Music

'American Idol': The Finest (And Most Frightening) Over 15 Seasons

A look back at the best moments and contestants from the singing show that launched all singing shows.

'American Idol': The Finest (And Most Frightening) Over 15 Seasons
Getty Images / Kevin Winter
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'Tis the season for 15 minutes of fame acquired by an astounding or awful audition.

"American Idol" is back for its 15th and final season, and we're taking a look at some of the most banging auditions ever.

William Hung launched his three-album music career on "American Idol" but later found his talents were better suited as a statistical analyst for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

We laughed. We cried. We witnessed the ever-evolving judge's table.

It's a show that has influenced a nation, like when this man, who called himself General Larry Platt, built a meme from the ground up. 

"Pants on the Ground" even spurred this reaction from the Minnesota Vikings.

Perhaps the show keeps our reality-TV-loving hearts beating because it pairs the tone-deaf with the transcendent — introducing us to superstars like Kelly ClarksonCarrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson.

You can watch more stars being born on the first-half of the two-part premiere of "American Idol" on Fox, though it's fair to say some of the stars will be born again.

This video includes images from Getty Images.