Idol Rocks

Chris Daughtry

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He may be Idol's bestselling rocker, but Chris Daughtry from McLeansville, North Carolina, had his own stint in the bottom two while competing in season five (after singing Louis Armstrong's eternally optimistic "What a Wonderful World"). Fortunately, there were far more standing ovation-worthy bows by the former car mechanic. From Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" to Creed's "What If", and on two multiplatnum alums since his fourth-place finish, it goes to show: When raw and grungy rock is your calling card, stick to it.
Bo Bice

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The show's pioneering rocker brought monster classic-rock riffs to the Idol stage (long before contestants were allowed to play instruments) and, in no time, went from being a straggly, bell-bottomed hopeful to performing with some of his own idols. Singing "Sweet Home Alabama" at the season four finale with Lynyrd Skynyrd as his backing band was a high point for the Helena, Alabama, native, but for his fans, the seminal Southern rallying cry was just the last in a string of stellar performances that not only got Bo to second place, but also forever endeared him to the hearts of rock-loving Idol worshipers.
Constantine Maroulis

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Bo's season four partner in long-haired crime was New York rocker Constantine Maroulis, whose brooding stare and powerful pipes earned him the honor of being among the show's first punks-turned-hunks. His shining moment came during the top eight, when Constantine's spot-on version of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" became an instant Idol classic. He didn't last long after (only two more weeks, to be exact), but the memories have endured for years since.
Carly Smithson

Tattooed and fierce with a wail that needs no amplification, Irish transplant Carly Smithson would tear the roof off the Idol studio week after week. She first made her rock mark with a rousing rendition of Heart's "Crazy on You," but the octave-defying stunt work was just getting started as she made her way through season seven. Carly is probably best remembered for her spine-chilling take on BonnieTyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart," which ended up winning the hearts of millions.
David Cook

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The first contestant to rock a six-string on the Idol stage is also among the show's most venerated. From the very start of season seven, the Blue Springs, Missouri, charmer delivered world-class vocals to songs completely reimagined. From Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" to Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby," no matter what the theme, nothing in the pop world seemed to make the lifelong rocker sweat-not even eventual runner-up David Archuleta.
Adam Lambert

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Flipping the rock 'n' roll formula on its glittered and guy-linered head, season eight runner-up Adam Lambert forever redefined the art of the dramatic performance with his Idol arc. From a moody, Middle Eastern reinterpretation of an Americana classic like Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" to his showstopping twist on Tears for Fears' early 1980s hit "Mad World," every song Adam touched turned to glam, carrying the San Diego native all the way to the finale and far beyond.
Allison Iraheta

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With a rock-ready rasp that was way beyond her years (sixteen at the time of season eight auditions). Allison Iraheta could handle classic vocals that were decades ahead of her time (like Foghat's "Slow Ride") with the same confidence delivered on songs she grew up with, like No Doubt's "Don't Speak." No matter which way you slice it, this Latina looker is fierce!

Chris Daughtry

Bo Bice

Constantine Maroulis

Carly Smithson

David Cook

Adam Lambert

Allison Iraheta