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Farewell to American Idol

It's the end of an era as a reality juggernaut bows out, with its star-studded discoveries returning.

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The curtain comes down on American Idol tomorrow after 15 seasons.

During that time the show was a television phenomenon.

It drew massive ratings for FOX -up to 31 million and taught an entire nation how to text vote. It still draws around 11 million each week.

It created music superstars including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert and Jordin Sparks, scoring 345 Billboard chart-entries.

And it drew the biggest names in the music business as mentors and guests: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Olivia Newton-John, Tony Bennett, Queen, Smokey Robinson, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, Donna Summer, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, Barry Manilow, Shania Twain, Alicia Keys, Avril Lavigne, Boy George.

Its judging panel began with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy “Yo Dawg!” Jackson. When Abdul departed after seven seasons, it began a long list of profile successors -some more suited than others. They included Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Maria Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr.

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None will surpass the impact of Simon Cowell who became the ultimate “nasty judge” -famed for his putdowns and quips, and ability to spot talent. Thousands of bright-eyed young Americans were on the receiving end of his acerbic tongue, in a series that turned dud music auditions into a national sport. They came in all shapes and sizes, wacky, nervous, tearful, misguided, arrogant -and occasionally supremely raw talent.

Host Ryan Seacrest -who has remained the show’s one constant- was there to pick up the pieces or share the elation of those who heard “You’re going to Hollywood!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MeafuUNFRg

But how can we forget these?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFx4-gyo1_0

The show concludes with its two hour finale, featuring past contestants Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson. There are rumours of Simon Cowell returning.

There is also a 90 minute retrospective special “American Dream” airing tonight.

FOX8
8:30pm Thursday. Final 3

9:30pm Thursday. American Dream
8:30pm Friday. Grand Final

3 Responses

  1. It is a real shame that tv culture is changing, and we’re all watching tv in different ways and at different times. Idol will be missed and as the Internet news say with interviews from the creator of Idol, it will be back, made and shown in a different way. But just to mention, I don’t watch any of these new talent shows that have come out recently… Idol will always be the original… Oh and So You Think You Can Dance =D

  2. This season has been really good, nostalgic but not too over the top, and the talent has been stellar too…. Dalton and La Porsha have been stand outs!

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