President Obama opened the evening by congratulating American Idol on its 15-year run in a taped message.
The original judges — Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell — all returned.
So did original co-host Brian Dunkleman and William Hung of “She Bangs” fame.
Larry Platt, the “Pants on the Ground” guy, even showed up.
Here are photos of Thursday’s American Idol finale.
I’ll be adding more when they become available on Friday.
Dozens of American Idol finalists took the stage for a performance of “One Voice” to open Thursday’s show. (FOX Photo)
Season 1 co-host Brian Dunkleman showed up at the American Idol finale to tease Ryan Seacrest about soon being unemployed. (FOX Photo)
American Idol jjudges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban arrive for Thursday’s season finale. (FOX Photo)
Trent Harmon and La’Porsha Renae get playful during their performance of “It Takes Two” at the American Idol finale. (AP Photo)
Bo Bice and Caleb Johnson perform during a rock medley at the American Idol Season 15 finale Thursday night. (FOX Photo)
Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood perform “Stop Dragging My Heart Around” during the American Idol Season 15 finale. (FOX Photo)
Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood perform on the American Idol Season 15 finale. (FOX Photo)
Diana DeGarmo, Skylar Laine and Kree Harrison perform during a country medley on the American Idol season finale. (FOX Photo)
Bucky Covington, Ace Young, Constantine Maroulis and Scotty McCreery perform during a country medley on American Idol. (FOX Photo)
Bucky Covington, Lauren Alaina, Ace Young, Kellie Pickler and Constantine Maroulis during a country medley on American Idol’s season finale. (FOX Photo)
Fantasia, LaToya London and Jennifer Hudson perform during the American Idol finale Thursday. (FOX Photo)
Jennifer Hudson performs on American Idol Thursday night. (FOX Photo)
Thursday’s season finale of American Idol even include a guest appearance by Larry Platt of “Pants on the Ground” fame. (FOX Photo)
Kimberley Locke, Tamyra Gray, Colton Dixon, Pia Toscano, Justin Guarini, Allison Iraheta and Jordin Sparks after their group performance on American Idol. (FOX Photo)
Jordin Sparks, Allison Iraheta, Tamyra Gray and Justin Guarini perform during the American Idol finale. (FOX Photo)
Jordin Sparks, Kimberley Locke and Allison Iraheta perform during the American Idol finale. (FOX Photo)
Pia Toscano peforms during the American Idol finale with Tamyra Gray and Colton Dixon in the background. (FOX Photo)
Caleb Johnson, Constantine Maroulis, Chris Daughtry, James Durbin and Bo Bice perform during the rock medley at American Idol’s Season 15 finale. (FOX Photo)
Jennifer Lopez performs during the American Idol finale Thursday night. (FOX Photo)
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