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American Idol is closing the chapter on its milestone twenty first season with an epic grand finale. America has chosen Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle, and Colin Stough to be season 21’s prime 3, and just one will stroll away the winner on the finish of the May 21 finale. Before the outcomes, the highest 3 will take the stage with celebrity friends.
The present kicks off the finale with Pitbull and Lil Jon taking the stage for an electrical and enthusiastic efficiency of “Jumpin,” adopted by “Give Me Everything” with the American Idol prime 12 contestants. The prime 12 have a blast on stage getting the viewers overvalued for the remainder of the present.
Former Idol choose Keith Urban has returned to mentor the highest 3 for the finale. The Christian singer performs first and sings Keith’s “God Whispered Your Name” through the finale. “As far as I’m concerned, we have three number ones,” Lionel declares. Luke provides that he hasn’t heard Megan make “one bad vocal decision this season,” and it’s been “inspiring to watch her grow.”
Iam takes the stage subsequent and performs a shocking rendition of Keith’s “Making Memories of Us,” a music that meant quite a bit to his dad and mom. “You just have a natural gift from God to create emotion, to tell the story,” Luke says earlier than including that it was “one of my favorite performances of the year” from him. Lionel raves over how nice of a storyteller Iam has turn into. “You have a great delivery, and that’s what going to make your career shine forevermore,” Lionel tells Iam.
Colin croons out a candy rendition of Keith’s “Stupid Boy.” Luke has to level out how a lot Colin has advanced since his audition.”You’ve come thus far,” he says. Katy calls Colin’s efficiency “so sweet” and is aware of Colin goes to be a power to be reckoned with when he’s out in the actual world.
For her second efficiency, Megan sings a pitch-perfect rendition of “Faithfully” by Journey. Katy factors out that the tip of the efficiency was “phenomenal.” A tearful Luke agrees and says it was “one of the best things I’ve seen all season.”
Iam exhibits his love for Hawaii with a efficiency of Kolohe Kai’s “Cool Down.” Katy recollects Iam telling the judges that he was “priced out of paradise.” She doesn’t suppose that’s going to be the case for for much longer. “Welcome to paradise, my friend,” she says.
Colin returns to the stage for a terrific rendition of Chris Stapleton’s “Either Way.”Luke makes fairly the confession to Colin after this newest efficiency. “You are so much better than I originally thought you were,” he says.
Ahead of the third-place reveal, Lucy Love hits the stage with TLC to carry out the group’s mega-hit “No Scrubs.” Zachariah Smith additionally returns to the Idol stage to sing REO Speedwagon’s “Take It On The Run.”
Colin, Megan, and Iam step out onto the stage collectively for the primary outcomes of the evening. The first particular person to make the highest 2 is… Iam! It’s right down to Colin and Megan. Megan takes the second spot within the prime 2, which implies Colin has been eradicated.
Jelly Roll performs his hit “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson. Oliver Steele additionally joins him for a particular efficiency. Kylie Minogue additionally performs “Padam Padam” earlier than Nutsa duets together with her. Lionel performs “Sail On” by the Commodores on the piano, and the highest 12 be part of him for a part of the efficiency. Keith brings the enjoyable together with his efficiency of “Wild Hearts.”
The most emotional second of the finale occurs when Iam performs “Monsters” with James Blunt. Iam begins to cry through the efficiency and has to cease for a second to gather himself. Katy bursts into tears. Iam finishes the efficiency with James, a gorgeous tribute to Iam’s father.
The evening continues with extra magical performances, together with Ellie Goulding’s duet with Tyson Venegas, Lauren Daigle with Megan, Luke with Colin, Jazmine Sullivan and Wé Ani., Lainey with Marybeth Byrd and Warren Peay, Katy with Haven Madison, in addition to American Idol season 2 alums Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken.
Before the ultimate outcomes are revealed, Megan and Iam carry out their unique songs — “Dream Girl” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.” The prime 2 stand subsequent to one another on the stage because the winner is revealed. After the nationwide vote, the winner of American Idol season 21 is… IAM TONGI!