PEOPLE The Best of American Idol

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As American Idol prepares to exit the airwaves after 15 seasons of innovation and inspiration, PEOPLE takes a look back at the show that shattered records, and reinvented the television competition. Highlights of this musical special edition include: Exclusive interviews with the contestants and judges - the ones we loved and the ones we loved to hate A review of the most memorable moments, from William Hung's "She Bangs" to Fantasia's powerhouse performances A section that reveals what contestants have been up to since their time on Idol A peek at the biggest successes to come out of the Idol machine, from Adam Lambert to Carrie Underwood