9/12

Season 21 (2023)

The season won by Iam Tongi, whose tearful rendition of James Blunt's Monsters in honor of his late father went viral and won millions of hearts.

10/12

Season 15 (2016)

The emotional final Fox season that reunited Idol legends Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood for a star-studded farewell spectacular.

11/12

Season 2 (2003)

The season in which a pre-fame Jennifer Hudson was controversially eliminated early, only to win an Oscar, making it one of TV's greatest underdog stories.

12/12