The first ever winner of the talent show returned to the stage last night as the farewell series kicks off its live shows

Emotions were running high on the first live show of American Idol’s farewell series last night, with Kelly Clarkson breaking down during her incredible performance.

The first ever winner of the show, Kelly, had the honour of acting as a guest judge for the night and taking to the stage at the end proved why she earned her title way back in 2002.

With tears rolling down her face as she sang Piece By Piece, Kelly was given a standing ovation by the judges with Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban struggling to keep their composure.

Kelly wipes away a tear

Speaking after her powerful performance she said: “I’m pregnant and it’s nostalgic, and I can’t believe it’s the last season. Really sorry I just bawled.”

Following the show the singer, who is pregnant with her second child, said it had been a “perfect” ending: “What an emotional night. Thanks AmericanIdol for such a beautiful beginning & a perfect ending.”

Jennifer Lopez also became emotional

As did Keith Urban

Network Fox finally pulled the plug on Idol last year when the show fell to a series-low average of 11.6 million viewers, including DVR playback figures.

The show reached a high point in 2006 with an average of nearly 36 million viewers watching Taylor Hicks win, according to ratings measurement company Nielsen.

It made stars of winners, notably Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, and it also proved a launching pad for the likes of Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert, who is now singing with Queen.