‘American Idol’ To Release A Greatest “Hits” Collection

Becky Bain | February 3, 2011 2:26 pm

American Idol is celebrating a decade on the air by releasing a greatest hits compilation called American Idol 10th Anniversary — The Hits. The biggest problem (besides there being nary one Jennifer Hudson song) is that the term “hits” is about as appropriate a word to use as “stars” is on Dancing With The Stars. Jump below to find out what songs and artists Fox considers a success.

Here’s what you get on American Idol 10th Anniversary — The Hits… a bunch of songs you probably already have and a handful of others you never had any intention of owning:

“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson “Superstar” by Ruben Studdard “Invisible” by Clay Aiken “When I See You” by Fantasia “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood “Takin’ It To The Streets” by Taylor Hicks “Home” by Daughtry “No Air” by Jordin Sparks (with Chris Brown) “Light On” by David Cook “Live Like We’re Dying” by Kris Allen “Whataya Want From Me” by Adam Lambert “Sweet Serendipity” by Lee DeWyze

So, in this context, “hits” means “was released as a single.” Or not actually! Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks’ contribution to this track list is a cover he performed on the show (which also doubled as the B-side to his “Do I Make You Proud” single).

The problem with a greatest hits album is that only a few of the contestants (and even fewer of the nine winners) have had any actual hits. What about a CD full of remastered recordings from memorable live performances from the show’s nine seasons? Fantasia’s “Summertime”, Blake Lewis’ “You Give Love A Bad Name”, Crystal Bowersox’s “Me And Bobby McGee”, Kris Allen’s “Heartless”, Adam Lambert’s “Mad World”, Carrie Underwood’s “Alone”… we could go on.

David Cook’s “Billie Jean”! Taylor Hicks’ “You Are So Beautiful To Me”! Constantine Maroulis’ “Bohemian Rhapsody”! Jordin Sparks’ “I Who Have Nothing”! See? We weren’t kidding! These songs are ten million times more enjoyable than listening to “Sweet Serendipity” again, since we barely made it through listening to it the first time.

What would have made the cut on your Idol Greatest Hits album?

[EW Music Mix]