"American Idol: Greatest Moments" is the companion CD to the talent show TV program that ran in 2002. The CD has 15 tracks: four performances by contest winner Kelly Clarkson (including her performances of the original songs "A Moment Like This" and "Before Your Love"), 2 performances by runner-up Justin Guarini, one solo apiece from each of the rest of the top ten contestants, and one group performance of "California Dreamin'."

It's interesting to hear these vocal performances stripped of some of the other elements that made the TV show so memorable (and occasionally annoying): the hosts' silly banter, the judges' comments, and the shamelessly manipulative psychodrama. And most of these vocal performances are really great. Justin Guarini shows that his voice can stand alone without his oft-commented upon mop of hair. Similarly, Nikki McKibbin's full-bodied rendition of "Piece of My Heart" triumphs without the show's visual trappings. But the best performance on the disc is given by Tamyra Gray; "A House Is Not a Home" really shows off her rich, powerful voice. Bring on the solo album, Tamyra! And it's fun to try to identify each contestant during the brief solo parts on "California Dreamin'." If you loved the TV show, don't miss the CD. - Michael J. Mazza