Fox Television's American Idol is undeniably television's biggest show today. It has been the highest rated show for the last seven years, garnering rating that other shows cannot even duplicate. Perhaps this is because the show combines two common interests of people: music and drama. Because of this, American Idol has a very deep talent pool?from Grammy Award winners to Oscar Award recipients. Here's a look at some of the songs that American Idol made popular over its several years of being on the air. These would include original music and songs and revived songs that have lyrics already engraved in the consciousness of people.



?Because of You,? by Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson is one of the few American Idol contestants who attained superstar status n the music world. Her list of hits is aplenty, yet nothing encapsulates her achievements better than ?Because of You.? Clarkson is one of the songwriters who wrote the lyrics for this song, and the lyrics of ?Because of You? are definitely responsible for the success it attained. Note the lyrics of the song, which is not overly complex but perfectly illustrates a whole range of emotions. ?Because of you / I never stray too far from the sidewalk / Because of you / I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt / Because of you / I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me / Because of you / I am afraid,? goes the lyrics of this hit song. It may take a while before Clarkson can create music and lyrics as successful as this.

?Alone,? performed by Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood, another successful American Idol alumnus, has written and co-written lyrics for a number of her songs. However, fans of the show will never forget her take on this popular song by the band Heart. The lyrics of this song is typical, reflecting the popular style of the lyrics during the 1980s, when the song was first released. Yet the lyrics of ?Alone? and its overall composition are contemporary enough to survive a revival. Many say that Underwood's defining moment in the song was when she performed this song.

?Home,? by Chris Daughtry

While he didn't win the competition, Chris Daughtry is already considered as an accomplished musician. In fact, less than a year after his stint in American Idol, he already released a hit song, ?Home,? the lyrics of which he wrote. The lyrics of this song has poignant, nostalgic feel, fitting its title and its music. Because of the lyrics (and the quality of the song, of course), it was used as an exit song in one of the American Idol seasons.

?The Time of My Life,? David Cook

The first single of American Idol winners is often met with criticism. David Cook's ?The Time of My Life? is no different. With lyrics such as ?I've been waiting for my dreams / To turn into something / I could believe in / And looking for that / Magic rainbow / On the horizon ,? it feels as if it is from a Disney Movie soundtrack. Yet, perhaps because of the song and the lyrics? appeal, as well as Cook's popularity, ?The Time of My Life? became one of the biggest original songs from the show.