After Carrie Underwood, American Idol Should Retire “Alone”
According to Entertainment Weekly, there are 12 songs that should be banned from American Idol forever. They don’t really say why, just that it wouldn’t be the best idea to sing a song that’s “indelibly linked to the success of the most popular winner ever.” That song being Heart’s “Alone,” which Carrie Underwood sang the hell out of back when she was just another Top 10 contestant on Idol. I think they should add a 13th song to that list: Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” That was Underwood’s audition song, and even though she told the judges that Martina McBride was her favorite singer, she really owned that Raitt tune. Like she said, “I threw out my fishin’ line and they liked the bait, I guess.”
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vcp says:
Oh gosh and so it begins. Where are they!!!!
steve says:
I agree, 100%.
Kim says:
That was a good list. some things just can’t be redone.
dan says:
i agree american idol should retire and nothing like it should not be allowed on. its is good that they are trying to get new voices out but we dont need to listen to or see the people that like me cant sing.
becca says:
thank god millions disagree with you dan. this article wasnt about american idol ending, it was about which songs shouldnt be aloud on
Kallie says:
Ok here’s my opinion. Alone is not Carrie’s song! It is and will always be ‘hearts!’ Carly Smithson did an even BETTER rendition of Alone on Idol in all fairness!! Yes, I did like Carrie’s but that doesn’t mean no one else should sing it just because Carrie sang it. If anything, it should be up to heart! I also do agree that Idol is getting very old. I do like Carrie, but she is so overrated!!!!
Judy says:
I think that Carrie is by far, and always will be the most talented, beautiful and sweetest IDOL, that American Idol has ever encountered. I loved her rendition of Heart’s, Alone and her Bonnie Raitt audition. I will have to say though that I feel any other contestant that would like to try to sing those songs should get a chance. Carrie is by far my favorite singer ever but I feel that no one can ever match what she did on Idol, or what she is doing right now. I know that Carrie will always be the only one to sing “Alone” the way she did so if someone else would be brave enough to try it with their own and not try to copy Carrie, then they should be given a chance. I promise they can’t do either song as well.
Kate says:
Well Carrie just got a hat trick at The People’s Choice Awards winning all 3 of the awards she was nominated for, in country and non-country categories and deservedly so. The people have spoken and I agree with them 100%. Oh I forgot to mention that as usual she looked absolutely stunning.
Kate says:
Also Carrie’s performance at the awards show was jaw-drawping amazing. She sang a song she sings on her tour but this was the first time she performed it on a television show and truly it was show stopping.
Kate says:
Sorry I meant to say ‘jaw-dropping’.
diane says:
I just wonder if this song will be her next release..Or if I told you so will be..This girl has such control in her voice and did she hold that note forever or what????????? People who accuse her of screaming just dont listen..She can hit the note right on the head in a whisper..Incredible..She was NOT this good on AI..Talk about maturing with time..I wonder if she had a voice coach to help her after her win..Cause she has come such a long way in such a short time..You go girl..I will buy any song this girl puts out..I went out and purchased Carnival again just to get her small christmas bonus CD..
Guess? says:
It was amazing!!
Kate says:
Carrie’s next release is ‘I Told You So’ a cover of a Randy Travis song. It is a beautiful song lyrically and vocally.
As far as I know Carrie has had no formal vocal training either before or after idol. But experience and a building confidence can do wonderous things.
vcp says:
Yes she is releasing I Told You So next Feb 2 it goes to ads, but for anyone who doubts Carrie’s abilities with Heart’s Alone you NEED to go to youtube and go to
Carrie Underwood - Heart ’s “Alone” (fanclub party in Nashville 2007)
They won’t let the link go up so you have to type it.
You will be blown away it is music at it’s best, perfection if I’ve ever heard it. Every note is dead on, I checked out dozens of live versions of this and non compare
and it is acoustic to boot. So I say yes to retire it and yes she should record a cover of it.
Yes the people have spoken and rightly, her performance showed the reason why she was picked by the people. To be picked as the top star under 35 is huge that means every actor, actress, musician in any genre the people think she is the best this year.
steve says:
she just knocked ‘em dead at the PCA’s! That was mighty impressive.
Guess? says:
She deserves it!! Shes worked so hard for what she got.
Virginie says:
I’ve just watched the PCA award and watched Carrie performed,
this lady is so amazing,she really deserved all the awards
she rceived,i think she is the best singer we have right now
in all genre..MY CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU MISS CARRIE UNDERWOOD
i admire you a lot!!!
Georgetta says:
Carrie really did knock it out of the park at the PCA’s (as she usually does where ever and when ever she sings). She deserved every award she recieved. Congrats Carrie. Just winning the the best star under 35 is a HUGE honor because that includes actresses and singers and other stars. Whoever says she is overrated should see what the PEOPLE think and the People spoke tonight, not to mention that she was up against some very stiff competition.
Everyone has a right to their opinions on here so I’m not knocking anyone. Just giving my opinion and Congratulations to Carrie Underwood. You are awesome Carrie!
Georgetta says:
oh, and as far as the song being retired. I not sure anyone could beat Carrie on that, but they should at least be given the chance.
lulu says:
just watch at YT, Carrie sang “Alone” with the owner of the song “Heart”, Ann and Nancy Wilson, amazing !! Carrie got praise from them.
Shayna says:
To anyone that thinks Miss Carrie is overrated….obviously you haven’t heard the way this girl can sing! Her vocals are spot on, and I totally agree with the choices. I for one would enver ever try to go on Idol and do a Carrie song or one that she nailed for that matter……Carrie is and will always be the sweetest most humble and awesome American idol winner :)
Jamie says:
When Carrie sang Alone on IDOL I think that set her apart from all the other contestants and pretty much convinced the public that she was the ONE! It was a great performance then and her acoustic performance at the fan club party even better. If I were a contestant I wouldn’t sing it because their performance will always be measured against Carrie’s
Carrie’s performance on the People’s Choice Awards was Phenomenal. The person who was posting the live feed blog was actually speechless - the headline was Carrie Underwood - Wow! Definitely a showstopper. The people have spoken and Carrie was the People’s Choice tonight in her country category and also two all genre categories. They obviously don’t think she is overrated. One of the best voices to come along in a very long time and getting better as each year passes. She is always so gracious and appreciative in her acceptance speeches. She was the best dressed and the most decorated artist of the night - she is Class with a capital C - she did country proud as she always does on these shows.
Kevin says:
can somebody say what song she sang on the awards show. I didnt watch it.
Rain1 says:
It’s called “I Know You Won’t”
Jan says:
PCA’s? Another Stunner!!! Go Carrie!
Gail says:
I was so proud for Carrie!! She was the absolute BEST of the night at the PCA! Carrie did outstanding on that song!! LOVED it! Rascal Flatts!…..well, that’s another story! I thought they were awful!
marie says:
CU and Flatts are the reason I didn’t watch the PCA. Can’t stand either of them!! I don’t care what any one else says, they both need to go! It’s my opinion and I am allowed to have it!
john says:
Nah. EW is running out of themes to write. The logic is simple. Idol singers don’t own the songs. Those songs can be sung by other idols in different and possibly better ways. Moving on to the next round is totally up to voters, which means singers who move on are not necessarily best singers. I am not saying Carrie is not the best at that time, but always somebody better comes along later who can sing ALONE in different arrangements.
CJ says:
Carrie has the best voice. She looked beautiful tonight as always. She is a class act. I think anyone should be able to sing what they want. If thay want to take that chance. PCA shows what the people want. They showed they love Carrie.
Rita says:
I don’t see why they would ban any of the songs. The whole point is to see how the person can sing an already recorded song. I don’t really think anyone can beat Carrie but if they want to try, go for it. And just a side note, Carrie was awesome last night!
countrymuisclover says:
She was amazing at the Fanclub Party in 2007, I got very lucky and got to be on stage with about 15 others, and her acoustic of “Alone” was awesome!
DJ says:
Carrie did the most amazing job on Alone. I was just blown away with her performance that night. You just couldn’t get any better unless you were Heart. I doubt they retire songs from being on the show. I wouldn’t want to sing a song that someone else did so well on because you would always be compared to them. Carrie is an amazing singer. She has grown since Idol and is getting better all the time. Her performance last night on PCA was just awesome! She is truly a wonderful, gifted talent and country should be proud to call her theirs!
Brian says:
Classy, beautiful and amazing singer! I think we could all see that when she sang Alone on Idol. She sure hasn’t disappointed anyone. She has grown more confident with each performance and it shows vocally. What a great job she did last night on I Know You Won’t. Only more great things to come from this amazing young woman.
TITANSFAN says:
CONGRATS! TO CARRIE ON HER AWARDS
bluefish@thesea says:
My gush! this subject is kind of old. You are talking about 4 years old. Come on’ Alison why you are digging old topic. Are you running out of story.
John says:
Kallie–sorry but no one has sang Alone better than Carrie on Idol.
Marie–Sorry but Carrie or Rascal Flatts are not going anywhere. They are here to stay.
conetta baily says:
the work that carrie have put in the work she she be a presheated for what she did because she has good songs and she is cute… like the song called be fore he cheats and just a dream and jesus take the wheel. i love u CARRIE UNDERWOOD
P.S don’t listen to them
conetta baily says:
I LOVE THOU ART
smittybebad says:
I am real glad for all of you Carrie fans. Except all of you are not in touch with the reality of Carrie’s choice to sing this song is and was not original at all. Carrie should be bowing down and kissing the ground Ann Wilson walks on. Carrie sing the heck out of that song all you want. The originality and recognition belongs to the beautiful and artistic Ann Wilson of Heart. Ann Wilson is one of the most inspiring singers of all time.
kate says says:
Good for you John, Marie should just shut up. Must be really jealous over Carrie. Carrie is the best singer out there and she is loved.
John says:
smittyisbad–No one said or I did not see anyone say Carrie sang Alone better than Ann–I think they said she sang it better than anyone on Idol.
kate says:
Ok guys, I am sorry for always posting. I obviously am a loner with nothing more to do than argue with people. I’m sorry and I will never comment ever again!
smittybebad says:
Poor John- You and the rest just do not get it. Carrie would agree with what is being said. Carrie selected the song as her audition song for AI. Perhaps Miss Underwood would not be where she is today. The song chosen was the key to her fame. Yes smittyisbad when smitty when wants to be. Smitty can also see past Jesus Take The Wheel and When He Cheats . “In the end I know my Last Name.”
Marcus says:
Kallie is so overrated and obviously jealous of Carrie.
countryiscool says:
I wanna know who Kallie is, I’ve seen her name here twice.
I know it can’t be Kellie Pickler because she hasn’t a mean or jealous bone in her body. I saw Kellie over the summer and she was wonderful. She was here in Seattle last nite (I couldn’t make it) but the radio station has people calling in and they are all gushing over her.
So again, who is Kallie? I love Kellie, I also love Carrie. Neither is better as I love them both as INDIVIDUAL artists that bring their own talent and personality to the table. I also believe friendships between the artists are common and the fans are the rabble rousers, not them.
K says:
Carrie’s version of Alone was the best performance during AI four, not to mention one of the best vocals in the history of the show. But, I know there are probably dozens of people who disagree and think there are better covers.
As for this argument that “Alone” should be retired? I am a HUGE Carrie fan, and I think Carrie is one of the best vocalists today, I don’t agree it should be retired just because Carrie did a brilant job on it.
I think songs are made to be redone- it pays a huge compliment to the original artist (s) and sometimes it helps people discover the artist who did the original, and/or the artist who did the new cover. I think the world would be incredibly boring if artists weren’t allowed to cover songs by other artists- where would the diversity be?
In my opinion, music is the highest from of artistic expression, and it should be shared with as many people as possible. Banning a song such as Alone would take away the excitment- we wouldn’t get to see any awesome new covers that revitalize the song and bring new life to it. If an artist wants to redone, there should be no stopping them. Every artist puts their “stamp” on any song they do, whether it be from “Idol” or otherwise. I don’t think anyone should be denied music, period.
And, congrats to Carrie on a brilliant-beyond-brilant performance at the “People’s Choice Awards.” She showed America, once again, why she deserves to be called a real, talented, geninue artist. She’s not just an Idol winner anymore, and she continues to prove her right to be the huge superstar she is. I love how Carrie showed her incredible range- she started out soft, built up to the “power notes,” and she hit them with such ease, it was unbelievable. My mouth literally dropped open when Carrie held that high note- wow!!!
Although I admire that Carrie is still so thankful to “Idol” for giving her a leg up, frankly, I don’t think she deserves to be lumped with a show that is so synonomous with average, kareoke-bar singers. Carrie is above that in her voice, looks, and range, in my opinion. And, I’m so grateful she didn’t go on “Nashvile Star.” She opened the door for people on that show to sing country music, and she opened the door for many fans who never followed country before her. Nashvile Star wouldn’t have given Carrie her massive fanbase (it is not really watched by non- country fans, and even its move to NBC didn’t help ratings). Not to mention Carrie would’ve probably been labeled a has-been if she’d been on that show- it has seen very few success stories, with the exception of Miranda.
K says:
Smitty- I have seen you over on the Carrie board bashing this woman plenty of times. Don’t you think it’s time for you to grow up and move on to an artist you enjoy, rather than spend your time bashing and degrading the success of one you do not? I don’t know about you, but I think that is what most people do. Carrie is successful, and has the rabid fans, album sales, and radio hits to prove it. Neither Carrie, nor Carrie fans, need any sort of “validation” from you about this woman- she is a superstar who earned her accomplishments, and worked her ass of for her success. We know that, it is close-minded snobs such as yourself who are still stuck in that “Idol earned Carrie her success crap. Look around you, and open your eyes.
Idol gave Carrie a recording contract, and a good place to gain a solid fanbase. EVERYTHING else was done by Carrie.
After she got the contract, SHE was the one who spent the hours making the album, SHE was the one who did the vocals. SHE was the one who has done (and continues to do) dozens of photo shoots and interviews. SHE is the one who puts hours on the road to entertain her fans, and sign autographs. SHE is the one who goes to dozens of TV shows and radio stations to promote her music. SHE is the one who gives her time to charties like Idol Gives Back, PETA, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. SHE is the one who has gotten dozens of awards given to her by industry veterans who feel she has earned a right to be placed among the best female vocalists of all time like Reba and Martina. SHE is the one who garners praise from legends like Randy Travis, Lorretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, and Patty Loveless. SHE is the one who has earned several Grammy awards, hailed often as the highest award in all genres- in four short years. SHE is the one who has given dozens of performances at the Opry, even though she has one of the busiest touring schedules, and one of the most demanding careers in the genre. SHE is the one who earned an invitation to join the Opry, the biggest honor for a country artist in THREE YEARS. When it takes artists like Charlie Daniles, who is in his 70’s and has probably done HUNDREDS of Opry shows, years to get an invite, that says something. That says the Opry feels she deserves the biggest honor in the genre, and there was no waiting needed.
SHE is the one made dozens of Opry apperances, while in great health and sick, and she still sounds better than the album, no excuses are ever needed. Good health or bad, SHE is the one who delivers the above-par vocals. SHE is the one who sold seven million copies of her debut, and smashed the record of having the most successful country debut by a female country artist since Shania.
SHE is the one who was invited to perform on “Saturday Night Live,” and she is one of the only country artists to ever be invited to do so.
SHE is the one who has earned dozens of standing ovations over legends like Martina. SHE is the one who shows an ACTUAL EMOTIONAL CONNECTION to almost every song she sings. SHE is the one who earned the honor of being the top selling female singer in all genres.
My point, is Idol gave Carrie her start, yes, but Idol DID NOT give Carrie a sucessful career, she built that herself.
Smitty says:
K, will you have finish boring people?!?! Who seriously is gonna read your long paragraphs of garbage?
Kallie says:
LMFAO!!! Marcus you’re hilarious:)
Lisa says:
I’ve read all of your postings and I do have to say that you all seem pretty closed minded when someone has an opinion that’s not yours. So what if someone else doesn’t think that Carrie’s version of alone is the best? I think people all have the right to have their own opinions. I just kinda feel like it’s not right when Carrie’s biggest fans are bashing people because they don’t agree with everything. I am a Carrie fan, but I also can understand when someone like’s another rendition of ‘Alone’ better than Carrie’s? How about Ann Wilson? She freakin’ wrote/sang the song from the beginning?
I also think you Carrie bashers should be more understanding that this is a Carrie fan’s blog. If you dislike her, you can go somewhere else and bash her.
Lisa says:
K and Kate,
I wish you both will stop bashing….
lolhorse6375 says:
I like Carrie Underwood alot and iI hpoe she sings for a lond time!
Carissa says:
Carrie is soooooooooooooooooooooo overrated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
joey says:
“Alone” was the song that had Simon Cowell issuing his famous words of her not only winning but selling more than any other idol contestant. He was right. She nailed that song and fits her voice perfectly. I agree, leave that one alone, pardon the pun.
K says:
Carrie is NOT overrated, in my opinion. She is one of the best vocalists this genre, and music, has seen in a long time. She is not a studio singer, often sounds better than on the album, and she can sing any song from any genre. She is able to convey emotion and connect with any song she sings, whether it be “Just A Dream (CMA performance, Arkansaw concert, when she broke down) Jesus Take The Wheel (Her emotional first performance on the ACM’s) “Don’t Forget To Remember Me”
Carissa says:
Carrie’s sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo boring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
miranda says:
so true. i think they should ban songs she has sang and all songs off her album. seriously why would you even think about singing a song that she has sang so much to live up too. seriously you better be a heck of a good singer to pull one of them off