Like many shows, there are some that would say American Idol overstayed its welcome and others that it is gone too soon. As viewership numbers will tell you, it has dwindled in recent years despite the famous faces that sat in the judges seats. In all, the show lasted fifteen seasons which is impressive by any standard, yet some say it lost its magic once the original judges started dropping out of the show for one reason or another. Beginning with Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, who was not only a judge but a co-creator on the show, it would go on to produce at least a few megastars in Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert. There would be others like Daughtry, Fantasia, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard that would make a name for themselves, but they would never quite hit it as high as those first mentioned. There was a lot of talent and sometimes the right person won and sometimes they did not, but it was usually governed by the public’s vote and whether you liked it or not, the show more often than not, was quite entertaining.  Spun out of the British program Pop Idol and hosted by Ryan Seacrest, it too would go on to spin off many other shows around the world in the same format, both in the same brand and without like The X-Factor and The Voice, two shows which are arguably better.  For what it is worth though, it entertained the masses and it did so for a long time which is its one real measure of success.  Will you miss it?

Kelly Clarkson – Piece by Piece

Kelly Clarkson – Stronger

Carrie Underwood – Heartbeat

Carrie Underwood – Before He Cheats

Jennifer Hudson – Spotlight

Jennifer Hudson – I Still Love You

Adam Lambert – Ghost Town

Queen + Adam Lambert = Bohemian Rhapsody / We Will Rock You / We are the Champions

Daughtry – Waiting for Superman

American Idol Rude Contestants Compilation