After 15 seasons, American Idol will officially crown its final winner tonight. The groundbreaking show burst on to the airwaves back in 2002 and has since served as a launching pad for a host of celebrity talent, turning everyday Americans into bona fide superstars. From performances that blew us away, to auditions we cringe-watched, Idol was a mainstay on our television sets, our music charts, and our water cooler conversation for the last decade and a half. While we’ll miss those moments, the impact the show has had on American culture, and worldwide, remains. To celebrate the end of an era, we’re taking a look back at 5 of our favorite Idol moments below:

 

1. Jordin Sparks – Fighter (Christina Aguilera)

 

2. Sonika Vaid – Bring Me To Life (Evanescence)

 

3. Chris Richardson – Geek In The Pink (Jason Mraz)

 

4. Maurice Townsend – So High (John Legend)

 

5. Victoria McGee – My Immortal (Evanescence)