Over the years, talented artists from around the world have auditioned for American Idol in hopes of having a shot at achieving their dreams. Original American Idol’s judges were Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, but has since changed to today’s judges which are: Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez. All the while, Ryan Seacrest, the host who was along-side Ryan Dunkleman of the show, has been around since the beginning. It is no doubt that over the years both the judges and audience members have seen some very talented people and have been able to cheer on their favorite artists and vote for them in hopes of seeing them become the next American Idol winner.

What has started as a worldwide phenomenon will sadly be coming to an end this year. Overall the show has aired for 15 consecutive years, memories have been made, so this year’s season of American Idol took a look back at previous winners and memorable moments as the show comes near its end. But as words begins to go around, Simon Fuller, the creator and executive producer of American Idol has said that the show will definitely be off on a break, but they will be back new and improved.

American Idol has started groundbreaking careers for artists such as the most famous season one winner, Kelly Clarkson, to last year’s winner, Nick Fradiani. While Fradiani is beginning to break out into the music industry, Clarkson has made award winning records, the same goes for season four winner Carrie Underwood. They have grown since being on Idol and have made appearances on the show again this year by performing duets with the contestants and acting as a judge for a day, helping the aspiring artists improve their originality on stage.

Each week, the contestants had to choose a song to sing for the upcoming television debut, the choice being critical to help an artist stand out and remain on the show. Over a couple of months, the number of contestants fighting to stay on the show soon decreased as some artists were sent home. The artists that were sent home gave it their all on stage each week in front of the judges, but as everyone knows, there can only be one one winner. It all lead up to the finale as three finalists had to take their place onstage while America had the power in choosing who would be the next and final American Idol winner.

On last week’s live episode, the last four contestants sung once again in hopes of gaining America’s vote and continuing to the next and final round that aired this Thursday. It was down to 20-year-old vocal coach from Sunnydale, TX, Dalton Rapattoni, 22-year-old call representative from Mccomb, MS, La’porsha Renae, 25-year-old waiter from Amory, MS, Trent Harmon and 23-year-old musician from Lafayette, LA, Mackenzie Bourg. Each contestant visited their hometown to experience the overwhelming support that they were not expecting through visiting their families and the places that made them who they are today. “This is crazy, coming here and seeing all these people who care. I didn’t have that before. I’ve been making music, I’ve been screaming for people to listen to me,” an emotional Rapattoni said.

Each had a chance to sing two last songs for the audience before a vote was made and the final three head into the finale to sing for the last time in hopes of winning. It was also revealed that the winner of this year’s American Idol season will have a chance to produce their first single that will appear in Ice Age’s new film, Ice Age: Collision Course. It was during the first half of the show where the top three contestants moving to the finale were announced and sadly the audience and fans had to say goodbye to Mackenzie Bourg as he was sent home. “The thing that I can take away from this is that I couldn’t know who I am as an artist and stay true to who I am. This show has really changed my life, just so many people love not just my music but me as a person and want to support me. And it really means alot to me,” Bourg said. Leaving the top three finalists of American Idol, Rapattoni, Renea and Harmon to perform their second song chosen by mentor Scott Borchetta, as they transition to the finale and then finally sing their third song chosen by the judges themselves to end off the show.

Soon enough, the episode leading up to the finale aired this week on Wednesday, making it a two night finale, to give the contestants a final chance to sing their hearts out to the audience in hopes of getting their votes. All the while, that same week on Tuesday, American Idol aired a ‘behind the scenes’ of all of the people working behind American Idol and shared their favorite memories made throughout the whole season. Bringing the viewers along to relive the most loveable and funny memories that were created through the making of American Idol. But then on Wednesday, the final two were announced, leaving it down to La’porsha Renae and Trent Harmon. Recapping Rapattoni’s journey through American Idol before he leaves the stage forever. Ending in both Renea and Harmon to sing their final two songs to help sway the audience to vote for them. “I would like to say that you gave me the opportunity to do something that I never thought I’d get to do in my life,” Harmon said as a final thank you to the audience. One downfall being, the viewers had to wait until Thursday night to see the announcement of the winner.

The final  finale of American Idol was one to remember as celebration, as well as tribute to the past 15 seasons that was long overdue broke out. This episode took the viewers on a journey through the seasons.

Adding to the shows finale was musical guests Kelly Clarkson singing her iconic songs pre-recorded unable to attend as she was in the hospital about to give birth, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Colton Dixon, Justin Guarini, Allison Iraheta, Caleb Johnson, Kellie Pickler, Scotty McCreery, Chris Daughtry and many more from the previous seasons. Even judges Simon Cowell, Paula abdul and Randy Jackson came back to be a part of Idol’s farewell and award Seacrest with the American Idol sign. As well as Ryan Dunkleman, who co-hosted with Seacrest only partially on American Idol. It was a show no one wanted to miss.

Tears were shed along with cheers as the winner of season 15 of American Idol was announced and congratulations is in set for

Trent Harmon. It all began with auditions and he has given it his all throughout the whole season. “I worked so hard and I know that I have a god given ability, but I didn’t want to take it for granted. I wanted to work so so hard and she pushed me to do it,” an emotional and ecstatic Harmon said. Celebrating by singing his last song on the show called Falling by Keith Urban. What started with hundreds of contestants, slimmed down to one person. As many say farewell to American Idol, Harmon sings the final song at the end of the show, leaving this iconic show with a great farewell, only to someday come back on many people’s TV screens. Ryan Seacrest said. Rising even more contemplation as to when audience members can see Idol’s comeback. Only time will tell.

Although it is still in the making, be on the lookout for the last final winner of American Idol, Trent Harmon debut album. As for being a winner Harmon will receive a record deal with a major label, which may be for up to six albums and secures a management contract with American Idol-affiliated 19 Management.

For more photos and videos to revisit go to Fox.com.