American Idol 2013: The Ten Best Performances

As we all get set for this week's explosive season 12 finale, let's take a look back at the best performances all season. Season 12 of American Idol will go down in history as the year of the girls, and rightfully so. Here's ten of the greatest performances we've seen this year:

10. Zoanette Johnson: Circle of Life (Las Vegas Round)
Although Zoanette didn't make it to the Top 10, she certainly left her mark with this song. Bombastic, over the top and actually very impressive, Zoanette gave this classic song everything it requires. She should really pursue a Broadway career. Who knows? We might see her in The Lion King someday!



9. Janelle Arthur: You Keep Me Hanging On (Top 8)
Probably fifth place finisher Janelle Arthur's most memorable performance. She put a really unique spin on this song, slowing it down and adding a different beat. It was also one of her best vocals.



8. Kree Harrison: Up To The Mountain (Las Vegas Week)
This was the performance of Kree's that put her in the forefront. It was sincere, stirring and almost perfect. I'm hoping Kree reprises this song for the finale so that she can release a studio version of it.


7. Candice Glover: I Who Have Nothing (Top 10)
Candice has been quite the show stealer during her time on Season 12, and one of her earliest and best performances was I Who Have Nothing. It's powerful and epic in a way. Flawless vocal.




6. Amber Holcomb: I Believe In You And Me (Las Vegas Round)
Amber's rendition of Whitney Houston's I Believe In You And Me made the public sit up and take notice of this big voiced teen. Amber delivered an almost sound-alike performance, sounding so much like early Whitney that it's incredible.



5. Angie Miller: I Surrender (Top10)
For Top 10 week, Angie took on Celine Dion's song, I Surrender. And boy, was it a good decision. Angie proved that she doesn't really need to be seated at her piano at all times, commanding the stage and delivering a very strong vocal that packed personality.




4. Kree Harrison: Here Comes Goodbye (Top 3)
For Top 3 week, the judges chose Rascal Flatts' Here Comes Goodbye for Kree. What made this performance stand out even more was Kree's emotional homecoming which was shown just prior to this. Maybe Kree herself was emotional, because in this heart-wrenching rendition she channeled all her feelings into a stunning delivery.



3. Candice Glover: Lovesong (Top 6)
Candice was, simply put, Season 12's breakout star. So much so, you wonder how she was cut back in Seasons 9 and 11. Here, she gave us a performance that's showed us a whole different side of her.



2. Candice Glover: Somewhere (Top 3)
Candice's rendition of Somewhere from West side Story is possibly one of the best versions of the 50+ year old song as well as one of the most powerful and flawless performances in Idol history. This performance sealed Candice as a Top 2 contender, instantly propelling her to the finale. Watch and be stunned:



1. Angie Miller: You Set Me Free (Hollywood Week Solo Round)
This was the performance of the season. Angie wasn't really a contender until she sang her original song, "You Set Me Free" during the final round of Hollywood Week. Seated at the piano, she showed command, originality, and artistry. It was almost like a Finale moment and Angie was a shoo-in for the Top 10 at that very moment. Unfortunately, Angie was eventually eliminated just before the Top 2, but her song is one that fans want to hear more of. It's simply irresistible and goes to show how talented Angie is. She needs to release this as her first single.



So there you have it. Clearly this was the year of the women, with not a single male performance even being memorable. As for the girls, let's say that some of these performances will be remembered as the best in Idol history. This season was just that good (talent-wise).

What was your favorite moment or performance during Season 12 of American Idol?