“American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest signed off the reality talent competition on Thursday night for the last time. Even though Seacrest, and judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. have been preparing themselves and the audience for the bittersweet end, it was inevitable for everyone to have all the feels throughout the night’s performances.
“It’s moments like this why I love ‘Idol’ and why I’m going to miss it so much,” a teary JLo told finalist Trent Harmon after one of his performances this season.
She continued, “It’s been having this front seat to watching the perfect song and the perfect singer sing it at that time. You know what I mean? It’s just like, that’s what happened there and it made me feel like ‘damn, I’ve been so lucky the five years that I got to be on this show, and watch things like that, you know? And you sang that song so beautifully and I felt every single word of it, and thank you, thank you for giving me one of those moments.”
Throughout the night, the audience took a stroll down memory lane. They got to relive some of the show’s greatest moments and welcome former ‘Idols’ back to the stage in an opening number that included finalists La'Porsha Renae and Trent Harmon. Season one’s co-host, Brian Dunkleman, made a surprise appearance at the beginning of the show and helped Seacrest introduce the judges to the audience for the last time in the history of ‘Idol.’
The epic “American Idol” battle included performances by Jordin Sparks, Justin Guarini, Tamyra Gray, Kara DioGuardi, Allison Iraheta, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Pia Toscano, Bo Bice, Constantine Maroulis, Chris Daughtry, LaToya London, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia Barrino, Jessica Sanchez, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, and Taylor Hicks, to name a few.
Original “Idol” Kelly Clarkson, who was one of the guest-judges this season, couldn't attend the season finale because she is about to have her second baby. But before she went on maternity leave, she recorded a spectacular live mash-up of all her greatest hits, proving why she is one of the most recognized contestants to date.
One of the highlights of the night was Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood’s duet. The country stars joined forces to perform “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” made famous by music legends Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty.
The audience got a special treat when Jennifer, who teased fans with a preview of her new single earlier this week, jumped on stage and spiced things up with a performance of her new single, “Ain’t Your Momma.” The sexy Boricua couldn't leave the floor without adding some Latino flavor, and of course a little taste of her Las Vegas show, with a caliente redition of one of her greatest hits, "Let's Get Loud."
Another big surprise was the return of original judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. And what would "American Idol" be without William Hung's unique rendition of Ricky Martin's classic "She Bangs."
Kris Allen, Phillip Phillips, Lee DeWyze, David Cook, and last season’s winner Nick Fradiani came together in a tribute to David Bowie, which marked the official countdown to night’s big announcement.
Finally, the moment the audience and fans all over the world were waiting for...
The final "American Idol" is: Trent Harmon! Congratulations to season fifteen's winner! "Idol" out!
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