Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson Get Emotional During Sweet 'American Idol' Finale Moment

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The original trio of American Idol judges, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, celebrated the two-hour series finale with a fun, heartfelt reunion.

Abdul and Jackson first took the stage without Cowell on Thursday to congratulate host Ryan Seacrest for being the only personality to stick with Idol through all 15 seasons. As a reward they presented him with a giant "American Idol" neon sign that Seacrest admitted he had no idea what he'd do with.

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After presenting the unique parting gift, the group was "surprised" by the 56-year-old acerbic Brit who walked out from behind them to complete the triumvirate while the crowd cheered.

Without skipping a beat, Cowell immediately struck up his love-hate relationship with Abdul once again, by giving her the "opportunity" to apologize for "being so mean to the contestants when we were trying to be nurturing and helpful."

"You were really horrible and now I think is the time to apologize to America," he continued.

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With Cowell showing off his signature snark, Abdul looking increasingly annoyed and Jackson laughed uncomfortably while standing off to the side, it felt like fans had been transported back to the very first season of Idol all over again.

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But before things could get too awkward, Cowell changed course and shared a message of heartfelt appreciation.

"On behalf of us, thank you, America, for inviting us into your homes," Cowell said with his arm around Abdul's shoulders. "Thank you to the contestants, and to Fox, for actually put us on the air."

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Turning toward Jackson and Abdul, Cowell added, "[And] to you guys for actually being my best friends now. Now, I'm going to miss you."

"We love you man," Jackson responded, rubbing Cowell's back.

"This was an amazing journey," Abdul chimed in. "I know you love the word journey."

Cowell also had a message for the season's final two, Trent Harmon and La'Porsha Renae: "Enjoy yourselves and remember the fans who voted for you."

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Abdul couldn't let the reunion come to a close without showing some love to the current panel of judges, Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr.

"You as a panel have been doing a wonderful jo, thank you," Abdul offered and the current judges stood at their table with tears in their eyes.

It was a fun, fitting final appearance for the original trio as the show they helped pioneer came to a close.

Check out the video below to relive all the awkward, cringe-worthy, surprisingly romantic moments from Cowell and Abdul's American Idol relationship.

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