American Idol Funniest Moment: Clay Aiken Surprises His Impersonator

While in general the comedy skits on American Idol 5 lacked in comparison to American Idol 4’s roast of Corey Clark, there was one shining moment that will likely go down as one of the funniest moments in American Idol history. In a re-occurring segment called the Golden Idol Awards, Ryan Seacrest presented candidates for “Best Impersonation.” The nominees were Kenneth Maccarone as Cher, Seth Strickland as Michael Jackson, and Michael Sandecki as Clay Aiken.

While Michael Sandecki might not have advanced in the audition process, Seacrest announced him as the Golden Idol Award winner in the “Best Impersonation” category. Michael joined Seacrest on stage, where Seacrest requested that he sing live. As Michael warbled through “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” the stage doors opened up to reveal Clay Aiken. Surprised by the sudden loud cheering, Michael turned to see Clay Aiken and appeared to nearly go into shock on the stage. As Clay Aiken joined Michael in song, Michael excitedly jumped around the stage. Hat Tip to RealityTVMagazine.

TAYLOR HICKS WINS 'AMERICAN IDOL'

Simon Cowell was correct when he predicted Taylor Hicks would become the next American Idol after his performances Tuesday night. The 29-year-old Alabama native beat out 22-year-old Katharine McPhee after receiving a majority of the 63.4 million votes cast. Last season's American Idol winner Carrie Underwood kicked off the two-hour results show by taking the stage alongside Taylor and Katharine and singing "I Made it Through the Rain." The rest of the evening was packed with performances from a host of singers and the Top 12 American Idol finalists. Below is a list of the evening's performances:

Carrie Underwood with the American Idol Top 12 - "I Made It Through The Rain."
Paris Bennett with Al Jarreau - "We're In This Love Together"
Chris Daughtry with Live - "Mystery"
Katharine McPhee with Meat Loaf - "It's All Coming Back To Me Now"
American Idol men - "Takin' Care Of Business/Tobacco Road/Don't Stop"
Elliott Yamin with Mary J Blige - "One"
Carrie Underwood - "Don't Forget To Remember Me"
Taylor Hicks with Toni Braxton - "In The Ghetto"
American Idol women - "Man, I Feel Like An Woman/Trouble/I'm A Woman/(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"
Michael Sandecki and Clay Aiken - "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"
Burt Bacharach section:
Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee - "What The World Needs Now"
Ace Young and Melissa McGhee - "The Look Of Love"
Kellie Pickler - "I'll Never Fall In Love Again"
Bucky Covington - "Raindrop Keep Fallin' On My Head"
Mandisa - "I Say A Little Prayer"
Lisa Tucker - "Alfie"
Elliott Yamin - "A House Is Not A Home"
Kevin Covais - "What's New Pussycat" (This was a Howl!)
Chris Daughtry, Kevin Covais, Ace Yamin - "The Best That You Can Do"
Paris Bennett - "(They Long To Be) Close To You"
Dionne Warwick - "Walk On By/That's What Friends Are For"
The Brokenote Cowboys - "Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys"
Prince - "Lolita/Satisfied"
Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life"
Taylor Hicks - "Do I Make You Proud"