'American Idol' Finale Controversial Moments After Iam Tongi Is Crowned Season 21 Winner

After three hours of tearful tributes and heated debates, Iam Tongi emerged victor of "American Idol "2023.

Throughout the emotionally charged finale, Iam and Megan Danielle honored family members who had passed away and embraced them at the end.

However, reactions from viewers were mixed- some people thought that Megan deserved to win instead.

The words "worst winner ever" provoked one viewer.

Yet another was beaming with congratulations for Iam Tongi: "'American Idol' got it right. Congratulations Iam Tongi."

A fan suggested a bleak outlook: "A couple years and he will only be a memory. Others from this season will have long successful careers."

It's not just the winner of this season that's been controversial on social media.

Here are other controversial moments during the "American Idol" season finale.

Katy Perry's Outfit

Katy Perry took the stage for the "American Idol" finale in an outfit that left viewers scratching their heads.

Her skimpy ensemble was far from modest and led to criticism from fans who felt it resembled a swimsuit.

Dazzling in red, the "I Kissed A Girl" singer stepped onto to stage with Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, wearing an eye-catching ensemble that left little to be desired.

Her dress had cutouts along her collarbone and chest, giving it a unique flair. It also featured a sheer skirt for added glamour.

She made a statement with her outfit and wore a stunning bottom portion of her dress. This featured an underwear-style red piece and an elegant skirt made entirely from sheer fabric with sparkling rhinestones.

Completing this look were some sultry high-heeled boots, adding to their eye-catching appeal.

Reactions to Katy's dress weren't all positive, as evidenced by comments on Twitter.

A single user posted: "That dress is not flattering on Katy Perry!"

'Has-Been' Stars

Watchers of the show on Sunday night had much to say regarding the finale, which featured a lineup of early Noughties singers.

Among them were hip hop group TLC vocalist Jazmine Sullivan, Pitbull, and former "American Idol" participants Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, who all performed on Sunday night.

The three-hour finale was met with both praise and criticism from its fans.

Some took to social media to express dissatisfaction, particularly about the "has-been" acts that filled it up.

One commented that it was something straight out of 2005; another lamented they were only there for "filler material."

A third observer asked: "Who are all these has-beens tonight? The show would have been much better without them".

"Is it already Hour 6?" one asked in disbelief.

The other quickly chimed in, complaining: "It feels like this finale has gone on forever! I gave up after the initial hour - such a bore!"

Pitbull Lipsync

Kicking off the live finale of the Season 21 of "American Idol" was a powerful performance from Pitbull and his song "Jumpin."

Donned in all-white attire, the rapper was accompanied by twelve of the Top singers while backup dancers clad in white supported him.

When Pitbull took the stage, viewers quickly took to Twitter and shared their thoughts.

One fan stumped by the performance said, "Why is Pitbull on this show? He hasn't had a hit in like ten years."

Another characterized it as "Noise," while another asked, "Lipsync much?

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American Idol