Since American Idol’s debut on June 11, 2002, audiences have connected with a favorite contestant and followed them through the circuitous path to either elimination or victory. Each contestant is given the chance stand next to Ryan Seacrest and say a few words of thanks at the end of his or her journey.
Finally, Simon Cowell got his chance during the American Idol Finale, as he bid a surprisingly, fond farewell to American Idol-a show he created, nurtured and is now leaving. I thought it would be fitting to compile a list of quotes from the participants and judges expressing their true thoughts and feelings about the show.
“The show will go on.”
-Paula Abdul
“When everyone asks who’s going to replace me-who’s going to be the next judge. The truth is you guys [to the audience] are the judge of this show and you’ve done an incredible job over the years.”
-Simon Cowell
“Amazing days…. I can’t believe how funny life is sometimes…. a little over a year ago I was wondering where my next meal would come from… thank you all for everything.”
-Crystal Bowersox
“I’m proud of what I’ve done.”
-Lee DeWyze
“Throw caution to the wind and just do it.”
-Carrie Underwood
“And I think that when I finally decided to let go and let God and allow that to happen, I became a lot more successful than I could have done if I had planned it all myself.”
-Clay Aiken
“Your talent is your art. It is not to be taken for granted.”
-Paula Abdul
“This whole thing has been amazing, from the very beginning to right now…I want to be doing this for a long time….I will be doing this for the rest of my life, one way or another.”
-Lee DeWyze
“All of us gave it all we’ve got, overcame a whole lot just being on the show and learned a lot about ourselves. We’re just normal people trying to do what we love and follow our dreams.”
-Carrie Underwood
“Keep the faith, don’t lose your perseverance and always trust your gut extinct.”
-Paula Abdul
“This is the best night of my life. And it’s going to get better.”
-Carrie Underwood
“My winning is getting to perform. That’s my victory.”
-Kelly Clarkson
“The greatest glory never comes from falling, but from rising each time you fall.”
-Clay Aiken
“There are many talented people.”
-Paula Abdul
“If we had to choose one American Idol to go out to dinner with, it would be Fantasia. There are no airs and graces about her… I like her.”
-Simon Cowell
“You can’t just wash this stuff off.”
-David Cook
“All you can do is the best you can do.”
-Paula Abdul
“Not everybody is perfect, and I don’t think we should be looking for perfect people.”
-Simon Cowell
“America fell in love with the innocence of a kid who just was honest, saying, I did the best I could, and I had no formal training.”
-Paula Abdul
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/p/paula_abdul_2.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Idol
http://www.daylife.com/topic/Lee_DeWyze/quotes
http://www.crystalfans.com/National-Coverage.php