The American Idol series finale aired almost two months ago. If it were any other year, we’d be in the middle of Idol finale fever, or obsessively following the media tour of the Top 3. But this year? On this last Thursday in May there is no show to live blog, or talk show appearance to anticipate–just plenty of time for a trip down memory lane.
In honor of all the American Idol champions who celebrated winners anniversaries during the past two weeks, I give you EVERY winning moment from the past 14 seasons of American Idol. Every breathtaking announcement. The confetti, the off-key and tearful attempts to get through the winners song. The not getting through that song at ALL. The proud families in the audience. The Top 12 rushing the stage to crush the winner. CONFETTI FLYING EVERYWHERE. Host Ryan Seacrest looking straight into the camera as he says, “We’ll be back in January, when we do it ALL. OVER. AGAIN.” No, no. That’s a bug in my eye.
Kelly Clarkson – Season 1 – September 4 2002
Kelly is adorable as she vainly tries to get through the song, “A Moment Like This,” without crying. Rather than be rushed off he stage as soon as the winner is announced, runner-up Justin Guarini is given ample opportunity to thank people.
Ruben Studdard – Season 2 – May 21 2003
The vote was SOOO close between runner-up Clay Aiken and winner Ruben Studdard. Clay is looking straight at Ruben as Ryan makes the announcement. Clay revealed later that he saw Ruben’s name on the card beforehand. Oops. Ruben is composed as he reprises his winners song, “Flying Without Wings.” The season 2 finale was the highest rated, with more than 38 million viewers tuning in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LuTYcIVOWfE
Fantasia Barrino – Season 3 – May 26 2004
Winner Fantasia crying that she broke her shoe was a classic moment. The brilliant singer then went on to turn the treacly winners song, “I Believe” into an incredibly transcendent moment. Poor runner-up Diana DeGarmo had to hear Ryan Seacrest read off a litany of negative judges critiques before being informed that she did not win. She was only 16. Mean.
Carrie Underwood – Season 4 – May 25 2005
Winner Carrie Underwood’s “ugly cry” upon hearing the news that she won became an instant and enduring internet meme. Runner-up Bo Bice was probably thanking his personal Jesus that he did not have to sing the unfortunate winners song “Inside Your Heaven.”
http://dai.ly/x2wff2u
Taylor Hicks – Season 5 – May 24 2006
SOUL PATROL! We’re at the height of Idol mania right here. Note Simon Cowell resolutely staying in his seat as Taylor Hick’s winners song, “Do I Make You Proud” is introduced. Remember Katharine McPhee’s winners song? Neither do I. She only sang it once, in competition. “I’m living the American Dream!” Taylor shouts mid-performance. Indeed. This was the first finale I covered on the blog. Thinking about it always makes me a little verklempt.
Jordin Sparks – Season 6 – May 23 – 2007
Runner-up Blake Lewis was happy to cede the win to 16 year old Jordin Sparks, particularly when the two shared a winners single “This is My Now,” that was tailor made for Jordin. Blake was not permitted to work his re-arrangement magic on the tune, either. Jordin is emotional, but she isn’t crying half as hard as Judge Paula Abdul.
David Cook – Season 7 – May 21, 2008
One of my favorite winning moments: The nine minute segment could not have been scripted better than it turned out. From the adorable top 2 bromance between David Cook and David Archuleta. Simon Cowell apologizing to winner David Cook for being a bit harsh the night before. That’s because he called Archie the winner, and was wrong. Gracious as he took the crown, Cookie’s tears flowed almost immediately. When his mom quietly came up behind him and put her head on his shoulder he lost it even more. Cook lends depth and heft to the sappy winners single, “Time of My Life” as the Top 12 join him on stage. And oh my, it’s so poignant, when in the last moments of the song, the late Michael Johns whispers something into Cook’s ear, and the camera pans to the singer’s teary brother who mouths “THAT’S MY BROTHER!” Unfortunately for anybody watching on DVR, the show cut off at 10 pm, just as Ryan was announcing, “And the winner is David…” Oops. Because of that boo boo, subsequent finales ran an extra 7 minutes into the 10 pm news hour.
Kris Allen – Season 8 – May 20, 2009
Kris Allen was so obviously shocked that he won over the presumed front runner, Adam Lambert, that he blurted out “Adam deserves this! I’m sorry I don’t know what to feel right now!” Kris was the first winner to be awarded the nifty American Idol winners trophy. The only winners song, “No Boundaries,” co-written by judge Kara Dioguardi, is considered, arguably, the worst of all the coronation singles. Kris valiantly sings his way through that dud, while the rest of the Top 12 proudly look on. There’s a real sweet moment at the very end, when Kris gives his wife Katie an emotional hug.
https://youtu.be/jOzQWAY6Pfs
Lee DeWyze – Season 9 – May 26, 2010
Winner Lee DeWyze was so emotional during the announcement that runner-up Crystal Bowersox rubbed his back to calm him down. He cried as he sang “Beautiful Day.” That year, the producers had the Top 2 cover well known pop songs as their winners single. “I’ve never been happier in my life,” Lee declared.
Scotty McCreery – Season 10 – May 25, 2011
The teen country Idols. Scotty McCreery takes the win, Lauren Alaina is runner-up. Never in my wildest dreams,” says Scotty reacting to his win before performing his winners song “I Love You This Big.” He goes out into the audience to hug each and every one of his family members, then back to the stage to hug each of the Top 12. As the song finishes, young Scotty collapses into a tearful heap on the floor.
Phillip Phillips – Season 11 – May 23, 2012
Phillip Phillips’ win chokes me up every time. Hands down, “Home” is the best of the coronation singles. With a well crafted melody and meaningful lyrics, the song would have been moving in that moment in any case. But when Phillip literally stops singing in the middle of the performance, too choked up to continue, It gets me without fail. Eventually, Phillip just gives up altogether–setting aside his guitar to join his family in the audience. When Phillip is announced the winner, runner-up Jessica Sanchez turns to give him a hug, her wavy hair cascading down her back. Best friend Heejun Han is the first to bolt on to the stage to offer congratulations. Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery was on hand to hand off the trophy.
Candice Glover – Season 12 – May 16, 2013
“Three years,” winner Candice Glover answers when Ryan asks how she’s feeling. It was three years of auditioning and making it a little farther every time, until Candice finally took it all. For the first time, the winners album was available for pre-order after the show was over. It included Candice’s winners single, “I Am Beautiful,” which she warbled on stage through sobs. Runner-up, Kree Harrison, wasn’t signed–the first time in Idol history a runner-up left the show without a record contract.
Caleb Johnson – Season 13 – May 21, 2014
American Idol cleaned house between seasons 12 and 13. It was the first of two seasons for executive producer Per Blankens. There was a new director too, who had a penchant for fancy split screens. As Caleb Johnson is announced the winner we watch the reactions of his and runner-up Jena Irene’s families. The hug between the Top 2 lasted forever–the duo had become best friends during the competition. “Thank you at home for naming your next superstar,” said Ryan, unironically, before introducing Caleb. He misses his cue ALTOGETHER to hug his friends before finally singing out with his winners song “As Long as You Love Me.” Ryan announces that Caleb’s debut album could be pre-ordered and would be out in August. It’s the fastest roll out of an American Idol winners album, ever.
Nick Fradiani – Season 14 – May 13, 2015
Winner Nick Fradiani and runner-up Clark Beckham give each other kudos before Ryan announces the winner. Caleb Johnson hands off the trophy. Mentor Scott Borchetta is all thumbs up. By now, announcing the return of Idol the following season isn’t accompanied by much excitement. Indeed, the following week, FOX would announce that the 15th season would be the iconic show’s last. One of the better winners singles, Nick performs “Beautiful Life” with a lump in his throat. He breaks down in tears at one point, but it’s Nick Sr. who is crying even harder.
Trent Harmon – Season 15 – April 7 2016
Season 15. The long goodbye. When Trent Harmon is announced as the winner, he falls to the ground. After getting back up, he wraps runner-up La’Porsha Renae in his arms and says in her ear, “It’s God’s will…this is God’s will…” He adds that he worked “so hard” and that he knows he has a God-given ability, and didn’t want to take it for granted. Indeed, Trent was clearly one of the more driven of the Idol winners. He credits La’Porsha for pushing him to work even harder. The sexy winners single “Fallin'” co-written by judge Keith Urban, was dubbed “the Nicole Kidman oral sex song” by TMZ. Not a magic rainbow in sight! Trent collapses at the end of the song, and since it’s the last, would we want it any other way? The Top 12 took a backseat as dozens of Idol alums came back home to perform on the stage that started their careers. No superstar duets for this crew. The entire cast gathered on stage as the confetti flew and Ryan signed off one last time…or did he? “We’ve had some incredible talent on the show…whether it’s the stars we created, or the judges behind the desk,” said Ryan. “…one more time, we say to you from Hollywood, goodnight America…” The lights go completely dark, “for now.” Hm.
https://youtu.be/XV7l4vhb2vI
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American Idol Winning Moments Photo Gallery
