Overshadowing ALL of the network primetime announcements today, is the news that American Idol will leave the airwaves after its 15th season in 2016. While we fans reminisce about what a wild, fun, frustrating, emotional, sentimental and crazy ride it’s been following this remarkable show, let’s consider the folks whose lives the groundbreaking series changed.
Check out the reactions from the contestants who went through the American Idol gauntlet and came out of the other side with careers in the music business.
Changed the game and changed my life. Thanks @AmericanIdol
— Kris Allen (@KrisAllen) May 11, 2015
A.I. changed so many lives, but for me it gave me the ability to dream & hope through one of my darkest moments. I salute you @AmericanIdol
— Danny Gokey (@dannygokey) May 11, 2015
Sad hearing the cancellation of @AmericanIdol Honored to be apart of an incredible legacy and history ! Will cherish every memory much luv??
— Caleb Perry Johnson (@CalebJohnson) May 11, 2015
There will never be another show like #Idol. #iconic #goingoutontop
— anthony fedorov (@anthonyfedorov) May 11, 2015
I can't believe @AmericanIdol Is Coming to and end…… :( Idol is the best thing that EVER happened to me
— Jacob Lusk (@Jacob_Lusk) May 11, 2015
Goodbye American Idol. ????http://t.co/iY1fWrKnqj
— Mandisa (@mandisaofficial) May 11, 2015
Woke up today to the official announcement of American Idol's cancellation. They will wrap up with Season 15… http://t.co/xGX7S353o4
— Erika Van Pelt (@ErikaVanPelt) May 11, 2015
Will be sad to see it go! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it! @americanidol !! #seasonfourrockcrooner ???????????? https://t.co/zCWZGE4ceK
— Constantine Maroulis (@ConstantineM) May 11, 2015
Say it isn't so! I will always treasure the friendships and memories I made during my run. https://t.co/LJjvyuUHN5
— Janell Wheeler (@JanellWheeler) May 11, 2015
#Season6 seemed like yesterday … Such a memorable experience on @AmericanIdol
— Chris Rich (@ImChrisRich) May 11, 2015
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night…. http://t.co/AG7cuHuuBB
— Blake Lewis (@BlakeLewis) May 11, 2015
To the show that gave me a world of opportunity, a lifetime of beautiful memories, an abundance of… https://t.co/9KfeD6MNrk
— Pia Toscano (@PiaToscano) May 11, 2015
I can't believe @AmericanIdol is ending. I am forever grateful to the show. It opened so many doors for me. #season9 #idolalum #top8 ??
— Katie Stevens (@thekatiestevens) May 11, 2015
yes next year will be our final season of @AmericanIdol :( this show's been a big part of my life for so long… hard to imagine it w/out it
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 11, 2015
you guys I was 27 when we started idol…just a kid pic.twitter.com/iZ3Dvv7m5k
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 11, 2015
the gang @JLo @KeithUrban and @HarryConnickJr will all be back at the table for our final season pic.twitter.com/QSPHDoka8z
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 11, 2015
next season will be emotional yes, but next season will be unforgettable
i can't wait
#idol
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 11, 2015
Ryan also released a statement:
“American Idol has been a big part of my life for so long, it’s frankly hard to imagine it without it. It’s been a remarkable journey, and I feel very fortunate to have been part of a show that made television history in countless ways. It’s a show about chasing and fulfilling dreams, and truth be told, it helped some of my own dreams come true, too. All the American Idol producers, judges, crew and everyone at Fox have been heroic in their efforts to create, produce and sustain such a groundbreaking show for so many years. I’m so glad they’re going to give us a season-long send off. The last season will undoubtedly be a special and emotional one, but first I’m looking forward to closing out Season 14. The finale is always my favorite part — two live shows with lots of surprises, and, of course, one winner!”
I knew American Idol would never last without me #CANCELLED
— brian dunkleman (@briandunkleman) May 11, 2015
One of greatest talent shows ever. Gave us all huge careers and birthed sooooo many stars of today. #idol
— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) May 11, 2015
Many have tried to imitate it but there will never be anything like #idol Thanks fans & talent Yall made it possible. Lets b bout the future
— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) May 11, 2015
Looking back at my time on American Idol we had a great time. We found great artists. Had fun. And to America. Thank you. It was a blast.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) May 12, 2015
Simon also released a statement:
“We had a blast! Me, Paula, Randy, Ryan — and not forgetting Brian. Thanks to the fans we were able to make some great shows and found some amazing artists. Fox took a risk on a brand new show and I want to thank them for giving us the opportunity. They really were great times.”
Former producer Nigel Lythgoe weighs in with Meredith Viera
Nigel Lythgoe shares his thoughts with Billboard:
It’s the right thing to do,” said Lythgoe, adding that it’s about preserving the show’s legacy. “I’m a huge fan of boxing, and it’s like when you’re watching a real heavyweight boxer getting to the end of their career, and all these young whippersnappers are coming up: You’ve got to know when to retire. It brought people’s attention to buying records. Judging by the amount of sales, whether it’s downloading or actually purchasing a [physical product], Idol uplifted the music industry without question…Mariah and Nicki was just crazy, and then it really started becoming about the judges and took away from the contestants altogether. I think that was a major failing on the part of casting to have those two together. On their own, either one may have been successful.”
Jordin Sparks weighs in with Meredith Viera
Clay Aiken on ‘American Idol’ Ending: ‘It Was About The Kid Next Door Making it Big’
Adam Lambert shared with Idol Worship, “They had a great run,” Lambert tells Billboard. “And thank you, Idol, because I wouldn’t be here without you.”
Kellie Pickler, Melinda Doolittle, Constantine Maroulis, Scotty McCreery, Jon Peter Lewis, Taylor Hicks, and more share their thoughts with Billboard Magazine.
Idol was groundbreaking television. I am very fortunate to have won the show at the time. Idol changed my life and I am thankful. Looking forward to an entertaining final season.”
— Taylor Hicks, season 5 winner
“American Idol changed the face of television and music forever! As a fan of the show, I’m definitely sad. As a former contestant, I’m forever grateful. And as an optimist, I can’t wait to see what this last season will hold!”
— Melinda Doolittle, season 5