The finale sees Top 3 of season 22, Abi Carter, Jack Blocker and Will Moseley, showing off their skills for the last time on the stage in hopes of earning America's vote.
- May 20, 2024
AceShowbiz - "American Idol" announced its season 22 winner on Sunday, May 19. The finale saw Abi Carter, Jack Blocker and Will Moseley showing off their skills for the last time on the "American Idol" stage in hopes of earning America's vote. Music legend Jon Bon Jovi mentored them for the big night.
Before the Top 3 hit the stage to sing individually, they joined forces to sing "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi. Jon later took the stage to join the three in a performance of "Legendary".
The first contestant to perform individually was Will, who opted for Bon Jovi's classic "It's My Life". Lionel Richie loved the performance as he screamed, "Way to go! Let it go and enjoy yourself." Luke Bryan added that it's fun to watch Will and was surprised to see Will forgoing his guitar.
Jack, meanwhile, chose "I'll Be There for You" for his Bon Jovi tribute. Judge Katy Perry noted that it's "surreal" to see Jack in the Top 3 as he barely survived his audition. Lionel Richie, meanwhile, said that he could always see the potential in Jack.
Following it up, Abi took the stage to sing a beautiful rendition of "Bed of Roses". After her performance, the audience continued to cheer for Abi that the judges had to wait before they could comment on it. Katy said, "The room may be cheering, but if you're not voting from home it doesn't mean anything, so you better vote." Billie Eilish also sent happy birthday wishes for Abi, telling her, "I'm here to support you forever."
For the second round, the Top 3 sang songs which they dedicated to their own hometowns. Will picked "My Town" by Montgomery Gentry for his hometown of Hazlehurst, Georgia. Lionel thought Will could make that song his staple, while Katy said that Will always keeps the American dream alive with his performances.
Up Next, Jack belted out "All My Ex's Live in Texas" by George Strait to his hometown of Dallas, Texas. Katy dubbed his performance "footloose and fancy free." As for Luke, he shared that it might be his favorite performance. Lionel pointed out that Jack's career is about to take off.
Concluding the first hour of this finale was Abi's dedication of "Somewhere" from "West Side Story" to her hometown of Indio, California. Lionel dubbed it a "show-stopping moment." On the other hand, Katy called Abi's performance "magic."
Julia Gagnon and Jason Mraz opened the second hour with a performance on Jason's "I Feel Like Dancing". Later, Jayna Elise joined Seal for his classic "Crazy". Ryan then announced the contestant who finished in third place was Jack.
James Bay hit the "American Idol" stage with his hit "Let it Go" alongside season 22 contestants McKenna Faith Breinholt and Kaibrienne. Luke also performed his single "Love You, Miss You, Mean It" before Mia Matthews joined him for a tribute to George Strait with "Run".
As for Lionel, he sang "Running with the Night" with the entire Top 12. Country superstar Cody Johnson followed it up with a performance of "'Til You Can't". Later, Abi and Bishop Briggs offered a duet of Bishop's song "River".
More singers, including season 14 champ Nick Fradiani and some season 22 contestants joined forces for more fun performances. Emmy Russell returned to perform "Coal Miner's Daughter" and "No One Else On Earth" with country legend Wynonna Judd. Later, Roman and CeCe Winans performed "Goodness of God".
The ladies of the Top 12 later paid tribute to Katy with a medley of "Teenage Dream", "Dark Horse" and "California Gurls". Will and Abi also performed their new singles. It was later time to find out the winner of season 22. Host Ryan Seacrest named Abi as the winner!
