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American Idol closed the chapter on its milestone 21st season with an epic grand finale. America’s Chosen Now it’s Tongi, Megan Danielleand Colin Stough who will be the top 3 of season 21, and only one will walk away the winner at the end of May 21. Before the results, the top 3 will take the stage with superstar guests.
The show starts at the end of Pitbull and Lil Jon took the stage for an electric and passionate performance of “Jumpin,” followed by “Give Me Everything” with American Idol top 12 contestants. The top 12 had a blast on stage that got the audience excited for the rest of the show.
former Idol JUDGES Keith Urban returned to mentor the top 3 for the finale. The Christian singer came first and sang Keith’s “God Whispered Your Name” during the finale. “As far as I know, we have three number ones,” Lionel declared. Luke added that he hasn’t heard Megan make “a bad vocal decision this season,” and it’s been “inspiring to watch her grow.”
Iam will take the stage next and performed an amazing rendition of Keith’s “Making Memories of Us,” a song that meant a lot to his parents. “You have a natural gift from God to create emotion, tell the story,” Luke said before adding that it was “one of my favorite performances of the year” from him. Lionel is excited about how great a storyteller Iam is. “You delivered well, and that will make your career shine forever,” Lionel told Iam.
Colin compliments a sweet rendition of Keith’s “Stupid Boy.” Luke should point out how much Colin has improved since his audition. Katy called Colin’s performance “so sweet” and knows Colin will be a force to be reckoned with once he’s out in the real world.
For her second performance, Megan sang a pitch-perfect rendition of “Faithfully” by tour. Katy pointed out that the end of the show was “amazing.” A tearful Luke agreed and said it was “one of the best things I’ve ever seen.”
Iam showed his love for Hawaii in a performance on This is Kolohe Kai “Cool Down.” Katy recalled that Iam told the judges that he was “priced out of paradise.” He didn’t think it would happen for much longer. “Welcome to paradise, my friend,” he said.
Colin returns to the stage for an amazing rendition of by Chris Stapleton “Either way.” Luke made the confession to Colin after this latest performance. “You’re better than I ever thought,” he said.
Beyond the third place revealed, Lucy Love hit the stage with TLC to create the group’s mega-hit “No Scrubs.” Zachariah Smith Also returned to the Idol stage to sing “Take It On The Run” by REO Speedwagon.
Colin, Megan, and Iam took the stage together for the first results of the night. The first person to enter the top 2 was… Iam! This is Colin and Megan. Megan took second place in the top 2, which meant that Colin was eliminated.
Jelly roll performed his hit “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson. Oliver Steele also joined him for a special performance. Kylie Minogue also performed “Padam Padam” before drowned duets with her. Lionel performed the Commodores’ “Sail On” on the piano, and the top 12 joined him for part of the performance. Keith brought the fun with his performance of “Wild Hearts.”
The most emotional moment at the end happens when Iam performs “Monsters” with James Blunt. Iam started crying during the performance and had to stop for a moment to collect himself. Katy cried. Iam closed the show with James, a beautiful tribute to Iam’s father.
The evening continued with several magical performances, including by Ellie Goulding duet with Tyson Venegas, Lauren Daigle with Megan, Luke with Colin, Jazmine Sullivan and We are Ani., Lainey with Marybeth Byrd and Warren PeayKaty with Haven Madisonas well as American Idol season 2 alum Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken.
Before the final results were revealed, Megan and Iam performed their original songs — “Dream Girl” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.” The top 2 stand next to each other on stage as the winner is revealed. After the nationwide vote, the winner of American Idol it’s season 21… TONGS NOW!
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