‘American Idol’ Vows To Return: Trent Harmon Inks Country Music Deal, La’Porsha Renae Slammed For LGBT Comments

American Idol appeared to have achieved everything possible in its Season 15 finale. A chorus line of past winners and finalists sang their hearts out, Simon Cowell appeared as one of the original (and snarkiest) judges, and the show crowned what was repeatedly referred to as its last winner, Trent Harmon, who clung so tightly to runner-up La’Porsha Renae that Ryan Seacrest had to pry him away. And then, as the lights dimmed for the last time, a choked-up Ryan spoke the line that has caused many to speculate American Idol will rise again.

Seacrest was watching Trent hugged by the other contestants as he tearfully gave the sign-off, then added “for now,” noted Us Weekly.

Was that a calculated addendum designed to get the buzz going for a future version of American Idol, or was Ryan just so emotional that he couldn’t stop from hoping? Seacrest had started out emphasizing that it was the last time before slipping in that clue.

“One more time — this is so tough — we say to you, from Hollywood, goodnight America… for now.”

According to the man who faithfully hosted American Idol season after season, it was just a longing to avoid a final goodbye.

“I didn’t want to say goodbye last night,” insisted Seacrest.

However, both the creator and original executive producer of American Idol are predicting it really will return, noted Billboard.

Creator of American Idol Simon Fuller predicted a new generation for the show, noting that he wanted to provide different options for viewers.

“[The end of the show] allows me to rethink the show for the first time, and now I can actually revamp it and come up with a next generation, a new version,” revealed Fuller. “I think we can look back at the archive and think of some legitimate ways to allow people to enjoy that again in some way. Maybe adding another dimension to it.”

As for the original executive producer of American Idol, Nigel Lythgoe staunchly believes in the future while indicating what he feels went wrong to cause ratings to fall prior to the finale.

“A lot of things need to be rethought about how you bring the focus back on the contestants. I think it needs humor back into it. And I think you have to find a way to regenerate bringing a collective audience together again.”

Therefore, says Lythgoe, prepare for a new American Idol after those involved determine how to give it a dramatic makeover.

“Rested, revitalized, re-invented and re-introduced but never canceled,” predicted the producer. “Last night’s finale…reminded us of the incredible talent [American] Idol found across 15 seasons. I doubt the show will be rested for too long.”

While they determine how to achieve those goals for the revitalized American Idol, both the winner Trent Harmon and runner-up La’Porsha Renae are busy planning their music careers, noted AJC.

This was a season where there were no losers, because both Trent, who officially won, and runner-up La’Porsha are landing Big Machine record contracts. Harmon will be crooning his country music, while Renae is set for the Motown label.

Trent was vocal about his determination to win American Idol during a press conference.

“I didn’t consider myself an underdog. When I auditioned in July, I prepared to win at every facet of this competition,” declared Harmon.

In addition, Trent revealed that he pushed himself constantly, rehearsing 24/7 throughout his time in Hollywood.

“I wake up, go to bed, wake up in the middle of the night, I’m rehearsing… But it paid off,” added the proud American Idol winner.

During the discussion with the press, however, La’Porscha who created the biggest buzz with her comments about the gay community and a Mississippi bill that discriminates.

“This is how I feel about the LGBT community: They are people just like us. They’re not animals as someone stated before. They’re people with feelings,” began Renae. “Although all of us may not agree with that particular lifestyle for religious reasons, whatever the reason is, you still treat each other with respect. Everybody is a human being.”

.@LaporshaRenae Being gay isn't a lifestyle; it's part of who someone is. Using the word lifestyle implies it's a choice — which it isn't.

— Shane Bitney Crone (@ShaneBitney) April 10, 2016

Social media began to comment on the issue, and La’Porscha then turned it into a firestorm.

“I am one of the people who don’t really agree with that lifestyle. I wasn’t brought up that way. It wasn’t how I was raised. But I do have a lot of friends and a lot of people that I love dearly who are gay and homosexual and they’re such sweet, nice people.”

The bill about which Renae was questioned is an anti-LGBT bill referred to as the “religious liberty” bill 1523, which was passed into law in Mississippi, explained Billboard.

@laporsharenae supported you all season. Just wondering when you CHOSE to be straight.

— Jason B. Schmidt (@JasonBSchmidt) April 9, 2016

The bill sets a precedent in permitting individuals, groups with religious affiliations, and businesses to refuse service to LGBT people, single mothers, and anyone who offends a “sincerely held religious belief.”

Trying to clarify what she had meant by saying that she did not “agree” with the LGBT lifestyle, the American Idol subsequently apologized while still getting attacked on social media.

.@laporsharenae glad you're leaving Mississippi. One less close minded person holding my home state back. Too bad–I was a fan.

— Kit Williamson (@kitwilliamson) April 10, 2016

“Sometimes when you do interviews, it gets twisted up,” admitted La’Porscha. “I can understand when I read it back why people were offended, and for that I deeply apologize….It was supposed to be an interview about singing, and it became political and I’m not a political person at all.”

For American Idol Trent, the focus is on country music, noted Taste of Country.

Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta praised Harmon for his ability to stand out in country music.

“He’s always done country in his set. He lives on a true farm-to-table farm and restaurant… he’s a country boy,” summed up Scott.

[Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images]