After 15 seasons of jaw-dropping performances, questionable auditions and sometimes too frank judges, "American Idol" cut the lights for the last time Thursday night, crowning Trent Harmon the final winner.
From its premiere in 2002, "American Idol" has embedded itself in every corner of popular culture, and the Patriots are no exception to the rule. Whether it is a champ embracing his Patriots super fandom or a judge rocking out at Gillette Stadium, "American Idol" winners, hopefuls and celebrity judges have intersected with Patriots Nation season after season.
To celebrate the finale of a household staple, let's take a look back at some of the most notable Patriot-Idol moments.
SCOTTY MCCREERY
The Season 10 winner may have been raised in North Carolina, but his roots are firmly planted in New England. The Patriots fanatic was on hand for the Patriots 2014 AFC Championship game and sang at the team's Super Bowl welcome party in Arizona just weeks later.
Scotty has even gotten up close and personal with the Patriots Championship hardware and his friend Robert Kraft.
AYLA BROWN
With roots in Wrentham, Mass., New England was rooting for Ayla Brown on Season 5 as she made it to the show's top 16 contestants. Ayla performed her audition at Gillette Stadium and brought her career full circle when she sang the national anthem before the Patriots and Bills Monday Night Football game last November.
STEVEN TYLER
Former "American Idol" judge Steven Tyler is a noted Patriots fan. Steven opened the 2011 AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens in a way only the Aerosmith front man could. Rocking a flashy Patriots scarf, Steven didn't hold back.
IDOL BOSTON AUDITIONS
Thousands of people lined up at Gillette Stadium for the chance to audition in front of Idol judges multiple times through the show's run. The lines wrapped around the stadium, and while there was no game to watch, the musicians waited with a view of the field, hoping to punch the golden ticket to Hollywood.
While the crews were in the Patriots heartland, Ryan Seacrest channeled Tom Brady. Ryan took a quick run through the Patriots helmet and onto the field.
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KEITH URBAN
Idol judge Keith Urban brought down the house at Gillette Stadium. Even on a rainy day, fans sang along as Keith jammed out hit after hit. We're always happy to have "someone like you" on the Gillette Stadium stage.
CHEERLEADER STEPHANIE
During the 2014 season, Patriots cheerleader Stephanie made a splash in her Idol audition. Decked in her uniform, she belted a soulful cover of "Ooh La La" by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Though her voice was raw from practicing too much, she received praise from both Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez.
Though Stephanie didn't make it through the group round, she did snag a ticket to Hollywood, which is a feat of itself.
"American Idol" may have dimmed the lights and said goodnight from Hollywood a final time, but New England will remember these moments and more.
