Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


                  Obama Opens Final Episode of 'American Idol'

   by VOA News

   U.S. President Barack Obama kicked off Thursday's final episode of
   [1]"American Idol," the Fox reality television series that ended its
   15-season run after helping dozens of singers launch their careers.

   Obama took the opportunity to encourage Americans to participate in the
   electoral process. In pre-taped remarks, the president praised
   "American Idol" for its longevity and noted "it motivated millions of
   young Americans to vote."
   WATCH: President Obama Congratulates American Idol

   The president described voting as "the most sacred and fundamental
   right of our democracy" and said he believed voting "should almost be
   as easy as voting on American Idol."

   "Not all of us can sing like Kelly Clarkson (the first "American Idol"
   winner)," Obama added, "but all of our voices matter."

   The 15th and final "American Idol" winner was Trent Harmon, a
   25-year-old waiter at his family's Mississippi restaurant. Harmon put
   on a stirring performance with his delivery of "Chandelier," a song
   written by Australia's Sia.


   ''The runner-up to Harmon was another Mississippian, La'Porsha Renae, a
   single mother who overcame domestic abuse to compete.

   "American Idol" was a highly-rated show but steadily lost viewers over
   the years before Fox decided to make this season its last.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [2]http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-opens-final-episode-american-id
   ol/3276255.html

References

   1. http://www.americanidol.com/
   2. http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-opens-final-episode-american-idol/3276255.html