Current:Home > reviewsIam Tongi Wins American Idol Season 21 -SecureWealth Bridge
Iam Tongi Wins American Idol Season 21
View
Date:2025-04-17 04:59:59
Dim the lights, we have a new American Idol winner.
Following a three-hour season finale on May 21, host Ryan Seacrest announced Iam Tongi as the champion of the competition series, beating out Megan Danielle, as well as Colin Stough, who was eliminated earlier in the night.
(Megan, Colin and Iam were previously announced as the final three contestants during May 14's "Disney Night" episode.)
Prior to crowning the new winner, Megan, Colin and Iam all took the stage one last time to perform.
The season finale also included star-studded performances from judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, along with former American Idol stars Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard.
Ellie Goulding, James Blunt, Jazmine Sullivan, Jelly Roll, Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon, Kylie Minogue, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Daigle, Pitbull and TLC also took the stage during the finale, along with former Idol judge Keith Urban, who also mentored the three finalists.
In late April, Lionel couldn't help but gush over the talented artists he met this season.
"The top 12 are ridiculous, the top 20 was ridiculous," he told E! News. "Every one of them can be a number one artists, without a doubt."
Why? For the Grammy winner, it's all about style. "Everyone has a different twist on their talent," he said. "So at this point, I'm so happy we're not voting as the judges." (Like in past seasons, the public took over voting halfway through the competition.)
"Their voices, their attitude...look how much they've grown," he said of this season's contestants. "From those little shy kids you saw at the auditions to now...oh!"
The May 21 finale came just days after it was announced that Idol had been renewed for another season, which will be its seventh on ABC and 22 season overall. (The series previously aired on Fox before moving to ABC in 2017.)
Get the drama behind the scenes. Sign up for TV Scoop!veryGood! (523)
Related
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- USDA: More than 4,600 pounds of egg products recalled in 9 states for health concerns
- Flavor Flav teams up with Red Lobster to create signature meal: See the items featured
- FDA approves new Alzheimer's treatment, donanemab from Eli Lilly
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Gracie Abrams Reveals Travis Kelce’s Fearless Words Before Appearing on Stage With Taylor Swift
- Bronny James says he can handle ‘amplified’ pressure of playing for Lakers with his famous father
- Appeals court rejects Broadway producer’s antitrust claim against actors’ and stage managers’ union
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- You Know You Love Blake Lively's Reaction to Ryan Reynolds Thirst Trap
Ranking
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- A bridge near a Minnesota dam may collapse. Officials say they can do little to stop it
- 'What you're doing is wrong': Grand jury blamed Epstein's teen victim, transcript shows
- US deports 116 Chinese migrants in first ‘large’ flight in 5 years
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Tempur Sealy's $4 billion purchase of Mattress Firm challenged by FTC
- The timeless fashion style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy
- Yes, petroleum jelly has many proven benefits. Here's what it's for.
Recommendation
$73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
Powell says Fed waiting on rate cuts for more evidence inflation is easing
Indianapolis officers fire at armed man, say it’s unclear if he was wounded by officers or shot self
French election first-round results show gains for far-right, drawing warnings ahead of decisive second-round
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
The UK will hold its first election in almost 5 years. Here’s what to know
Ex-astronaut who died in Washington plane crash was doing a flyby near a friend’s home, NTSB says
Average rate on a 30-year mortgage climbs for the first time since late May to just under 7%