Jordin Sparks, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson On-Hand to Bid Farewell to ‘American Idol’
American Idol announced earlier this year, this 15th season would be the last search for another ultimate performer. Although this sad news for most, the finale was an amazing end to a life-changing show.
Before crowning the last American Idol, the show paid homage to the past 15 seasons, with several surprise appearances and performances from past finalists including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, and Katharine McPhee.
But it was the new American Idol winner that everyone was waiting to see.
Trent Harmon fell to the ground with happiness as host Ryan Seacrest announced he was the new and final winner of American Idol. La’Porsha Renae came in second.
As the winner, Harmon signed a contract with Big Machine Records and took home a brand new Ford Fusion. But Ranae didn't leave empty-handed. She was also awarded a music contract. The singer will also be joining the Universal Music Group family, signing with 19/Big Machine/Motown Records, in partnership with Big Machine. And she'll be driving in a brand new Ford Fusion as well.
La’Porsha and Trent then teamed up for a duet performance of “It Takes Two,” first performed by season-one finalists Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini.
Though the two newly signed singers were living in their own glory, there were several other highlights from the night. And while all the performances were breath-taking, below are a few of the top show stealers of the night.
LaToya London, Fantasia Barrino and Jennifer Hudson, the "Three Divas" from season three, reunited for a powerful a cappella performance of Simon & Garfunkel's “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Hudson followed with a solo performance of her song from the show Empire, "Remember the Music," which left the crowd and millions of viewers covered with goosebumps.
A very pregnant Kelly Clarkson couldn’t attend in person, but showed her support in a pre-taped recording performing a medley of her No.1 hits, ending with her winning single, “A Moment Like This.”
Then the entire pop medley brought the house down starting with the reunion of Jordin Sparks and Tamyra Gray joining season eight and nine judge Kara DioGuardi for Pink’s "Sober." Followed by season 11’s Colton Dixon, who sang his song “Through All of It.” Then Sparks returned to the stage for her hit song “No Air” with Justin Guarini by her side. Kimberley Locke, Allison Iraheta, Larry Pratt and Pia Toscano also joined forces with their fellow AI singers for this performance. The entire segment had the audience on their feet, and viewers from home singing along.
Other performers included Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and numerous others. You can view more of the outstanding performances from the finale on The American Idol YouTube channel.