Ten ‘American Idol’ alums we’d like to see in the final season

Regular commenters on this blog have speculated about its inevitable conclusion for quite some time, especially after the disastrous season 12. Although the show ended up with a solid judges’ panel in Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr., they alone could not lift the show out of its ratings doldrums. It was too little, too late.

So now Fox is smartly announcing the conclusion a year in advance with executives promising a “celebratory” season packed with nostalgic looks back at the first 14 seasons. We also know that the current three judges will remain, along with Ryan Seacrest.

Here are 10 folks I’d love to see show up  in season 15 in some way, shape or form.

1) Kelly Clarkson. Um. Duh. She’s the first winner, the biggest “Idol” alum to date and the major reason why the show gained early credibility with viewers. She already was a guest mentor this past season. The producers will certainly bring her back to sing and goof around and be that sweet person whom we’ve grown to love. Maybe she can co-host with Seacrest for an episode?

Here’s her original audition:

2)  Simon Cowell. He is a primary reason why the show became a big hit. His snark, his snarl, his honesty, his disturbingly tight white shirts. For the first few seasons, when he was honed in, his opinions mattered. “Idol’ should have guest judges each week using former “Idol” contestants and former judges. This way, for at least one episode, we could see Simon square off with Connick Jr. That could be hilarious!

Here are some of his biggest insults:

3) Carrie Underwood. Besides Clarkson, Carrie has defined “Idol” successes in every good way possible. She has been the perfect ambassador for the show by generating hits, positive publicity and all-around warm and fuzzy feelings. She is also someone who could co-host with Seacrest for an episode and do a wonderful job.

Here is Cowell's early prediction that Carrie would outsell everyone else:

4) Paula Abdul. Sure, she was a ditz. But she was our ditz. She was the nurturer, the softie, Cowell's play toy when he got bored. I'm not sure how "Idol" could use her besides a guest judge's role for an episode. I can't see her doing any mentoring. Maybe she could be part of a comedy sketch again with Cowell?

Here’s Paula in 2009 talking to “Nightline” about her life on the show:

5) Adam Lambert. He didn’t win season eight, but did it matter? He would have made a great judge and did a fine job subbing in for Urban earlier this year. He has always commanded attention in a compelling way. He could at least be a guest mentor one episode. He’s done that before as well.

Here are some of his best performances on “Idol”:

6) Clay Aiken. Sure, Clay decided to place singing on hold to focus on politics last year. And he hasn't watched the show in years. But even he would be remiss not to show up for at least a cameo appearance and sing something. The Claymates would demand it!

Here is the time when Aiken joined an Aiken wannabe onstage as a joke:

7) Taylor Hicks. He was the winner from the most popular “Idol” year, season five. Although he didn’t become a superstar along the lines of Underwood or Clarkson, he has carved out a respectable career since the show ended. And even if you found him over the top or mildly ridiculous, if his appearance doesn’t bring even a small smile to your face in 2016, you are not a true “Idol” fan.

Here is his take on “Living in the City”:

8) Fantasia. So many people on this blog hated her wailing, her histrionics, her looks, but I always enjoyed her realness, her rawness. Over the years, she’d pop up on the show and either she was a train wreck or a revelation. I want her back to sing one more time. Wail away!

Here’s her tour de force “Summertime” performance:

9) Kellie Pickler. She has been my favorite interview over the years. She’s adorable and sweet but not in a saccharine way. She is also authentic, and I could see her also co-hosting with Seacrest in a way that would guarantee laughs.

Remember her discovery of calamari?

10) William Hung. I know he was an insulting Asian stereotype, but he was oddly endearing as the epitome of the bad auditioner who had no idea he was bad from the early years. I am just curious to see what he looks like now. And maybe he’s learned to sing in tune. Nah… I am sure he’ll return in a medley of other terrible singers from the early-year auditions.

This is the audition for the ages:

Others who will likely deservedly show up as performers: Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Phillip Phillips, Scotty McCreery, Chris Daughtry, Ruben Studdard and David Cook.

And the chances that Randy Jackson will return to do anything that the producers ask? Cue cards? Toilets? Grip work? Backup bass player for Ricky Minor? Yes please!

BONUS: Brian Dunkleman, the season one co-host of “Idol” who disappeared into the ether afterward. I’m certain the producers will bring him back just for a giggle or two – if he’s willing.