Reality Check Finale: American Idol's Best ('Tasia!) & Worst (Randy?) Ever! Plus: Trent Wins, Allison Rocks & More
This is how Reality Check ends — not with a whimper, but a bang.
RELATEDFarewell for Now, American Idol, and Thanks for All the Memories
Since TVLine’s launch in 2011, we’ve been bringing you a weekly deep dive into all things American Idol — hosted by yours truly, upgraded starting in 2012 by “Season 6 standout” Melinda Doolittle’s mic-dropping expertise and edited to madness and beyond by “the great Jason Averett.” Reality Check was itself an upgrade of Idolatry — an EW.com series that launched in 2007 — and I’d be remiss if I didn’t pause here to thank TVLine’s trusty leader Michael Ausiello for his unwavering support of our Idoloonie agenda.
But, really, enough about us!
The Reality Check series finale — unlike Idol‘s swan song — spares a few moments to break down Season 15’s Trent-vs.-La’Porsha battle, and then reviews the Nigel Lythgoe-produced two-hour finale: The triumphs (Carly! Pia!); the head-scratchers (Kara Dioguardi! Pants on the Ground!); and the outrages (where was the much-needed tribute to Michael Johns and Joanne Borgella?).
After that, what Melinda and I do is go back — wayyyy back — and dish our picks for the greatest performance in show history (and, naturally, the worst); best season; best and worst judges; best post-show experience; and much, much more.
Can you handle almost 40 minutes in the deep end of the American Idol pool? You know there’ll be blasts from the past like Aloha Mischeaux, Mishavonna Henson and Jesse Langseth — but we’ve also got backstage finale footage of Jordin Sparks, Pia Toscano, Kimberley Locke, Nick Fradiani, Joshua Ledet and more!
Press PLAY above for Part 1 — and below for Parts 2 and 3 — of the Reality Check series finale, then share your own Idol memories in the comments. Thanks, as always, for watching, commenting and keeping it real — and goodbye… for now.
Launch Gallery: <I>American Idol</i>: 30 Best Performances Ever
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