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Since its debut in 2002, American Idol has dominated the ratings not only amongst its reality television counterparts, but amongst all genres of television on not one, but two nights of every week for the majority of the television season. The show has found the perfect formula for success by incorporating comedy, musical talent, and just the right amount of emotion and drama. Over the years, the show has had some amazing contestants and performances, with past contestants such as Kelly Pickler, Jennifer Hudson, and Bucky Covington finding great success, even though they were not winners or even top three finalists. But, with all the amazing talent and great performances that Idol has offered up in the last eight seasons, few performances truly stand out and only one was so memorable as to be called the best of the best.

In season four, the top two contestants were Carrie Underwood, a sweet country girl from Oklahoma, and Bo Bice, a rocker with heart from Alabama. Both Carrie and Bo had amazing and not so hot performances during the season, and when it came down to the finals, it was really anyone's guess, including the judges (although Simon will claim otherwise) as to which performer would take the win.

The second to last episode of any American Idol season is where the performers really have to step up to the plate to show their stuff and prove to the judges and the audience that they have what it takes to be the next American Idol. Carrie did well, although her performances were nothing so stellar as even to be remembered, at least not by this Idol fan. However, her fellow contestant and competitor, Bo, gave a performance so incredible and chilling, it left the judges, and arguably most of the audience speechless.

When contestants audition for Idol, the performances are done sans instruments, back up singers, and any other type of accompaniment that could take away from the true talent of the individual. When Bo performed on stage on the second to last show, he did a performance like are done in the auditions; nothing but singer, microphone, and, something they don't have to worry about during auditions, an arena full of people that would make the most seasoned musical performer sweat. Bo took a tremendous risk and performed the song, "In a Dream" by Badlands without any back-up and completely blew everyone away. Quincy Jones, the guest judge of the evening, went so far as to say that he and Bo would be making a record together shortly; a deduction that all the judges, even the ever critical Simon Cowell, seemed to agree with.

Unfortunately for Bo, as stellar as the performance was, it was not enough to secure the win. In the end, Carrie Underwood ended up winning the title of American Idol, season four, and has deservedly had a very successful career since. Bo Bice has also had success, although not at the same level as Underwood. However, when many are asked to recall the greatest performance of season four, and possibly the greatest performance in American Idol's history, it is likely that the name on everyone's lips will not be Carrie Underwood, but Bo Bice.

Learn more about this author, Debbie N.
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