12 Iconic American Idol Auditions That Still Send Shivers Down Our Spines

"Broadway" was often used as a criticism on Idol; almost a shorthand for singers who were too performative or not quite pop-oriented. In Taylor's case, though, Broadway was what set him apart: the Katrina survivor belted out The Color Purple's anthem "I'm Here" with some Tony Award-worthy vocals and got himself sent through to Hollywood.