MORE: “American Idol” Winners: Where Are They Now?
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It was the series’ most-watched episode since February 2014 and well above last season’s finale, which had 8 million viewers. “American Idol” kickstarted high-achieving contestants’ music careers and dashed the singing dreams of thousands of subpar hopefuls.
While American Idol as fans know it has ended, there may very well be a sort of revival in the works.
Simon Cowell thinks “American Idol” wasn’t the “same show” after he and Paula Abdul left.
Following Obama’s taped segment, a less familiar face graced the stage: Brian Dunkleman, who co-hosted the first season of “Idol” along with Ryan Seacrest. Now that the show is on hiatus, Fuller noted that he can spend more time focusing on incorporating new technologies into the existing brand to make the show more in line with the digital age.
Singer Candice Glover rocking it on stage.
Season 4 victor, Carrie Underwood, performed “Something in the Water”.
(From left) Diana DeGarmo, Skylar Laine and Kree Harrison. Season Three victor Fantasia Barrino couldn’t read.
Katharine McPhee and Casey James performing together.
He told People magazine: “I was just going out there and trying my best”. “That to me is what the show is”.
Dunkleman, who hadn’t seen Seacrest in 14 years, met with him before the show. It’s had a fantastic run, great memories.
It’s the night that some wish never came and others have been wishing was here sooner.
The special revealed behind-the-scenes Idol trivia, from Seacrest originally being offered a spot on the judges’ table, to the way he learns the results of America’s votes – which, it turns out, he often doesn’t know in advance. Cowell become a pop culture fixture, gaining popularity for his tough commentary and one-line zingers. Also, you’re always rushing to get the next season completed.
“The reason why I have 10 things is because I’m always afraid I’m gonna lose five”, he said of why he keeps so busy.
The trio paid tribute to host Ryan Seacrest, and Simon admitted that he was “feeling quite emotional” about the end of the show.
He said recently: “We had such a good, tight and close relationship”. They relished the bickering of Cowell and Abdul and Jackson’s reassuring “Dawg” that prefaced his critiques.
“If I come over as harsh at times, it’s only because I’m being real”.
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After presenting the unique parting gift, the group was “surprised” by the 56-year-old acerbic Brit who walked out from behind them to complete the triumvirate while the crowd cheered. “That’s just the way it is”.
