'American Idol': Rob Lowe, Lea Michele & More Share Favorite Moments

Victoria Leigh Miller
·Writer

It’s time to get sentimental about American Idol. The trailblazing TV talent competition kicks off its 15th (and final) season on Jan. 6, and Fox has enlisted several stars to sing the show’s praises in a series of new promos.

The Grinder star Rob Lowe shares his appreciation for former Idol judge Simon Cowell’s brutal honesty, even if did shatter so many dreams along the way. “Honestly, this business needs a Simon Cowell,” Lowe says. Scream Queens standout Keke Palmer singles out Season 3 champ Fantasia Barrino, recalling how the Idol hopeful was “singing her heart out” on her last night on the show. “That girl deserves to win!” Palmer remembers thinking. (We hope she put money on it.)

Palmer’s Scream Queens co-star Lea Michele says Idol “paved the way for Glee”…

…and remembers getting “chills” watching Adam Lambert’s iconic “Mad World” performance from the audience.


Finally, Lowe’s Grinder co-stars Fred Savage and Mary Elizabeth Ellis are all about the show’s early seasons, reminiscing about viewing parties….

…and Kelly Clarkson’s tearful post-win performance of “A Moment Like This.”

So, Idol fans, are you feeling nostalgic (and/or old) yet?

American Idol kicks off its final season on Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. on Fox.

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