Watch Party Newsletter Apple cider vinegar Is Pilates for you? 'Ambient gaslighting'
ENTERTAIN THIS
American Idol

President Obama, Jennifer Lopez and other highlights from the 'American Idol' finale

Erin Jensen
USA TODAY

Warning: This post contains spoilers for the finale.

After 15 seasons, American Idol has come to an end.

When the show premiered in 2002, we got to know Ryan Seacrest, and of course very briefly Brian Dunkleman. Randy Jackson became our dawg, and Paula Abdul made us feel like things were going to be okay every time Simon Cowell was on one and scared the bleep out of us.

In case you want to reminisce with us but missed the finale that lasted more than two hours, we've got the highlights from the show below.

The intro by President Obama

You read right. The President of the United States kicked off the last episode of American Idol ever, or until two decades or so pass and someone decides to do a reboot.

The return of Dunkleman

Yes, that Dunkleman, Seacrest's co-host from the first season of the show. He showed up to jokingly give Seacrest some tips about unemployment, and "congratulate the show on struggling along for another 14 seasons" without him.

We loved the whole bit and so did Idol's first winner, Kelly Clarkson.

Original "AI" Tag Team back again.

Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood's duet

Urban and Underwood gave us one of our favorite performances of the night. While Urban played the guitar, Underwood surprised the audience by coming out from underneath the stage. The two brought the house down with their performance of Stop Draggin' My Heart Around. Later, Underwood floored the crowd again with Something in the Water.

Jessica Sanchez sang The Prayer

Along with Katharine McPhee, Casey James, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, and Amber Holcomb, Sanchez gave an amazing performance during this acoustic medley.

Three powerhouses from season 3 performed

Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia Barrino, and LaToya London reminded us just how talented the singers of season 3 were. The ladies belted out Bridge Over Troubled Water. Keep watching the clip to see JHUD's Remember The Music.

Jennifer Lopez debuted Ain't Your Mama 

For the debut performance of her new song, JLo rocked an apron and a headscarf, which is ironic because the song is all about how she isn't your mom. Jenny from the Block also pumped up the crowd with Let's Get Loud while wearing a nude and purple, sparkly bodysuit.

David Bowie Tribute

Phillip Phillips, Lee DeWyze, David Cook, Nick Fradiani, and Kris Allen strummed their guitars while they honored the late legend who passed in January.

The original judges reunited

Abdul and Jackson showed up to present Seacrest with a giant American Idol sign. And just as the show's host was explaining that Cowell couldn't be there, the mischievous judge surprised everyone on stage.

Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell.

William Hung came back

He banged, he banged again! Even though the third season contestant didn't get too far into the competition, his unyielding optimism left an impression on us, and we were glad that Hung came back.

Ryan Seacrest (left) and William Hung.

And, oh yeah, they announced the winner of AI season 15 

With all of those performances and surprise appearances going on, it was easy to forget that we were in the middle of a high-stakes competition. At the beginning of the show, finalists Trent Harmon and La'Porsha Renae sang It Takes Two just like Kelly Clarkson and Guarini did during season 1.

And moments before the show ended, Seacrest announced that Harmon was the last American Idol.

"I worked so hard," he said and teared up before performing Falling and receiving the standard confetti shower.

Ryan Seacrest, La'Porsha Renae, and "AI" winner, Trent Harmon.

Then, an emotional Seacrest bid everyone adieu from Hollywood.

*In our best Seacrest voice* That was American Idol. (At least, we're pretty sure it's over?!)

Thanks for the memories, you guys.

We feel you, Jen.
Featured Weekly Ad