American Idol wrapped another season on Sunday with a three-hour event that ended with the crowning of the show’s 21st winner.
Colin Stough, Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle took the stage one last time, performing live for America’s votes. Idol also welcomed back the rest of the season’s Top 12 — Haven Madison, Lucy Love, Marybeth Byrd, Nutsa, Oliver Steele, Tyson Venegas, Warren Peay, Wé Ani and Zachariah Smith — for special performances alongside some of the biggest names in music. (Speaking of names, didn’t at least one of those contestants make you wonder, “Wait, they were in this season?” It’s been a long couple of months, people.)
The judges also took turns in the spotlight, with Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan each performing a few of their hits. Additional celebrity performers included former Idol rivals Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, Ellie Goulding, James Blunt, Jazmine Sullivan, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon, Kylie Minogue, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Daigle, Pitbull and Lil Jon, and TLC.
Prior to Sunday’s finale, Tongi was the favorite to win among TVLine readers, with 60 percent predicting his victory. Stough trailed in second place with 24 percent of our readers’ votes, and Danielle placed third with 16 percent. Interestingly, the results were a bit different when we asked our readers which finalist should win — Tongi still led the pack with 45 percent of the votes, but Danielle took second this time with 32 percent, leaving Stough in third place with 23 percent.
So, did those predictions come true? Read on for a breakdown of the finale’s most memorable performances (with videos if available), as well as the final results of America’s votes. When you’re done, vote in our poll and weigh in with your thoughts on the three-hour season ender.
Following a surprisingly emotional sit-down with guest-mentor Keith Urban, Danielle took the stage for the night’s first solo performance of Urban’s “God Whispered Your Name.” It wasn’t exactly finale-level exciting, but it also couldn’t have been more in her wheelhouse, so she grounded great.
Oh, just rip our hearts out, why don’t you?! Urban’s “Making Memories of Us” was apparently Tongi’s parents’ favorite song to dance to in their living room when his father was still alive. With that kind of emotion behind Tongi’s performance, was anyone surprised when he churned out that total tearjerker?
A fun, flirty meeting of two wonderful heads of hair resulted in Stough’s solid-yet-snoozy performance of Urban’s “Stupid Boy.” (I say “snoozy” with love, I really do. This is the American Idol finale, and all of the finalists have chosen to perform downers across the board. Didn’t Ryan Seacrest promise us a party? Let’s have some fun, people.)
Following Danielle’s triumphant return to Douglasville, Ga., the former waitress dedicated her second performance — Journey’s “Faithfully” to her hometown — and it was really good. Like, that’s the energy I’m looking for in a finale. Perry was wiping away tears before Danielle even reached the chorus. And while her vocals were certainly impressive, can we also take a minute to appreciate this look?
OK, now we’re talking. Tongi kept the party going with his second performance, switching things up with Kolohe Kai’s “Cool Down.” It was a fun, funky performance — a great change of pace from the slower, more emotional songs we’re used to hearing from him. It was during this performance that I became certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he would win it all.
The energy dipped once again with Stough’s very good (but very serious) cover of Chris Stapleton’s “Either Way.”
OK, this one was actually kind of a surprise! Like our readers, I was predicting Stough to finish in second place, so I was definitely taken aback when Seacrest sent him packing midway through Sunday’s three-hour broadcast.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the studio audience (or the stage… or the judges’ panel) as Tongi took the stage with Blunt for an emotional performance of “Monsters,” the song that first made America fall in love with Tongi during his audition. If your heart didn’t break as Tongi struggled through his tears, you might want to check to make sure you still have one.
Danielle teamed up with her music idol for the second time this week, delivering a powerful duet of Daigle’s “Thank God I Do,” which she previously performed solo three weeks ago.
Danielle kicked off the night’s final round with her new original single “Dream Girl,” a decent jam with a classic (almost Fleetwood Mac-esque?) vibe. I dig it.
And Tongi ended the night with his single, a touching tribute to his late father.
The next finalist to be sent home was Danielle, making her the official runner-up of Season 21. And that means…
…Tongi, as predicted and desired by TVLine readers, is the winner of American Idol Season 21.
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I’m stunned… they actually got it right this year.
It’s impressive, the Judges and producers actually finally succeeded in swaying America to vote for who they wanted. Or you know… set it up that way. I’ve long suspected there’s some sort of unethical dealings in reality shows.
I agree. They absolutely set it up for Iam to win. He sounds like any other average male singer. Megan is unique and original. She has a different sound like Lauren Daigle. She absolutely deserved the win.
I agree Magan shou;d have been the winner.
who is Magan?
Iam deserved his win, end of story. He brought light to American Idol, America, & the world.
All his performances, each and every one, sounded the same. But if that is what the viewers wanted they got it. I wish him well with that recording contract and Colin you are better off for having not won!
Give me a break. His voice is beautiful and he sings with feeling. He won because of his talent and the natural warmth he gives off.
LOL Lauren Daigle does not have a different sound…she sounds like every white female singer/songwriter out there with a raspy voice, but less soul and personality than Amy or Elle King.
Unique & original??? But she sounds like…
So shes not that unique, or is she a “copycat of Daigle?”
If Iam didnt win, then Colin shouldve…
Agree
wow…the ink is not even dry on his victory yet and the karens have already come out of the woodwork to bash the only person of color in the finale this year! Iam deserved it, hands down!
It wasn’t nothing about color.He was treated different than other singers.IDOL MADE ALL THE OTHER SINGERS BE ACTIVE ON STAGE AND LET HIM JUST STAND THERE, THAT WASNT FAIR.
Iam will never be more than an opening act. Happily, quite a few runner ups have surpassed the winner in previous seasons.
I totally agree with Beth!
I frankly agree with what you’re saying or insinuating.
What a joke! He didn’t even belong in the top 10. Next year American idol should get rid of the sobby backstories and let people vote on them as artists.
I totally agree!
His tears during the one song sealed the deal.
Boo
Absolutely
Ok Tom the clear favorite from the audition rounds and every week didn’t deserve the top 10? Go check out the YouTube counts, nobody else is close.
You’re talking about Iam? Yew, he sounds like any average male singer. Megan deserved the win. She is original and unique. She really knows technique. Her ability to sing far outweighs Iam. They voted for him because they felt sorry for him.
We get it. You liked Megan.
I wouldn’t buy an Iam record nor was I particularly impressed with his voice but, while I think that Megan had the best voice in the top 3, she’s hardly original or unique. She sounds like many, already established female country artists.
Calling it a pity vote is petty.
I totally think Megan should have won. Katy Perry sealed his win saying he was the next American Idol in one of the final shows. I love Katy Perry but she should have not said that, it totally gave the viewers the idea thats who they wanted to win. But Megan will go far and so will most of the top 5
All of the top 12 contestants were amazing. And I do like Iam but I think all the stories of thier past should really not be used in American Idol. Maybe just some of the past never dwell on just that tho.
No he didn’t. Megan deserved the win. She is original and unique. Iam sounds like any average male singer. Did not deserve the win at all.
I agree that they should stop the backstories and concentrate on voice and performance. People don’t go to concerts to see someone standing still and singing. A wonderful voice is not enough, I my humble opinion.
I totally agree with Tom white.
Wow a white person didn’t win American Idol…👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Really… stop with the racism talk
In no way is stating the fact that a white person did not win Idol racist…
Just three short years ago, Just Sam won American Idol. Your racially-tinged remark is not only inappropriate, but also very wrong.
It’s also a proven fact that black artists who win American Idol don’t get anywhere near the same success or financial backing. You want to talk about Just Sam winning? She is broke and works at Starbucks now, back to busking on the subway. That’s how much American Idol did for her.
Winning American Idol has meant nothing for a very long time. They gave up on looking for commercial artists and now go for sob stories, relatability and corny music. I don’t think racism is at play here. I don’t think the last White winner of Idol has had any success in the music business either.
Not a good example, unsure what her issue was but she broke off her recording deal from her side. I think she wasn’t happy with how they were producing her music and in the end they cooperated and gave her the rights to her music back. It is unfortunate that they won’t promote her now, putting money interests over Idol as a brand that supports artists. I think that would be the same for anyone though. Not sure if I’m 100% accurate on this so please correct with any better info.
Sam didn’t want to cooperate with the record label (Hollywood Records I think) and so backed out of the deal. Said she’s broke because of that. She didn’t seem invested in the win anyway. It is a lot less of a thing now…back in the good old Idol days the top 10 or 12 would go on tour and thousands would see them and they’d stay in the news and they would build a career…now if any of them are successful how do you know?
I really enjoyed this season of Idol more than recent years. The talent was tremendous this time around. I knew Iam would win! He stole our hearts from the start! I see big careers for most of the top 12!
I was so disappointed that We Ani got eliminated. She was totally amazing!!!!
You are so right. She was the best singer of the bunch.
We Ani should have won it all! Iam is a joke!
America voted for the winner. That’s how the show works. Not like it’s a surprise to anyone. Congrats to the winner. And all of the contestants. What a great season. Remember that the contestants are winners. The show is a platform for all to show their talents. It’s just a start for all the talented contestants.
🎻
What Kaleo said!!
Im not entirely trusting that results are based on the votes of the people as they say. Don’t believe everything you’re told or read – many like myself have questioned this over the years and will continue to wonder??
We Ani was definitely, by far, the best singer in the competition this year. & for her to not make the finals shoes again just how bad the voting was (again) by America.
Ron T. I completely agree with you. She was by far THE best singer and performer on that stage. However, people need to vote. I loved her and Danielle and I didn’t vote at all. The process is cumbersome and ridiculous.
No vote no grumble.
In my mind, We Ani is the true winner! Hope she goes on to have a really successful career! She killed it every week! I was shocked when she didn’t make it through to the next round. But who knows, maybe she’s happy about it because now she’s not locked in to the AI contract.
I never thought about the contract issue.
I agree We Ani was a great singer. Way better than all of them except Megan. We is a better singer than Megan but Megan’s delivery and her humbleness and story just really touch me. Megan would do better also not being locked into a contract. Thanks for sharing that. It’s a great point.
Voting was “bad”??? C’mon, it’s a popularity contest. People vote for who they like, regardless of talent. Just enjoy the show and the entertainment. This finale was spectacular.
Being from Hawaii, i agree We Ani had the best voice and everybody knows shes the next Jennifer Hudson but this is Amercan IDOL, which according to Webster Dictionary defines idol as…….you want the best singer, go watch the Voice
What a great season of American Idol !
What a Marvelous Young Man won it All.
Can he do soaring measures of music? No he can’t.
Through the simplicity and natural authentic talent, his Music grabbed my heart, and to this minute, I’m still listening to what my heart is telling me.
Family, Love, Courage to overcome any challenge we face!
With all of the superstars on stage – including past Idols – i thought Carrie Underwood was conspicuously absent.
She is currently on tour, so no.
I was just glad it wasn’t another country artist but We Ani’ should have been in the finale instead of Danielle as she was the best female vocalist in the competition. But hopefully she will follow the path of other non-Idol winners Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry and of course, Jennifer Hudson.
We was the best but then Megan. You seriously can’t say Iam was better than Megan. He is just another average male singer.
Agree
One of the least interesting Idol finales ever! Iam is a nice guy, but definitely didn’t deserve to win. Tyson was great tonight. Would have preferred him in the finale. But the finale I was really hoping to see was We Ani and Kaeyra! Now that would have been an awesome powerhouse of a finale. We sounded great tonight like she has all season! She deserved to win!! I really like Colin, but his song choices tonight just didn’t work. But I think he’ll do well in the country music industry. He has a good sound and once he gets more comfortable, he’ll have a good stage presence. Plus he has a good look. I think Megan will do well in the Christian music industry if that’s what she wants to pursue. Seems to suit her. But Iam, I get it that he tugged at peoples’ heartstrings, but I just don’t see him making it in the music industry. And when past Idols like Ruben and Clay outsing and perform the current group, that’s pretty bad. And James Blunt and Keith Urban sounded great, too. Keith is always a great performer! Well, I guess congrats to Iam. Enjoy the moment while he can. Can’t wait to see what the others do, though. That’s the real talent!
I love Iam. Great voice, great performances great story, great guy. However, he is limited in his overall vocal range, his style of music and what he can do. I’m happy for him but Danielle should have one. Although it doesn’t matter, she will go on to have a great career and not be limited by the ties that bind her with American Idol. Again, I’m happy for Iam and I truly believe he needed this win.
Vote for the Worst finally achieved their goal.
Just what I’ve been saying for weeks. I cannot imagine that Iam’s album with the record label is going to fly. When will we see him again? Probably on Idol 2024? Was just a letdown for me with so many really good singers they put through this season.
Congratulations to the winner 👏
Now every contestant should do what they can after their exposure from the show.
All the best guys!
I voted for Iam. I think it was well deserved, but his response to what he’s going to do after, “maybe” should have been, “go home AND make music.” Instead he said, “go home.” I understand “home, ” but is he ready for touring and make music? Megan’s response was “make music.”
The country boy did not win this SOCK. But you had to know in the last few weeks who would win. Katy even said it. Congrats Iam!!
Joe could you, or someone else out there please explain the meaning of SOCK here? Web searches for acronyms in context are giving me nothing relevant.
Megan should have won. Iam is a good singer but Megan is different. She is original. Iam is a dime a dozen. He sounds like every other average male singer. Megan has a unique sound like Lauren Daigle. I think people just felt sorry for Iam. Megan would have a more solid career than Iam. Rubin Studdard looked like Iam and his career didn’t take off. Sad weight plays a part but I guess look at Lizzo. I hate looking at Lizzo by the way.🤮🤮🤮 Megan should have won hands down.
I was actually going to seriously respond to some of your points, but seeing that you’re just some fat shaming bigot I now know that there’s no point.
Megan is boring, boring, boring…nothing unique or original about her.
My 2cents. American Idol made a dream come true not just for an individual. Iam made history in this line of Entertainment for a Community, a Culture, and his family. Congratulations to Iam and ALL other contestants.
Best season yet of American Idol packed with talent! Wei Ani should have made it to the end. Iam Tongi won hearts of many but not necessarily strictlydue to talent. Megan Danielle’s unique voice earned her going to the end. As for this season’s finale the best ever in my opinion given the guest stars and song selections- fantastic! Looking forward to next season!
Christ, some of these comments really are disturbing. Iam Tongi is a sweet kid who sings beautifully. I’m glad he won and to denegrate him because someone else you prefer didn’t win a reality show is sad.
Oh, were we watching American Sweet Kid Who Sings Beautifullly? I thought we were watching American IDOL.
Precisely. Megan was inferior to We, Nailyah and Kaeyra as far as range, vocal ability and stage presence, Warren was worlds better than Colin, and Iam had no business making it out of the top 10. Seriously, can you picture any of the top 3 headlining a show at a major music venue?
Are idols not those with talent, who are also likeable?? I don’t get this comment.
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Wow. What a terrible thing to say. You must not have been loved as a kid. Probably raised in bad family upbringing. You know nothing about the person. He could have a medical problem you don’t know about. I hope you think next time before saying disrespectful things to others. Shame on you. I hope God forgives you for your ignorance.
There are those that feel Iam shouldn’t have won. To those individuals, saying “it was his sob story”, you didn’t pay attention to other contestants sharing their hardships. So, if Iam’s winning the hearts has to be explained to you, obviously you wouldn’t understand why he won. Maybe you have some biases that are blinding you.
I am happy with who won, but also see why others aren’t. We watch because we are invested in certain singers who we hope will win. If they don’t, then being disappointed is inevitable, but being overall annoyed isn’t worth it imo.
Those who don’t win still received various degrees of exposure and still potentially have good to great opportunities ahead, They receive less money up front, but also sometimes have less restrictions too, which isn’t a bad thing. None of you are oblivious to the fact that those who don’t win sometimes find greater success than those who do. Hopefully Iam AND others have nice careers ahead. He won, others didn’t. Life goes on. Now hope for the best for them!
Food for thought.
Ditto!
I told my wife when Iam auditioned, he was going to win it all, she looked and me and said you maybe right. Through out the season, I second guessed myself a few times due to the amount of great singers this year. As we got to the top 10 I could not believe the talent this year, but Iam had such stage presence and his smile along with his voice had me sold he was going to take it all. By the sound of the audience every time he sang, they told me I was right. This young man has it all.
With that being said, I believe ALL the top 10 singers should be signing a label deal soon!! One of the best years in a long time talent wise.
Everyone was good but in my opinion Collin was always the best and for some reason seemed way off. He knew he wasn’t winning and couldn’t act fake so he didn’t try as much. It’s obvious that it was rigged!
I don’t think Colin wanted the win and what goes with it…maybe Luke told him not to worry…you’ll be with me!!! In the scheme of things, it doesn’t matter all that much anymore…the show doesn’t seem to be producing Kellys, Carries, Adams any longer. Those who we watched today might become the Masked Singer of 2024 as David Archuleta was just recently. I do keep waiting for Gabbi to be our next big country star but I guess her time is not now.
We Ani was an idiot. Posting on her IG that Idol was trying to kill her, sealed the deal for me. I wanted her gone. Making such an idiotic statement, totally classless. She will be fine. She has tons of music on itunes already.