american idol greatest moments

By now, just about everyone who owns a television is familiar with American Idol, the hybrid product of reality TV crossed with Star Search. The prime-time show put prospective pop stars into a race for a one million-dollar record deal, along with immeasurable fame among the 18 and under crowd. The show's producers, capitalizing on the incredible success of American Idol's first season, released American Idol: Greatest Moments, almost immediately after the season finale. Although most fans were more eagerly awaiting the debut album from the show's winner, Kelly Clarkson, Greatest Moments serves as a surprise treat, resurrecting the best songs from the show's finalists and putting them into a fine collection.

Greatest Moments is a youthful immersion into R&B, soul and rock, as the 10 finalists perform covers of classic hits. But since the show's criteria demands that the young singers add their own touch to the songs, the music sounds revamped and updated rather than simply like carbon copies of the originals. Adding to the charm of the album is that the tracks were not made in the studio, but rather were taken from the show; hence the instrumental and choral arrangements, as well as the lead vocals, are live and unchanged.

Clarkson opens the album with two powerful Aretha Franklin updates, namely "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" and "Respect." Providing live proof of why she won American Idol, this pair of tracks shows off her powerful vocals and flexible range. "Respect" is the standout track, where Clarkson easily belts out the lyrics with a feel of vigor and soul that would make Franklin proud. The other definitive star of the show, runner-up Justin Guarini, gets the next two tracks, "For Once In My Life" and "Get Here." "For Once In My Life," arguably the strongest track of the album, features Guarini's smooth, but heartfelt take on the Stevie Wonder classic.

Although Clarkson and Guarini lead off the album, the highlights continue with the remaining eight contestants. The other Wonder updates, Ryan Starr's "If You Really Love Me," R.J. Helton's "Lately" and A.J. Gil's "My Cherie Amour," add a nice hint of old-school soul to the mix. Christina Christian offers a shocker on "Ain't No Sunshine," as the somber song captures the feel of Bill Wither's original, yet has an interesting twist since it is sung by a female. Lastly, Ejay Day's "I'll Be" and Jim Verraros' "Easy" were two major fan favorites from the show.

American Idol: Greatest Moments not only gives fans of the show some of the most treasured songs from the season, but it strongly builds up the hype of the upcoming season. In addition, it gives more exposure to the talented Kelly Clarkson and her upcoming endeavors. It is a shame that the show had only one winner, since many of the performers, particularly the finalists, are quite talented. But Greatest Moments acknowledges no winners -- well, barring the fact that Clarkson has four tracks on the album -- and it will surely satisfy anyone who appreciates hearing fresh, emerging talents.

By Aaron Ellis