‘American Idol’ Farewell Symbolized By Kelly Clarkson: Twitter Shocked By Trent Harmon Win Over La’Porsha Renae [Video]

American Idol was given a grand send-off, with current contestants mingling with familiar faces. Ryan Seacrest stayed stoic through most of the show, but even the immaculate host couldn’t always refrain from revealing the emotions that came from saying farewell to the show that made him famous.

Among the highlights of the finale was Kelly Clarkson, who has come to symbolize American Idol, with a moving story that showed how a singing competition could give a talented singer with no connections or money a chance to forever change her life. And so it seemed only appropriate that on the finale, it was Kelly who reminded viewers why she was chosen as the original American Idol winner, noted People.

Clarkson took viewers on a melodic journey of her most popular hits, from “Miss Independent” to “Since U Been Gone” and “Because of You.” In addition, Kelly treated her fans to a song that showed her emotions in “Heartbreak Song,” and one that showcased her strength with “Invincible.” For the final step on memory lane, Clarkson chose the song she belted out after becoming the first American Idol champion: “A Moment Like This.”

https://youtu.be/hTCXVA0eKfU

Now pregnant with her second baby, Kelly tweeted her reflections on the changes in her life since that first show, and also showed her sense of humor.

Agreed! I can't believe I'm sitting here with my little girl about to watch the end! How crazy is life?! #whoknew https://t.co/LVGJPhbbEg

— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) April 7, 2016

Who's that sweaty, pregnant girl singing?? ….oh snap that's me hahaha!! #ohwell

— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) April 8, 2016

But Kelly also reflected on how the show transformed her life.

“Thnx #AmericanIdol 4 the moment that changed my life & provided…a road 2 success & happiness! #blessed,” tweeted Clarkson.

For Kelly, it was a day to look back while also looking forward and reaching out to both the winner, Trent Harmon, and runner-up, La’Porsha Renae.

“Congrats @TrentWHarmon ? @laporsharenae can’t wait 4 ur album too!” posted Clarkson.

One other member of Kelly’s family wanted to say farewell to American Idol, noted Billboard.

https://youtu.be/Rn-5MuM0xIg

Because of Kelly’s pregnancy, she had to pre-tape her song medley that aired on the finale. However, Clarkson made it clear that she had watched from home, and her final thoughts on the show included a cute overload from her little girl, River Rose, in the form of a bye-bye video.

Congrats @TrentWHarmon ? @laporsharenae can't wait 4 ur album too! River wanted 2 say bye #AmericanIdol #IdolFinale pic.twitter.com/nom1SL0qQL

— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) April 8, 2016

However, Kelly had been candid in her support for La’Porsha prior to the American Idol finale, noted CBS News.

Clarkson was vocal about just how impressed she felt by La’Porsha when she was the guest judge for the show, and followed up on Twitter.

“Yes ma’am @laporsharenae you are right! A woman started it and a woman’s gonna finish it!! Can’t wait to watch you win!! #youareblessed.”

Kelly even admitted that she never voted for a contestant on American Idol, including herself. But Clarkson believed so strongly in the power of La’Porsha that she revealed she was taking time to vote for her favorite.

And Kelly wasn’t the only past winner to support Renae. Ruben Studdard, who earned the honors for season 2, agreed.

“Tonight @laporsharenae just moved me to vote. #IdolFarewell,” wrote Ruben.

Despite that support by Clarkson and Studdard, the final vote count favored Trent Harmon, and Twitter exploded over the results, pointed out Romper.

https://youtu.be/I3dIUlK0-50

When the results of the votes were revealed, showing that La’Porsha lost to Trent, fans of Renae rushed to social media to question why she hadn’t won season 15 and express just how shocked they felt.

“I am SHOCKED!!!!!!!! Seriously SHOCKED,” proclaimed one fan.

Another hoped that it would turn into a situation paralleling the recent Steve Harvey mistake, when he announced the wrong person had won.

“Waiting for Steve Harvey to come out on stage like ‘Sorry, I made a mistake, it says it right on the card La’Porsha Renae’ #IdolFinale,” commented the fan.

In addition, one person speculated that a year from now, Renae will become so successful that people will assume she was the winner.

*Fast forward one year*

"Who won the last season of American Idol?"

"I can't remember…I think La'Porsha did, right?"#IdolFinale

— Andy Herren (@AndyHerren) April 8, 2016

Did you enjoy Kelly Clarkson’s farewell to the show, and who do you think should have won on the last season of American Idol? Post your views below.

[Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images]