The 5 Worst American Idol Performances of Season Nine

Optimism will make a long-awaited return to Movieline's American Idol coverage next week when we list the 10 best performances of season nine. For now, things are a little grim. Over this dubious season we've witnessed plenty of bland performances thanks to themes like "Inspiration Week," but terrible performances, luckily, haven't been as prevalent. It's time to commemorate the jaw-droppingly bad moments from season nine, the times when even Randy Jackson forced himself to articulate for the sake of America's kids. Ready for the worst?

5. Andrew Garcia, "Genie in a Bottle"

Maybe this deserves a dishonorable mention rather than a position on the list. But probably not. Cooing "Genie in a Bottle's" creepy, jailbait lyrics and banking on kitsch appeal is just ridiculous enough to earn a spot. Andrew Garcia chased the judges' adoration for his Hollywood Week "Straight Up" cover like a villainous dogcatcher. As I said at the time, this song choice was so bad that it alone proved he didn't belong in the competition. "My heart is saying 'no,'" indeed.

4. John Park, "God Bless the Child"

His "Gravity" cover wasn't much better, but John Park took the most enormous tumble from grace during his Top 24 run with this cover of the jazz standard. Shania Twain may have once touted his gifts, but this performance was irrelevant, soulless, and excruciatingly phrased. His quick path to eviction hit a milestone here.

3. Haeley Vaughn, "I Want to Hold Your Hand"

And such a nice, smiley girl! But Haeley went for "artistry" here, trying an acoustic original with her cover of the Beatles staple, and oh, God, what happened. Her "The Climb" was equally ridiculous, but the trills and yelps and screams of her first performance remain a source of trauma for Ed Sullivan fans around the globe.

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