Tomorrow night marks the beginning of American Idol's season 11 live shows; so today, I'm looking back at my top 10 favorite Idol contestants:

10. Lee Dewyze - Season 9
I know, I know. Season nine was one of the worst seasons ever. But, on finale night, I found myself voting like crazy for Lee because I was NOT going to let that dreadful dreadlock Crystal Bowersox win it. No way. He was definitely my favorite of that season, and his debut CD is surprisingly good, too.


9. Mandisa - Season 5
I did not watch season five, so this is purely based on post-Idol impressions. This girl is all over Christian radio; she has catchy songs of her own, but is also part of big-name collaborations. Get it girl.


8. Kellie Pickler - Season 5
Again, I didn't actually watch her on Idol, but I love how ditzy and hilarious she is.

7. Chris Daughtry - Season 5
Love him.

6. Jordin Sparks - Season 6
This was the first season that I really started watching and loving Idol. Girl's got some pipes.


5. Pia Toscano - Season 10
After she was eliminated in ninth place, I boycotted the show until the finale night and that was only so I could see her sing again. Yeah, her stage presence could've used some work, but at the same time, isn't that why they're there? To learn how to be a superstar? Watch this and then tell me she's not great:


4. Kelly Clarkson - Season 1
Most people would place Kelly in their top 2 favorite Idol contestants, but I have never bought any of her albums, just a few singles here and there. I do love her though, I just don't listen to a lot of pop radio.


3. Lauren Alaina - Season 10
I love how spunky she can be, but she can still belt out those tender songs too. Her album is really great and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves. I wish she would've won, but she came in second, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.


2. David Cook - Season 7
My sister and I were SO in love with David Cook! He could do no wrong. First he sang a different version of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean, then came the night we went from being in love with him to being obsessed with him:


I remember that finale night we were texting in votes from 3 phones literally non-stop for the entire four hours, plus I was calling in votes, too. The night they announced the winners, Brittany & I were SO nervous. When Ryan Seacrest said, "And the winner of American Idol season 7 is...David..." she and I were in the floor right in front of the TV and when he said, "COOK!" we LOST it. I'm talking screaming and jumping up & down like 5-year-olds. It was so much fun. Here's a song from his latest CD:


1. Carrie Underwood {duh :)} - Season 4
You know I love me some Carrie. Like I said last week I am ecstatic that we finally have new music from her! May 1 is when her new album comes out and I can't wait! Here's my favorite performance of hers on Idol:


And here's one of my favorites since:



With this morning's announcement of the Dancing with the Stars season 14 cast, here are my favorite DWTS contestants:

10. Erin Andrews

9. Nicole Scherzinger

8. Kristin Cavallari
I watched Kristin on Laguna Beach back in high school and The Hills. Hated her then. Love her now.

7. Shawn Johnson

6. Audrina Patridge

5. Kelly Monaco
Sam from General Hospital! Love it!

4. Melissa Rycroft
Of course a Bachelor contestant would be on this list...and it is absolutely not Jake Pavelka. Remember when he danced with Sausage (aka Vienna)? I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.


3. Derek Hough
I'm aware he is not one of the "stars," but he is one of the main reasons I watch this show.

2. Julianne Hough
These 2 are simply the best. I wish she would come back!!

1. Jennifer Grey
The first and only time I have ever actually voted for anyone on DWTS. She was 50 years old! And so good! Plus, Dirty Dancing is one of my all-time favorite movies, AND she got paired with Derek! Match made in dance heaven.

There you have it~ I hope y'all are having a great week so far!

If you watch either of these shows, who are some of your favorites?