Iam Tongi has just been announced as the winner of American Idol Season 21. According to E! News, Tongi surpassed his fellow contestants Colin Stough and Megan Danielle during the three-hour finale of the singing competition.
Along with the sensational finalists performing, so did their highly acclaimed judges. Judge performances included that of Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry. Other performances included those of Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, previous winners of American Idol. There were more guest performers that took the lineup to end the twenty-first season of American Idol off with a bang, including TLC, Lainey Wilson, Pitbull, Lauren Daigle, Kylie Minogue, Jazmine Sullivan, REO Speedwagon’s very own Kevin Cronin, Jelly Roll, James Blunt, and last but not least Ellie Goulding.
Keith Urban, a former American Idol host, also graced the stage to give a stellar surprise performance which served as a coach to the three finalists this season. His love for all the contestants this season has been apparent, “The top 12 are ridiculous, the top 20 was ridiculous, every one of them can be a number one artists, without a doubt.” Urban weighed in on his decision to coach and not judge this season, saying, “Everyone has a different twist on their talent, so at this point, I’m so happy we’re not voting as the judges.” He also commented on how proud he was of the finalists and overall the contestants from this season, “Their voices, their attitude…look how much they’ve grown, from those little shy kids you saw at the auditions to now…oh!”
The season finale of American Idol was released on Friday, May 21. The finale was followed by the news that American Idol will be renewed for a next season. This new season will mark American Idol‘s 11th season running and its seventh year with the network ABC.