American Idol Finale: Best Moments

"We say goodbye...for now."

Ryan Seacrest closed the finale of American Idol with those few simple words, causing every household in the country to question what the heck he meant. After months of build up of how this was the last season EVER, he left us hanging just like before every commercial break for 15 years.

As an avid fan since day one, I was thrilled this might not be the end. January just wouldn't be the same without the enjoyment of horrible auditions. But whether the show comes back in one year or ten, they ended this season with a bang.

First off, this was a better final two than they've had in years. Trent Harmon and LaPorsha could sing circles around some contestants from recent seasons. I have to say, I was pretty bitter that Dalton Rapattoni finished third. His elimination was happening just as I walked in the door last Wednesday, so it took about 10 minutes of screaming at the TV before I even took my jacket off. Hands down, he was best performer of the season, and not bad to look at either.

Days before the finale, I was telling anyone who would listen that they should bring back as many past contestants as they could. Idol must have heard me because they didn't disappoint. This was the first season where they didn't do corny weekly group numbers, but they made up for this in one night. And I loved every second of it.

Past winners and Top 12 contestants all came together to create some interesting yet unforgettable performances. Guests included everyone from Justin Guarini and Ruben Studdard to David Cook and Jordan Sparks. William Hung even ran out on stage, much to the surprise of Ryan Seacrest, to sing his anthem "She Bangs."

One of the highlights of the show was a medley by the Idol who inspired all the rest, Kelly Clarkson. Her segment was filmed a few weeks earlier when she guest judged, since she was set to have her baby at the time of the finale. She sang hit after hit, and ended the performance with the Idol classic, "A Moment Like This." Absolute chills.

The dream team of the original three judges also made an appearance. If you've followed the show since the beginning, it was exciting and even emotional to see Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson together again on the Idol stage. Apparently, they weren't expecting Simon to make it, so that was a much welcomed surprise for everyone. Looking back, it's crazy to hear some of the harsh comments he said to contestants, but Idol would not be the same with him and his brutal honesty.

After 15 years of memories jam packed into two hours, Trent Harmon was crowned as the final American Idol (for now!). I think most people, including the judges, assumed that LaPorsha would win. She received constant positive feedback and her would-be single "Battles" had a much more Idol finale sound to it than Trent's "Falling." But Trent deserved it. He battled mono all through Hollywood week and improved his voice and performance every single round.

After Ryan's infamous "We say goodbye, for now," the Dolby Theater went pitch black. As someone who has so many childhood memories from the show - meeting the Season 10 contestants with my dad, screaming at the television when Chris Daughtry went home instead of Taylor Hicks - I hope Idol comes back soon, revamped and stronger than ever.

American Idol The Farewell Season: Contestants to Watch

"THIS...is American Idol!" For 15 seasons, we've gathered around the TV to hear the always energetic Ryan Seacrest say those four magical words. We've seen 15 years of ordinary people like Kelly Clarkson become worldwide superstars. And of course, 15 years of some "interesting" contestants...we all remember William Hung, right?

Sadly, this year is the Farewell Season, and we must say goodbye. I can't say I'm surprised the show is ending. For the past few years, the winners have been forgettable. When discussing with family and friends, we have to Google past contestants to even remember who competed ("that guy with the hair won right??").

However, I think this year will be different. Last week, the judges narrowed the contestants down to the Top 24, and a few are some of the best performers the show has had in years:


Dalton Rapattoni - Hands down, my absolute favorite from the second he walked into his audition. From the flowered boots to the eyeliner, I knew he was something special. Dalton is unlike anything the show has seen - he takes all types of songs (everything from "The Phantom of the Opera" to N*Sync) and makes them his own style of pop/punk. Keith Urban predicted he'll make it all the way to the end, and I completely agree.

Shelbie Z - This girl has one of the strongest voices the show has seen in a long time. In the Showcase round at the Dolby Theater, she crushed "Baracuda" by Heart, and sounded just as powerful as the original artist. Shelbie also has a great story - she used to work as a hairdresser, but decided to take a shot to achieve her dreams.

Trent Harmon - This poor guy went through all of Hollywood week, the hardest part of the whole competition, with mono. He could barely stand up, and had to perform during group round as a solo artist for the safety of other contestants. I was first intrigued by his dedication, but also ended up loving his voice. He'll definitely be one to watch. If he's that talented with mono, imagine what he sounds like healthy.

Thomas Stringfellow - I have to be honest...Thomas caught my attention because of his unique last name. I mean, it's just so fun to say. But when he performed "Story of My Life" by One Direction during the Showcase round, right after his girlfriend of one year broke up with him, I knew he was much more than just an interesting name.

Lee Jean - Lee is one of the few contestants I remember well from the auditions. For being so young with a guitar almost as big as him, I was very impressed by his talent as he sang "I See Fire" by Ed Sheeran. He was a force to be reckoned with all through Hollywood Week, singing another huge hit "Stitches" by Shawn Mendes. If Lee keeps up his energy and chooses youthful songs that showcase his voice, he'll go very far.

Will any of my favorites make it through? Hopefully. But if anyone needs me on Wednesday and Thursday, you can find me frantically voting for Mr. Rapattoni.