On the heels of a horrid Idol season, this was a lovely reminder of what could have (and has) been!

This past weekend, Chris and the rest of his surname-inspired band mates held a concert in Nashville to raise money for victims of the devastating floods in that part of the country.

Toward the end of the show, the OG Idol joined Chris onstage for a rousing rendition of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” It’s about as awesome as you would expect.

Check it out! (And listen to that intro applause when KC starts singing. Love it!)

I’ve already mentioned my love of year-end lists, and the American Idol anticipation is reaching a fever pitch in my apartment (mostly just my bedroom), so I thought now would be the perfect time to reveal The Lamp Post’s rundown of the Top 12 Performances in American Idol history. I know 10 sounds better, but I couldn’t do it. I love it too much. So you get two bonus clips! Check them out below and let me know if you agree – or totally disagree – with my list.

12. Chris Daughtry, “Walk The Line”

Before Chris Daughtry stole Chad Kroeger’s UFC-lovin’ fan base, he nearly won Idol’s 5^th season. But he didn’t. I hardly think he cares, though. He’s sold millions. Check out his take on this Cash classic. So dark. So bald.

11. Clay Aiken, “Solitaire”

Oh, Clay Aiken. What would this world be without Clay Aiken and his Claymates? A little more sane, sure, but we’d miss out on so much more. Say what you will about Clay and his baby mama, he’s got a great voice. And this performance is seriously good.

10. Jordin Sparks, “I Who Have Nothing”

It was weird to watch such a youngin’ sing about such big girl things, but Jordin Sparks still nailed this song. And here is a case with a name that just spells victory from the get go. Jordin SPARKS. If Sparks weren’t enough, spelling Jordin with an I certainly is.

9. Fantasia, “Summertime”

Again with the annoyingly unique names. I mean this one is a Disney film. Plus, one-named artists are instantly loved. Sorry Lil’ Rounds, you’re “lil” ruined your shot. Or was it your out of tune voice? I don’t remember. Anyway, this was Fantasia’s big moment, as well as one of the only performances I enjoyed. Hate on me, if you must. The screechines is unappealing.

8. Adam Lambert, “Mad World”

It’s easy to forget what a great singer Adam Lambert is when he’s sharing leftovers with Keyboard players and forcing faces into his zipper, but the dude can sing. Not just scream, really sing. This was a totally haunting performance that proved he’s not all flashy theatrics.

[Note: It appears that there are no embeddable versions of this video anywhere on the interweb, so a link to the clip will have to suffice this time: Adam Lambert, "Mad World"]

7 Katharine Mcphee, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”

I had Mcphever from the get go. I became a true fan when she nearly crossed the “how slutty is too slutty?’ line with the yellow, “I Have Nothing” dress. This song was a truly great performance, though. Feel her pain as she grabs her neck and tosses her hair (and rips her dress). And the emotion – what an actress.  Check it out.

6.  David Archuleta, “Imagine”

Ah, Archie. The original nugget. Totally great. Except for the wildly creepy Dad. This performance was one of his best, and Paula’s critique is nearly undecipherable. God, I miss her already.

5. Jennifer Hudson, “Circle of Life”

Rise up, child. Rise up, zebra. Rise up baby Simba. This was amazing. And It was obvious there were bigger songs still to come for this supreme diva.

4. Tamyra Gray, “A House Is Not A Home”

Remember her? In addition to being the skinniest person in the world that’s not Kate Moss, Tamyra Gray nearly beat Shelly out for the Season 1 crown. Luckily, that tragedy was averted. She has a gnarly voice, regardless. This was particularly incredible.

3. Kris Allen, “Heartless”

Yes, it really was that good. This song is the reason Kris Allen won American Idol; everything about it is perfect.  Acoustic guitar + crystal clear nugget voice = recipe for a victory.

2. Carrie Underwood , “Making Love Out of Nothing At All”

I know I’ve given this Stepford wife a hard time lately, but I do like her. She sure is purdy and she’s got a terrific voice. A tad sharp at times, but that’s just because she lacks Shelly’s years of training. I almost picked “Alone,” because I think that was the song that made Carrie the one to beat in Season 4, but this Air Supply cover has always been my favorite. Plus, we get one of the best glory notes ever on Idol at the end of this tune.

1. Kelly Clarkson, “Stuff Like That There”

What did you expect? Norman Gentle? Of course Shelly is #1. But even when I take my fanboy costume off (it’s so tight, so hard to get off), this would still be number one. It’s hard to select from her assortment of flawless vocal performances, but this one – which came during Big Band week – is definitely the best of the best, the bomb diggity. Click it. Hear it. Love it.