From the awkward dancing, to the terrific singing, and even the what-the-heck-is-happening here moments, we’ve decided to pay tribute to American Idol’s ninth season by taking a look back at nine of some of the best and the worst Idol auditions!

By Karyl Coseto

He Bangs!
Who can forget William Hung’s rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs?" It didn’t matter that he had “no professional training." This aspiring civil engineer’s silly-but-endearing dance moves turned him into a star overnight! This is one audition that never loses its charm, no matter how many times you watch it.

Kellie Pickler, “Since You Been Gone"
This simple country girl made an impression as soon as she stepped into the room. Kellie “Pick Pickler" was a bundle of endearing nerves as she charmed her way to Hollywood with her killer voice and bubbly personality.

Kimberly Locke, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
There was definitely no doubting the singing talent of this third place finisher on Idol’s second season. Although she seemed a bit nervous, she successfully blew away the judges with her amazingly high and clear vocals.

From Paul to Paula
Who would have guessed that Paul Marturano was actually...Paula’s stalker? He got Randy laughing, Paula scared, and Simon fuming when he announced he was singing a love song he wrote for ex-judge Paula Abdul that included these memorable lines:

“There is this girl I know,
I follow her around;
She hasn't noticed me,
It really gets me down.

I broke into her house,
When she wasn't there;
Took off all my clothes,
and tried on her underwear.

I'm always thinking of her;
I really think that I love her.
I'm not much of a talker,
So I guess I'll just stalk her."

The Best Place to Keep Your Pants? On the Ground!
General Larry Platt amused the judges with an original song that we’re sure will be an Idol auditions hit to remember: “Pants on the Ground." The catchy rap and unique dance moves that accompanied it made this audition one of the newest season’s most entertaining ones.

David Cook, “Livin’ On a Prayer"
He stepped into the room with a quiet confidence that gave us (at least) an inkling that he could sing. Deciding to go with Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer," David Cook impressed the judges with his soulful singing that had a rock and roll edge.

Jordin Sparks, “Because You Loved Me"
Who knew that this 16 year-old would eventually go on to win American Idol? She went in, belted out Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me" (which Simon said was one of his favorites), hit all the high, high notes, and scored herself a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Bikini Girl
Katrina Darrell definitely knew what she was doing when she went to the auditions in a skimpy pink bikini. This brunette bombshell had Simon and Randy behaving like hormonally-charged teens and Kara on edge when she walked into the room. What started out as an amusing audition turned into a verbal cat fight between Kara and Katrina where they ended up trying to out-sing one another.

Who’s Your Brother?
According to Renaldo Lapuz, he is! It was clear to all of us that this Filipino (who had on interesting Elvis/cowboy/wrestler hybrid costume) was a staunch advocate of brotherly love and camaraderie, when he chose to sing his own song aptly titled, “We’re Brothers Forever." While the judges were big fans of Renaldo and the song, he didn’t make it through.

PHOTOS: AMERICANIDOL.COM