‘American Idol’ Finale Spoilers: Your Questions Answered
After 15 seasons, Fox’s American Idol is set to come to an end with what looks set to be a spectacular finale.
As the reality show prepares to bid a fond farewell, the Inquisitr is answering the big burning questions about how the singing show will finally bow out.
When is the finale?
According to Variety, American Idol‘s finale will be spread over three nights beginning with the nostalgic hour-and-a-half special American Idol: American Dream on April 5.
The source revealed that the special will feature anecdotes from host Ryan Seacrest as well as “current and former judges, former Idols and contestants” who will look back at their favorite moments from the series since it first began in 2002.
The live finale, where the 15th and final American Idol will be crowned, will then be spread over two nights, airing on Fox on both April 6 and April 7.
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Will the original judges be back?
While American Idol is staying tight-lipped on whether fans of the long running series will be seeing the original judging line-up, made up of Simon Cowell, Paul Abdul, and Randy Jackson, reunite for one final time, the show’s official Instagram page teased that “former judges” will in fact appear on the finale.
Though the graphic did not confirm which former American Idol judges will be back, in addition to Cowell, Abdul, and Jackson, past judges have included Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Ellen DeGeneres, Steven Tyler, and Kara DioGuardi.
Simon previously revealed to E! News earlier this month that he was still unsure whether he would return to American Idol one last time, but hinted that he’d be open to the experience.
“I think just because I started on the show I should do something,” Cowell said of the show at the time.
Who won’t return?
American Idol season 11 winner Phillip Phillps is currently the only past winner not scheduled to appear on the finale. The Hollywood Reporter revealed last year that Phillips had actually filed a petition to void his past contract with 19 Entertainment, which produces American Idol, which is yet to be resolved.
Also not likely to return? Mariah Carey. Carey, who served as a judge on the series during season 12, previously revealed that she would not be willing to return to the series for the finale under any circumstances.
“Hell no. Absolutely not,” Carey replied when asked if she’d appear on the finale show, “That was the worst experience of my life.”
Who will perform?
People is reporting that season 4 winner, and one of American Idol‘s biggest success stories, Carrie Underwood, will be performing for the final time on the show that made her a household name, taking to the stage to bid farewell to the show on April 7.
The site also revealed that American Idol season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson has also pre-recorded a performance to air during the finale, but will not be attending the show in person due to the impending birth of her second child.
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Which other American Idol alumni will return?
People also revealed that a slew of former American Idol contestants from the past 15 seasons of the series are currently scheduled to appear on the big finale.
In addition to Carrie Underwood, past season winners Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, Candice Glover, Caleb Johnson, and Nick Fradiani will all be present for the big finale show.
The final show will also include appearances from a number of American Idol‘s most notable runner-ups and biggest success stories, including Chris Daughtry, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, and Clay Aiken.
Also scheduled to appear? American Idol alumni including Ace Young, Allison Iraheta, Amber Holcomb, Blake Lewis, Bo Bice, Brandon Rogers, Bucky Covington, Carly Smithson, Casey James, Clark Beckham, Colton Dixon, Constantine Maroulis, Danny Gokey, Diana DeGarmo, Elliott Yamin, George Huff, James Durbin, Jessica Sanchez, Josh Gracin, Joshua Ledet, Justin Guarini, Kimberley Locke, Kree Harrison, LaToya London, Lauren Alaina, Melinda Doolittle, Pia Toscano, Sanjaya, Skylar Laine, and Tamyra Gray.
Will you be tuning in to the three-part American Idol finale?
[Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images]
