Posted by Maura Johnston on 02/03/2011 at 5:30 PM News

The Popdust Files: adam lambert, aerosmith, american idol, carrie underwood, clay aiken, daughtry, david cook, fantasia, jordin sparks, kara dioguardi, kelly clarkson, kris allen, lee dewyze, randy jackson, ruben studdard, simon cowell, steven tyler, taylor hicks

American Idol 10th Anniversary: The Hits, Volume 1 collects 12 tracks from the nine people who have won the TV show, as well as breakout also-rans Daughtry, Clay Aiken, and Adam Lambert. (Sort of like how the new opening credits incorporated some beloved contestants who for whatever reason didn’t garner enough texts and phone calls, only here Clay Aiken is swapped in for Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson.) But what would the judges—past and present—have to say about the songs within? Our predictions below.

“All you can do is the best you can do.”—Paula Abdul’s attempt to be nice in the face of forced inclusion gone wrong is maybe the nicest remark we can muster.
Lee DeWyze, “Sweet Serendipity”
Taylor Hicks, “Takin’ It To The Streets”

“Cruise ship”—Simon Cowell’s favorite put-down is appropriate here, although you’d better make sure your blinds are shut when you’re changing.
Clay Aiken, “Invisible”

“For me, it was OK.”—Randy Jackson’s resigned phrase of semi-indifference fits these adult-contemporary radio staples to a t.
Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown, “No Air”
David Cook, “Light On”
Daughtry, “Home”

“Karaoke”—Kris, you’re adorable, but this version of The Script’s 2008 B-side sounds enough like the original to elicit Simon’s most withering put-down.
Kris Allen, “Live Like We’re Dying”

“Don’t tell people they’re not good.”—Steven Tyler’s advice to the newly mean Randy rings true with these fine specimens of pop.
Ruben Studdard, “Superstar”
Adam Lambert, “Whataya Want From Me”
Fantasia, “When I See U”

“Blew it out the box”—When Randy gets excited, he gets really excited. And how can you not with this thrilling declaration of property damage?
Carrie Underwood, “Before He Cheats”

“I’ve got six words for you: One of the best performances of the night!”—Yeah, Kara DioGuardi—you may be gone, but Kelly Clarkson’s signature track makes us forget basic math, too.
Kelly Clarkson, “Since U Been Gone”