Released: May 23, 2006

By: Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee, Elliott Yamin, Chris Daughtry, Paris Bennett, Kellie Pickler, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Mandisa, Lisa Tucker, Kevin Covais & Melissa McGhee

Season 5 of American Idol is one of the craziest. It was full of incredible talent and many of the finalists have done much better than its winner.

Taylor Hicks won the season with his charismatic personality that was always exciting to watch. However, as his song “Takin’ It to the Streets” shows, his voice was lacking.

When listening to the album, the best songs are from the people who’ve made a name for themselves post-Idol. Katharine McPhee has fun and shows off her vocals on Aretha Franklin’s “Think.” Chris Daughtry (of Daughtry fame) is a certified rock star giving a performance of “Wanted Dead or Alive” that rivals Bon Jovi’s. And, Kellie Pickler’s “Walkin’ After Midnight” easily proves how well she was destined to do in the country music world.

Final say: Great performances from most singers. ★★★★☆