The song was led by seven of the eight singers who have been crowned “American Idol” in past seasons, including Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard (Ain’t Misbehavin’), Fantasia Barrino (The Color Purple), Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks (soon to join Broadway’s In the Heights), Taylor Hicks (Grease) and Kris Allen. Season seven’s Idol, David Cook, had to miss the performance to attend a charity event.
During the performance, many of the other performers who competed to be the next “American Idol” flooded the stage. Many boasted stage credits, from Broadway to national tours, thanks in part to being seen on “American Idol.”
To view the performance and Simon’s remarks afterwards, look below:
— Thomas Peter
