Originally appeared on E! Online
Another American Idol season has come to an end after a note-worthy finale.
Host Ryan Seacrest announced Hannah Harper as the winner of the competition series May 11, as judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood celebrated. Hannah, who became a standout during season 24 after her "String Cheese" original song debut, claimed the top spot over finalist Jordan McCullough, as well as Keyla Richardson, who was eliminated earlier in the night.
Of course, in Idol fashion, it was a star-studded finale, with Alicia Keys joining Luke, Lionel and Carrie as a guest mentor and performer. (Brad Paisley, En Vogue, Nelly and Tori Kelly were also among the artists to take the stage during the episode, along with former Idol contestant Clay Aiken, who debuted the song "Rewind," his first new single in 18 years.)
Prior to the finale, many Idol legends—including Carrie and Ryan—reflected on the competition show's decades-long legacy.
"American Idol is the ultimate real-life Cinderella story," Carrie, winner of Idol's fourth season, shared with Good Morning America in an interview published May 8. "I learned so much on the show that set me up for everything that would follow."
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While Ryan, who co-hosted the first season with Brian Dunkleman in 2002 before Dunkleman's Idol exit, noted, "There's history, heritage in the show, and it's pivoted with the times. And I think that's the beauty of the history and the legend that is American Idol."
Legendary indeed. In late April, Idol alum Jennifer Hudson returned to the show as a guest judge, a milestone moment for the singer.
"To be on the other side of everything is insane," the Jennifer Hudson Show host told E! News ahead of her appearance, "but it puts how much time has passed into perspective."
As she continued, "I'm like, 'Wow. Idol was 22 years ago. Dreamgirls was 20 years ago.'"
From her POV, the timing made sense, even as she works on a major Broadway revival. "OK, yes, I can return as a judge or mentor on Idol," Jennifer said of her mindset, "and then be on the production side of Dreamgirls to see someone else get a chance."
While we wait for another season of American Idol, keep reading to learn the secrets behind the show.
