Kris Allen, Clay Aiken, Taylor Hicks on American Idol’s Farewell (VIDEO)

AMERICAN IDOL XV: Little Rock Auditions: AMERICAN IDOL will begin its 15th ??? and farewell ??? season with a special two-night, four-hour premiere event Wednesday, Jan. 6 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Jan. 7 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. AMERICAN IDOL XV continues on Wednesdays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursdays (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Pictured: AMERICAN IDOL Season 8 winner Kris Allen with contestants at AMERICAN IDOL XV. © 2016 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Michael Becker / FOX.

Clay Aiken (S2 runner-up), Kris Allen (S8 winner), and Taylor Hicks (S5 winner) talk about returning to American Idol in this new promotional clip from FOX. The trio of alums dropped by auditions to help choose contestants from the cattle call, and lend a bit of encouragement and support.

“We’ve been talking about with the producers some of the surprises that you’ll see,” says host Ryan Seacrest, “bringing back some of the older contestants from the show to do some things. Really cool collaborations.”

“It’s really cool, man!” says Kris about returning to his hometown, Little Rock Arkansas, for the audition round. “It brings back all the good stuff, all the good memories. And maybe some nervous ones too!”

“I do think people are going to miss Idol a lot,” says Taylor, who visited the Denver, Colorado auditions, “I think the show is one of the greatest shows on television.”

Clay, who was on hand in Philadelphia, says, “It will be a big year because Kelly Clarkson has always been known as the first American Idol. Whoever wins this year will be known as the last… I think that’s a big deal.”

They weren’t interviewed, but there are a couple of glimpses of Lee DeWyze (San Francisco) and Ruben Studdard (Atlanta) in there as well.

Watch the new clip featuring Clay Aiken, Kris Allen and Taylor Hicks right here.

About mj santilli 34839 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!