In addition to the Top 3, the night included performances by Idol judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and superstars James Arthur, Sara Bareilles, Gabby Barrett, Michael Bublé, Deana Carter, Earth, Wind & Fire, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida, Ben Platt, Thomas Rhett and Tai Verdes. Idol winner Carrie Underwood was scheduled to perform but she had been exposed to COVID-19, so was unable to make a live appearance. After the second song performance, the third-place contestant was named and Leah was eliminated from the competition, leaving Noah and HunterGirl as the Top 2.
Who was eliminated on American Idol tonight:
Leah Marlene
HunterGirl
Who won American Idol tonight:
Noah Thompson
American Idol finale performances—Round One—Songs from Bruce Springsteen’s Catalog
Leah Marlene: “Cover Me”
Lionel: “What a show. What big boots you have to step into. My God, a Springsteen song. This song isn’t that familiar, but you turned it into your song. Your stage presence is all the way there. What pressure. You were the first person tonight.”
HunterGirl: “Dancing in the Dark”
Katy: “You are really having fun with it. You’re playing with everyone. You really brought the electricity. I don’t think you’re a star, I think you’re a super nova.” Lionel: “You now own the stage; you are now responsible for your career and you have a career.”
Noah Thompson: “I’m On Fire”
Luke: “We got the boy out here doing Bruce Springsteen, Disney, Rihanna. It is a long way from that first audition. I am so proud of how you have handled this with so much humility. You are the king of aw shucks. Relish tonight. Enjoy tonight." Lionel: “Of all the titles in my life ‘Noah Springsteen’ is not one I thought I would give you. The attitude, you now have your stage persona. You look, act and sound like yourself. That is called an artist. Enjoy it.” Katy: “You picked my favorite Springsteen song. So many people choose that. You swooped in and won the heart of America. You are just a good guy from Kentucky that might win American Idol.”
Round Two: The hometown visits preceded each performance of an original song.
Leah Marlene: “Flowers” an original song by Leah
Lionel: “When the crowd starts chanting like that, you know you’re on to something. Congratulations on your songwriting. I love the way you parallel on those verses.” Katy: “I am so blessed to be a part of this show that is truly making a difference and changing lives. That song is so beautiful and will change so many other people’s lives.” Luke: “The song was just tremendous. I was overwhelmed with joy watching your talent. What a ride you must be on.”
Noah Thompson: “One Day Tonight,” which is already climbing the iTunes country charts.
Katy: “I am just going to keep my tissue in the palm of my hand. God has a real sense of humor. You came from working on the ark, Noah, to the place where all of your heroes are from, and you are just about to do something big. Don’t stop dreaming. There’s a plan for you and your life.” Luke: “What is amazing about our Top 3 is how much all of you have grown since the first day. Never in the show have I seen a Top 3 blossom more.” Lionel: “There is nothing better in life than to have the mayor and high school principal turnout. What we strive for in this business is a hit record. What makes your career last is when people fall in love with you, and they will keep turning out. You are on to something fabulous.”
HunterGirl: “Red Bird” by HunterGirl
Luke: “We named our family farm Red Bird farm for that reason, so we are not doing well up here now. More tissues please. Beautiful song. That’s how you write one. You take an experience in your life and turn it into a song. Those are the ones that stick.” Lionel: “We have always been impressed with your talent, but after knowing your history and commitment to the veterans, they told the truth about you. You meant a lot to them. Your heart is in the right place. May you thrive as long as possible.” Katy: “This is not a karaoke competition. All three of you are doing something special. I think music is a lot of people’s therapy. When we get raw and vulnerable and write from that part, we help so may people. Stay open and the beautiful person you are.”
Round Three: Duets
Noah Thompson & Melissa Etheridge: “I’m The Only One” HunterGirl & Luke Bryan: “I Told You So” by Randy Travis
Round Four: Songs performed earlier this season
Noah Thompson: “Stay” by Rihanna Katy: “That is one of my favorite songs you sang all season. The growth, when you sang it tonight, you hit some notes.” Luke: “When you sang that earlier in the season, we knew you had something special, and you just proved it.” HunterGirl: “Riot” by Rascal Flatts Katy: “I am going to call you Hunter Woman. American Idol ends tonight but your career is going to be forever. You have your wings. I believe in you. The growth is phenomenal.” Luke: “The playback from your audition and seeing my smile, I was so excited for what I was hearing. The future flashed before my eyes.” Lionel. “It is apparent to all of us that your star is shining so bright. We are so proud as judges that we mentored you to that wonderful place in your career.” The winner of American Idol 2022 is Noah Thompson. American Idol will return in 2023 as it has already been picked up for another season on ABC. Next,Here’s What We Know About Season 22 of The Voice, Including the Newest Coach!
