Tonight is the night!
After so much time speculating, were finally getting answers.
Tonight, we learn who rules the Iron Throne.
ABC/Kelsey McNeal
Whoops,wrong show.
Over here were going to learn who will be crowned the winner ofAmerican Idolseason 17.
Honestly, just as bloody, right?
ABC/Kelsey McNeal
What a time to be alive.
Theres a lot of filler to get through before naming this seasons Idol (this episode is three hours!
Who has the time?
I have weird buffets to attend!).
The rest of the three hours will be full of performances: Carrie Underwood!
And Im sorry, but do you remember when I said Montell Jordan shows up?
Because Montell Jordan shows up.
ROUND ONE
Laine Hardy // Home by Marc BroussardNo one looks cooler than Laine Hardy, its no competition.
In this first round, hes got a pink and gold blazer and it isworking.
His vocals, however, are a little shaky, especially at the top.
Its a shame because this is a great song choice for Laine.
He sounds more like himself in the end, but its not his best.
Can anything stop this kid though?
With a comeback story like his, this competition seems like Laines to lose.
I mean, has there been any song with more emotional connection than Shallow in the past year?
Shes certainlygoing for it.
That is a super smart choice.
She sounds great, but Im still looking for goosebumps and tears.
Hes had some great originals on here this season, but this isnt his best one.
Alejandro needs a big moment.
The judges dont even comment on the actual performance, just on Alejandros overall performance in this competition.
Thats got to feel good!
Even if they lose and their career goes nowhere, what a treat!
I especially love them because we get things like Laines Mawmaw telling him how proud she is of him.
Hold your mawmaws tight, you guys.
This is classic Laine.
Madison selects a Kelly Clarkson classic for her second song and that seems right.
Shes been compared to the original Idol since day one.
Its a little rough during the first two thirds or so but then Madison brings it home.
Also, her dad is there watching so who is even paying attention to singing at this point?
And Ben Harpers back to tout another LEGEND to come out of this city.
This is theAmerican Idolshow I want.
Cut all the auditions and just give me peoples hometown childrens choir appearing from behind giant curtains, okay?
This original definitely tops Alejandros first round original.
In fact, I daresay, I think the guy easily wins round 2.
If it were up to the judges, this would be Alejandros title.
But its not and who really knows what America wants these days.
Hold on to your butts!
And with that, our finalists have pretty much done all they can.
ItsMadison VanDenburgwho lands in third place and falls short of the title with just under two hours to go.
Papa Lionel and his tear ducts are no match for this pairing.
Hey, remember when we all voted this guy off?
Honestly, how dare we?
The second performance Ill be rewatching is that duet between Katy Perry and Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon.
They sing Perrys Unconditionally and Id like to live in it, should that be a possibility.
Specifically Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon?
What can really be said at this point in the competition?
Both Laine and Alejandro are so consistent and so very much themselves, theyre on cruise control.
NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS.
Hed be a great person to take the title if only because hes so different than any previous winner.
Dont we need something refreshing 17 seasons in?
Sure, why not?
