Category Archives: Music

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All 14 American Idol Coronation Songs Ranked From Worst to Best

Over the past 14 years, American Idol finalist have been forced to sing a coronation song at the finale. These songs, written “just for them” are designed to pull on the heartstrings of the public,  and make the confetti falling scene as emotional as possible, all while trying to launch the winner to the top of the charts.

While some of the coronation songs flopped harder than Brian Dunkleman’s post-Idol hosting career, others went on to become bonafide hits, and made the sobbing American public get the “goosies” from head to toe.

Below are 14 years worth of winning coronation songs ranked from worst to best.

 

14. “Beautiful Day” – Lee Dewyze (Season 9)

The American Idol writing team decided to take a year off back in 2010, as they didn’t even bother penning original tracks for finalists Dewyze and runner-up Crystal Bowersox. After complaints from the public that previous coronations songs were too cheesy (particularly the ill-received Kara DioGuardi track “No Boundaries”) they decided something needed to change.

So, instead of putting forth the effort, they forced the finalists to sing cover songs, and have that be their first single should they win. Dewyze was tasked to cover a 10 year old track by one of the most popular bands in the history of music, U2. Dewyze gave some of the most memorable performances in the history of the show, but the only thing that separated his coronation song from the rest of his performances was the pomp and circumstance that was supported by a bigger budget, a bigger stage, and most importantly, lots of violinists. In a recent interview (skip to 14:35), Dewyze shares his disappointment at having to release a cover song as his first single.

 

13. “I Am Beautiful” – Candice Glover (Season 12)

Was season 12 even aired? While Candice Glover is undeniably a talented singer, “I Am Beautiful” is by far the most ridiculous coronation song in the history of Idol. I understand that the show may have wanted to highlight Glover’s story of gaining confidence, and becoming an independent woman, but having a song in which a woman is judging her self worth based solely on a man thinking she is beautiful, seems to be counter-productive. The only explanation is that the “He” Glover is referring to, is God, but if that is the case the message is unclear, and a bit confusing.

This may be the only coronation song that I have literally never heard again since the night I was barely paying attention to the awful season 12 finale.

https://youtu.be/1zl8xglqmh8

 

12. “This Is My Now” – Jordin Sparks (Season 6)

First of all, back in season 6, the producers were still giving both finalists the same song to sing as their potential first single. If you are up on your Idol history, you will remember that Jordin’s co-finalist was beat boxing wiz kid Blake Lewis. Can you please tell me how it would be humanly possibly for Lewis to beat box his way through this cheesy song and gain more votes than Sparks?

As for the song, it is a clear rip off of “A Moment Like This,” and obvious that the producers were trying to find the same success as they had with Kelly Clarkson’s coronation song. Needless to say, they failed miserably.

 

11. “I Love You This Big” – Scotty McCreery (Season 10)

I get it, Scotty McCreery was young when he won American Idol. But, did his coronation song have to be written from the perspective of a kindergarden student? I love you this big, is what a 5 year old would say to his mother when she is tucking him in at night. Coming from a 17 year old guy with a voice deeper than James Earl Jones, the song seemed silly and on the verge of being a joke. Did I buy the song on iTunes and sing along in my deepest voice? Yes. But then again, I love my momma this…….

<—————————————————————————————–> big, so I really had no other choice.

 

10. “Do I Make You Proud” – Taylor Hicks (Season 5)

On the complete opposite end of the Idol age spectrum is Taylor Hicks. His “Do I Make You Proud” would have been a much more fitting single from a teenage contestant, rather than a 29 year old that looks as if he is 49.

While the song itself is shockingly decent, it would be surprising if anyone outside of Hick’s support group, “The Soul Patrol” remember his coronation song. And after ten years, most of the “Sole Patrol” are probably either dead or in a nursing home and had to sell their Taylor Hicks CD in a yard sale before making the move to their new living quarters.

 

9. “Flying Without Wings” – Ruben Studdard (Season 2)

In one of the most depressing pieces of news I have heard in weeks, I found out today that “Flying Without Wings” was not a Ruben Studdard original. For years I have been referring to it as my favorite R&B song of all time (it actually is the only song on the list.)

Apparently Irish boy band, Westlife released the track in 1999, four years before Studdard stole America’s hearts and made preppy little white boys consider a career in R&B and moving to area code 205. Wherever the hell that is.

As devastating as the news may be, “Flying Without Wings” was good enough to push Studdard just over the edge and beat runner-up Clay Aiken, in what has got to be the most mix matched pairing in the history of reality television.

clay vs ruben

(photo credit: http://realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com)

 

 

 

8. “As Long As You Love Me” – Caleb Johnson (Season 13)

“As Long As You Love Me” is far and away the most Un-Idol-ish finale song of all time. This could fit in on any rock station, and even better on any classic rock station. It sounds like it is directly from any late 80’s rock band’s catalogue, and not surprisingly, was written by The Darkness frontman, Justin Hawkins.

Idol’s original winner, Kelly Clarkson, is said to have wanted the song as her own, but due to time constraints, was not able to record it in time, and the track was given to Johnson for his coronation song. Of course, Clarkson would have turned it into a multi platinum hit, while Johnson’s version was one of the least successful finale songs in the history of the show, according to the charts.

 

7. “No Boundaries” – Kris Allen (Season 8)

While many consider Kara DioGuardi’s “No Boundaries” to be one of the worst coronation songs of all time, I personally, played it on repeat so many times in 2008 that still today I could nail it in karaoke without even taking a glance at the screen. Both Allen and Adam Lambert had their own renditions of the song, but “No Boundaries” helped baby-face Kris Allen get that little extra push at the very end to beat out season long frontrunner, Lambert. This is all despite the fact that Kris Allen looks like he is going to have an aneurysm while trying to reach the uncomfortably high notes. Not only does he forget the words, but the track clearly does not suit his voice, and it is painfully obvious. If Allen wasn’t such a heartthrob, this would’ve been one of the worst finale performances of all time. He was just so damn likable, however, that you looked past it, and spent three hours redialing his 866-idols-02 phone number just so he could pull off the huge upset.

 

 

6. “Inside Your Heaven” – Carrie Underwood (Season 4)

On any other American Idol related list, it would be hard to imagine that Carrie Underwood would not land at one of the top two spots. Considering how successful Carrie Underwood has been post-Idol, it is difficult to think of “Inside Your Heaven” as anything but another corny American Idol coronation song. Granted, it is a very good, corny American Idol coronation song, just a wee bit too corny to fully appreciate.

Underwood and her co-finalist, Bo Bice, both sang this as their coronations song, and while Bice did it justice, it was Underwood’s performance (right down to the Kelly Clarkson’esque cry while singing) that makes it one of the most memorable moments in the shows 15 year run.

 

5. “Time Of My Life” – David Cook (Season 7)

David Cook was so good all season that if he didn’t get a decent coronation song, riots would have swept through the streets of LA, the likes of which they have not seen since Rodney King’s unfortunate turn of events.

“Time of My Life” is a radio friendly song that is not cheesy, and is actually quite relatable. The guy just wins American Idol and sings a song about having the time of his life. It’s believable, and catchy, and Cook delivers it flawlessly.

 

4. “I Believe” – Fantasia (Season 3)

I was never a huge Fantasia fan. In fact, I couldn’t stand her, and resented the fact that it was painfully obvious she was going to win for the last two months of the season. Her performance of “I Believe”, however, made a believer out of this guy. It is one of the few Idol performances that I actually get the goosebumps when I watch. Like David Cook’s “Time of My Life”, “I Believe” is among other things, believable. Fantasia truly makes you believe that anything is possible when you believe. If I can go all season not being able to tolerate her, then think her finale song is one of the greatest moments in the show’s history, absolutely anything is possible.

I would actually go to a Fantasia concert just to hear this song. Literally, only this song. Then I would leave. Not before, however, a video of the whitest white-boy of all time, fan-girling over “I Believe” at a Fantasia Barrino concert goes viral.

 

 

3. “Beautiful Life” – Nick Fradiani (Season 14)

The coronation song for current American Idol champion, Nick Fradiani, is by far the best thing that has come out of the show in years. “Beautiful Life” found commercial success, and I consider it to be one of the best songs of 2015. Period. I have no idea how Fradiani snuck through to the end of the show, and ended up winning, but he gave us “Beautiful Life” I am forever grateful to the couple hundred people that bothered voting last season.

“Beautiful Life” is cool, current, and one of the only Idol coronation songs that I can blast in my car without fear of being judged or ridiculed by friends or strangers.

https://youtu.be/CrHuPnveM7Q

 

2. “A Moment Like This” – Kelly Clarkson (Season 1)

Kelly Clarkson’s performance of “A Moment Like This” is one of the most iconic moments in television history, and solidified American Idol as the biggest show on television (for a few years at least). As cliche as it may sound, it was literally like watching a star being born. People all across America were witnessing a young girl from a small town turn into a full blown massive celebrity on a soundstage that now seems to have been made out of a cardboard box.

One final note, if crying longer and harder than Kelly Clarkson’s own mother is wrong, than I don’t want to be right.

 

1. “Home” – Phillip Phillips (Season 11)

Not only is “Home” the best coronation song of the show’s history, but I would go as far as to say that it is the best song that any Idol alumni has released pre or post show. I have never seen the numbers, but I would be shocked if Phillips didn’t receive over 90% of the final votes over his competitor Jessica Sanchez.

Phillips is a guy’s guy, and a ladies man, and one of the most laid back contestants that has ever been on an American reality show. “Home” could easily have been released as a Mumford & Sons track and it would have been a massive hit. Couple that with the fact that it got the exposure of Idol, and it was performed by the most likable contestant in a decade, and you have the recipe for the most successful, and best, American Idol coronation song of all time. Old people loved it, young children loved it, hip 30-somethings loved it. Hell, I think that even Jessica Sanchez’s family prob

ably threw a few votes Phillips’ way after falling in love with “Home”.

 

Tune in tonight and tomorrow to see how the final American Idol coronation song compares to its predecessors.

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5 Songs You Need To Hear Right Now (Feb 2016)

The “5 Songs You Need To Hear Right Now” countdowns has become a staple here at Ryan’s Countdowns, and is one of the most requested countdowns that readers want to see. And who am I to deny the public of what they want? Now that you have listened to the entire Justin Bieber album for 3 straight months, it is time you expand your horizons, and get to know the 5 songs that you should not go another day without hearing.

5. Pride, American Authors


American Authors scored a top 10 spot on last year’s “Top 100 Songs of 2015” with their hit “Go Big Or Go Home”, and the boys from Boston are on track to follow that up this year with “Pride.”

I’ve had a few moments of pride so far this year, but if I had to countdown my “Proudest Moments of 2016” as of right now, learning the ultra fast, tongue twisting chorus to the American Author’s single would be at the top of the list.

The first time I heard the song, I knew that I would not let myself sleep until I was able to sing along flawlessly with one of the catchiest songs of the year. To this day, weeks later, I still give a little fist pump each time I nail the vocals. It may have taken my entire commute to and from work, but I accomplished my goal, and nobody can never, ever, ever, never, ever, take away my pride.

 

4. I Refuse, Simple Plan

In the early 2000’s no band was better at singing about teen angst than Simple Plan. Now, 15 years later, despite the guys being in their mid-thirties, they are still second to none when it comes to the schizophrenic ups and downs of teenagers.

“I Refuse,” off the bands newest album Taking One For the Team, is the epitome of teen angst. In fact, as a mid-thirties guy myself, it almost made me wish that I was an awkward, angry, confused teenager, just so I could stick up for myself when it came to other kids judging me for who I am.

“I refuse to apologize for who I am… I refuse to ever let somebody say I can’t…. I refuse, I refuse, I refuse….. to let the words you say get to me…. and I refuse… to keep on suffering silently…. I refuse, I refuse, I refuse… So I refuse. 

Not only will this song pump you up, build your confidence, and push you to stand up for what you believe in as an adult but it will also be an anthem for teenagers that have had enough of their shitty lives, and help them make positive changes. Simple Plan have long been known for saving the lives of countless teenagers who felt lost and alone, and “I Refuse,” along with much of the Team album, will no doubt do the same. For a bunch of silly Canadian guys that love speedos and skateboards, that is quite an impressive accomplishment.

3. Nobody Wins, Brian Fallon

WARNING: If you do not feel like crying your eyes out, avoid the video. You’ve been warned.

If you are familiar with Gaslight Anthem, you are already familiar with Brian Fallon, the lead singer of the band (currently on an indefinite hiatus.) I was pretty distraught when I heard that Gaslight Anthem was parting ways, but had I heard then, what I have heard now, I would have thrown the band a heartfelt goodbye party, and escorted Fallon to the studio to begin recording.
Not only is this track, “Nobody Wins,” beautifully endearing and painfully honest, but it is as good as any Gaslight Anthem song to date (and I consider myself a solid Gaslight Anthem fan).

Additionally, as if I needed additional reason to not be able to sleep until March 11th (when Fallon’s debut solo album is released), his other released tracks, “A Wonderful Life”, and “Steve McQueen” are just as good and relatable as “Nobody Wins”.

This is as much of a “must hear track” as it gets, so be among the first of your friends to share the track that is bound to be a 2016 classic, and help make Brian Fallon a household name, as it so desperately needs to be.

(SIDE NOTE: After writing this post, I went to Fallon’s website to check out his tour dates, and sure enough, he is playing in Boston on 3/11, which just so happens to be the day his album comes out. And yes, of course I instantly bought ticket).

2. Spirits, The Strumbellas

I am fairly certain that I could just attach the video, and no words would be necessary for why this is a “must hear” song. If you have heard this track already, you know how catchy it is, if you have not heard it yet… you’re welcome for introducing you to one of your favorite songs of 2016.

The Strumbellas, formed in 2008, are from Ontario, Canada, and made up of a six piece band. After 8 years, they have struck radio gold with “Spirits.” The inspiring song that reminds you to live your life to the fullest, will have you in deep thought about whether or not your are enjoying life as much as you should be. Ladies and Gentlemen, the deepest rock lyrics of 2016 so far….

“….And I don’t want a never-ending life
I just want to be alive, while i’m here.

And I, don’t want to see another night
lost inside of our own life, while i’m here.”

Me. Thinking about those lyrics. (photo credit: strangezoo.com)

Me. Thinking about those lyrics. (photo credit: strangezoo.com)

 

1. I Need Never Get Old, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats.

(True Story: Over an hour and a half passed from when I wrote about song 2)

Why you ask? Because I have watched the above video 17 times in a row. Literally 17 times in a row. I can only remember a televised musical performance bringing me to tears one time in my life, and it just so happened to be a late-night talk show appearance of The Killers performing “A Dustland Fairytale.” It is a story about lead singer, Brandon Flower’s parents meeting, their life together, and the untimely death of his mother, who lost her battle to cancer a few years back.
I cried because of the epic performance, but I’m sure it also had to do with the touching story. So, I have cried over a musical performance ONE time. Until I watched the above video.
Jimmy Fallon’s introduction alone set the stage for the television musical performance of the year (granted, Lady Gaga’s Nation Anthem at the Superbowl was legendary.)
“These guys…. I’m telling you…… turn your TV sets up…. turn it loud. Clap. Have a party. THIS IS ROCK AND ROLL.”

The raw emotion that Rateliff exudes during the performance is so awe-inspiring that he could be singing about a razor blade getting old, and it would still make me teary-eyed.
One day, 65 years from now, when my scribe is writing down my final lists, as I lie dying, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats’ performance of “I Need Never Get Old” will most definitely still be remembered as one of the greatest televised performance I have ever seen in my life.
Jimmy Fallon’s reaction after the performance is a sign of how epic it was. Even if you have heard the song, watch the video and the song will take on a much deeper meaning once you see what Nate and the Night Sweats put into it. WATCH THE VIDEO. Do it for me. Do it for Jimmy Fallon. Do it for Nathaniel Rateliff. Do it for the Night Sweats. But most importantly, do it for you.
And IF, for some reason you do not feel some sort of emotional response as to how epic it is, you next beer is on me when I see you out at a bar. Right after I slap you upside your head.

Leave a comment and tell me what you think of the songs. Love the? Hate them? Have a song that you want me to hear? Tell me all about it.

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Top 100 Songs of 2015 (5-1)

Songs 100 – 91     Songs 90-81     Songs 80-71     Songs 70-61     Songs 60-51                   Songs 50-41        Songs 40-31     Songs 30-21    Songs 20-16    Songs 15-11   Songs 10-6

5. Sedona, Houndmouth

For some reason Houndmouth does not seem to receive a substantial amount of radio play. It would be a crying shame if this beauty of a song fades into obscurity without getting the recognition it deserves. A true tale sign of a reamarkable song is when it takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. The first half of “Sedona” is so easy going, thanks to lead singer, Matt Myers’ voice, which is so soothing, that you could listen to it while falling asleep at night, and you would likely drift into a blissful slumber.

At the 3:00 mark, however, “Sedona” transitions from a happy-go-lucky ditty, to an all out rock anthem. The contrast between the first three minutes to the last 45 seconds, is what makes this a true Alternative Rock masterpiece, and makes Myers and Houndmouth, a force to be reckoned with.

4. Tear in My Heart, Twenty One Pilots

Despite the fact that “my taste in music is your face” is one of the most bizarre and confusing lyrics of the year, “Tear in My Heart” is so good that it is easy to forgive that ridiculous line.

The song, rumored to be written about vocalist Tyler Joseph’s wife, is about how he let her in to his emotional side, which led to a tear in his heart. Regardless of its sentimental attachment, “Tear In My Heart” will pump you up and leave you wanting more. With the success that Twenty One Pilots found in 2015, it is very likely that fans will not have to wait very long for them to get back in the studio and ride their wave of momentum to further success.

 

3. First, Cold War Kids

https://youtu.be/SZzJ78FWjl8

Formed in 2004, Cold War Kids have had a very long road to get to where they are today. But after 11 years and 5 albums, their song “First” was by far the most successful single to date, and finally allowed them to get the recognition they deserve. Living up to its name, “First”, was the bands first number one track on the US Alternative charts.

“First” is a modern day anthem for teenagers everywhere. Teenage years are full of many, many “firsts”, and what better song to have as the soundtrack to your life than this pop-punk-rock gem.

2. Boom, Simple Plan

If you’re between the ages of 25-40 you probably remember Simple Plan, the fun-loving Canadian pop-punk-rock band that took the world by storm with their 2002 debut album, No Helmets, No Pads, Just Balls. 

Well, the best thing to come out of Canada since, uh……. ever, is back, and just as fun and catchy as ever. Now in their mid-thirties, the guys from Simple Plan may be feeling a bit more sore the morning after a video shoot, but you certainly wouldn’t be able to tell from their enthusiasm.

“Boom” is one of the most energetic songs of 2015 and should have you singing along by the end of the first time you hear it. If you don’t start fist pumping, dancing, or singing “bo bo bo bo bo bo bo” to “Boom” than you are bo bo bo bo bo bo bo boring.

1. Could Have Been Me, The Struts

The Struts, an English rock band from Derby, England, formed back in 2010, and released their debut album Everybody Wants last year. “Could Have Been Me” has made its way to the States this summer, and after hearing roughly 20 seconds of the track on Alt Nation, I purchased the track on iTunes before the song was even over.

The Struts have dubbed their style as “Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll” after the song by The Killers. Not only are The Struts glamorous, party animals that could hang with AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses in their prime, they are full-on rock stars with the ability to get your 90 year old grandmother out of her rocking chair, and ready to get the party started.

“Could Have Been Me” is a epic rock anthem that will make you want to practice rolling your r’s, so you can properly sing along to this killer track.