It has all come down to this one final episode on “American Idol” By the end of the night eight Grace Kinstler, Chayce Beckham, or Willie Spence will be crowned the newest Idol.
But first, a night of celebration and all star performances with Macklemore and Lewis getting the night of music started off and is joined by the finalists.
With the winner still up for the vote…the judges select a song for each of the finalists to perform.
First up is Grace Kinstler with “All By Myself” originally performed and written by Eric Carmen. Katy said that she picked the song for Grace because of its power and vulnerability. Luke called the performance amazing. Lionel said that Grace is a storyteller with a great voice.
The judges chose a Ray Charles song for Willie Spence with “Georgia on My Mind”. Willie told mentor Bobby Bones that he almost quit after his grandfather died. Willie noted that he had to do a soundcheck on the same day as the funeral. Willie brought the judges to their feet. Luke said that he can smell magnolia, Spanish moss, and peaches. Ryan and Luke are also from Georgia. Luke noted that Willie has delivered with every performance. Lionel said that Willie is a religious experience; adding that it was a great performance. Katy said that she needed her hankie; adding that the sky is the limit for Willie.
Closing out round one, Chayece Beckham sang The Beatles hit “Blackbird” and brought the judges to their feet. Lionel said that Chayce has an identifiable voice. Katy said that they chose the song because it is a small mighty song. Luke told Chayce that he has earned a bass fishing date.
Ryan Seacrest announces that the voting is very close.
In round two the singers make the home town heroes trip.
First up Idol travels back to Illinois and Grace’s home of Crystal Lake. For her hometown round performance Grace sang “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston. Katy noted that the voting is very close; telling fans that if they don’t vote then they can’t complain. Luke said that he wanted to stand on the desk. Lionel said that Grace has outdone herself and gave an amazing performance.
When Willie Spence went back home to Douglas, Georgia, he didn’t get just a day, he got a whole week dedicated to him. It was a very emotional reunion for Willie and his mom. He performed before a stadium filled with fans. For his hometown dedication song her performed the Sam Cooke song “A Change is Gonna Come”. Luke noted that they have heard the song on the show a few times before but never like that. Lionel noted that people look at Willie with pride and inspiration. A tearful Katy said that they are so proud of Willie; adding that it melted her heart to see Willie with his mom. Willie’s mom is in the audience. Katy gives a tearful Willie a tissue.
Chayce Beckham returns to Apple Valley for his hometown visit. The town planted an apple tree in Chayce’s honour. Chayce sang the Chris Stapleton song “Fire Away”. Lionel called the song a great choice for his voice. Katy noted that sometimes God has to turn up the volume to make sure you are listening…and Chayce is listening. Luke noted that it is a big deal to see the change since they first met him.
Idol alum Mickey Guyton returns with Alyssa Rae for a performance of “Black Like Me”.
In the first results of the night…
The singer in third place and the first elimination is…
Grace Kinstler.
Willie Spence and Chayce Beckham will compete for the title of the next “Ameircan Idol”. Host Ryan Seacrest said that the vote is very close.
Jingle writer and singer Tom McGovern gives his take on the season in song.
Graham Defranco returns to give Ryan a hand introducing Fall Out Boy with “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark”. Some of the finalists from the season join Fall Out Boy on stage.
Ten time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall Famer Chaka Khan takes the stage to perform a medley of her hits and gets a little help from some of the Idol singers.
For the first time this season, Ryan, Katy, Luke, and Lionel all had a group hug. The judges were not allowed to hug any of the singers this season due to Covid protocols.
UK “X Factor” winner Leona Lewis takes the stage with finalist Willie Spence for a performance of “You Are the Reason”.
Multi Grammy Award winning artist Sheryl Crow takes the stage with Graham Defranco for a performance of a medley of her songs.
After the judges eliminated him, the outrage nearly broke Twitter. Murphy returns to the Idol stage for a performance of a medley of his original music.
Judge Luke Bryan takes the stage with Casey Bishop for a performance on the stage at Whiskey-a-Go-Go and then on the Idol stage with the Bon Jovi hit “Livin’ on a Prayer”.
Judge Lionel Richie takes the stage with some of the finalists for a performance of his song “One World”.
Lindsey Buckingham takes the stage for a performance of the Fleetwood Mac hit “Go Your Own Way” with Cassandra Coleman.
Alessia Cara and Grace Kinstler take the stage for a performance of “Stars to Your Beautiful”.
CMA Artist of the Year Luke Combs joins Chayce Beckham for a performance of “Forever After All”.
Judge Katy Perry takes the stage with Hunter Metts for a performance of her song “Thinking of You”. Katy plays the guitar for the performance.
Chayce Beckham takes the stage for a performance of Ed Sheeran’s “Afterglow”. Katy noted that there isn’t anything left to say; adding that he is living his dream. Luke noted that Chayce has a bright future. Lionel said congratulations and welcome to your career; adding that he has an amazing future.
Willie Spence returns for one final performance with “Stand Up” from “Harriet” by Cynthia Erivo. The judges were on their feet during the performance. Luke said that they love the voice and where it comes from…God and a soul within. Lionel said thank you; adding that his presence on the show has been a religious experience. Katy thanked Willie for blessing and saving them.
After the final vote of the season…
The 2021 “American Idol” is Chayce Beckham!!!!
Willie Spence is the runner up.
Chayce performs his single “23” in his first performance as the newest Idol.