'American Idol' Declares Season 21 Champion
The highly anticipated moment arrived as 'American Idol' crowned its newest victor, following a thrilling showdown among the top contenders: Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle, and Colin Stough, all vying for America's coveted vote.
After a nail-biting tally of the votes, Tongi emerged as the triumphant Idol, capturing the hearts of the nation with his captivating performances on stage. His renditions of "Making Memories of Us," "Cool Down," "I'll Be Seeing You," and "Don't Let Go" showcased his exceptional talent and charisma.
Danielle, too, left an indelible mark with her incredible stage presence, enchanting the audience with heartfelt performances of "God Whispered Your Name," "Faithfully," and "Dream Girl."
Stough secured a respectable third place, leaving a lasting impression with his soulful rendition of "Stupid Boy" and the poignant "Either Way."
Throughout the night, the stage of 'American Idol' was graced by an array of stars, adding to the electrifying atmosphere. The Top 12 contestants joined forces with Pitbull and Lil Jon for an unforgettable collaboration, delivering a sensational rendition of "Give Me Everything" and "Jumpin'."
TLC and Lucy Love took us on a nostalgic journey, reviving some of the trio's timeless hits, including "No Scrubs," "Creep," and "Waterfalls."
Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon teamed up with Zachariah Smith for a captivating performance of "Take It On the Run." Jelly Roll captivated the audience with a heartfelt rendition of "Save Me," accompanied by Lainey Wilson, and brought the house down with an exhilarating duet of "Need a Favor" alongside Oliver Steele.
Kylie Minogue and Nutsa graced the stage, enthralling the audience with their enchanting performance of "Padam Padam" and the irresistible "I Can't Get You Out of My Head."
Lionel Richie joined forces with the Top 12 contestants, delivering a soul-stirring rendition of "Sail On," while Keith Urban unleashed his wild side with a captivating performance of "Wild Hearts."
James Blunt and Iam Tongi shared a heartfelt moment as they performed "Monsters," leaving the audience moved. Ellie Goulding and Tyson Venegas mesmerized with their enchanting duet of "Miracle" and the impassioned "Burn." Lauren Daigle and finalist Megan Danielle showcased their vocal prowess with a breathtaking performance of "These Are the Days" and the soulful "Thank God I Do."
Luke Bryan took the stage solo, captivating the crowd with his rendition of "But I Got a Beer in My Hand," later joined by Colin Stough for a soulful duet of "Slow Hand." Jasmine Sullivan and Wé Ani wowed the audience with their powerful performance of "Bust Your Windows," while Lainey Wilson, Marybeth Byrd, and Warren Peay united their talents for a captivating rendition of "Heart Like a Truck."
Katy Perry delivered a mesmerizing performance, teaming up with Haven Madison for an awe-inspiring rendition of "By the Grace of God" and the emotional "Still Need You."
Adding to the evening's grandeur, 'American Idol' welcomed back Season 2 finalists Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, who joined this year's Top 2 contestants for a show-stopping performance of the timeless anthem, "The Impossible Dream (The Quest)."
To celebrate his victory, Tongi will grace the stage of Good Morning America on Tuesday, May 23 at 8 a.m. ET on ABC. During the interview, he will be accompanied by the runner-up, Danielle.