American Idol begins its end

MANILA, Philippines – Watching the first episode of the latest season of American Idol (AI) on Star World was a wee bit emotional for viewers because everyone knew it would be the final one. Hence, the reality talent show was billed American Idol Legacy for its 15th and final season.

In the pilot episode of Season 15, pockets of memorable footage were shown, from the time host Ryan Seacrest was joined by comedian Brian Dunkleman when AI premiered at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood to the winning moment and “the best day of my life” of last season’s champion, Nick Fradiani.

Personalities who made a name for themselves in the show were also highlighted. Through the years, there were amazing talents that came out from AI, not just the winners but even the runners-up or the other finalists.

The winners, of course, started from Kelly Clarkson, followed consecutively by Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee Dewyze, Scotty McCreery, Philip Philips, Candice Glover, Caleb Johnson and Nick Fradiani.

Not to be ignored are the finalists who likewise made it big in the US recording scene. Who can forget Clay Aiken (Season 2), Filipino-American Jasmine Trias, La Toya London and Grammy and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson (Season 3), Constantine Maroulis and Bo Bice (Season 4), Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin and Katharine McPhee (Season 5)?

There are more names that strongly ignited the US music charts — David Archuleta, Adam Lambert (Season 8), James Durbin (Season 10), Filipino-American Jessica Sanchez (Season 11).

Quite unforgettable was the inclusion of blind singer Scott MacIntyre from Arizona, the first visually impaired contestant who made it to Top 8 in Season 8 in 2009.

“American Idol changed people’s lives,” said judge Jennifer Lopez. “Not just the contestants, not just me, but the people watching it because it made them believe that they could do anything… You take somebody who lives in the middle of nowhere and they audition and their lives are changed forever.”

However, AI did not sail without controversies. The exit of the original judges, from Paula Abdul to Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, was much talked-about. Other celebrity judges who joined AI were Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Mariah Carey, Steven Tyler and Nicki Minaj.

When it came to the contestants, there was a finalist who previously had a recording deal using a different name (Carly Smithson a.k.a. Carly Hennessy in Season 7) and others who earlier faced legal battles (Corey Clark in Season 2 and Jermaine Jones in Season 11).

The 15th and final season will be totally a nostalgic trip all throughout. It kicked off with the auditions in July last year, two months after Season 14 ended. Starting in Denver, Colorado, the auditions were also held in Georgia (Savannah and Atlanta), Arkansas (Little Rock), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) and ending in October in California (San Francisco).

There were AI audition bus tours held in Washington (Seattle), Rhode Island (Providence), Maryland (Baltimore), California (San Diego and Culver City), Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), Arizona (Tucson), Indiana (Indianapolis), New Mexico (Santa Fe), Georgia (Athens), Oklahoma (Tulsa), Mississippi (Oxford), North Carolina (Wilmington) and Tennessee (Nashville).

AI judges Jennifer, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban were the key faces in the auditions. Most of those who successfully auditioned in the first and second episodes were teenagers. While vocals used to be the main consideration, the talents were recently allowed to use musical instruments, like guitar and piano, when they sing.

“I feel that it’s going to be a fantastic year,” said Harry.

The pilot episode saw recording artist and songwriter Kanye West, surprising the judges when he gamely “auditioned” in Denver, with a very pregnant wife, Kim Kardashian, cheering him on. Of course, he was given a golden ticket.