Believe it or not, singing competition "American Idol" is turning 20 years old today, June 11. It almost seems like it was just yesterday when America was introduced to the competition and its original trio of judges, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell.
And of course, we cannot forget Ryan Seacrest.
20 years and 20 seasons mean that there are an abundance of iconic auditions that have been aired for the whole country to see. To celebrate this milestone for the show, we put together some of the "American Idol" auditions that have gone viral through the years.
Douglas Davidson (Season 7)
Many "American Idol" hopefuls do not know how to take no for an answer or even know how to follow when they are told to stop singing. One such contestant is Douglas Davidson, who failed to impress the judges with his rendition of Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer."
An article by Showbiz Cheat Sheet sums up what happened after very well, saying "When the judges tried to end his audition, Davidson continued to sing portions of other songs while pacing a circle around the room." Davidson had to be escorted out of the room, singing the entire way out.
You can watch his audition in this compilation video:
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Keith Beukelaer (Season 2)
As early as season two, Simon Cowell already referred to an aspiring contestant as the "word singer in the world." That aspiring contestant is none other than Keith Beukelaer.
Beukelaer first performed Madonna's "Like a Virgin" and failed to impress any of the judges. Cowell then gave him a second chance and he opted to go for Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody." Needless to say, that did not work out either.
Larry Platt (Season 9)
"American Idol" has an age requirement but that did not seem to matter to season nine hopeful Larry Platt, who was already 62 years old at that time.
He surely made most of his opportunity as he even presented the judges with an original composition called "Pants on the Ground." Simon Cowell even said that the could even become a hit.
If you want to listen to his song on repeat, "Pants on the Ground" is actually available on Apple Music. Yes, we're not kidding.
Rhonetta Johnson (Season 5)
It is not uncommon to see hopeful arguing with the judges when they are told they are not good enough. Some even result to hurling profanity at the judges.
One such contestant is none other seaosn five's Rhonetta Johnson, who claimed she could be bigger than Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Mariah Carey. When her version of Britney Spears' "Oops... I Did It Again" resulted in Simon Cowell telling her she will never be bigger than the three singers she mentioned, well, you can pretty much guess what happened next.
William Hung (Season 3)
Last and certainly not the least, no list of iconic and viral "American Idol" auditions will ever be complete without season three's William Hung.
His rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" has become so iconic, Hung landed himself a record deal in 2004. He released an album called "Inspiration" that year, followed by a second album titled "Miracle: Happy Summer from William Hung" in 2005.
Season three also was not the last time America got to see William Hung perform onstage. He returned in Season 15 finale as well as the Season 20 reunion.
