(Spoiler alert: Please do not keep reading if you haven’t seen Thursday’s Season 15 finale of “American Idol”)
“American Idol” finally came to an end after 15 seasons on Thursday, crowning Trent Harmon, 25, the show’s last ever winner.
After two hours of performances and nostalgic montages, host Ryan Seacrest revealed the results of America’s votes, declaring Harmon the winner over La’Porsha Renae, both of whom are from Mississippi and have delivered impressive performances throughout their run on the show.
Set at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the finale featured a slew of returning contestants, including past winners, Scotty McCreery, Jordin Sparks, Carrie Underwood and a pre-taped performance from a very pregnant Clarkson.
The two-hour finale was jam-packed with performances and medley’s from some of “Idol’s” most notable alums. Katharine McPhee, Kree Harrison, Diana DeGarmo, Chris Daughtry, Pia Toscano, Fantasia Barrino, Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Hicks, Candice Glover, Melinda Doolittle and Jessica Sanchez were among the dozens of returning contestants.
Judges Keith Urban, Harry Connick Jr. and Jennifer Lopez also got in on the fun by taking to the stage to perform themselves. Former judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell also appeared. Even the short-lived judges Nicki Minaj and Ellen DeGeneres made appearances with brief pre-taped goodbyes.
President Barack Obama also popped up in a video message, praising “American Idol” for transforming television and inspiring Americans to vote in droves. The outgoing president used the platform to urge viewers to show the same passion in the upcoming 2016 election.