For 14 seasons, the hit show American Idol has offered unknown singers the opportunity to be discovered. Producers of the show announced that the 2016 season will be the last. This “farewell season” will bring back original judges, past champions and a slew of contestants who dream of becoming the next and final “American Idol.”

American Idol changes the lives of prospective singers by giving them the chance to win over the hearts of America. The show has discovered stars such as Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken and Scotty McCreery. Many losers of American Idol have also become famous, including Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson and Kellie Pickler.

American Idol is a show in which the results are determined entirely by the viewers. Fans vote for their favorite contestants each week in order to keep them in the competition. Hands clenching the couch cushion and feet anxiously tapping the floor normally characterize the average individual watching an episode of American Idol. Viewers become emotionally attached to the heartwarming stories of contestants and follow the competition closely to cheer them on. This is what makes American Idol such a popular show for families and aspiring singers.

The “farewell season” premiered January 6 and has proved it will be a season to remember. The contestants this season shared heartbreaking and inspiring stories about their passion for music. Judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. had a tough job as they traveled to Los Angeles, Denver, Savannah, Philadelphia, Little Rock and San Fransisco in search for a bookend to the first “American Idol,” Kelly Clarkson, who last week was a guest judge.

This week, 10 will become eight as America votes for its favorites. The show airs on FOX on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 8:00 PM. It is not too late to start watching and have a hand in who will be the last “American Idol!”