Top 10 American Idol Songs of the Decade

As 2009 draws to a close, it's time to take a look back at the music that impacted us during the first decade of the 21^st century. And, love it or hate it, it's hard to put together any list of the best and worst of the decade without acknowledging the influence 'American Idol' has had on pop music since its premiere in June 2002.

I've taken a look at all the tracks released by 'Idol' alum over the past eight years and have chosen my top ten favorites.

10. "Home" (Daughtry): This song suffered from being overplayed, both on the radio as well as the boot song for the seventh season of 'Idol,' but lyrically, it's a gem. Chris Daughtry wrote the song before appearing on the show, but it's as though he could see into the future and recognize how his life would change in the years to come. Not only was this song a hit on the pop charts, but deeper themes emerged that made it appealing to Christian listeners.

9. "I Can't Make You Love Me" (Kimberley Locke): Kimberley's performance of this song during Season 2 country week is one of my all-time favorites. And, while the version she recorded on her debut album, One Love, doesn't quite capture the magic, the song has to appear on my list based on the show performance.

8. "You Know Me" (George Huff): George who? That's the problem. This talented Christian artist suffered from poor promotion of his first album, Miracles, but remains undaunted, continuing to perform and spread his message of hope and faith. George's vocals sparkle on "You Know Me," and whether you view this as a song of worship or a love song, the lyrics speak to the soul. It's a gem that needs to be recognized.

7. "I Told You So" (Carrie Underwood with Randy Travis): I took a lot of heat from various Carrie Underwood fan groups for not being more supportive of Carrie during her run on 'Idol.' I loved Bo Bice and was disappointed that he didn't win. I was accused of not being objective when it came to my analyses of Carrie's performances, and that was probably true. However, I have since come to recognize how very talented Carrie is and have been very impressed with her success post-Idol. She's released some great songs over the years, but "I Told You So" is my favorite. I love the way her vocals blend with Travis' and can really feel the emotion of the lyrics. It's lovely.

6. "Already Gone" (Kelly Clarkson): Kelly earns the distinction of being the only Idol to have two songs on this list. I debated this, but could not include "Already Gone" as it is my current favorite song. Kelly has a knack of pulling out every ounce of emotion from her lyrics and delivering them with stellar vocal performances. For some reason, so many of her songs seem to speak directly to me and whatever I happen to be going through at the moment. This one is no exception. I also think her vocals on this song are her best ever.

5. "I Wonder" (Kellie Pickler): Kellie Pickler made quite a splash during her time on 'Idol,' with a back story that in and of itself would make for a powerful country song. But "I Wonder" surpasses that, speaking directly to the mother that abandoned her as a toddler and asking the question "why?" The visual imagery are tormenting - Kellie looking for her mother at key times in her childhood and wondering how things might have been different. I suspect this song was very healing for her as well as she finally addressed the most significant issue of her childhood.

4. "I Believe" (Fantasia): This song was a showstopper for Fantasia and sealed the deal in terms of her winning the competition. Written by season one's Tamyra Gray, this song spoke to Fantasia's 'Idol' journey as well as her life's journey. Fantasia felt this song and watching her perform it live during that summer's tour show was an experience I'll never forget. As she sang the song, tears streamed down her face (and mine) and once again, proved why she was the best of that season. It's a great song that stands up well time after time.

3. "You Pulled Me Through" (Jennifer Hudson): Although this song was recorded before the tragedy that rocked Jennifer Hudson's world, the lyrics are reflective of her emotional journey towards healing. I will never forget her performance of this song on the 2009 Grammy show and it will forever be one of my favorite songs from an 'Idol' alum.

2. "Sinner in a Sin" (Bo Bice): Bo Bice may be the most overlooked 'Idol' contestant in the history of the show. Unfortunately, just as his debut album was beginning to take off, Bo was sidelined by life-threatening surgery and the album lost its momentum. Bo's follow-up album, See the Light, which was infinitely better than The Real Thing, suffered due to its limited Walmart only release. Too bad, because this album is packed with gems, my favorite being "Sinner in a Sin." Bo wrote this song prior to appearing on 'Idol' and for me, it speaks to who he is as a man and an artist. I also love "I'm Gone" from this album. Heck, I just love Bo Bice.

1. "Because of You" (Kelly Clarkson): I could populate my entire top ten list with Kelly Clarkson songs, but of all of them, "Because of You" is my favorite. I remember the first time I heard it. The lyrics grabbed me in an unexpected way and I found myself welling up with tears. It's never lost its appeal, and I heard her sing it live in concert this summer, I cried like a baby. Her vocals are simply amazing, but what makes this song so powerful is the pain she reveals through the lyrics. It's cathartic for me to listen to this.

Runners-up for this list include Clay Aiken's "Solitaire," Adam Lambert's "Mad World," Elliott Yamin's "I Will Wait for You," and Carrie Underwood's "Jesus, Take the Wheel."