PEOPLE The Best of American Idol: Farewell to TV's Greatest Talent Search

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