On Wednesday night, there was a celebration of sorts on the set of American Idol. It seems that this broadcast was the shows 500th episode. The once popular show has inspired many young singers and also broke the hearts of many more.
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Many of the 13 winning Idols sent in video shout-outs that were played throughout the show. After the three remaining idol contestants performed, a celebration cake was bought out at the end.
The following are a few facts about the 13 seasons of American Idol:
- The title of Season 1 was “American Idol: The Search For A Superstar.”
- Fantasia has been nominated for 11 Grammy Awards.
- Carrie Underwood has sold over 13 million albums, had 13 #1 singles, and has 5 Grammy’s, 6 AMA’s, and 6 People’s Choice Awards.
- Bo Bice’s grandmother made the jeans he wore on the show.
- Blake Lewis was the first contestant to Beat Box on the show.
- Season 7 was the first season contestants were allowed to play instruments.
- Season 10 was the first time contestants could audition on-line.
- Winners Ruben Studdard, David Cook, and Kris Allen all originally attended the “Idol” tryouts to keep their respective auditioning brothers company.
- Clay Aiken gave Nigel Lythgoe a heart attack – Nigel went into cardiac arrest while editing the popular Season 2 contestant’s bio piece. Of course, this is not the only time…he still causes lots of hearts to flutter.
- The season 2 finale with Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard is still the highest-rated American Idol Finale episode at 38.1 million.
Grease
I have to admit that I no longer watch American Idol. I enjoyed it for a few years, but when the show changed the emphasis to other things than finding the best, unknown singer, I was no longer excited about the show.
I will always be thankful for the show because it introduced Clay Aiken to the world. I have had so much fun watching Clay as he became one of the most well known Idols in the world. And, I have enjoyed seeing him give so much energy to making the world a better place.
I do miss hearing him sing, but I have so enjoyed watching him the last few months as he is on a path to the U.S. House of Representative. It seems like Clay is doing something that he wants to do and is excited about. Washington D.C. will be lucky to have him!
One of my favorite performances by Clay on American Idol took place during Season 5. I love that he was the surprise of the night and the talk of the town!
What is your favorite Clay moment on American Idol?
