"American Idol" had one thing to do last night — announce the winner — and it took two hours to do it. But unlike past years, this year was worth the wait. Winners and wannabes stopped in to say goodbye and plug new projects. But who cares? This was a reunion like no other.
Trent Harmon will be the reigning Idol forever ’cause last night, it all came to an end. But it’s everything that came before the big announcement that has everyone buzzing. Like Paula and Randy showing up and being joined by a surprise guest.
Idol’s fab four were on stage together again and apologizing for their "bad behavior."
Simon Cowell: "You were really horrible, and I think now is the time to apologize to America."
Paula Abdul: "Unbelievable, unbelievable."
And speaking of the original gang, the season one co-host Brian Dunkleman joined Ryan at the top of the show. As always, the Dunkster kept it classy.
Brian Dunkleman (to Ryan): "I just wanted to stop by and congratulate the show on struggling along for another 14 seasons without me."
The show opened with the ghosts of Idol past doing what else, but a group number. There were dozens of Idol legends on stage, but the really memorable ones got a little more face time.
Original Idol Kelly Clarkson came back to sing her big song, even though she’s about to give birth to her second mini-Idol anytime. Now that would have been an Idol memory!
Season one runner up Justin Guarini, the guy Kelly beat, sang a duet with season six winner Jordin Sparks.
Despite being the most shocking elimination in Idol history, Daughtry was back to remind us that America doesn’t always get it right.
Idol’s other superstar winner, Carrie Underwood, was back, and the country girl made good has never looked or sounded better.
The ladies of season three, including winner Fantasia and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, were a force to be reckoned with.
And what about this guy? "General" Larry Platt never made it past his audition, but he came back to rap about pants on the ground one more time.
The other judges were there, too, including a performance from Kara DioGuardi. (We coulda lived without that one.)
A taped message from Nicki Minaj. Keith was jammin’ with Carrie. Harry Connick Jr. looked dapper.
And then there was J-Lo. Idol’s current diva judge did a show-stopping number in a fringy, barely-there outfit. What else?
As for our top two, well, they both got record deals, and there’s nothing but love.
La’Porsha Renae: "I just wanna get to work and really use the momentum from the show and kinda just take the world by storm."
Trent Harmon: "I told Porsha right before they announced it, I said, ‘Porsha, no matter what name they call out, let’s just hug until they pull us apart,’ and that’s what we did."