Ray Mickshaw/WireImageThere is so much we'll miss as American Idol bids adieu during tonight's series finale.
The big talent. The inspiring stories.
Oh, and remember all of those over-the-top makeovers they would give to contestants?
It was like America's Next Top Model.
We always looked forward to seeing what Hollywood would do to these aspiring hopefuls once they were sat in front of a glam squad for the first time.
Believe it or not, kids, there was a time when we all wanted chunky highlights and embroidered jeans. It was the sign of a star.
Carrie Underwood's larger-than-life country hair (above) soared as high as her vocals.
That's just one of many memorable makeovers the show treated us to.
May we take a moment to honor another Underwood original? The curly ringlets:
Though we're not sure the adorable artist back in her Idol days can compete with a true legend, the not-so-subtle highlights of first Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson:
Hair is a huge part of what changes once you hit Hollywood on American Idol.
The people backstage want to make sure you're not relying on your voice alone to wow the judges and win over the audiences at home.
Case in point: Allison Iraheta, on the show's eighth season, already had a rockstar voice and rockin' red hair when she hit the show.
But needed an extra boost to give it that over-the-top look...
Also on season 8, Alexis Grace hit the audition with a wholesome, simple blond 'do.
Once she advanced, though, she added a pop of pink to give her that aspiring pop star finish:
Perhaps one of the most ever-changing Idol contestants, Sanjaya Malakar, on season 6, would hit the stage nearly every week with a new 'do.
Our personal favorite? Ponytail mohawk:
Some makeovers actually made the singers do more with a little less.
Yes, really.
For example, David Cook, season 7's winner, still looked like a star after ditching the soul patch and hair dye:
Just like season 5's Elliot Yamin didn't need the shades and, well, that facial hair.
Hair isn't the only thing that gets more extreme once you hit the Idol stage.
Ladies and gentlemen, winner of the "good sport" award, Justin Guarini:
A true professional doesn't let a shirt like that distract from an amazing performance.
Season 3's Diana DeGarmo let the show make her a perfect 2004 time capsule in this shiny tube top and low-rise jeans:
Just like Jennifer Hudson didn't let this ruffled, pink mullet dress take away from her killer talent:
On season 5, Katharine McPhee let the show take her from cute and casual to perfectly pretty in purple (again with the ruffles!)
Just like season 5's winner Taylor Hicks leaned into his makeover from "cool dad" to suited stunner.
Idol makeovers have always made people look like the year the show premiered during.
So really, your look it totally dependent on whether or not 2002 or 2007 will be considered "timeless" for fashion and hair.
But we've always looked forward to how the show will produce what they think a pop star looks at.
Bonus pic: Clay Aiken returning to the show in 2003 for a special appearance.
You weren't a contestant anymore at that point, Clay. So we're assuming the dark Bieber 'do was your call.