All 18 'American Idol' coronation songs, ranked from worst to best

Gabbi ShawMar 23, 2021, 21:25 IST

Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This" is near the top.Getty

All 19 winners of "American Idol" have released "coronation songs" upon their win.
The quality ranges greatly, from borderline un-listenable to true bops.
Insider ranked them based on lyrics, production, sales, and personal taste.

"Do I Make You Proud" by Taylor Hicks solidified why I voted for Katharine McPhee.

"American Idol" season five winner, Taylor Hicks. Ray Mickshaw/WireImage/Getty Images

Caleb Johnson's vocals just aren't suited to "As Long as You Love Me."

"American Idol" winner Caleb Johnson performs onstage on May 21, 2014. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Lee DeWyze sang a forgettable cover of U2's "Beautiful Day."

Lee DeWyze, winner of this year's "American Idol," on May 26, 2010. Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic/Getty Images

"Beautiful Life" by Nick Fradiani came after American Authors' "Best Day of My Life" and Imagine Dragons' "It's Time," and it shows.

Nick Fradiani performs onstage during "American Idol" XIV Grand Finale on May 13, 2015. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

"I Love You This Big" by Scotty McCreery is the only truly country coronation song.

Scotty McCreery performs onstage during Fox's "American Idol" finale results show on May 25, 2011. Kevin Winter/American Idol 2011/Getty Images

"Flame" by Laine Hardy wouldn't be out of place on the Disney Channel.

Laine Hardy on May 19, 2019. Eric McCandless via Getty Images

Musically, "This Is My Now" by Jordin Sparks is the most 2007 song ever.

"American Idol" season six winner Jordin Sparks performing "This Is My Now" in 2007. Lester Cohen/WireImage/Getty Images

Kris Allen's "No Boundaries" is a perfectly average song.

Kris Allen performs onstage during the "American Idol" season eight finale on May 20, 2009. Kevin Winter/American Idol 2009/Getty Images for FOX

Personally, I can't connect with the contemporary Christian sound and content of Carrie Underwood's "Inside Your Heaven."

Carrie Underwood performs after being named the next "American Idol" during the finale on May 25, 2005. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Ruben Studdard's version of "Flying Without Wings" is the rare case in which the cover stands equal to the original.

Ruben Studdard, winner of "American Idol" season two. Ray Mickshaw/WireImage/Getty Images

"Going Going Gone" by Maddie Poppe is a serviceable folk-pop song, if not a few years too late.

Maddie Poppe on May 21, 2018. Eric McCandless via Getty Images

"The Time of My Life" by David Cook belongs in end-of-high-school montages, but it's enjoyable.

David Cook performs onstage during the American Idol Season 8 grand finale on May 20, 2009. Kevin Winter/American Idol 2009/Getty Images for FOX

Candice Glover's single "I Am Beautiful" is underrated.

Candice Glover performing at the "American Idol" finale on May 16, 2013. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Just Sam's cover of "Rise Up" is lovely to listen to.

Just Sam performing on "American Idol." ABC via Getty Images

"Falling," Trent Harmon's single, doesn't sound like any other coronation song on this list.

Trent Harmon performs coronation song with season 15 cast onstage during the "American Idol" finale on April 7, 2016. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

"I Believe" is a solid showcase for Fantasia's astounding vocals.

Fantasia Barrino performs at the "American Idol" season three finale on May 26, 2004. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

"A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson holds a special nostalgic place in my heart.

Kelly Clarkson during "American Idol" season one finale. SGranitz/WireImage/Getty Images

Phillip Phillips' "Home" is still the only "American Idol" coronation song I hear on the radio or put on a Spotify playlist.

Phillip Phillips performs onstage at the "American Idol" season 11 finale in May 2012. FOX via Getty Images

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