‘American Idol’ canceled: How alumni of the show are taking it

May 12, 2015

Fox announced Monday that “American Idol” would end next year after its 15th season, setting off a tsunami of gratitude from those whose lives had been changed by the show.

Host Ryan Seacrest, who’s been with “Idol” since he started as its co-host in 2002, confirmed that Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez would be back as judges for the final season and predicted he’d be a little verklempt as the end drew near.

yes next year will be our final season of @AmericanIdol 🙁 this show’s been a big part of my life for so long… hard to imagine it w/out it

— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 11, 2015

you guys I was 27 when we started idol…just a kid pic.twitter.com/iZ3Dvv7m5k

— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 11, 2015

the gang @JLo @KeithUrban and @HarryConnickJr will all be back at the table for our final season pic.twitter.com/QSPHDoka8z — Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 11, 2015

next season will be emotional yes, but next season will be unforgettable i can’t wait #idol

— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 11, 2015

“American Idol changed my life,” Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery told Billboard. “It was a great way for me to pursue my dreams of being a country music singer and introduce myself to the nation. I am so thankful to the show, the producers, the judges, and the audience for everything they did for me. “Idol was groundbreaking television,” Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks told the Hollywood Reporter. “I am very fortunate to have won the show at the time. Idol changed my life and I am thankful. Looking forward to an entertaining final season.” Constantine Maroulis, who finished sixth in Season 4 but parlayed his “Idol” bid into a career in musicals, was similarly thankful.

Will be sad to see it go! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it! @americanidol !! #seasonfourrockcrooner 💥🎤💥 https://t.co/zCWZGE4ceK

— Constantine Maroulis (@ConstantineM) May 11, 2015

“It’s definitely bittersweet — the show really gave me my start,” Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks said on “The Meredith Vieira Show.” “I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now if it hadn’t been for that show.” She continued: “I love the fact that it gave everyday people a chance to live out their dreams, and I’m all for that, so I’m sad to see that go. … It’s the end of an era. What are we going to watch now?” (And yes, there was a bit of over-dramatization on that last bit.) Adam Lambert, the runner-up who grabbed most of the headlines from Kris Allen in Season 8, echoed Sparks’ sentiment. “”They had a great run,” he told Billboard. “And thank you, Idol, because I wouldn’t be here without you.” “I’m just really honored and blessed to be a part of that legacy — it’s changed my life,” said Caleb Johnson, the rocker who won Season 14, talking to Billboard. “It’s really a dream come true for singers in general and will always be the O.G.” Season 8 winner Kris Allen, meanwhile, summed it up short and sweet.