Plus, the rest of the Top 9 returned to join renowned music artists Lindsey Buckingham, Alessia Cara, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Fall Out Boy, Mickey Guyton, Chaka Khan, Leona Lewis and Macklemore on the American Idol stage.
Who was eliminated on American Idol last night:
Grace Kinstler, Willie Spence
Who won American Idol:
Chayce Beckham
American Idol Finale performances – Round One – Songs Picked by the Judges
Grace Kinstler Song: “All By Myself” by Céline Dion Katy Perry: “You did not just take that one higher than Céline! I picked that song for you because listening to Céline made me want to become a singer. That song is vulnerability and power. It is a connecting song.” Luke Bryan: “To be on the finale and deliver that, it was truly amazing. For us to pick that song and then you take it to another level…” Lionel Richie: “Only you can create another song out of a standard song. You not only have a great voice, but you are a storyteller.” Willie Spence Song: “Georgia on My Mind” by Ray Charles Luke: “I can smell magnolias and Spanish moss. We are at the finale and you have delivered since the day you walked into the auditions. I see you doing that the rest of your life. Great job.” Lionel: “I keep saying that you are a religious experience. You do it every time. You know how to build it. That was a great performance.” Katy: “I needed my hanky. Never forget where you come from and those roots, but the sky is the limit for you.” Chayce BeckhamSong: “Blackbird” by the The Beatles Lionel: “You have an identifiable voice to the point where I was wondering how you were going to pull this out. You gave us that identity sound of yours with that wonderful last punch.” Katy Perry: “We chose that song for you because it is a class small, but mighty song.” Luke Bryan: “Chayce has been teasing about doing some bass fishing with us. You have earned your bass fishing trip.”
Round Two: The hometown visits preceded each performance.
Grace KinstlerSong: “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston Katy: “By the grace of God. The vote is so tight. Grace just sang her heart out. I don’t want to see you complaining on Twitter if you don’t vote.” Luke: “I wanted to stand on the desk because a normal standing ovation wasn’t enough. Great job it. It was beautiful.” Lionel: “You just took a Whitney Houston song and took it up two more octaves. You have outdone yourself. Amazing performance.” Willie Spence Song: “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke Luke: “We have heard that one done a few times on this show but never like that. What joy you bring my heart and soul.” Lionel: “There is a feeling that only happens when it happens. For you to go back and see the people you grew up look at you a different way, with pride, I want you to take this moment in your life and bathe in it.” Katy: “We are so proud of you.” Chayce BeckhamSong: Fire Away by Chris Stapleton Lionel: “What a great choice for your voice, for your whole demeanor. When we first met you, you kept saying, ‘I am not sure.’ We are sure. That grit that you have is undeniable.” Katy: “Sometimes God has to turn up the volume on your life to see if you are listening. You are listening. Keep listening, stay open, stay the guy from Apple Valley because your life is about to change.” Luke: “At your audition you kept everything close to the vest. Now, watching your confidence, I can’t imagine what you will look like in 5 years.” Then it was time for the first elimination of the night: Willie Spence was the first to go through, followed by Chayce Beckham. Meaning Grace Kinstler was eliminated.
Round Three: Songs performed earlier this season
Chayce BeckhamSong: “Afterglow” by Ed Sheeran Katy: “I don’t think there is anything left to say. You are out here in a satin suit like a rock star. You had this dream and now you are living it.” Luke: “It’s a bright future and it is your future. You need to go work for it either way.” Lionel: “I am going to say congratulations to you twice: for surviving the class of 2021 and welcome to your career.” Willie Spence Song: “Standup” by Cynthia Erivo Luke: “We just love you and that voice. We love where it comes from. It comes from God and a soul within that I wish I can find someday.” Lionel: “We are saying thank you. It took you to find us so we could find you. Your presence on this show has been a religious experience.” Katy: “From the first audition, I know you have everything inside of you.” The winner of American Idol 2021 is Chayce Beckham. American Idol will return in 2022 as it has already been picked up for another season on ABC.
