Update: After a tense three-hour finale, Iam Tongi has been crowned the newest American Idol. Tongi, age 18, was crowned the winner on Sunday's season finale of the singing competition series following a stunning performance of his original composition "I'll Be Seeing You." He competed against Megan Danielle and Colin Stough, who, respectively, placed second and third.
"American Idol" is concluding its landmark 21st season with an epic grand finale.
America has chosen Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle, and Colin Stough as the top three contestants for season 21, and the finale on May 21 will determine the victor.
Prior to the results, the top three contestants took the stage with celebrity visitors.
Pitbull and Lil Jon begin the finale with an electric and impassioned performance of "Jumpin," followed by the top 12 American Idol contestants performing "Give Me Everything." The top 12 have a great time on stage, energizing the audience for the remainder of the program.
Keith Urban, a former judge on "American Idol," has returned to mentor the final three contestants. During the finale, the Christian singer performs "God Whispered Your Name" by Keith Urban.
Luke says that he has not heard Megan make "one bad vocal decision this season," and that it has been "inspiring to watch her grow."
Iam then performs a breathtaking rendition of Keith's "Making Memories of Us," a song that meant a great deal to his parents.
Lionel gushes over Iam's development into an exceptional storyteller. Lionel tells Iam, "Your excellent delivery is what will make your career shine for all time."
Colin sings a beautiful rendition of Keith's song "Stupid Boy."
Luke must emphasize how drastically Colin has changed since his audition."You've come so far," he proclaims. Katy describes Colin's performance as "so sweet" and believes he will be a force to be reckoned with in the real world.
Megan delivers a flawless rendition of Journey's "Faithfully" during her second performance. Katy notes that the performance's conclusion was "phenomenal."
Katy remembers Iam stating to the judges that he had been "priced out of paradise." She believes that will not be the case for much longer. "Welcome to paradise, my friend," she exclaims.
Colin returns to the stage for an outstanding performance of "Either Way" by Chris Stapleton.Luke makes a profound confession to Colin following this performance. "You are so much better than I originally thought you were," he says.
Lucy Love takes the stage with TLC to perform their megahit "No Scrubs" prior to the announcement of third place. Zachariah Smith returns to the Idol stage to perform REO Speedwagon's "Take It On The Run." Colin, Megan, and Iam take the stage together to announce the first results of the evening.
Only Colin and Megan remain. Megan finishes in second place, which eliminates Colin from contention. Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson perform their popular single "Save Me."
He is joined by Oliver Steele for a special performance. Kylie Minogue sings "Padam Padam" prior to her collaboration with Nutsa. Lionel performs "Sail On" by the Commodores on the piano, with the top 12 contestants joining him for a portion of the song.
With his rendition of "Wild Hearts," Keith brings the joy. Iam and James Blunt's performance of "Monsters" is the most emotionally charged moment of the finale. During the performance, Iam begins to weep and must pause to compose himself. Katy weeps uncontrollably.
Iam concludes his performance with James, a touching homage to his father. Ellie Goulding sings with Tyson Venegas, Lauren Daigle sings with Megan, Luke sings with Colin, Jazmine Sullivan and Wé Ani., Lainey sings with Marybeth Byrd and Warren Peay, Katy sings with Haven Madison, and American Idol season 2 alumni Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken also perform. Prior to the final results being disclosed, Megan and Iam perform their original songs "Dream Girl" and "I'll Be Seeing You."
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