Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and More Reflect on ‘American Idol’s 15 Season Run (VIDEO)
Hit All the High Notes
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It’s the end of an era.
Over the last 13 years, Fox’s American Idol has traveled across the country to discover everyday singers and transform them into global superstars. Its roster of winners is arguably the most impressive in the history of reality television and includes acts such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Phillip Phillips. It also changed the face of television, becoming a ratings juggernaut throughout the early 21st century and inspiring a number of other shows within the genre.
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On January 6, 2016, American Idol will premiere its 15th and final season on Fox with judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. leading the search for the last winner. But before those auditions begin, Fox has unveiled a brand new retrospective looking back on the franchise’s most memorable moments.
New interviews with original judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson shed insight into what it was like behind the scenes during the groundbreaking first season. Host Ryan Seacrest—who has been with the show since Day One—reflects on working with the judges and contestants, and even reveals he was originally approached to judge the show before Season 1. And select members of the press—including yours truly—discuss the lasting impact of Idol in both the music and television industries.
Check out the retrospective here:
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