American Idol 2019 Recap: Grand Finale Highlights and Winner!
The American Idol 2019 Grand Finale kicked off with judge Lionel Richie and the Idol Top 10 energizing the crowd with Richie's hit song "Dancing on the Ceiling," followed by the Top 3: Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg each performing two songs, while America voted live coast-to-coast. Next up, former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood performed her new hit single "Southbound," before host Ryan Seacrest announced the contestant in third place. The show continued with special performances from music superstars, including judges Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, as well as Kool & The Gang, Adam Lambert and more. Plus, fan-favorite contestants from the season, including Shayy and Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon performed, before the new American Idol was crowned! You can watch all of Episode 19: Grand Finale online on ABC.com or in the ABC app, but here are some highlights you won't want to miss!
Laine Hardy is the Next American Idol!
Watch the moment "The Bayou Boy" Laine Hardy was crowned this season's American Idol!
Shayy Performs With Andra Day
Shayy returned to perform her powerful audition song, "Rise Up" with Andra Day, bringing tears to Lionel Richie's eyes.
Katy Perry Look-a-Likes!
Katy Perry's amazing worm moment during auditions was honored with a performance of "This Is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan himself, flanked by Katy look-a-likes!
Audition for the Next Season of American Idol!
Madison VanDenburg Wows With "Shallow"
The finalist stuns the judges with her first performance of the evening, Lady Gaga's Oscar-winning song, "Shallow."
Power Duo Adam Lambert and Dimitrius Graham
Dimitrius Graham returned to the American Idol stage to perform with one of the season's guest-mentors, Adam Lambert for a duet version of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody."
Another Amazing Alejandro Aranda Original
Homie boldly performed all original songs during the American Idol Grand Finale, including "Tonight" on the piano.
Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon Duet With Katy Perry
Top 10 contestant Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon also returned to the American Idol stage, joined by Katy Perry to perform her hit song "Unconditionally."
Winner Laine Hardy Debuted His New Song
After being crowned the next American Idol, Laine performed his new song "Flame" surrounded by Idol's Top 10 contestants.
Kool & The Gang Medley!
Kool & The Gang performed a medley of "Hollywood Swinging," "Ladies Night" and "Celebrate" with members of the Top 10, including Uché, Alyssa Raghu, Wade Cota, Walker Burroughs, Laci Kaye Booth and more!
Watch the full Grand Finale episode here!
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