10 Most Memorable Things About American Idol

Published on May 12, 2015. Updated June 8, 2017

Cate

American Idol was officially cancelled in 2015, but ended its fifteen season run in spring 2016. The show had a good run. It went through numerous judges, many horrible auditions as well as some great ones, and it launched several different contestants to superstardom. For fans who are missing the show — don’t worry! It’s coming back a sixteenth season in 2018. In the meantime, check out the 10 most memorable things about American Idol.

10. Ryan Seacrest

American Idol turned Ryan Seacrest into a household name. On the show, he’s the good cop. It doesn’t really matter what the judges say – he is there to smooth things out, so auditions can end on a better note. No word yet on whether or not he will be returning.

Photo by BDG / Rex Features

9. The Mentors

American Idol had a number of really great mentors, including Stevie Nicks, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Adam Lambert, Harry Connick Jr., Slash, Mariah Carey, Jon Bon Jovi and Queen.

Source: ew.com

8. Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj’s Feuding

Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj were like oil and water, which is what made them so entertaining as judges on American Idol. We’re sure these two will meet again – probably at an awards show.

7. Harry Connick Jr.’s Humor

Harry Connick Jr. made American Idol fun again. No one expected this when he stepped in to replace Randy Jackson; however, Connick Jr. has stolen the show. He has a great sense of humor even when it comes to himself; he is sincere; and he offers the contestants strong critiques.

Photo by Picture Perfect/REX

6. Paula Abdul’s Wackiness

Some people think that Paula Abdul is kind of crazy, but we prefer the term wacky. She can seem a bit loopy, but she’s totally harmless. Can’t a girl catch a break?

Courtesy: Everett Collection

5. The Famous Contestants

American Idol has discovered some really big names in the music industry like Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Jordin Sparks, Fantasia, Adam Lambert, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee and Carrie Underwood.

Source: Buzznet

4. Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul’s Chemistry

Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul were the original three judges on American Idol and they had real chemistry. Their chemistry was probably the reason for the show’s success. When they left, no one could really replace them.

3. The Famous Judges

American Idol has attracted some big talent to judge the competition. Celebrities like Paula Abdul, Ellen Degeneres, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban made the show even better.

Source: Life & Style

2. The Auditions

The contestants were one of the best things about American Idol. Some of them were great and some of them were really, really bad. We don’t know what possessed many of these people to join the competition. They either knew that they provided great entertainment or they really thought they had what it takes to win.

1. Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell made name for himself on American Idol because of the insulting comments he would make about the various contestants and their singing abilities. After he left the show, ratings began to fall.