“Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this…” sang Kelly Clarkson way back in 2002 (and probably a million times since). So hard to believe that tonight is the last night ever of American Idol. What an iconic show. It may have had its ups and downs over the years, but undeniably it changed the face of television, particularly reality and music shows. No matter what, the show always celebrated music first and foremost; it would be nothing without the glory of the almighty song! Humans singing text set to music; that’s all! And some pretty darn amazing singers were discovered thanks to American Idol.
While I would of course bow down to the great Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, my personal favourites skew more along the lines of David Cook, Elliott Yamin, Phillip Phillips, and the stunning Jennifer Hudson. Phillip Phillips wrote my number one get-moving song (future post!), Elliott Yamin wrote all three of my wedding songs (future posts!), but David Cook stole my heart as one of the most genuinely talented, fame-deserving, sweet and loving hearts of the world. Here’s a little retrospective on my very favourite American Idol success story. With love, light, and song… ~Melissa~
1. Original audition footage
2. Assembled performances (big kudos to the YouTuber who made this!)
3. The winning moment (that year’s “winner’s single” was Time Of My Life, by Regie Hamm)
4. First single, Light On, written by Brian Howes & Chris Cornell (yes, really, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden!)