American Idol is Coming to an End After 15 Seasons

American Idol is ending!
American Idol is ending!

It had to happen some day.  The popular singing talent show from the Fox network is wrapping it up.  American Idol has become a big part of pop culture.  From the celebrity judges to the future superstars in the music industry.  Whether you love the show or hate it, there is no denying its impact on TV and in music.  The music reality show dominated the ratings for years and was somewhere in the Top 5 shows every week according to the Nielsen ratings.  The past few years, however, has seen viewership and ratings decline as the series has simply lost its edge and appeal, not to mention all of the drama involved with changes to the celebrity judges (Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Steven Tyler and Ellen DeGeneres).

While not every winner of the competition is guaranteed a successful career in the music industry, Idol has produced some stars who continue to flourish.  Early season winners Kelly Clarkson (Season One) and Carrie Underwood (Season Four) have gone on to make names for themselves beyond the TV show.  A number of contestants have had little bursts of stardom in various fields after being noticed on television.  Winners Ruben Studdard (Season Two), Taylor Hicks (Season Five), Jordin Sparks (Season Six), and Phillip Phillips (Season Eleven) have all either released songs or albums.  There were also some semi-finalists that have done well for themselves.  Clay Aiken (Season Two runner-up) has released a couple of albums, spent time on Broadway (as did Fantasia Barrino, Season Three winner), and even ran for Congress in North Carolina.  Kellie Pickler (Season Five – 6th Place) is a draw to country music fans with her southern-inspired upbringing. She also was a winner on the 16th season of Dancing with the Stars!  Here’s a look back at the finalists for each season of American Idol:

What are your thoughts on American Idol ending after a 15-year run?  Going to miss it of good riddance?  Let us know in the comment section!