End of an era

‘American Idol’ bids adieu, crowns last winner

Fans of the remarkably successful reality show American Idol were treated to an elaborate finale episode on Thursday, which saw Trent Harmon become its 15^th and final winner, after defeating fellow contestant La’Porsha Renae, reported IANS. His victory also marked the conclusion of the entire American Idol series, which first premiered back in June 2002 as a summer replacement show but went on to become an international favourite.

Upon his win, Harmon was showered with confetti, much like the 14 winners before him had been. “God is real,” he said, while embracing runner-up Ranae. He was also visibly holding back tears of joy as he sang his winning song Falling, reported Aceshowbiz.com. The last two finalists teamed up for a rendition of Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston’s popular song It Takes Two.

While American Idol has been known for its action-packed and ostentatious annual season finales, the series outdid itself with Thursday’s two-hour episode, offering a night full of throwbacks and tributes. The episode brought back former judges Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson to the stage, wherein DioGuardi performed Pink’s single Sober with singer Tamyra Gray and season six winner Jordin Sparks. Cowell – who developed a reputation for his unapologetic and sarcastic demeanor on the show — also took the chance to apologise for any mean comments the judges might have made in the past.

As American Idol host, Ryan Seacrest explained, season one winner and ‘the original idol’ Kelly Clarkson was unable to attend the finale due to her pregnancy but she had filmed a medley of her own hits ahead of time. Clarkson stole the show with a mix of her most popular songs, including Miss Independent, Breakaway, Since U Been Gone, Because of You, Stronger and My Life Would Suck without You. The medley ended with an acapella performance of her Idol winning song, A Moment like This. Also in attendance were other Idol alumni Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, Chris Daughtry, Katherine McPhee, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 9^th,  2016.

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