American Idol May 22, 2022 Winner Revealed In Finale Episode (Recap)
Hey, “American Idol” fans. Tonight, May 22, 2022, the LIVE finale episode of American Idol’s current season 20 did indeed air, and we finally found out who won this thing at the end.
All of the judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan were, of course, back on the scene to give more opinions and so on and so forth.
Tonight’s episode kicked off with the top 10 finalists returning to perform the song, “Good Feeling” with artist Flo Rida. After all of that, the final three contestants Leah Marlene, HunterGirl and Noah Thompson hit the stage to perform their final rounds of songs.
The contestants sang Bruce Springsteen songs for their first round of songs. Leah Marlene kicked off the performances by singing,”Cover Me” song. Afterwards, Lionel said, “That’s big boots you had to step into. You turned that into your song.” Katy said, “Such a groove. You are the whole package.”
HunterGirl sang, “Dancing in the Dark” song. Afterwards, Katy said,”This is your stage. I don’t think you’re a star. I think you are a super-nova.” Luke said, “Everyone is rooting for you.” Lionel said, “You now own the stage. You now have a career.”
Noah Thompson performed, “I’m on Fire.” Afterwards, Luke said, “You’ve come a long way from the first audition. You are the king of aw shucks.” Lionel said, “You look, you act and sound like yourself.” Katy said, “That’s my favorite Springsteen song. I think you just swooped in and grabbed every heart in America. You are so humble.”
Next, the final 3 contestants sang their own original songs. Leah Marlene started this round of performances off too. She sang a song called, “Flowers.” Leah wrote this song about her struggles with mental health. Afterwards, Katy said, “I’m so blessed to be able to be here. This show is making a difference. You are a brilliant messenger.” Luke said, “That song was tremendous. You have every right to those emotions.”
Noah Thompson sang a song titled, “One Day Tonight.” Afterwards, Katy said “God has a real sense of humor. You came from working the Ark. You are just about to do something big. There is a plan for you in your life.” Luke said, “The entire top 3 have grown. You’re a good person.” Lionel said, “Your career will last forever when people fall in love with you. You’re on to something fabulous.”
HunterGirl performed a song called,”Redbird.” Hunter wrote this song with a couple of her songwriter friends, and it’s a country song. Afterwards, Luke said, “That song made me very emotional. Those are the ones that stick.” Lionel said, “I’m impressed by your work with veterans. Your heart is in the right place.” Katy said, “This is not a karaoke competition. Music is therapy. Stay open and vulnerable.”
Next, one of the Top 7 contestants Jay Copeland performed a medley of hits with legendary band Earth Wind and Fire.
One of the top 10 contestants Mike Parker sang, “Strawberry Wine,” which was his audition song. He sang it with the iconic country singer, Deana Carter.
After that, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that Leah Marlene got the least amount of votes this week. So, she took the 3rd place spot for this season, leaving Noah Hunter and HunterGirl as the final two.
From there, one of the top 10 contestants Lady K hit the stage with Ben Platt to perform a rendition of Elton John’s “Take Me To the Pilot.”
American Idol season 16 alum Gabby Barrett and her husband Cade Foehner hit the stage to perform her new single, “Pick me Up.” Also, top 10 contestant Emyrson Flora joined them to sing “The Good Ones.”
Tai Verdes sang, “A-O-K” with contestants Vinny Guardino, Lady K, Jay, Mike and Emyrson. Top 5 contestant Nicolina Bozzo sang her audition song, “She Used to Be Mine” with Sara Bareilles.
Country singer Thomas Rhett and Katy Perry sang their new duet song called, “Where We Started.” Then Top 5 contestant Fritz Hager joined James Arthur on stage to perform “Can I Be Him.”
Top 7 contestant Christian Guardino and Michael Buble and top 7 contestant Christian Guardino sang, “Smile.” Noah Thompson joined Melissa Etheridge on stage to sing her hit song, “I’m the Only One.”
All of the Top 10 got on stage to sing “You Are” with Lionel Richie. Ben Platt and Sara Bareilles hopped on stage to sing “Grow as We Go.” Fritz Hager, Nicolina Bozzo and Leah Marlene sang back up for this song. At one point, it was revealed that Hunter and Noah won a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas along with 3 guests. Next, Leah Marlene sang, “Firework,” and Katy Perry joined her.
HunteGirl and Luke Bryan performed the Randy Travis classic “I Told You So.” After all of that, the final 2 contestants Noah and Huntergirl sang their final round of songs. For this round, they reprised one of their favorite performances.
Noah started it off by singing, “Stay” by Rihanna. Lionel said, “I’m speechless.” Katy said, “I love your suit. I’m so glad you picked that song.” Luke said,”I love your suit too.”
HunterGirl wrapped up the performances by singing, “Riot” by Rascal Flatts. Afterwards, Katy said, “You have your wings. I believe in you so much.” Luke said, “I’m sure you’ll go so far.” Lionel said, “Your star is shining so bright.”
After all of that, host Ryan Seacrest appeared again to reveal that Noah Thompson got the most amount of votes. So, he is your season 20 American Idol winner! And, of course, HunterGirl is the runner-up. Noah sang his new, debut single, “One Days Tonight” to close out the finale. How do you guys feel about Noah Thompson winning the 2022 American Idol season? Let us know in the comments section.
You guys can view all of tonight’s American Idol performances on American Idol’s official Youtube channel by Clicking Here.
Alright, guys. That’s all we’ve got for this latest, “American Idol” TV show report, but definitely stay tuned for more.
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