‘American Idol’ Season 20 Finale: Did the Right Person Win? (RECAP)
Spoiler Alert
The milestone Season 20 of American Idol crowned its winner.
Host Ryan Seacrest revealed Noah Thompson after almost 16 million votes were cast. The blue-collar construction worker turned Idol sang his new single “One Day Tonight” to close the show as confetti blasted in celebration. Noah better be buying his best friend Arthur something nice, after he encouraged him to audition.
Viewers had their work cut out for them as the Top 3 put everything into their performances during the grand finale. In the first round Leah, Noah, and HunterGirl took on the songbook of “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen. Round 2 gave them the spotlight to showcase their own singles. Days before the trio traveled back to their respective hometowns where they were met with a hero’s welcome. Leah was eliminated earlier in the night, leaving Noah and HutnerGirl to earn America’s vote in the final showdown.
The three-hour show also saw Idol finalists share the stage with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and other music titans for some truly star-studded collabs. Carrie Underwood was unable to participate due to a COVID exposure in her group.
Did America get it right in your eyes? Here’s how the night unfolded.
Hunter Girl
HunterGirl went for the familiar “Dancing in the Dark” for the Bruce round. Katy said she brought the electricity. In round 2, the budding country star performed her hit “Red Bird.” Luke was touched and appreciated the uplifting symbolism of red birds. Lionel applauded her work with veterans using musical therapy. HunterGirl chose Rascal Flatts’ “Riot” for her final performance. It initially secured the platinum ticket during the auditions. Katy dubbed her “HunterWoman.” Luke has no doubt his protégé will go far.
Noah Thompson
Noah shined on “I’m on Fire.” Luke credited him for coming so far and bringing such humility to the process. The smalltown construction worker followed it up with his single “One Day Tonight.” Katy summed it up by saying “You came from working on the arc and from a place where all your heroes are from and you’re about to do something really big. Do not stop dreaming.” Noah came out swinging in the final round by bringing back his “Showstopper” week pick “Stay” by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko. Lionel was left with two words: That’s It. Katy and Luke loved the growth from when he last heard the song from him to now.
Leah Marlene
Leah was out first with “Cover Me,” a Springsteen track that Lionel felt she made her own. During round 2 she performed the original “Flowers.” Lionel gave props to the songwriting. An emotional Katy called Leah a brilliant messenger. Leah was emotional receiving the love, reflecting on the journey she took to the stage.
Flo Rida & Top 10
The Miami hit-maker kicked off the show with “Good Feeling” alongside the finalists on the rooftop of the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
Earth, Wind & Fire & Jay Copeland
Jay was in his element with the legendary group as they performed “Let’s Groove” and “September.” The band also broke out another popular in “Shining Star.”
Deana Carter & Mike Parker
Mike Parker did pretty well on the show with “Strawberry Wine. So, it made sense for the R&B country crooner to duet for the finale with Deana herself.
Benn Platt & Lady K
Lady K joined the multi-faceted entertainer for Elton John’s “Take Me to the PIlot.” The transformation of Lady K has been truly incredible.
Gabby Barrett & Emyrson Flora
Gabby returned to the stage that first gave her the platform to superstardom. She sang her new hit “Pick Me Up.” This season’s youngster Emyrson joined Gabby on the smash “Good Ones.” Gabby’s husband and fellow alum Cade Foehner played guitar.
Tai Verdes & Idol Contestants
Everything was “A-O-K” when Tai Verdes gave a fun collab with some finalists.
Sara Bareiles & Nicolina
Nicolina revisited “She Used to Be Mine” from earlier in the season with the artist herself. Magical stuff.
Thomas Rhett & Katy Perry
In a duet I didn’t know I needed, here is “Where We Started.” A match made in pop-country heaven.
James Arthur & Fritz Hager
Fritz was in his element, guitar in hand, duetting with James on “Can I Be Him.”
Michael Bublé & Christian Guardino
Michael was true to his word after inviting Christian to join him for the finale a few weeks ago. They came together for the timeless “Smile” by Charlie Chaplin.
Melissa Etheridge & Noah Thompson
Noah got to rock out paired with one of the greats on Melissa’s “I’m the Only One.”
Lionel Richie & Top 10
It was a moment that was like a dad or teacher with all his kids or students. The talented group shared the stage with the Hall of Famer on “You Are.”
Ben Platt & Sara Bareilles
With Carrie unable to perform, we were treated to a collab of Ben’s “Grow As We Go.”
Katy Perry & Leah Marlene
The show aired footage of Leah performing “Firework” in 2011 on a school stage. Fast forward to today and Leah’s singing with Katy. If that ain’t American Idol, in a nutshell, don’t know what is.
Luke Bryan & HunterGirl
HunterGirl has gone from performing at Luke’s place on Broadway in Nashville to actually stepping on stage with the judge. The two came together for Randy Travis’ “I Told You So.”
American Idol returns for another season in 2023 on ABC
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Conversation40 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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G
All were great singers. Congratulations to all and the winner Noah. Well deserved.
Let's all celebrate their talent and all the talent we saw this year. 2022 had the best top 10 of all time.
Stop with the finding excuses of who one! They all have a career in music and their life will forever be changed.
12 2
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O
well said
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B
I thoroughly enjoyed this season. I actually predicted Noah would win from his audition.
He has the raw talent, humbleness and looks ( a total package). The top ten were very impressive. All have a chance for successful careers. Hunter Girl, Leah, Nicolina, Lady K, Emerson, Mike Parker, Fritz , Jay and Christian impressed me last night!
Good luck to all!
11 2
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O
I was surprised he made the first cut. Could never understand a single word he was saying and he had no stage presence. He would stand there like a bump on the log. The other contestants would move around and enjoy the singing and the crowd. But not Noah. I will never watch that show again, it’s all fixed
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Nope. Noah may not be your cup of tea but other laid back guys like James Taylor, George Strait, Don Williams, Alan Jackson, Tom T. Hall etc. have had great careers doing things as Noah does.
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O
Anyone notice how Katy and Luke treated Noah when he won they didn’t even go up to the stage only Lionel did and only after they all pouted because there platinum ticket winner lost it was all a set up Leah should have won it all. Judges should not be allowed to promote players during a competition this whole show was clearly set from the very beginning
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I also noticed Katy not going up on stage, I thought Luke did, but either way they need to act like judges and not show their favoritism. America voted and they need to applaud the winner. I, for one, am happy Noah won! I've been a judge for pageants and you never reveal a favorite. I watch them do that every season. Their critique is very good, but they have favorites. Lionel is probably the most qualified to be a judge.
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I Certainly agree with you. Luke and Katie were clearly showing favoritism for Hunter girl. Their comments Were trying to sway the public to vote for her. I’m so glad America voted for Noah Thompson!
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O
I agree with you on how they favored Hunter girl. It was a great shot of Katy with Walker. He was all smiles,
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G
Proof the female 15-25 year old demographic is the driving force and the target audience. Noah my have a voice and talent but is not close to the singer and performer Hunter clearly demonstrated.
14 7
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O
Hunter was a wee bit boring IMO.
17 3
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B
Nope. Hunter is robotic with zero emotional connection to anything she sings. She smiles during a song that is sad or supposed to be filled with feeling. And, she tends to rush pr throw away the last word in lines in the song. She's a local bar singer at best. As for Noah, there's a market for his laid back, quiet strength and good voice. George Strait and Alan Jackson are not dynamic performers, they do it all with their voice and believeability.
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I'd guess there are very few 15-25-year-olds watching Idol. I get what you're saying, but the age demographic is more likely 9-13 years old (and even the 12-13-year-olds probably won't admit it).
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R
There is NO WAY that Noah should've won - it's the WGWG thing from season's past rearing its ugly head again. Leah and HunterGirl are far more talented, as were a couple of the others (Nicolina for one) and will have better/longer careers.
Maybe the record company should use the Dominion voting system to ensure the person they can best market and make money with wins.
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People like the underdog these days. Noah was clearly the underdog and people voted for him. The best singer doesn’t always win American Idol. They all will have a great career in the industry as well as most of the top ten.
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O
Leah Marlene is refreshing and energetic, a highly talented song writer and amazing vocalist who grew in confidence and strength before our eyes. A beautiful soul. She’s going to continue to shine. It was disappointing she didn’t get the votes she deserved. That said, Hunter Girl is also a star, so very talented and it was a surprise to see Noah come out on top. Typical.
Overall it was a good season with some great talent.
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I have a hunch that Leah's dad pro musician and band member has a big hand in her songwriting just like Miranda Lambert's dad has in hers.
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O
Neither one deserved to take that title home are you joking me Leah Marlene had the voice of an angel she showed more versatility then all 3 put together. Everyone has baggage to bring to the table everyone has a good side Leah had so much personality and brought so much laughter I started watching this show 6 hrs ago with my husband and chase Beckham was the only yr they got it right you don’t have to be (country) to win. I won’t be watching this again I don’t think it’s right that judges should be allowed to help promote contestants during a competition either I feel that Sabotages other chances
11 9
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O
My husband and I are country music people and half my family including my husband and son in law are military none of this made a matter to us the winner clearly should have been Leah Marlene multi talented amazing voice and an infectious personality she brought it all because so many saw this ending coming long before it was here makes me realize not just the voting for president is rigged lmao
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R
I too was disappointed that HunterGirl didn't win...but wasn't surprised. As others have pointed out, for years the base audience of the show does appear to be young girls with raging hormones and starry eyes for cute white boys who play guitar.
But let us also not forget that American Idol also has a history of runner-ups and shoulda-won singers (Jennifer Hudson, Kellie Pickler, Katherine McPhee, Adam Lambert to name just a few) that go on to Very Successful careers...while the actual winners Flame Out relatively quickly.
So if you make it to the Live Shows, and have a great voice and genuine talent you got a platform and have a shot for a good career.
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C
I thought he was boring
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P
Raging hormones ! I’m older than Methuselah… I don’t have any hormones anymore I just know a great voice when I hear one. I am glad Noah Thompson won.
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O
I think all three were good singers. My favorite was Noah. He has a great voice. I thought the way all three supported each other at the end was a really great thing to see. The sad thing is all the highly critical comments some people are making why one person won and their favorite didn't. The fact of the matter is that we all like different things in a singer or song. I saw one guy with headphones analyzing each sentence of the songs. Who does this. Yeah I drive down the highway saying thats too high a note. Some even say only young girls vote for the younger guys. Well I am a 66 year old man and I voted for Noah. In a world where children are shooting children at schools I think his story made me feel good. Finally something good to see in this world. I wish him the best in life as I do all the contestants.
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B
So basically this competition is not about vocal ability or stage presence. It's about who the young girls in the voting audience think is cute. Noah has an ok voice but put his vocal ability or stage presence up against any number of previously eliminated contestants (e.g. Niccolina, or Ray or Fritz) and he loses every time. The three I mentioned will all have bigger careers.
5 5
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O
for the 1st time ever I liked all top 3.... I think Leah is the best but also think Leah and Huntergirl did not need to win and may be better off not winning... Noah needed to win the most
I was caught wondering why they seemed to be promoting Mike and Jay so much, neither was legit top 10 and pushed along by the judges...
but, good year for the show w an excellent final 3
Leah and Huntergirl will have good careers, both write and have some unique style.... Noah has a great voice and will benefit most by the win, Leah and Huntergirl may actually have been hindered by a win
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C
Wasn’t impressed with the outcome .I think it becomes a popularity contest .Thought either girl should have won .Actually dobteven think they had alll the right 3
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G
Of course it's a popularity contest, what isn't? The senior mosts in the high school yearbook, prom king & queen, politics, TV ratings, the Academy Awards, People's Choice Awards and for sure popular music are all based on popularity. What's wrong with that? On Idol you vote for the person you'd pay to see in concert, whose music or t-shirt you'd buy etc..
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Perfectly stated. No quotas, no pity votes, just personal taste.
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Does anyone actually care or watch this "show" any more?
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Since it nearly always dominates it's time slot and this is it's 20th season, I'd say yes. And it has produced real stars, something The Voice has failed to do even once in how many seasons?
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Well it won the night, you do the math.
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You must or you wouldn't have commented.
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I didn't like the way they shoved Noah's girlfriend & mother of his child to the backseat, 'hiding' from the teen-girl votes..... Really ?
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Did anyone else have trouble voting for Hunter Girl when voting opened at the end. We were refused saying we had already voted earlier and an about 20 minutes after the show ended, we received text voting is now closed. Also time to vote for Noah was much longer than Hunter Girl. Happy for Noah but just curious
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I had the same problem
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I couldn't vote either . Didn't seem right.
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O
Same thing when I voted for Noah. Everyone got the same chance since voting started at the beginning of the show not when they sang.
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O
There weren't two voting windows last night. So once you maxed out on your HunterGirl votes, you didn't get a second window after Leah was eliminated.
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R
Hunter girl is the superstar! She didn’t need to win. He needed to win in order to have a career at all!
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Yes. I totally I agree with you on that Hunter girl is a superstar! She’s so awesome. But that last sentence was a little mean to Noah.
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