Reality television wouldn’t be what it is today without music. Many programs depend heavily on music to drive their content, especially in the case of reality-competition mainstays like American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and The X Factor. Numerous artists’ careers have been jumpstarted from musical reality TV moments–Carrie Underwood is now one of country music’s most popular female artists after gaining fame as the Season 4 winner of American Idol, to say nothing of Kelly Clarkson’s ongoing success. Even non-vocal performers benefit from music’s presence, with dancers like Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Travis Wall, both of whom placed second in their respective seasons of So You Think You Can Dance, finding tremendous success in the dance community after setting their moves to song.

We’re proud to report that among the numerous hits that have helped these shows and artists garner success are gems from Reservoir’s very own catalog. Join us in reliving Reservoir’s top eight reality TV moments, below.

 

 

“LET ME LOVE YOU”, MARIO – So You Think You Can Dance (FOX), Season 8, Episode 18 

These two dancers effortlessly portray the journey from break-up to reconciliation through sleek dance moves in this choreography set to Mario’s Scott Storch-produced hit, “Let Me Love You”:  

 

 

 

“BECAUSE OF YOU’, Kelly Clarkson – The X Factor (FOX), Season 3 Episode

Victoria Carriger’s emotionally charged performance of Kelly Clarkson’s “Because Of You” on The X Factor will bring tears to your eyes.

 

 

 

 

“GOLD RUSH”, CLINTON SPARKS FT. 2 CHAINZ, MACKLEMORE, & D.A. – So You Think You Can Dance (FOX), Season 10, Episode 12

Banging hip hop choreo + 2 Chainz rhymes = absolute genius:

  

 

 

“BAD GIRLS”, M.I.A. – Bad Girls Club (Oxygen), Season 9 Promo

Nine seasons after its premiere, Oxygen’s Bad Girls’ Club met its musical equivalent in the Danja/M.I.A. smash “Bad Girls”.  Before long, the network snagged the track for use in promotional spots of the hit series.

 

 

 

 

“YEAH!”, USHER –  So You Think You Can Dance (FOX), Season 11, Episode 13

This Lil Jon-produced crunk-pop classic gets taken up a notch with this sassy choreography and cheeky storyline:

 

 

 

 

“SAVE A HORSE, RIDE A COWBOY”, Big & Rich – The Sing Off (NBC), Season 3 Episode 8

Big & Rich’s “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” gets an à cappella makeover in this energetic arrangement from the Dartmouth Aires.

 

 

 

  

“MY IMMORTAL”, EVANESCENCE – So You Think You Can Dance (FOX), Season 11, Episode 15

Seven dancers means seven times the feels from this beautiful choreography to Evanescence’s “My Immortal”:

 

 

 

 

“I WANT YOU”, LUKE JAMES – The Voice (NBC), Season 8 

Luke James’ cut “I Want You” lives up to its vocal-gymnastics legacy in this stunning audition for The Voice.

 

 

  

BONUS!! “TALK DIRTY”, JASON DERULO – So You Think You Can Dance (FOX), Season 12, Episode 01 

We just HAD to include this clip for the cute factor. Jason Derulo and tiny dancers!