Music

On March 26, 2023, during American Idol’s sixth audition round, 21-year-old Cam Amen delivered a performance that left the judges—and viewers—speechless. With nothing but a piano backing him, Cam took on Leonard Cohen’s iconic Hallelujah, transforming the song into a gospel-infused masterpiece. His rich, velvety baritone glided effortlessly through the haunting melody, while his emotional … Read more

At the 2020 ACM Awards, Carrie Underwood delivered a breathtaking tribute to the Grand Ole Opry’s 95th anniversary, honoring legendary female country artists who paved the way for her and others. Dressed in a stunning maroon gown, Underwood took the stage at the iconic Opry House and performed a powerful medley of hits by trailblazers … Read more

The moment Jacob Collier took the mic, the Kennedy Center buzzed with anticipation—what followed was pure magic. Standing before the National Symphony Orchestra, Collier, grinning like a kid in a candy store, launched into an improvised vocal symphony, weaving lush harmonies with nothing but his loop pedal and that otherworldly voice. The orchestra, initially wide-eyed, … Read more

From the first hushed, unison inhalation to the final resonant chord, the OAA Elementary Choir’s performance of “I’ll Rise Up” was a masterclass in emotional storytelling through youthful voices. The children, dressed in crisp white blouses and navy-blue slacks with matching ribbon ties, stood in perfectly staggered rows on the wooden stage, their polished Mary … Read more

There are few Taylor Swift performances as emotionally raw and visually stunning as her rendition of “Clean” during the Reputation Stadium Tour (2018)—especially when paired with her poignant reflections from Miss Americana. The song, already a fan-favorite for its lyrical depth about rebirth after heartbreak, becomes transcendent in this live setting. As Swift’s voiceover from … Read more

Ye-lim Kim’s performance to “A Thousand Years” at An Evening with Champions (2023) was a breathtaking blend of elegance and emotion, captivating the audience from the very first note. Dressed in a stunning, flowing lavender dress adorned with delicate silver sequins that shimmered under the soft arena lights, she glided across the ice with effortless … Read more

One of the most emotionally resonant moments on American Idol 2025 came from 17-year-old Slater Nalley, whose heartfelt original song moved all three judges—Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan—to tears. People. Slater, a high school student from Tennessee, performed “Traces of You,” a poignant tribute inspired by a poem written by his English teacher, … Read more

John Foster and Todd O’Neill, both Louisiana natives with deep roots in country music, shared the stage during a memorable live performance that highlighted their shared Southern heritage and musical chemistry. This collaboration took place during a Cinco de Mayo celebration in 2024, as captured in a TikTok video by user @qtmandyyy. The video showcases … Read more

On the April 28, 2025, episode of American Idol Season 23, Jamal Roberts delivered a deeply moving performance of Tom Odell’s “Heal,” captivating both the judges and the audience. This performance was part of the “Iconic Idol Moments” theme night, where contestants revisited songs that left a significant impact on the show’s history. During rehearsals, … Read more

At the 39th Kennedy Center Honors in December 2016, Bob Seger delivered a stirring performance of “Heartache Tonight” to pay tribute to The Eagles and his late friend Glenn Frey. The event, held at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C., was attended by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, marking their … Read more