Top 5 Greatest American Idol Finale Moments

Posted on May 16, 2009 - 12:58pm by kirstie It's hard to believe that the eighth American Idol winner will be crowned in just a few days, but it's true -- this season's final two, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, will perform Tuesday in hopes of taking the title Wednesday night.  In honor of the upcoming finale, I present to you the top five moments from previous American Idol finales.

#5 | Gladys Knight & The New Pips
Gladys Knight has found her new backup singers, and they're Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr.! In this hilarious clip from the 2008 season seven finale, the three Tropic Thunder stars prove what talented dancers they are. Robert Downey Jr.'s facial expressions especially kill me.

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#4 | Michael Sandecki's Surprise Duet
Early in season five, Simon told rejected contestant Michael Sandecki that he resembled Clay Aiken.  After winning the award for Best Impersonation, Sandecki performs "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me" and is surprised by a very special guest.

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#3 | Bad Judgment
Season four was riddled with controversy, including season two contestant Corey Clark's allegations of an affair with Paula.  In response to ABC's Primetime Live special, "Fallen Idol," in which Clark shared details of this supposed affair, American Idol showed its sense of humor with their "Crime Time Exposé: Bad Judgment," which investigates Simon's secret affair with a mystery person. Somehow, the answer to who that person is isn't very surprising.

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#2 | Simon and Paula's Affair
Boy, Simon sure does get around, doesn't he?  Two years prior to "Bad Judgment," Simon had an affair with someone else: Paula!  They enjoy a romantic meal of strawberries, whipped cream, and champagne and share a passionate kiss before Simon wakes up and realizes he's been dreaming, and he's in bed with someone else!

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#1 | The Original Idol
Kelly Clarkson blew audiences away in the first season of the show, and millions around the world cheered as she was named the first American Idol, a title that was followed by platinum selling records and immense radio success. Not gonna lie, I still get a little teary-eyed when I watch her poignant victory.

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What are your favorite moments from past American Idol finales?  What are you hoping to see on the show next week? Who do you want to see win?