‘American Idol’ fans rank the show’s funniest moments — Katy Perry’s 'wig' exchange makes the top five

'American Idol' fans countdown 5 "iconic" and hilarious moments in the show's history – check it out!
PUBLISHED JUN 14, 2025
Picture of 'American Idol' judges Katy Perry (L) and Luke Bryan (R) on the sets of the show. (Cover Image Source: YouTube/American Idol)
Picture of 'American Idol' judges Katy Perry (L) and Luke Bryan (R) on the sets of the show. (Cover Image Source: YouTube/American Idol)

American Idol’ has been running for 23 seasons, and it has delivered many memorable moments over the years. The judges meet a wide range of contestants. While some shine with their vocals, others win hearts with their quirky personalities. The stage certainly has the potential to create some iconic pop culture moments and memes that become iconic over the years. On X, an 'American Idol' fan listed the 5 funniest moments of the show’s history. The one ranked 5th was a moment from ‘American Idol’ auditions that’s hilarious even today. Noah Davis auditioned in season 16, but before starting his performance, he said “wig” under his breath.



 

However, Katy Perry heard him and immediately asked, “Wait, did you just say wig?” When Davis said yes, Perry replied, “I know, wig. I feel that already.” When fellow judges asked what it meant, the Roar singer said it was a secret language between her and Davis. This interaction went on to become one of the most hilarious memes of the show. “THE LAST ONE LMAOOOOOOOOOOO MAN WHAT MAN,” one X user wrote, reacting to the list. “The last one took me out,” a second fan reacted.  



 

Another 'American Idol' moment that caught the viewers' attention was James Bae’s audition of ‘One Less Lonely Girl.’ The 15-year-old had the ambition to become Justin Bieber, but sadly, not the talent. When judge Nicki Minaj asked if he had a girlfriend, he pointedly declared his singlehood to her, leaving her gaping. “Hey Nicki, we are going to do a collide one day, remember that,” Bae told the rapper. His saying “collide” instead of “collaboration” got the judges laughing and created one of the funniest moments in the show’s history. 



 

The third fan-voted “iconic” moment was Stephanie Sanson’s audition. The 16-year-old created chaos while apparently performing Adele’s ‘I Set Fire to the Rain.’ Instead of singing, she screamed the lyrics and jumped all around the set. Judge Randy Jackson pointed towards the exit and asked Sanson to keep going there. An X user reacted to Jackson's hilarious remark, writing, “‘Yeah, just keep going that way !’ IM FCKN CRYING.” Another social media user quipped, “3 sounds pretty good, just not for ‘American Idol,’ lmao.” The bad audition of Anastacia Freeman got ranked second on the list. The hilarious bit was not her bad performance, but her asking the judges if they were laughing at her.



 

Top of the “iconic” moments list was a contestant’s cover of Sardines by Eliza Catastrophe. As if the cover wasn’t embarrassing enough, the contestant decided to ask the judges if they liked her as a person. After everyone unanimously said yes, the contestant asked if they would ever want to “hang out socially.” This question left the judges with a deadpan face until she left. While these were some hilarious picks, other fans objected to them. One X user wrote that the seasons where Simon Cowell was the judge had more hilarious moments. “William Hung has to be #1,” another internet user wrote. “William Hung not even being mentioned is criminal. Should be a lock at #1 for all time,” a second X user agreed.

RELATED TOPICS AMERICAN IDOL

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The final week of 'The Voice' Season 29 Blind Auditions promises another round of captivating performances and heartfelt moments.
14 hours ago
The deceased deckhand was working on the Aleutian Lady, which is one of the vessels filmed by the long-running television show
14 hours ago
After years of feuds and fallouts, a former ‘RHONY’ star slips back into the mix as cameras roll
16 hours ago
Much-loved contestants from 'The Golden Bachelor,' 'Bachelor in Paradise,' 'The Bachelor,' and 'The Bachelorette' will renovate the iconic mansion
18 hours ago
Hawaii heats up as ‘American Idol’ Season 24’s Top 30 face a brutal Ohana vote that will slash the field to 20
20 hours ago
‘Hollywood Week’ slashes ‘American Idol’ contestants to 30 as fan favorites rise and dreams abruptly hit a wall
20 hours ago
John Legend and Kelly Clarkson squared off over a country contestant, only for Reba McEntire to make a surprise cameo
21 hours ago
An original coach returns in a new power role as 'Battle of Champions' shakes up the fiercest season of 'The Voice' yet
23 hours ago
Connor Storrie donned several hats on the latest episode of 'SNL,' appearing as a gentleman, a bully, and a stripper
23 hours ago
The upcoming 'Love Is Blind' Season 10 reunion special will include plenty of twists and turns as the Ohio season comes to an end
1 day ago