Whats your favoriteIdolperformance ever?
HARRY CONNICK JR.:When Kelly Clarkson won and she sang A Moment Like This.
So that stands out, for sure.
Credit: Michael Becker/Fox
That sounds like my dream night out, honestly.
Once you got involved in the show, whats your earliestIdolmemory?
And how about the toughest elimination you witnessed?
I thought Jax may end up in the top two.
But its just the way it is.
People vote and sometimes its surprising.
Whats your favorite moment with them?
There are so many.
My favorite moment wasyour impromptu performance of Teenage Dream.
[Laughs] Man, see, I forget half the things we did.
Man, Ive done some sill things over the last three years.
After sitting through so many auditions, is there a song you never want to hear again?
It depends on the year.
Sias Chandelier was huge last year, and, whats that song?
[Sings] I feel it in my bones, da da dah.
You know that song?
We heard thata lot.
What was your approach to auditions this year?
It doesnt do the show good and it doesnt do those kids good.
They dont really benefit from that.
And I think we found that.
We found 24 people that, you know, in different ways are really good performers and singers.
So what are your plans for making this the most memorable season it can be?
The only thing we have a say in is the talent, and I feel really good about it.
Its probably the most ready-for-prime-time group that Ive seen in three years.
Were all really excited about it.
Americas going to miss having Ryan Seacrest in their living rooms each week.
What are you going to miss most about the host?
Hes a good friend and Im gonna miss being around him.
Hes got a very difficult job in terms of keeping the show running, and his professionalism is unparalleled.
I just like watching him work.
What should he do with his free time?
[Laughs] I dont think hell ever have free time.
Im pretty sure he doesnt know what that is.
Hes a workaholic, for sure.
Its an amazing show that I think is gonna leave an incredible legacy.
Im really honored to have been a part of it in the small way that I have.
I hope were able to end with a bang.
The final season ofAmerican Idolkicks off Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Check back Wednesday for an interview with Ryan Seacrest, andhead here for our chat with Randy Jackson.
