American Idol 2018 Finale & Season Highlights
The American Idol 2018 journey has come to an end and American Idol 2018 winner Maddie Poppe has been chosen by you, America, to be the newest American Idol. It's been a remarkable season as American Idol began its journey on ABC with judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan traveling across the country to see auditions from some of the most talented amateur singers in the country. Then, those who earned themselves a coveted Golden Ticket made their way to Hollywood, California and the rigors of the dreaded Hollywood Week. After several rounds of competition there, we had a Top 14 and moved on to live performances and America's Vote along with the judges to determine the American Idol 2018 Top 10. From there, America took the wheel leading us to the American Idol 2018 finale and crowning Maddie Poppe.
There were a ton of memorable moments and highlights from throughout the season, and you can watch free episodes of American Idol online here at ABC.com or in the ABC app, but here are seven season highlights you absolutely can't miss!
Noah Davis' Wig-Snatching Audition
Noah Davis stood out from the pack with his audition that introduced "wig" into Luke Bryan's lexicon and showed just how much someone can want an alpaca.
RELATED: American Idol 2018 Finale Recap: Who Won?
Ada Vox Performs Radiohead's "Creep"
Ada Vox made her mark with her powerful voice, but it was this haunting, stripped back performance of Radiohead's "Creep" that may have been her best.
Gabby Barrett Performs Carrie Underwood's "Last Name"
Years ago, Carrie Underwood visited Gabby Barrett's school and performed with her, inspiring her to take her own American Idol journey. This season, Gabby got to meet with Carrie in Nashville and perform one of her songs on the American Idol stage.
RELATED: Watch night 1 of the American Idol grand finale!
LeAnn Rimes Surprises Layla and Dyxie Spring
Young Layla Spring and her even younger sister, Dyxie, auditioned for the American Idol judges by singing LeAnn Rimes' "Blue" and it was adorable. They repeated their performance during the grand finale, this time with LeAnn Rimes herself coming out to surprise them!
Maddie Poppe Sings with Kermit the Frog
American Idol 2018 winner Maddie Poppe set herself apart in her audition by performing "Rainbow Connection," and that came full circle in the grand finale when she got to perform it again, this time with Kermit the Frog himself.
RELATED: Watch night 2 of the American Idol grand finale!
Katy Perry and Catie Turner's Duet
During the competition, judge Katy Perry told Catie Turner she wanted to sing with her and they made that happen during the grand finale as the two sang a beautiful duet performance of Katy's song "Part of Me."
Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Maddie Poppe's Duet
Minutes before Maddie was announced as the American Idol 2018 winner, Top 2 contestants Maddie and Caleb Lee Hutchinson got ready to perform a beautiful duet. But first, they dropped the bombshell that they're actually a couple, shocking the judges and the audience.
While the American Idol journey may be over for now, yours could be just beginning! Head over to the auditions page and take your first steps on your own American Idol journey!