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American Idol season 21 finalist Colin Stough has won Live with Kelly and Mark's American Idol Encore contest. During the finale, Colin placed third behind runner-up Megan Danielle and winner Iam Tongi. The American Idol Encore allows fans to vote for one of their favorite finalists (not including the winner and runner-up), to perform on Live With Kelly and Mark. Past winners include Cade Foehner (season 16), Madison Vandenburg (season 17), Julia Gargano (season 18), Grace Kinstler (season 19), and Fritz Hager (season 20).

On the May 24 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos announced that the winner of the American Idol Encore contest is Colin (shared via YouTube). Kelly built suspense leading up to the reveal, exclaiming, "That's right, the results are in. After a nationwide poll, the fans have spoken."

Colin competed against five of his fellow American Idol season 21 Top 8 finalists for America's votes, including Oliver Steele, Warren Peay,...

Could an upset be brewing on Season 21 of “American Idol”? All year fans have been forecasting Iam Tongi would take home the top prize, but he may not be the sure bet we’ve assumed. This season closely resembles a similar lineup up finalists from Season 17 when 18-year old country crooner Laine Hardy took down fan favorite Alejandro Aranda, who, like Iam, had become a viral sensation since his first audition.

This time around it’s 18-year old Mississippi native Colin Stough who has progressively grown his fanbase each week, delivering honky-tonk renditions of some of music’s most popular tunes. Like Laine, he was barely a blip on viewers’ radar in early rounds, but as judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie have pointed out, his star continues to rise.

See Colin vs. Iam vs. Megan: Who do You want to win ‘American Idol’ Season 21? [Poll]

Megan Danielle is this season’s third finalist,...

Season 18 of “American Idol” has finally entered the live shows, which is where the power shifts from judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to viewers at home. Based on America’s votes, the Top 20 were pared down to the Top 11 on Sunday night, which means we’re getting even closer to finding out who will join the winners list that includes superstars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Laine Hardy. Who do You think it will be? Hurry and make your predictions in Gold Derby’s predictions center. It’s fun and easy — start right now!

Each week the eligible user with the highest prediction accuracy will win a $100 Amazon gift card, eternal bragging rights and a spot on our “American Idol” leaderboard. (See our contest rules.) It’s free to register for an account via email, Facebook, Google or Twitter, so what are you waiting for?

See...

“American Idol” winner Laine Hardy reunited with Ryan Seacrest on April 15, albeit remotely. The season 17 champ debuted his new song, “Ground I Grew Up On,” on “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” He performed this toe-tapping number from his home in Livingston, La. He played guitar and his boyhood pal, Trent Thibodaux, accompanied him.

Laine revealed that he wrote this single based on his memories of growing up in the country, being barefoot and climbing trees. “This song has a good meaning behind it. It’s a really heartfelt song for home.” While this performance was hindered by technical difficulties, you can see a professionally produced video during this Sunday’s “American Idol.”

See ‘American Idol’ Winners: Where Are They Now (Seasons 1 – 16)?

Hardy is hoping to tour this summer, with some solo gigs and others as the opening act for either Toby Keith

or Randy Houser and Sara Evans. He is...

Over the past two decades thousands of people have auditioned to be the next “American Idol,” but only 17 have won. (Season 18 premieres this Sunday on ABC.) While some winners came and went from our collective memories, these 10 champions will always stick in our minds. Tour our “American Idol” photo gallery above highlighting the Top 10 winners we love the most, ranked from worst to best. Does your #1 pick match ours?

SEE2020 ‘American Idol’: Everything you need to know about season 3 on ABC – start date, judges, format changes

The original “American Idol” winner is of course Kelly Clarkson. She prevailed over runner-up Justin Guarini on September 4, 2002 during the show’s raw first season. Throughout her time on the reality TV show, Kelly heard nothing but praises from judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Early on many considered Kelly and Tamyra Gray to be the favorites to win, but when...

“Party with the Hardy!” exclaims Gold Derby senior editor Marcus James Dixon, announcing that Laine Hardy had been crowned the Season 17 “American Idol” winner. “We all kind of thought that Laine would win,” Dixon continues, “but still a part of me wondered, ‘Is Alejandro Aranda gonna pull this off?'” Dixon is joined by fellow senior editor Susan Wloszczyna and Gold Derby contributor Denton Davidson to discuss Laine’s victory, whether they think judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie wanted Alejandro to win, Madison VanDenburg‘s nerves and the greatest performances of the finale. Watch the video above to hear their full thoughts.

“I had Laine winning,” Davidson responds. “But as the show went on, I started to really think Alejandro was going to win. It just seemed like the momentum was going in his favor and the crowd was on his side. By the end, I thought there could be an upset.

One day after being named the runner-up of “American Idol” Season 17, Alejandro Aranda has announced the schedule for his nationwide tour. The tour will begin in Washington, DC on July 8 and then continue on to New York, Massachusetts, Illinois and California. Alejandro’s final show will take place — where else? — in his hometown of Pomona, CA on July 17. See the full schedule below. Following his announcement, “American Idol” judge Katy Perry, aka Alejandro’s #1 fan, commented on Instagram, “Let me be a roadie pls.”

SEEEven though he lost ‘American Idol,’ Alejandro Aranda just changed the game. Forever.

Unknown at this point is whether any of Alejandro’s “American Idol” competitors will join him on the tour, including winner Laine Hardy or third-place finisher Madison Vandenburg. However, we have a feeling that Top 10 finalist Walker Burroughs will be in attendance at one of Alejandro’s shows since he commented on Instagram...

In one of his first interviews since winning “American Idol” Season 17, country singer Laine Hardy just told Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest that he can’t wait to “get started working on music.” Laine took the red eye from Los Angeles to New York City in order to appear on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” in the wee hours of Monday morning. “I slept like three hours on the way here,” the 18-year-old mumbled to the morning hosts while donning his flowered suit jacket. Watch the interview above, which also includes Laine’s performance of his original song “Flame.”

SEEEven though he lost ‘American Idol,’ Alejandro Aranda just changed the game. Forever.

When Kelly asked Laine what’s next for him, he responded, “I’m gonna go see my family at home” in Livingston, Louisiana. As for whether his victory over musician Alejandro Aranda and pop singer Madison VanDenburg has sunk in yet,...

You (probably) haven't seen the last of them—the American Idol judges—yet. Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie closed out their second season of American Idol on ABC—Laine Hardy was crowned the winner—but the trio have yet to officially sign on for a third season of the revived singing competition. "I hope not," Perry said when asked if this was their last hurrah. "This is way too much fun!" "If you think I'm going to miss this now that I've figured out what medication to take to get through it," Richie laughed. Click play on the video above to hear more from the judges. Hardy took the Idol title over Madison VanDenburg and...

Face it. Laine Hardy, the newly crowned winner of the 17th season of “American Idol,” was and is the full package. Young, handsome and talented. Yes, runner-up Alejandro Aranda, 24, is a much more accomplished and original artist and third-place finisher Madison VanDenburg, 17, has a set of pitch-perfect magical pipes (although I do wish the wardrobe handlers had dressed her less like a Vegas opening act and more like a teen).

But Louisiana boy Laine, 18, had one advantage that only Florida native Alyssa Ragu, 17, shared this season. They both tried out the previous year and were cut in the early rounds. That made them hungry and both used the time to improve before trying out again. However, Alyssa — a fave of judge Katy Perry who made it to the Top 8 — focused on polishing her performing skills as she took dance and singing lessons.

See‘American Idol’ recap: Who wins Season 17 — Laine,...

Laine Hardy, an 18-year-old Louisiana native with a warm, raspy voice, was named the Season 17 winner of American Idol. The singer bested Alejandro Aranda in Sunday night’s finale, an all-star affair that featured more than a few country-music cameos.

Chief among them was Jon Pardi, who participated in a duet with the night’s eventual winner. The California country singer joined Hardy for a medley of two Pardi hits, “Dirt on My Boots” and “Night Shift,” with both artists trading lines on the Idol stage in front of a farm backdrop.

Laine Hardy won “American Idol” on Sunday and performed his new song, “Flame,” right after Ryan Seacrest announced he was the season 17 champion. We asked viewers to grade this winner’s single and a whopping 79% gave “Flame” an “A” or “B.” That is good news for this 18-year-old charmer from Livingston, Louisiana.

Laine is hoping to avoid the curse that has struck down the recent winners of “Idol.” Indeed the 2018 champ, Maddie Poppe, wasn’t even given a chance to sing on this year’s finale, breaking a long-standing tradition of the show.

In the video above, watch Laine perform the winner’s single, “Flame,” for the first time. That was just moments after it was revealed he had pulled off an upset victory over Alejandro Aranda. In another break with tradition, he did not sing the song while voting was still going on.

See ‘American Idol’: Did Laine...

On the “American Idol” finale on Sunday, Laine Hardy pulled off an upset over Alejandro Aranda, who had been the frontrunner all season long. In our overnight poll, almost half of viewers (48%) weighing in wanted Alejandro to win and think that he was robbed of the season 17 title. Indeed, he got more votes than Laine, who has 41% of the total tally as of this writing. The third place finisher, Madison VanDenburg, merited 11%.

What do you think? Did Laine deserve to win? Or did you want Alejandro to take the title. Even though he lost on May 19, this singer/songwriter could end up the big winner. His talents were showcased in the finale as he got the chance to sing four of his original songs, including “Out Loud.” He had first performed that tune at his audition in early March, which went viral.

If you haven’t cast your ballot yet,...

Katy Perry doing the worm was Ryan Seacrest‘s “most meme-able moment” from “American Idol” Season 17, the host revealed during Sunday’s finale. In case you haven’t seen Katy’s viral worm moves, which took place in the March 10 audition episode, hurry and skip ahead to the 1:47 minute mark in the video above.

“Jake, you were great, and that’s why I felt the freedom to be my true self on that dance floor,” Katy told “Idol” hopeful Jake Puliti after surprising everyone by breaking out the worm during his performance of Montell Jordan‘s “This Is How We Do It.” An out-of-breath Katy exclaimed to fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, “My lower backs hurts!” That’s when Luke deadpanned, “Yeah, ’cause you just did the worm.”

SEEShe’s baaack! Singing sensation Shayy performs ‘Rise Up’ with Andra Day during ‘American Idol’ finale [Watch]

After her wild dance moves,...

We have some good news for our American Idol fans. It seems that the competitors were facing tough competition from one another. But in spite, we see that our fans were all excited to see the winner.

Laine Hardy with his fabulous voice enthralled the audience and ultimately made it to the finals. The pop singer along with contestants Madison Vandenburg and Alejandro Aranda performed in the three-hour live telecast during the season finale held on 19 May 2019.

However, Laine Hardy took over Alejandro Aranda making him the winner.?

As per the official account of American Idol, the post read, "Your Idol! @TheLaineHardy ??#AmericanIdol #IdolFinale"

Now, we wish him a Congratulations and happy future...

One of the most viral contestants of “American Idol” this season was someone who didn’t even make it to the live shows: Shayy. This 18-year-old high school student from Midlothian, Va recently lost her vision due to a brain tumor, which the doctors were only partially able to remove. Shayy’s initial audition of Andra Day‘s “Rise Up” was the most-watched audition of Season 17, which is why it was so shocking to see her eliminated in the Hawaii showcase round. The good news for “American Idol” fans is that Shayy returned during Sunday’s season finale to perform “Rise Up” with — who else? — the original singer herself. Watch the video above.

SEERate ‘American Idol’ winner Laine Hardy’s new single ‘Flame’ [Poll]

“As we traveled across the country searching for talent we heard the moving and emotional stories of contestants across the nation,” host Ryan Seacrest declared during the live episode.

Hey, "American Idol" fans. Happy Sunday! Tonight, May 19, 2019 was indeed the big night! Finale night! That's right, guys. This long season finally came to a freaking end tonight, and a winner was revealed. All Of the final three contestants: Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg performed two, new songs. They also took part in some artist collaborations. Tonight's Live finale lasted a freaking, full three hours. That's the first in its history. I guess ABC is a lot more generous with their airtime than Fox ever wanted to be. To kick off the show, Judge Lionel Richie, mentor Bobby Bones and a whole bunch of other people hit up the stage to sing, “Dancing on the Ceiling.” Eventually, the top ten Idol contestants returned to join Lionel on stage. After all of that, Laine Hardy hit the stage to sing his first song of the night, which was, "Home" by Marc Broussard.

Laine Hardy defied the odds and won season 17 of “American Idol” on Sunday, May 19 over frontrunner Alejandro Aranda and third-place finisher Madison VanDenburg. As part of his prize, Laine lands bragging rights to having the official winner’s single: “Flame.”

Unlike in previous seasons of the show, this year’s finale did not include performances by the finalists of their singles. Instead, we had to wait until after Laine was named the winner in the final minutes of the three-hour show to hear this track. And with the rest of the Top 10 crowding around him on stage, this was not the ideal setting to debut this single.

See ‘American Idol’: Did Laine Hardy deserve to win season 17 over Alejandro Aranda and Madison VanDenburg? [Poll]

Laine sang this new song just moments after Ryan Seacrest revealed that he had won. What did you think of his performance of “Flame.” Was it...

Anybody else watching anything other than American Idol tonight?  Didn't think so. This was the only thing on TV! For all three hours!  The second season of ABC's rebooted singing competition just crowned a winner, and it was Bran Stark! Or perhaps Sansa Stark! Jon Snow? Sorry. Say congrats to the 19 year-old King Laine Hardy of Louisiana, also known as Bayou Boy. The finale started with Hardy, Alejandro Aranda (a favorite since his breathtaking audition), and Madison Vandenburg, also a frontrunner all season. Vandenburg was named second runner up earlier in the finale.  Hardy's journey on American Idol began last season, when he was cut just before making it to the...

Laine Hardy won season 17 of “American Idol” over Alejandro Aranda and Madison VanDenburg on Sunday, May 19. Are you happy with this result? Did Laine deserve to win? Vote in our poll below and then sound off in our comments section with your thoughts on the second season of the ABC revival as well as your opinion of host Ryan Seacrest and judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

After Seacrest announced that Laine had won this sophomore edition of the ABC version of “American Idol,” he performed his winner’s single, “Flame.” While that country flavored track sounds like a winner, Laine was not expected to take the title.

Alejandro had been the frontrunner all season long, ever since his audition video went viral back in early March. This singer/songwriter performed an original song, “Out Loud,” back then and had all three judges singing his praises. But in the end,...

American Idol wrapped its 17th season on Sunday, delivering a three-hour extravaganza filled with live music, familiar faces and, as always, crippling disappointment.

In addition to the three remaining contestants — Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg — a number of eliminated singers also returned to perform in the finale. Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon joined forces with Katy Perry, while Laci Kaye Booth shared the stage with Luke Bryan. Dimitrius Graham also came back to sing with Adam Lambert, while Alyssa Raghu performed with Kane Brown, and Uché got his dance on with Kool & the Gang.

We even got a triple-decker of...

The “American Idol” finale airs live from coast-to-coast on May 19 beginning at 8 p.m. Et/5 p..m. Pt. Each of the Top 3 will perform three songs in the hopes of winning season 17. Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg will start off the three-hour live telecast with a number dedicated to their respective childhood hometowns. Each of them will then reprise one of their songs from a previous episode. And they will collaborate with a guest musical artist.

As with the previous four episodes of “American Idol,” this one is being broadcast live nationwide. Voting begins at the start of the broadcast on Sunday and viewers can cast votes for their favorites by three different methods: by app, online or via text. Midway through the evening, Ryan Seacrest will reveal the artist with the fewest votes who will be eliminated immediately, leaving just the Top 2 to fight it out for the championship.

Voting for the winner of “American Idol” kicks off at the start of ABC’s live coast-to-coast broadcast on Sunday, May 19. As one of the Top 3 will be eliminated midway through the three-hour live finale, it is important you know the three ways to have your say: by app, online or via text.

ABC will let you vote up to 10 times per method for each of these remaining three artists. That cap means you can cast up to 30 votes for each contestant that you want to see named as the season 17 winner of “American Idol.” And you can reallocate your votes throughout the evening as this trio of talent perform tributes to their hometowns, original tunes and duets with guest artists. All you have to do is click “save” each time that you change your choices.

See ‘American Idol’ finale spoilers: What songs are the Top 3 singing on Sunday, May...

The Top 3 contestants on “American Idol” — Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg— will sing three songs apiece on the finale on Sunday, May 19. The finalists will kick off the evening with a tune dedicated to their respective hometowns. During those numbers expect to see plenty of clips of their recent returns to their childhood homes. Each will then take to the stage to perform a solo. And they will duet with a guest musical artist.

Scroll down for spoilers of the names of the songs that your favorites will be singing on this episode, which will air live from coast to coast. This three-hour telecast begins at 5 p.m. Pt/8 p.m. Et, with voting also kicking off then.

Be sure to cast your ballot for your personal pick at the bottom of this post. And sound off on this ABC revival of “American Idol” hosted by Ryan Seacrest in the comments section.

In advance of the Top 3 taking to the stage on Sunday’s live “American Idol finale,” we asked viewers who they were backing to win season 17. Alejandro Aranda has taken almost half of the votes in our poll as of this writing and has an impressive 48% of fans supporting him. Laine Hardy is close behind with 41% of the vote. These two men lead our power rankings from best to worst. The third finalist, Madison Vandenburg, is way back with just 11% of the total tally.

Voting for the winner of season 17 of “American Idol” will begin as soon as the show starts at 8 p.m. Et/ 5 p.m. Pt on May 19. It will be paused midway through the 3-hour extravaganza that is being broadcast live nationwide. At that point, Ryan Seacrest will reveal which of the two finalists will continue on and who will see their journey end.

Which of the...

“American Idol” fans are in for a treat on Sunday, May 19 when the Top 10 contestants reunite in the Season 17 finale to sing with each other, the judges and music superstars aplenty. (See Gold Derby’s exclusive song list for the finale.) One performance we’ll all be talking about the next day will be judge Katy Perry‘s duet of her song “Unconditionally” with sixth-place finisher Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon. Jeremiah’s jaw-dropping elimination two weeks ago shook “Idol” nation to the bone, especially since Katy, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan opted not to save him. Are you excited to see the 26-year-old former church janitor back on the show? Sound off down in the comments section.

See‘American Idol’ video recap: ‘We all think someone else is going to win!’ Will it be Alejandro, Laine or Madison? [Watch]

Jeremiah found himself in the bottom two with Laci Kaye Booth during the...

Laine Hardy could well win “American Idol” on Sunday according to our poll of viewers. He has narrowed the gap with frontrunner Alejandro Aranda to just seven points (48-41). Right after the Top 3 were revealed on the May 12 episode of “American Idol,” Alejandro enjoyed a 10-point advantage. In the intervening week, the third finalist, Madison VanDenburg, has slipped even further behind, with just 11% support.

This trip of talent made it through to the final on May 19 based on their votes from the public last Sunday. Just missing out on a place in the Top 3 were Laci Kaye Booth and Wade Cota (Was one of them robbed of a place in the final?) On that Top 5 episode, each of them sang three songs: one from the Elton John catalog, another in honor of Mother’s Day, and a third chosen by mentor Bobby Bones.

If you haven’t made your “American Idol” winner predictions,...

Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg will take the American Idol stage one last time on Sunday (ABC, 8/7c) to sing for your votes — but until those lights are dimmed, it’s still anyone’s game. All three finalists have proven themselves to be fan favorites this season, effortlessly sailing through week after week, but you can only rest on your yannis for so long.

Were it up me, I’d hand the victory to Aranda, who I believe has the most potential as an artist to put out interesting music. Between his studio-ready originals and reinterpretations of classic jams,...

The Season 17 finalists of “American Idol” have been revealed and will sing for America’s vote for the last time on Sunday, May 19. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will be on hand to critique the final performances (and take the stage themselves). In Gold Derby’s final Power Ranking of the season, we break down which artist has the best chance to take home the title. Don’t agree with our assessment? Sound off in the comments and head over to our prediction center to influence our racetrack odds for who will be crowned the Season 17 champ. Below is our Top 3 power rankings.

1. Laine Hardy

(Top 40: “Come Together”; Top 20 Solo: “Bring It On Home”; Top 20 Duet: “The Weight” with Elle King; Top 14: “That’s All Right”; Top 14 Results: “Hurricane”; Top 10: “Oo-De-Lally”; Top 8: “Fat Bottomed Girls,” “Jackson” with Laci Kaye Booth; Top 6: “I Don’t Need No Doctor,...

“We all think someone else is going to win!” exclaims Gold Derby senior editor Marcus James Dixon when he is joined by fellow senior editor Susan Wloszczyna and Gold Derby contributor Denton Davidson to discuss the upcoming Season 17 finale of “American Idol.” The race for the title is tighter than ever as Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg prepare for the Sunday, May 19 extravaganza. Watch our video recap above as we hedge our bets on the eventual winner, discuss the upcoming finale performances and ask if Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie should return for Season 18.

“I think Madison [will win],” says Wloszczyna. “I think she is at the point where potential is turning into real chops. She made ‘Your Song’ a new song with the soul she put into it. For those reasons I am picking her.” For Davidson’s prediction, he is banking on the Southern charmer to claim victory.

We who idolize “American Idol” already know which artists will perform on this Sunday’s live finale starting at 8 p.m. Et/ 5 p.m. Pt alongside Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg — the Top 3 contestants who are vying for the Season 17 title. They include all three judges — Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

But Gold Derby — along with “Billboard” magazine — has scored an exclusive look at what actual songs will be done by the participating performers, included singers previously eliminated on the show. Here is the line-up of grand finale numbers, which could be expanded or changed by showtime:

See ‘American Idol’ Winners: Where Are They Now (Seasons 1 – 16)?

Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert will perform his new single “New Eyes” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” with Dimitrius Graham. Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood will make a special appearance during her Cry Pretty Tour 360 to sing her new hit single “Southbound” live on the “Idol” stage.

With Season 17 of “American Idol” coming to a close on May 19 with Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg as the final three, it has a good chance of being considered to be among one of the best seasons ever. But is it The best? That is yet to be determined. Certainly all three contestants have grown as vocalists and entertainers each and every week, especially on Sunday’s second-to-last show. But it is a little too early to see how No. 17 stacks ups with these four stellar seasons from the past.

America per saymay not have voted in our “best-ever” poll, but Gold Derby readers did — and 39% chose Season 8 when Kris Allen with his folky renditions of pop tunes somehow beat the versatile showman Adam Lambert. Of course, being the current front man for Queen is a different kind of win. I also don’t recall Allen being invited back on the show,...

ABC is “hopeful” that it can strike a deal to bring the American Idol judges back for season three.

Earlier this week, the company renewed the signing competition for a third season on its network and its 18th overall. However, it did not reveal whether judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie would return for the third go-round as negotiations are still ongoing and the two sides are thought to be far apart.

ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke told Deadline that she is “hopeful” of signing the trio back up and would renew conversations after Sunday’s season two finale.

“Everyone is focused right now on the finale next week, which we’re excited about. We are in those conversations but right now, from our side and the judges, we’re just focused on getting through Sunday and having a great night and we’ll be back in the conversation.

The “American Idol” finale airs live nationwide on ABC beginning at 5 p.m. Pt/8 p.m. Et Sunday, May 19. The Top 3 contestants still in the running for the season 16 title are Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg. Each of this trio of hopefuls will perform three songs on the three-hour final.

We expect that the first will be in tribute to their hometowns, which they returned to this week; the second will be an encore of a performance that went well earlier in the season; and the third will be their respective winner’s singles. But those nine tunes won’t be the only music you hear that night.

Each of the judges will raise their voice in song. Katy Perry will sing with Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, who made it as far as the Top 6. Lionel Richie will be backed by the Top 10. And Luke Bryan will duet with Laci Kaye Booth,...

On the May 12 episode of “American Idol,” the Top 5 sang three songs apiece: one in honor of Mother’s Day, another picked by mentor Bobby Bones, and a third from the Elton John back catalog. Only three of the five contestants made it through based on their votes from the public: Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg. This result meant the end of the road for Laci Kaye Booth and Wade Cota (Was one of them robbed of a place in the final?)

We asked for your predictions as to which of the three finalists will go all the way to win season 17 on May 19. “Idol” fans remain divided between two of the artists: Alejandro has 49% of the viewers vote as of this writing and Laine is at 39%. Each is up by eight points from last week, as they split the support for Wade. The third contender for the season 17 title,...

American Idol has its Top 3, and all is right in the world, according to judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. "On the money," Perry said about the results of the Sunday, May 12 show on ABC. "Great," Richie said. "Perfect," Bryan added. The episode featured Madison VanDenburg, Alejandro Aranda and Laine Hardy making it through the elimination, becoming the Top 3 of season 17 (the second season on ABC). "If you're not excited for [the finale], you don't have a pulse," Perry told E! News. And then she, well, you should click play on the video above to see what she does. It must be seen. Now it's up to the contestants to bring...

Ahead of Sunday’s Season 2 finale, ABC made it official, announcing it has renewed hit singing competition American Idol for a third season (its 18th season overall). The network did not reveal details, as to whether judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie would return for the third go-round as negotiations are still ongoing. The two sides are said to be far apart.

The series is doing well ratings-wise. Idol’s two-hour Sunday installment is averaging a 1.7 rating in adults 18-49 and 8.9 million viewers in Live+ 7, ranking it as the second-highest rated unscripted series on ABC behind The Bachelor. The Monday episodes are notching a 1.5 rating and 8.3 million viewers.

The singing competition, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, is down to three finalists, Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg, with the three-hour finale set for this Sunday, May 19.

American Idol is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment. Executive...

ABC’s votes are in: American Idol will return for an 18th season (its third on ABC), TVLine has learned. Though an exact premiere date has yet to be announced, it’s safe to assume that the search for America’s next superstar will resume sometime in Jan. 2020.

With ratings down sharply vs. Season 2, rumors abound that ABC is looking to pare down costs in Season 3. Much of the potential belt-tightening is allegedly focused on the salaries of the judges (most notably Katy Perry, who is said to be pocketing $20 million per season). TVLine has learned that the network has...

On Sunday’s “American Idol,” two of the Top 5 contestants were eliminated: Laci Kaye Booth and Wade Cota. Although they performed at the top of their game, in the end their three rival finalists got more of America’s votes. That leading trio of vote-getters as revealed by Ryan Seacrest are: Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg. (Vote in our ‘American Idol’ winner poll.)

This result meant that Laci and Wade fell just short of making the Top 3. We asked you which of these two talents to be sent home was robbed of a place in the finale next Sunday (May 19). By a margin of 56% to 44% “(as of this writing), “American Idol” viewers favor Wade over Laci.

Wade, a 27-year-old musician from Phoenix, had never been in the bottom 2 before. Conversely, Laci — a 23-year-old college student from Livingston TX — only made it to the semi-final after she inspired Luke Bryan,...

“You’re coming to this competition with a bat to knock everybody out,” Lionel Richie told Madison VanDenburg about her powerful voice during the live Top 5 show of “American Idol.” Following Madison’s performance of Elton John‘s “Your Song,” the superstar judge continued, “You understand me? It’s so amazing. Just take us on the journey because your star is shining bright.” Do you think Madison has done enough to win Season 17 of “American Idol”? Make your predictions at Gold Derby before next Sunday’s finale.

SEELuke Bryan jokes on ‘American Idol’ that Laine Hardy is ‘lookin’ like a whole snack’ after ‘Hey Jude’ performance [Watch]

Fellow judge Katy Perry asked Madison, “Have you ever had a cheeseburger with no ketchup and no mustard?” When Madison responded that she had “once or twice,” Katy added, “It was fine, it was good, it tasted nice. But you just gave us the ketchup and the mustard!

Following Laine Hardy‘s performance of The Beatles‘ “Hey Jude” during the live Top 5 show of “American Idol,” Luke Bryan joked that the season’s heartthrob was “lookin’ like a whole snack” in his shiny pink suit jacket. Fellow judge Katy Perry, who last week had to be physically subdued from chasing after Laine, exclaimed, “A whole snack? I love it!” Do you think Laine has done enough to win Season 17 of “American Idol”? Make your predictions at Gold Derby before next Sunday’s finale.

SEEKaty Perry praises Alejandro Aranda on ‘American Idol’ for finally deciding to ‘play in this competition’ [Watch]

“Great job, Laine,” Luke told the 18-year-old country singer from Livingston, Louisiana. That’s when Lionel Richie chimed in, “I’m gonna say just two little phrases. One, I think that is my jacket. And number two, vote, you guys. America, vote.”

Katy added, “Hey Laine, that was just super cool,...

For much of this season of “American Idol,” the judges were concerned that Alejandro Aranda wasn’t necessarily “in it to win it,” as former judge Randy Jackson often said. However, following Alejandro’s Top 5 performance of Elton John‘s “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word,” Katy Perry proudly declared, “You’ve decided to actually play in this competition, and it shows.” Fellow judge Lionel Richie echoed her sentiments by proclaiming, “It shows.” Do you think Alejandro has done enough to win Season 17 of “American Idol”? Make your predictions at Gold Derby before next Sunday’s finale.

SEEWho will win ‘American Idol’ season 17: Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy or Madison VanDenburg? [Poll]

“When I was growing up, music was the thing that spoke the language of all of my feelings,” Katy told the 25-year-old musician from Pomona, California. “It comforted me, it gave me joy. That song was so sad.

Tonight, May 12, 2019, the remaining final 5, American Idol contestants did indeed hit the stage to do another set of performances for America's vote. And unfortunately, two of them just did not make the cut. They performed three song tonight. Since there's less people in the competition, they had enough time to do so. Of course, all the judges: Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan were on hand. Wade Cota was the first performer of the night. He sang, "You Are The Best Thing" by Ray Lamontagne. Afterwards, Katy said, "I'm so happy that contestants are pushed past their comfort zones. You met that challenge. I want you to let go even more." Luke said, "I like that you didn’t over do it. You were very easy to listen to." Lionel said, "Just enjoy this ride. Relax a little." Next, Laci Kaye Booth hit the stage to sing, "The House...

We are down to the final three on season 17 of “American Idol.” On May 12, the Top 5 took to the stage to sing a trio of tunes: one chosen by their mentor Bobby Bones, another in honor of Mother’s Day and a third made famous by Elton John. After the results of the public vote were revealed by Ryan Seacrest, the trio of contestants still standing are: Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg. (Of the eliminated artists — Laci Kaye Booth and Wade Cota — who was better?)

Which of the finalists do you think will be crowned winner of “American Idol” on May 19? After reviewing the rundown of all the songs they’ve sung to date in this reality competition, cast your vote in our poll. And be sure to sound off with your thoughts on this revival of “American Idol” in the comments section.

See ‘American Idol’ Winners: Where...

The May 12 episode of “American Idol” showcased the Top 5. Each of the finalists sang three songs: one in honor of Mother’s Day, another chosen by mentor Bobby Bones, and a third from the Elton John back catalog. As with the last three Sunday shows, this episode aired live nationwide. America got to vote for their favorites in real-time, with the results revealed by host Ryan Seacrest at the end of the episode.

The top three vote-getters — Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg — will contend in the final next week. And the bottom two — Laci Kaye Booth and Wade Cota — were bounced from the competition.

Which of this pair do you think was robbed of a place in the Top 3? Take a look at the list of songs they’ve sung throughout the competition and then cast your ballot for the artist you will miss most as season 17 of...

Proving that Sunday night can also be alright for fighting, American Idol pit its final five contestants — Wade Cota, Laci Kaye Booth, Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg — against one another, setting the stage for a Sophie’s Choice of a season finale.

The episode kicked off with a round of performances chosen by everyone’s favorite Dancing With the Stars winner Bobby Bones…

Wade Cota (Ray Lamontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing”) | Well, this was a boring fine way to kick things off. Don’t get me wrong, he sounded great — but after some light Mother’s Day drinking,...

The May 12 episode of “American Idol” will see the Top 5 cut down to the final three artists in contention for the season 17 title. Each of these five contestants will sing three songs. One will be from the catalog of Elton John, another will be chosen by their mentor Bobby Bones, and the third will be tied to the Mother’s Day’s theme. At the end of the evening, host Ryan Seacrest will reveal which three of them number among America’s favorites and will continue on in the competition.

Four of these finalists were the leading vote getters on the Top 6 episode on May 5: Alejandro Aranda, Wade Cota, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg. The fifth — Laci Kaye Booth — was thrown a lifeline by Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. They used their one judges save of the season to keep her in the competition.

See ‘American Idol...

Voting for the Top 3 on “American Idol” kicks off at the start of the live nationwide broadcast on Sunday, May 12. As you will only have until the last commercial break to cast votes for your favorite, it is important you know the three ways to make your voice heard: by app, online or via text.

ABC will let you vote up to 10 times per method for each of the remaining five artists: Alejandro Aranda, Laci Kaye Booth,, Wade Cota, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg: That cap means you can cast up to 30 votes for each contestant that you want to see continue on to the season 17 final on May 19.

And you can reallocate your votes throughout the evening as the Top 5 perform three songs apiece: a tune in honor of Mother’s Day, another chosen by mentor Bobby Bones and a selection from the Elton John songbook. Just remember...

This Sunday’s episode of “American Idol” will spotlight the Top 5 in three performances apiece. Each of the five finalists will sing a song from the Elton John catalog, another picked out by Bobby Bones and a third in honor of Mother’s Day.

Four of these finalists on “American Idol” were the top vote-getters last Sunday (May 5): Alejandro Aranda, Wade Cota, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg. The fifth, Laci Kaye Booth, made it through only after getting the judges save over Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, After reviewing the song spoilers, courtesy of The Idol Pad, be sure to vote for your favorite artist to win season 17 of “American Idol” at the bottom of this post. Then sound off on this revival of “American Idol” hosted by Ryan Seacrest in the comments section.

Elton John Song

Alejandro Aranda: “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word”

Laci Kaye Booth: “Saturday Night...

Madison VanDenburg has sung nine songs so far on “American Idol” and viewers think that four of these were real winners. In our poll asking viewers to pick her best song so far on season 17, her Top 14 cover of the Alicia Keys hit “Fallin’” racked up 22% of the tally to date. Conversely, her version that night of Lady Gaga‘s “You and I” merited a mere 3$ of the total vote count.

Her Top 6 performance of the Celine Dion power ballad “I Surrender” was a hit with “Idol” fans, earning 17% in our poll. Also registering double digit support were Madison’s Top 40 song, “Who’s Lovin’ You” by The Miracles (it has 15% as of this writing), and her Top 10 cover of the Disney tune “How Far I’ll Go” from “Moana,” which is at 12%.

Do you agree with these results? Take a look at VanDenburg’s set list below and then weigh in with your pick.