Lists about the band that became the voice of Seattle grunge music scene, culminating with the tragic and shocking passing of lead singer Kurt Cobain in 1994.

Nirvana

MTV Unplugged (MTV)

Nirvana&rsquo;s MTV&nbsp;Unplugged&nbsp;in New York was never meant&nbsp;to be a big deal. It was a lark, an afterthought, something recorded in roughly an hour that the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-american-rock-bands" target="_blank">band</a> didn&rsquo;t plan to release.&nbsp;It was ultimately&nbsp;Nirvana&rsquo;s final album, giving fans one of the most unbelievable&nbsp;Kurt Cobain performances, as well as a strange foreshadowing of Cobain&rsquo;s passing. In hindsight, the show mirrors Cobain&rsquo;s life, one that was&nbsp;complicated by mental health issues and substance dependency.

The performance, recorded on November 18, 1993,&nbsp;has been <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/12/nirvanas-tense-brilliant-em-unplugged-in-new-york-em-20-years-later/282040/" target="_blank">called</a> &ldquo;personal&quot; and&nbsp;&ldquo;raw,&rdquo; but it&rsquo;s&nbsp;just Nirvana doing what they do best. The group, their friends, and MTV producers have spoken at length about the concert, and they&rsquo;ve noted that while the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-_live_-bands-and-artists-of-all-time" target="_blank">band</a> was falling apart at the time, they were having a blast. They were tired of playing the hits, and they wanted to give their fans something special.&nbsp;

After Cobain&rsquo;s passing, the Unplugged&nbsp;album took on the grim tone of a funeral -&nbsp;each song was suddenly a dirge that signaled the singer&rsquo;s fate. Of course, that was never the case. No one in Nirvana knew that Cobain would take his life only a few months later, but that&rsquo;s the way audiences contextualized the recording. The narrative that&nbsp;Nirvana&#39;s&nbsp;Unplugged&nbsp;album is &quot;Kurt Cobain&rsquo;s final goodbye&quot; is too suggestive and hyperbolic, but the stories behind the filming provide a new and interesting lens through which the performance can be seen. In the weeks leading up to the show, the band was breaking up, producers were freaking out, and Cobain was doing his best to stay clean. The stories behind the album won&rsquo;t change the way it sounds, or the way it makes you feel, but they do add&nbsp;a new layer of meaning to the performance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FKA Pushable Teams

Srch

cleanup_exclude

instagram_posted

Exclude_MobileApp

Tier 3 beg 2024

Amazon Alexa

Ranker Prime

Apple News

Format

primis_weirdhistory

Tag Wizard

Images Audited

SEO Content Team

Finished Forever

Archive Future Social

Do Not Delete - Cleaned

Do Not Delete - Quality Filters

Revite - Discover

Everyone Loves Nirvana's 'Unplugged' Now, But It Was A Total Disaster Behind The Scenes

General

Nirvana Unplugged: Behind-The-Scenes Stories And Details

Lila Reid

Familiar surroundings, welcoming pals, and fuzzy friends make Sesame Street&nbsp;a staple among children&#39;s television programming. Sesame Street&nbsp;puppeteers bring well-known characters like Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, and Cookie Monster to life, all while incorporating educational content and socially relevant information.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Sesame Street&nbsp;set is a neighborhood that millions of children and adults continue to visit regularly.

Since the first episode of&nbsp;Sesame Street&nbsp;in 1969, the program has gone international - now aired in 120 countries worldwide. Going behind the scenes of&nbsp;Sesame Street&nbsp;offers insight into how the program came to fruition. It&#39;s also helpful to understanding how&nbsp;Sesame Street&nbsp;has&nbsp;maintained its educational importance and cultural relevance for more than 50 years. <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/sesame-street-guest-stars-experiences/jonathan-kantor" target="_blank">Guest stars, musicians</a>, Muppets, and actors show up in front of the camera, but&nbsp;Sesame Street&nbsp;behind the scenes is about so much more than what you see on a screen.&nbsp;

GraphExclude NoValue

Tier 1

Audience

Trainer Exclude

Trending on Ranker

primis_nerdstalgic

Archive Ignore

Do Not Delete - Account

Even A Show As Wholesome As ‘Sesame Street’ Wasn't Free From Controversy Behind The Scenes

'Sesame Street' Behind-The-Scenes Stories And Details

Melissa  Sartore

Adaptations

As long as there has been sound in film, there have been musicals, and Hollywood has often looked to Broadway for inspiration. Unfortunately, even <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-musicals">the greatest Broadway musicals</a> can result in bad movies. Some of the most beloved stage shows have failed to translate in their cinematic adaptations, leaving audiences and critics alike wondering what went wrong. Fans of the original Broadway version are disappointed and those unfamiliar with the stage show are likely confused why it was popular in the first place.While some of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-20-best-musical-movies-of-all-time">the best movie musicals</a> have resulted in successful stage adaptations with long runs on Broadway, the process of adapting the stage experience to film has often proved more challenging. Occasionally, it is the casting of film stars ill-equipped to handle the material which results in an inferior cinematic adaptation, but even some of the movies keeping original Broadway cast members have failed miserably. Although it would seem freeing to remove the restrictions brought by the stage, the directors of these films struggled to bring the same stories to life onscreen. Whether it is the performances, the direction, or the story itself, these movie musicals fail to capture the essence of the original stage show. Plainly put, regardless of success in another medium, these are simply bad movies.&nbsp;Which of these movie musicals based on Broadway shows were the worst and left you longing for an early curtain call? Vote up the biggest failures below!

Exclude All in One Blocks

Top Tier

Ticker Exclude

Exclude NodeTagged RLs

Tier 2

Google News

Prime Team

Fascinating

Nebulous

Finished Upkeep Regular

Archive Social Timely

Movie Musicals That Should Have Stayed On Broadway

Film

Ryan Izay

Lists for people who can't stop, won't stop, never wanna stop singing along to the greatest Disney musicals to hit the screen and stage.

Sing Along to Disney

Disney

When it comes to magical moments in animation, nothing quite compares to the enchanting melodies of Disney duets. These harmonious collaborations not only elevate the storytelling but also capture the emotional essence of the characters and their journeys. From heartfelt ballads to lively tunes, Disney has gifted us with some of the most memorable musical pairings ever. In this post, we’ll explore the best Disney duets of all time, delving into the enchanting world of Disney's musical magic.Consider the mesmerizing beauty of I See The Light from Tangled, where Rapunzel and Flynn Rider share a romantic boat ride illuminated by floating lanterns. This duet captures the moment of mutual realization and newfound love. Then there’s A Whole New World from Aladdin, a soaring anthem of discovery and romance as Aladdin takes Jasmine on an unforgettable magic carpet ride. And who could forget Love Is An Open Door from Frozen, a playful and somewhat ironic duet where Anna and Hans express their seemingly instant connection. These songs not only complement the narrative but also become anthems of love, adventure, and discovery.Now it's your turn to join in the fun! We want to hear which Disney duet you love to sing your heart out to. Whether it's a timeless classic or a catchy newer tune, your vote can help us determine the ultimate favorites. Scroll through our list and vote for your favorite Disney duets to sing at karaoke. Your choices will shine a light on which tunes truly stand out in the world of Disney music.

affiliatized

aff_digital_media

Disney IP

Scalable Cleanup

primis_ranker

Revite Fine Tuners

Finished Upkeep Timely

The Best Duets From Disney Movies

Song

The 24 Best Disney Duet Songs, Ranked

Ranker Music

Entertainment

Your childhood was probably filled with musical television programs if you grew up sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. These shows <a href="/list/best-musical-kids-shows/ranker-tv" target="_blank">are nothing new</a>, but fresh and updated musical kids series are created each and every year with some of the best having hit the airwaves as recently as 2019.&nbsp;Shows to sing along to, like those everyone grew up with, are still being made children of a new generation with some of <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-musicals?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">the best musical</a> kids series&nbsp;coming from studios in the past few years.

The best musical shows for kids are easily some of the best series ever made for children, thanks to their often positive vibes and how they use music <a href="/list/educational-television-tv-shows-and-series/reference" target="_blank">to teach everything from math to manners</a>, but there are hundreds of amazing programs in this genre to choose from. To narrow it down, this list has highlighted the very best of them all from 2019&nbsp;and beyond, but not every show is created equally.

This list is only focusing on musical kids series that entered production in 2019&nbsp;or beyond so please vote up your favorite, and don&#39;t forget to add any we missed

longtail_search

watchworthy_treatment

Released

Recent

Revite Bulk Scrape

SEO Node Blather

The Best New Musical Kids TV Shows of the Last Few Years

TV Program

The Best Current Kids Music Shows, Ranked

Ranker TV

Lists for anyone trying to break into showbiz or hone their craft.

Acting School

Speeches

Discover the power of the spoken word with our curated list of the best short monologues in popular plays. These compelling soliloquies have stood the test of time, captivating audiences and providing actors with the ultimate canvas for their craft. From the poignant to the dramatic, each monologue offers a glimpse into the soul of its character, marking unforgettable moments in theater history.These famous play monologues can transform an entire production, with their ability to convey complex emotions and pivotal revelations in just a few lines. They are the moments that actors dream of and audiences remember long after the curtain falls. Whether drawn from the pages of Shakespeare or the scripts of contemporary playwrights, these monologues resonate with universal themes and personal conviction.Join us as we explore these masterful excerpts of dialogue, shining a spotlight on the works that have shaped the landscape of theater. For performers seeking inspiration, students of drama delving into character study, or enthusiasts reveling in the art of stagecraft, explore the list of the best short stage monologues below and vote on your favorites.

The Best Short Stage Monologues

Musical/Play

The 15 Best Short Monologues From Plays, Ranked By Fans

William Neckard

Watchworthy

Musical comedies have long been a beloved genre in Hollywood, offering audiences an infectious blend of humor and song that can elevate spirits and evoke laughs. Originating in the early 20th century, this genre is a delightful fusion of narrative storytelling and musical performance, the essence of entertainment. From vaudeville acts to Broadway adaptations, musical comedies have earned a cherished spot in cinematic history. Their importance lies not just in their ability to entertain but also in their power to reflect social issues with a light-hearted touch.

Whether it&#39;s the toe-tapping songs or comedic antics, <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-musicals?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">the best musical</a> comedies remain perennial favorites for their infectious energy and timeless charm. These films span various eras and styles, each contributing something special. From golden-age classics to modern-day wonders, these funny musicals are a testament to the creative artistry that goes into blending humor with melody. Offering a smorgasbord of hilarity and heart, this list showcases a collection of films that stand the test of time due to their exemplary craft and entertainment value.

Take Singin&#39; in the Rain, for example, a film that is the epitomie of a musical comedy. With its dazzling choreography and sharp wit, it&#39;s no wonder this film is hailed as one of the best comedy musicals ever made. Another standout, Grease, captures the exuberance of teenage life through catchy tunes and witty dialogue, all the while rooted in the 1950s Americana. Then there&rsquo;s Little Shop of Horrors, a darkly comedic tale with unforgettable songs and a monstrous twist. These films are just a few examples in a genre rich with creativity and humor, each among the funny musicals that continue to delight viewers.

These musical comedies serve as both a refuge from and a reflection on life&#39;s complexities, bringing joy and laughter through their combination of humor and melody. As the genre evolves, the best musical comedies will continue to enchant audiences, offering a delightful escape and an enduring sense of joy. The timeless appeal of these funny musicals ensures that they remain an important fixture in the world of cinema, forever celebrated and cherished by generations to come.

affiliate_intent

Flagship Poll

Rankings Checked

Scalable Cleaned

SNet_Lists

RETIRED - Revite

Revite Blather

Revite List Description Title

The Greatest Musical Comedies

The Best Comedy Musicals, Ranked By Fans

Reference

The cinema has a long history of producing outstanding Black musical films. One of the first Black musicals came in 1943 with Stormy Weather, a film with over 20 musical numbers, which showcased&nbsp;the talent of screen legends Lena Horne and Bill Robinson. There are also plenty of new Black musicals on this roundup as well. Here are the greatest Black musical films.Jennifer Hudson won a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her show-stopping&nbsp;performance in Dreamgirls. Jamie Foxx took home a Best Actor Oscar for his convincing portrayal of Ray Charles in Ray. Many of these films are <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-movies-based-on-true-stories/ranker-film?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">based on true stories</a>, while others are purely fictional. However, they are all entertaining.Rediscover the magic of The Wiz and the coolness of Prince in Purple Rain on this comprehensive Black musical movie list. Join in on the fun by voting&nbsp;up&nbsp;your favorite films and vote down on any you wish you hadn't seen.

temp_ab_tag

About Topic

Disney+ Sales Exclude 9/22

Revite Title

Moderated Timely

The 35+ Best Black Musical Movies

The 35+ Best Black Musical Movies, Ranked

Ranker Film

Walt Disney is probably one of the first film companies that come&nbsp;to mind when you think about musicals. This list of the best Disney musical movies has both animated and live-action musicals. Several of their cartoon classics are animated musicals that blend singing and storytelling to captivate audiences. Disney’s musical repertoire would not be the same without such musicals as Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Annie, and Newsies. But are they the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-20-best-musical-movies-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">top musical movies</a> that Disney has to offer?Other standout titles that have become classics in the Disney musical canon include The Lion King, with its epic tale of destiny and heart-pounding soundtrack; the nostalgic animation of Aladdin, which whisks you away on a magical carpet ride filled with whimsical songs; and Tangled, a modern twist on the Rapunzel fairy tale featuring an array of catchy music and vibrant visuals. Each of these films offers its own magical experience, leaving a lasting impression on audiences of all ages.So, which Disney movie musical holds a special place in your heart? As you journey through our list of the best Disney musical movies of all time, make sure to vote on your <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-disney-animated-movies/ranker-film?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">favorite Disney movie</a> musicals. Your votes will help celebrate the films that have made the most impact and continue to bring joy through their music and storytelling.

aff_physical_media

The Best Disney Musical Movies, Ranked

The 70+ Best Disney Musical Movies, Ranked

Pitch Perfect

Arguably the biggest musical comedy series&nbsp;of the last decade, the Pitch Perfect trilogy&nbsp;is one we won&#39;t be forgetting any time soon. From Anna Kendrick&#39;s famous &quot;Cups&quot; song&nbsp;to Rebel Wilson&#39;s iconic role&nbsp;to the memorable mashups sung throughout, Pitch Perfect is a series that deserves the hype.

SiteWide RL Exclude

Brand Unsafe HP

Reddit Scrape

Trending Team

Little Details

SEO Excluded

Pre-2024 'Tier 3'

Wildly Hilarious Details From 'Pitch Perfect' That Are Funnier Than The Films

'Pitch Perfect' Behind The Scenes Details That Will Crack You Up

Davis Williams

Mamma Mia! (2008)

With a beautiful love story and catchy music, it's no wonder you would be looking for more movies like Mamma Mia!. From modern musicals, like La La Land, to matrimony movies, like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the below list features a comprehensive selection of films that celebrate love, life, and the power of a good song.Of course, the perfect follow-up is Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. This 2018 sequel also serves as a prequel, as Sophie learns more about her mother Donna's past. Muriel's Wedding combines the music of ABBA and matrimonial bliss, making it an ideal choice for fans of Mamma Mia! If you prefer watching Meryl Streep navigate a messy love life without all the music, It's Complicated will do the trick.Which movie like Mamma Mia! is your favorite? Vote up the best options to share your recommendations and head over to Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu to find fare for your next movie night.

WW What to Watch

Movies Like ‘Mamma Mia!’ For When You Want To Feel Like A Dancing Queen

The 20 Best Movies Like 'Mamma Mia!'

watchworthy

Do you love musicals? Do you love singing along to every song in every musical? Vote on these lists to rank every song you can't stop, won't stop, never wanna stop singing in the greatest musicals ever to hit the stage and screen. 

Don’t Make Me Sing

Musicals / Plays

Based on the&nbsp;heartfelt 2007 comedy-drama of the same name,&nbsp;Waitress&nbsp;went the way of many popular films when it hit Broadway as a musical in 2016. The story of a soft spoken <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/the-most-delicious-pies/chef-jen">pie</a> making waitress longing to escape a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/broken-relationship-movies/ranker-film">broken marriage</a>, it's understandable that the&nbsp;Waitress&nbsp;soundtrack is something of a tearjerker. However, given the show's comedic edge, there are plenty of lighthearted tunes as well. But what are the best songs in the show? Here, you'll find all&nbsp;Waitress&nbsp;songs&nbsp;ranked by fans!&nbsp;&nbsp;There are plenty of winners on the&nbsp;Waitress&nbsp;track listing, which shows Jenna's gradual progression to a more confident, independent woman. “She Used to Be Mine” finds a very pregnant Jenna all alone after her abusive husband leaves with her money.&nbsp;“Opening Up” appears twice in&nbsp;Waitress,&nbsp;once when Jenna is an employee and again when she is the owner of her very own diner. Give this playlist a listen and vote up the best songs!&nbsp;

Finite List

Every Song In 'Waitress' (The Musical), Ranked By Singability

The Best Songs In The 'Waitress' Soundtrack, Ranked

Ranker Stage

It&rsquo;s audition time and you&rsquo;re looking for the perfect monologue. These 15 powerful female monologues for auditions are a great place to start the journey. They include a couple hidden theater gems as well as&nbsp;several famous female monologues, good for either Broadway or the local playhouse.

These monologues from plays all feature three-dimensional females with space for an actress to show off her character talent. Of course, there are a couple of intense dramatic monologues from Shakespeare. The power-hungry Lady Macbeth will not be ignored. There are also several of the most popular American plays in the history of stage represented on this list of female monologues. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Our Town, and A Streetcar Named Desire all contain some of the best female monologues ever.

Which female stage monologues do you think would impress a theater director the most? Let <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/the-works-of-tennessee-williams-playwright/reference" target="_blank">Tennessee Williams</a>, Thorton Wilder, and Oscar Wilde help you to land the stage role of your dreams.

The Best Stage Monologues For Women

The Best Female Monologues From Plays To Memorize

Chances are&nbsp;if you grew up sometime in the latter half of the 20th century, your childhood was filled with musical television programs that you sang along to and might even remember the lyrics for as an adult. Sing-along and musical kids shows are nothing new, which is why everyone has their absolute favorites. Whether you fondly remember a show you grew up with or came to love one that your children enjoyed, chances are, you have an absolute favorite!

<a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-musicals?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">The best musical</a> shows for kids are easily some of the best television ever made for children, often <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-pbs-kids-tv-shows/voteable" target="_blank">combining learning with music</a> like Sesame Street. Musical shows for teens balance covers of old favorites with sitcom drama and allow young people to keep on singing <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/musical-tv-shows-and-series/reference" target="_blank">without feeling like they&#39;re watching kid stuff</a>. Little do they know, musical kids shows keep being fun even when you grow up. There are hundreds of amazing programs in this genre to choose from. To narrow it down, this list has highlighted the very best of them all, but not every show is created equally. Whether you prefer to sing along with the characters on the screen, enjoy the programming for its educational benefit, or simply love the tunes, these series are the best musical kids shows of all time.

This list is only focusing on non-animated, live-action series for children and young teens, so please vote up your favorite, and don&#39;t forget to add any we missed!

The Best Musical Kids TV Shows Ever Made

The Best Kids Music Shows Of All Time, Ranked

Culture

This list of the best male monologues has something for every actor looking to ace their audition or impress their acting class. There is a selection of short <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-short-monologues-from-plays/william-neckard?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">monologues from plays</a>, some that can be performed in under 30 seconds. There are also longer monologues, that let an actor breathe a bit and show off their range.

There are a few famous male monologues listed below, like Jacques&#39; &ldquo;All the world&rsquo;s a stage&rdquo; speech from As You Like It. If you&#39;re looking for something totally original, there are a few fairly obscure, but equally impressive selections to choose from, like Richard&rsquo;s timely speech from the play America&rsquo;s Favorite Newscaster.

Check out the best male monologues from classic plays like Our Town, Death of a Salesman, and Doubt. The most difficult part may be selecting which monologue is perfect for you.

Make your voice heard both on and off the stage. Vote up your favorite male stage monologues.

The Best Stage Monologues For Men

The Best Male Monologues From Plays To Memorize

Director Tom Hooper's 2012 epic period musical Les Misérables charms audiences with moving quotes that capture its rich emotional depth and powerful performances. With an ensemble cast led by Hugh Jackman (as the iconic Jean Valjean), Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, and Amanda Seyfried, the film brings Victor Hugo's classic 1862 novel to life through a creative cinematic musical adaptation. The movie went on to earn multiple industry accolades, including three Academy Awards.Which quotations from Les Misérables struck the most powerful chord with you based on how they highlight character development and storyline progression? Cast your votes for the lines that linger in your mind and heart.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Future Scal Value

Scalable No Value

Revite New URL

Level 2 - Revite New URL

The Best Quotes From 'Les Misérables'

The 18 Best Quotes From 'Les Misérables' (2012)

Harper Brooks

Musical/Play lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for hundreds of musical/play lists and rankings.

Musical/Play lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for top 10, top 100, best of, funny, factual lists of any kind

Musical/Play lists on Ranker

Musicals / Plays lists on Ranker

Le nozze di Figaro

Don Giovanni

La traviata

Kelly Clarkson

Carrie Underwood

Jennifer Hudson

Lists that rank the contestants—and judges—of talent and singing reality TV competitions.

The Next Big Thing

American Idol (FOX)

Who are the best American Idol contestants ever? As the FOX reality singing competition show continues on after a dozen seasons, the list of great Idol contestants, and <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-american-idol-winners-of-all-time/ranker-tv" target="_blank">American Idol winners</a>, continues to grow. AI is a force to be reckoned with, and it&#39;s certainly among the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-most-actually-watchable-reality-tv-shows" target="_blank">best reality TV shows in recent memory</a>. Which artist do you believe is the best AI alum of all time? Vote for your favorites, vote down any you just can&#39;t stand (yes, Sanjaya is on the list, so have at it) and, if your personal favorite isn&#39;t listed, add that contestant, please.

Here&#39;s the thing about American Idol: Most of the winners are genuinely outstanding singers and have gone on to enjoy great success in the music world. It&#39;s hard to argue that Kelly Clarkson, the very first AI winner from season one, isn&#39;t a phenomenal talent and a force in the music industry. She&#39;s definitely one of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-female-voice-ever" target="_blank">best female vocalists around</a>.The same goes for country songbird Carrie Underwood, who won Idol in the show&#39;s fourth season. She went on to become one of the most <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-female-vocalists-of-the-past-10-years" target="_blank">celebrated female vocalists of the past 10 years</a>. And Phillip Phillips, the singer-songwriter who took the American Idol crown in 2012, is enjoying a great deal of success with his debut album, The World from the Side of the Moon.

One thing about this list of <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/favorite-american-idol/snowman69" target="_blank">favorite &#39;American Idol&#39; contestants</a>: Many of the best artists didn&#39;t actually win on the show. Some were runners up, while others finished in the top five before getting booted off. &#39;Idol&#39; runners up who went on to become major stars include Katharine McPhee, Adam Lambert, David Archuleta and Clay Aiken are all good examples. Oh, and guess what? Top five finishers who went on to great success would certainly include rocker Chris Daughtry, country singer Kelly Pickler and certainly Jennifer Hudson. J-Hud finished *seventh* on &#39;Idol&#39; in season three, and went on to win an Academy Award for her performance in the movie Dreamgirls.&nbsp;

Enjoy this list of <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/full-list-of-american-idol-episodes/reference" target="_blank">I</a>dol finalists, don&#39;t forget to vote. You can also re-rank this list in any order you want. While you&#39;re at it, why not cast your vote for the person you believe would be the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/new-american-idol-judge-picks/tvs-frank" target="_blank">next great &#39;American Idol&#39; judge</a>, too?

Adam Lambert

scrolling_billboard_test

The Best American Idol Contestants Ever

Band/Musician

Best American Idol Contestants Ever

Katie Wells

Lists that rank the greatest works, composers, and musicians by instrument. 

Classical Music & Opera

List of the best operas of all time - a comprehensive greatest opera list that includes work that includes works from all over the world by Italian, French, German, Austrian, Russian, Czech, and American composers, and many more. This list features a variety of operatic genres and styles, including opera seria, opera buffa, opera comique, as well as bel canto and Singspiel styles of singing. Be sure to vote for the famous operas you believe are the greatest of all time, and vote down any you don't like. You can also re-rank this list in any order you want.What makes a great opera so great? A compelling storyline is certainly important, but it's the music that keeps us enraptured. Some of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-opera-songs/bustermcdermott" target="_blank">best opera songs</a> of all time are included in these operas listed here, including &quot;Habanera&quot; from 'Carmen,' &quot;Nessun dorma&quot; from <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/giacomo-puccini-operas/reference" target="_blank">Giacomo Puccini's</a> 'Turandot' and &quot;Celeste Aida&quot; from <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/giuseppe-verdi-operas/reference" target="_blank">Guiseppe Verdi's</a> 'Aida.' The operas listed here are classics. Many have been enjoyed by opera lovers for centuries, in fact. Some are tragedies, and they'll <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/operas-that-will-bring-tears-to-even-the-driest-of-eyes/sarahmarie" target="_blank">bring tears to even the driest of eyes</a> (Puccini's 'La boheme' comes to mind, as does his 'Madame Butterfly' and Verdi's 'La traviata'). Wipe those tears away, and start voting for the best operas, right here and right now.