American Idol fans frequently want to know more details about the songs they hear their favorite contestants perform on the show. Check out the details on songs performed during elimination rounds by Aaron Kelly.
"Fly Me to the Moon" - May 4, 2010
Written by Bart Howard
"Fly Me to the Moon" is a pop standard written in 1954. It was originally called "In Other Words," but it quickly became known by the opening line. Kaye Ballard released the first recording of the song. Joe Harnell hit the pop top 20 in 1963 with a bossa nova version. In 1964 Frank Sinatra released what for many is the definitive interpretation of "Fly Me to the Moon" with an arrangement by Quincy Jones.
Listen Frank Sinatra
"You've Got a Way" - April 27, 2010
Written by Robert John "Mutt" Lange and Shania Twain
"You've Got a Way" was the eighth song from Shania Twain's Come On Over album to reach the country chart peaking at #13. It was included on the soundtrack for the film Notting Hill and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
Watch Shania Twain video
"I Believe I Can Fly" - April 20, 2010
Written by R. Kelly
This song was written and recorded for the soundtrack to the 1996 film Space Jam. It reached #2 on the US pop singles chart, #2 R&B, and #1 in the UK. "I Believe I Can Fly" quickly became a contemporary inspirational classic.
Watch R. Kelly video
"Blue Suede Shoes" - April 13, 2010
Written by Carl Perkins
"Blue Suede Shoes" was originally written and recorded by Carl Perkins for Sun Records in 1955. It became a #2 smash on the country and pop charts while going to #1 R&B. It was kept out of #1 on the pop charts by Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel." Elvis Presley's own version of "Blue Suede Shoes" was recorded and released in 1956 and made the top 20 on the pop singles chart. National Public Radio included the song in their list of the top 100 American musical works of the 20th century.
Watch Elvis Presley video
"The Long and Winding Road" - April 6, 2010
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
"The Long and Winding Road," released in May 1970 was the last US single released by the group while intact and their last #1 hit. Paul McCartney says he was inspired by the tension in the group at the time. The grandiose post-production work by Phil Spector on the official single release has long been criticized by critics and fans. The video below is a version of the song without the orchestral and choral additions.
Watch the Beatles video
"Ain't No Sunshine" - March 30, 2010
Written by Bill Withers
"Ain't No Sunshine" was part of a series of three top three pop singles released by Bill Withers in 1971 and 1972. "Use Me" and "Lean On Me" are the other two. Bill Withers says the song was inspired by his feelings after watching the film Days of Wine and Roses about alcoholism.
Watch Bill Withers video
"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" - March 23, 2010
Written by Diane Warren
Diane Warren has stated she originally wrote the power ballad "I Don't Want To Miss a Thing" for Celine Dion. However, Aerosmith recorded it for the soundtrack to the film Armageddon. It debuted at #1 on the pop singles chart in 1998 and spent four weeks at the top. It was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Song from a Motion Picture.
Watch Aerosmith video
"Angie" - March 16, 2010
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
Rumors have persisted for years that the song "Angie" is about a relationship between Mick Jagger and David Bowie's wife Angela. However Mick Jagger disputes that suggestion, and, instead, Keith Richards says he primarily wrote the song and the name of his recently born daughter Angela fit the song. Regardless of the origin of the title, the poignant ballad became the group's seventh #1 single in the US.
"I'm Already There" - March 10, 2010
Written by Gary Baker, Frank J. Myers, and Richie McDonald
The country band Lonestar released "I'm Already There" in 2001. It is the title song of their only #1 studio country and top 10 pop album. The song itself is an emotional tale of a man on the road and the toll it takes on his family. "I'm Already There" was Lonestar's seventh #1 country single.
Watch Lonestar Video
"My Girl" - March 2, 2010
Written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White
"My Girl" climbed to #1 in early 1965 and became the Temptations first #1 pop hit. It was also their first record to feature David Ruffin on lead vocals. The singer Suave hit #20 on the pop singles chart with his version of "My Girl" in 1988.
Watch Temptations Video
"Here Comes Goodbye" - February 24, 2010
Written by Clint Lagerberg and Chris Sligh
"Here Comes Goodbye" was released in 2009 by Rascal Flatts as the first single from their sixth album Unstoppable. It was co-written by former American Idol contestant Chris Sligh. "Here Comes Goodbye" became Rascal Flatts' 10th #1 country single. It also reached the top 25 of the Billboard Hot 100.
Watch Rascal Flatts Video
Early Songs
- Audition - "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus
- First Hollywood Week Solo - "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker
- Hollywood Week Group - "Get Ready" by the Temptations
- Second Hollywood Week Solo - "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan
