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 Siobhan Magnus.
"Any Man of Mine" - April 27, 2010
Written by Robert John "Mutt" Lange and Shania Twain
"Any Man of Mine" was a major breakthrough single for Shania Twain in 1995. It was her first #1 country single in the US and her first to break into the pop top 40 as well. The song received Grammy Award nominations for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal.
Watch Shania Twain video
"When You Believe" - April 20, 2010
Written by Stephen Schwartz, Babyface, and Mariah Carey
Recorded for the film The Prince of Egypt, this song was seen as one of the ultimate superstar duets featuring Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. Although the song only went to #15 on the US pop charts, it did win an Academy Award for Best Song from a Motion Picture. It went to the top 10 across Europe, and in 2007 it was the first single for X Factor winner Leon Jackson.
Watch Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston video
"Suspicious Minds" - April 13, 2010
Written by Mark James
"Suspicious Minds" capped Elvis Presley's late 1960's comeback. Released in 1969 it became his 18th #1 pop single in the US and his last. The song was recorded as part of the Memphis sessions that also produced the hit "In the Ghetto."
Watch Elvis Presley live
"Across the Universe" - April 6, 2010
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
John Lennon says the basic words for "Across the Universe" came to him in 1967 after he had listened to his then wife Cynthia Lennon talk on and on about something. The song included references to the group's interest in transcendental meditation with the mantra "Jai guru deva om" included in the lyrics. The song eventually found its way on to the 1970 Let It Be album.
Listen to the Beatles
"Through the Fire" - March 30, 2010
Written by David Foster, Tom Keane, and Cynthia Weil
"Through the Fire" was released as a single from Chaka Khan's landmark 1984 album I Feel For You. It failed to reach the pop top 40 but was a top 20 R&B hit. The song was sampled by Kanye West on his song "Through the Wire." Former American Idol contestant Melinda Doolittle covered the song as a bonus track on her 2009 album Coming Back to You.
Watch Chaka Khan video
"Superstition" - March 23, 2010
Written by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder originally wrote "Superstition" for guitar legend Jeff Beck, but his management insisted that Stevie Wonder record his own version. It was on of the first major hit singles that showcased a shift in his sound from classic Motown to something more complex and individual. "Superstition" hit #1 on the pop singles chart in 1973 and is a centerpiece of the Talking Book album.
Watch Stevie Wonder video
"Paint It Black" - March 16, 2010
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
Released in 1966, "Paint It Black" was the Rolling Stones' third #1 US pop single. It is very notable for the use of sitar played by Brian Jones. The meaning of the lyrics has been frequently discussed since its original release ranging from it being inspired by the Vietnam War to it being a direct depiction of depression.
"House of the Rising Sun" - March 9, 2010
Folk song with uncertain authorship
"House of the Rising Sun" is believed to have originated as a 16th century English folk song. Lyrics that set the song in New Orleans were adapted later. Bob Dylan recorded the song on his first album released in 1962. A 1964 version by the British band the Animals introduced the group to the US and went to #1 on the pop singles chart on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1970 the rock group Frijid Pink took "House of the Rising Sun" back to the pop top 10.
Watch The Animals Video
"Think" - March 3, 2010
Written by Aretha Franklin and Teddy White
1968's "Think" was Aretha Franklin's seventh top 10 pop single. The song is fondly remembered for being used in a memorable scene from the 1980 film Blues Brothers.
Listen to Aretha Franklin
"Wicked Game" - February 23, 2010
Written by Chris Isaak
"Wicked Game" was first released as a single in 1989 from Chris Isaak's album Heart Shaped World. However, it did not become a hit single until it was featured on the soundtrack for the David Lynch film Wild At Heart. "Wicked Game" peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January, 1991. The highly erotic video directed by Herb Ritts is considered a landmark in music video history.
Watch Chris Isaak Video
Early Songs
- Audition - "Love Of My Life" by Queen
- First Hollywood Week Solo - "A Woman's Worth" by Alicia Keys
- Hollywood Week Group - "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga
- Second Hollywood Week Solo - "Living For the City" by Stevie Wonder
