These iconic auditions helped make those outstanding auditions, likeAdam LambertandJennifer Hudson, stand out even more.

In general, most talent competitions have gone soft.

Those comedic auditions are few and far between.

William Hung, Renaldo Lapuz, and Larry Platt from their American Idol auditions

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But this season ofAmerican Idolhas highlighted a few comedic auditions reminiscent of the days of yore.

It’s part of the fabric of the show.

Let us laugh along with the delusion so we can celebrate the triumphs when they’re warranted.

American Idol original judges

First,Sophie Powersswung by with her now viral “STFU.”

Her original song was hilarious and likely to earn some traction when it receives a club remix.

There is a universe in which both tracks could find success on streaming.

American Idol Season 21 Poster

When William Hung auditioned, it became a global phenomenon.

It even reachedSaturday Night Liveparody status.

Mary Roach andIan Bernardowere the definition of delusion.

ryan-seacrest-at-the-27th-annual-ucla-jonsson-cancer-centre-foundation-s-taste-for-a-cure-event.jpg

William Hung had some of the biggest applause when he returned to sing “She Bangs.

These moments reminded viewers that not everyone is meant to sing.

These moments are gone.American Idolauditions have become a tad one-note, focusing on story rather than entertainment.

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The music industry would look different if one Season 1 winner took the crown.

We need the highs and lows.

Season 3 featured both an eventualEGOT winnerin Jennifer Hudson and William Hung.

American Idol

That’s how you make iconic television.

The audition round needs stakes.

We need a reason to tune in.

If all the best acts are coming through Nashville, show us!

American Idolairs Sundays at 8:00pm on ABC.

All episodes are available to stream on Hulu.

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