Since Kelly Clarkson was crowned the first winner in 2002, I’ve been obsessed with watching "American Idol." I was only 5 years old, but the language of song transcends age, and I too grew up dreaming of one day performing in front of millions of people. I was fueled by my obsession of this show for the past 15 years, because "Idol" was a different kind of show to sit around watching with my family. And you know I definitely had my favorite singers growing up... I still listen to season seven winner David Cook on a daily basis.
I will admit, when original judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul left the show, I was nervous for the show's future. Arguably, the show format of a "mean" judge could only be filled by the one and only Cowell, and I lost interest in the performers as well, because if you lose a good judge, you lose good talent.
Still, I couldn’t help but get roped into the idea of the final season of "Idol" in 2016. It’s the end of an era of making dreams come true, feuding with your family about who will make it to the top, and just general quality time listening to great (and not-so-great) singers. What makes this season a must watch? Here are some reasons you should tune in:
1. It gave us only some of the greatest names in current music.
2. Simon Cowell's 'tude.
Enough said. We loved him being brutally honest (but mostly brutal) to the contestants until season seven, and we can only hope Simon Cowell will return in the best way possible in this last season. It wouldn’t be a proper farewell to "Idol" without our favorite British judge.
3. Ryan Seacrest.
4. Idol still gets great ratings.
The premiere of "Idol" this past January brought in 10.9 million viewers and is steadily attracting 8-9 million viewers a week, which is sure to pick up even more once audience interaction kicks in and contestant voting is enabled.
5. Sometimes the voting public needs to be saved from themselves.
Remember season five of "Idol?" Taylor Hicks? Of course not. He’s one of the forgotten winners, reigning victorious over talents such as Catherine McPhee and Chris Daughtry, two of the most memorable contestants voted off way too early.
I have a feeling that "Idol" won’t let us make that same mistake twice. With a panel of judges like Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. (who are a riot on their own, a great group!) critiquing and compiling the talent, viewers don’t have to fear casting off another Chris Daughtry early in the season. I fully trust that these judges are making sure the top 10 are the best of the best. Then it’s up to America. Don't mess it up guys. It's our very last season.
6. It’s still up to America to vote for their favorites.
"Idol" is the original talent show where the talent is chosen by America. It’s the original format. Is it perfect? Of course not. But we gotta give credit where credit is due, and watching the last season gives the show one last huzzah before we tell our future kids we used to watch this show. “That’s where Kelly Clarkson came from! We used to vote on telephones and text messaging for our favorite instead of telepathically!” Hey, it could happen. You never know about the future.
7. There’s actually some AMAZING talent this year.
There are some amazing young and extremely talented Idol hopefuls. After season seven allowed contestants to play instruments, this decision only increased the amount of talent gracing the "Idol" stage. From guitars and ukuleles, to cellos and harps, the top 24 this season definitely has their act together. 19-year-old Dalton Rapattoni is my early favorite, as a young rocker who makes crazy amazing arrangements of popular songs (musicals even!), and has his own fan sites across the internet. Other highlights include the soulful and powerful vocals of La'Porsha Ranae, country girl Jeneve Mitchell who is a beast on the harp and cello, and Lee Jean, who is not only shown as a total sweetheart, but gives Ed Sheeran a run for his money.
8. We've got the texting and calling votes in part down pat by now.
It’s second nature to us now -- and made even easier with iPhones and unlimited data plans. Don't worry. Ryan Seacrest will repeat the numbers dozens of times in an hour, so you will never forget.
9. The format of the show has changed for the better, and emotions run high.
I'll admit, I make this face a lot when I watch this show, because of how much I identify and root with contestants. "Idol" knew what it needed to change to get viewers interested in the right kind of talent, and it changed slowly, but surely in order to keep in competition with all the other shows banking on Idol's success. In the auditions, no blatantly bad contestants like William Hung were sent to the judges, making this season an honest-to-goodness talent competition. With the contestants they did send, producers made us care about these people. There are some contestants I can't even look at on my TV without crying because of the stories the contestant are able to tell through "Idol's" format. The entertainment is not at the expense of embarrassingly horrid singers, but for the benefit of some really great talent.
10. All of your faves are coming back and performing with the contestants!
I've been forever waiting for the day David Cook would come back to "Idol" and perform/mentor hopeful idols. I think it’s a great idea to incorporate a fair amount of former Idols as mentors this season, and my starstruck brain is forever envious of the contestant for getting the opportunity to duet with them in the same week! It’s great to watch talents both old and new share the stage where their dreams came true. Plus, don’t you wonder where Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, and Clay Aiken went after winning "Idol?"
11. It’s a great family activity.
Being in college is hard, not only to keep track of watching live TV, but also keeping in touch with my parents more than asking to send clothing and money. It was and still is a tradition in my family to gather around the TV two nights a week and critique the idols. It’s even become a running joke that my brother has the same birthday as one of my favorite Idols. Idol has been a big part of my life, and through this last season I’m reminded of how inspirational it has been. As cheesy as it sounds, winners like David Cook and Carrie Underwood are so influential to how I listen to music and live my life. So with the last season I'm reliving some of that nostalgia while staying in touch with my family.
The 15th season of "American Idol" is on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and audience voting starts in the next couple of weeks, so get your thumbs and iPhones ready!
