The final notes rang out and the curtain came down Thursday night on the long-running singing competition “American Idol.”
The Fox reality competition show wrapped on a high note, tinged with nostalgia, as past winners, contestants and some celebrity judges joined host Ryan Seacrest to bid adieu.
Before the lights went dark forever, with Trent Harmon being named the last Idol winner, the grand finale kicked off with a surprise taped message from President Obama urging viewers to vote.
“I believe it should almost be as easy as voting on 'American Idol,' he said. “Not all of us can sing like Kelly Clarkson, but all of our voices matter.”
Mississippi farm boy Trent Harmon defeated La’Porsha Renae to be crowned the 15th and final winner.
“I know that I have a God-given ability, but I didn’t want to take it for granted. I wanted to work so, so hard, and she pushed me to do it,” a tearful Harmon said of Renae, who stood poised and smiling by his side.
The show opened with a harmonizing chorus of white-clad winners and contenders including Scotty McCreery, Taylor Hicks and Diana DeGarmo.
Other familiar faces from years past popped up in solos and group numbers, including Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, David Cook, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks and Kimberley Locke. Even the off-pitch viral sensation William Hung appeared to reprise his Internet hit “She Bangs.”
“I know that I have a God-given ability, but I didn’t want to take it for granted. I wanted to work so, so hard, and she pushed me to do it,” a tearful Harmon said of Renae, who stood poised and smiling by his side.
The show opened with a harmonizing chorus of white-clad winners and contenders including Scotty McCreery, Taylor Hicks and Diana DeGarmo.
Other familiar faces from years past popped up in solos and group numbers, including Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, David Cook, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks and Kimberley Locke. Even the off-pitch viral sensation William Hung appeared to reprise his Internet hit “She Bangs.”
Also returning was Season 1 co-host Brian Dunkleman, who made a brief appearance alongside Ryan Seacrest — the only constant presence on the show — and congratulated the show “for struggling along for another 14 seasons without me.”
Judges got in on the act as well. Keith Urban and Underwood dueted, while Harry Connick Jr. saluted a music center in New Orleans’ Katrina battered-Ninth Ward by inviting a young student, Marley Fletcher, to join him on “It’s a Wonderful World.”
The top marks of the night went to an explosive performance by judge Jennifer Lopez of her single, “Ain’t Your Mama,” followed by her classic hit, “Let’s Get Loud.”
Clarkson, the show’s first winner, appeared in a pre-taped performance. The very pregnant hit maker couldn’t make it to the live airing, but she recorded an epic mashup of her hit songs.
Judges got in on the act as well. Keith Urban and Underwood dueted, while Harry Connick Jr. saluted a music center in New Orleans’ Katrina battered-Ninth Ward by inviting a young student, Marley Fletcher, to join him on “It’s a Wonderful World.”
The top marks of the night went to an explosive performance by judge Jennifer Lopez of her single, “Ain’t Your Mama,” followed by her classic hit, “Let’s Get Loud.”
Clarkson, the show’s first winner, appeared in a pre-taped performance. The very pregnant hit maker couldn’t make it to the live airing, but she recorded an epic mashup of her hit songs.
Even curmudgeonly judge Simon Cowell stopped by for the sendoff. The 56-year-old, who left the show in 2010 and promised he wouldn’t return, came back to roaring applause during the grand finale.
“I think Paula and Randy should apologize for being so mean to the contestants over the years,” Cowell said, adding a final dig at fellow judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.
After some banter, Cowell offered a sincere send off.
“Thank you for inviting us into your homes,”he said.
“I think Paula and Randy should apologize for being so mean to the contestants over the years,” Cowell said, adding a final dig at fellow judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.
After some banter, Cowell offered a sincere send off.
“Thank you for inviting us into your homes,”he said.
“Idol” debuted in June 2002, an imported singing contest based on producer Simon Fuller’s hit British series, “Pop Idol.”
Viewers ate up the contestants’ performances and personalities, good, bad or downright ridiculous. They relished the bickering of Cowell and Abdul and Jackson’s reassuring “Dawg” that prefaced his critiques.
The emotional night ended with a moving performance by new victor, Harmon, as confetti poured over him.
Viewers ate up the contestants’ performances and personalities, good, bad or downright ridiculous. They relished the bickering of Cowell and Abdul and Jackson’s reassuring “Dawg” that prefaced his critiques.
The emotional night ended with a moving performance by new victor, Harmon, as confetti poured over him.
Seacrest signed off cryptically.
“Good night, America,” he said. Then as the screen faded to black, he added, “For now.”
With News Wire Services
“Good night, America,” he said. Then as the screen faded to black, he added, “For now.”
With News Wire Services
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