Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Season 2 American Idol winner Ruben Studdard helps rally the crowd at the auditions in Philadelphia last month. (FOX Photo)

It will also include a “farewell celebration,” Fox announced in a Friday press release about the network’s 2015-16 season.

Unfortunately, the release includes nary a detail of what that celebration will include.

You’d hope Idol would bring back lots of past contestants for performances and cameos. Heck, I’d like to see every finalist from the past 14 seasons return for at least an appearance.

After all, without saying it, the press release acknowledges what fans already know — the winners aren’t the only ones who have benefited from their time on Idol.

The press release drops the names of eight past contestants who are “fan favorites.” Only three are past winners: Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, of course, and Phillip Phillips, who was handed a catchy coronation song called “Home” that turned into by far the biggest hit any recent champ has enjoyed.

The other five contestants mentioned in the release are Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee and Kellie Pickler. Adam and Kat were runners-up; Chris, Jennifer and Kellie managed to use Idol as a springboard to great careers even though they didn’t make the finals.

And you’ll note that Phillip is the only contestant mentioned who was part of Idol after Season 8.

Oh, and if you’re interested in competing on Season 15 and haven’t made it to an audition city, the show is still accepting online auditions. In fact, it will be for another month. Head here for details.