After nine seasons of American Idol, viewers have seen hundreds, if not thousands, of hopefuls sing their hearts, or maybe the judges’ ears, out during the opening round auditions. And while many people might remember each year’s winner and top finalists’ auditions, several others also prove hard to forget.
Keith Beukelaer – Like A Virgin
Keith Beukelaer might not be a household name, but his “Like a Virgin” performance and attempt at seductive choreography make many people’s Idol audition lists, whether for worst or most hilarious. Caustic judge Simon Cowell gave Beukelaer the title of “worst singer in the world” and said he had never heard anything like that before. In the years to follow, Cowell and viewers would hear countless other poor singers, but Beukelaer’s distinctive voice still rings loud and clear, if not in tune.
William Hung – She Bangs
If one is asked to name a contestant from American Idol’s third season, winner Fantasia may come to mind. Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson who placed eighth that year might be another top choice. Engineering student William Hung may also be in the top three. The twenty-year-old from Los Angeles, CA won over Paula Abdul with his dance moves, and Simon Cowell with his honesty (“I have no professional training”), after his energetic version of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs.” Hung used his fifteen minutes to release several albums including Inspiration and Hung for the Holidays. While the CDs failed to make an impact on the charts, Hung’s audition has left a lasting impression.
Michael Sandecki – Still of the Night
Before his audition in season 5, Michael Sandecki, dressed in an outfit reminiscent of the season two runner-up, called himself “the next Clay Aiken.” After leaving to go to the bathroom in the middle of his audition, Sandecki came back for a pitchy second attempt at “Still of the Night,” which failed to impress the judges. Sandecki was sent home, only to return in May 2006 for season five’s finale. Sandecki won a “Golden Idol” for “Best Impersonator” and launched into a performance of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me.” The real Clay Aiken surprised Sandecki in the middle of the song; Sandecki’s shock and excitement seemed genuine. The aspiring singer almost fell off the stage before Ryan Seacrest guided him back to meet his idol, making for one unforgettable moment.
Larry Platt – Pants on the Ground
Sixty-two-year-old General Larry Platt’s “Pants on the Ground” was one of the biggest highlights of season nine. If Platt didn’t end up inspiring people to “pull their pants up,” at the very least, millions of viewers enjoyed listening to his humorous and creative tune. His audition clip generated millions of hits on Youtube and led to an appearance on ABC’s The View . Platt was invited to the American Idol season nine finale to perform a remix of his hit, joined by backup dancers and William Hung.
For better or worse, these four auditions stand out from the rest as being some of the most fun, creative, and funniest moments in American Idol’s first nine seasons.
Anne Marie Coar - Anne Marie graduated with a degree in communication arts and minors in psychology, journalism, and business. Some of her articles have ...
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