‘American Idol’ Top 3 Revealed: Do You Agree With Voters? (RECAP)
[Warning: The below contains spoilers for American Idol.]
Dreams certainly came true for three lucky contestants on Sunday’s (May 14) Disney-themed American Idol, as the finalists for next week’s season finale were set.
Sara Bareilles kicked off the episode with a special rendition of the Disney100 song “When You Wish Upon a Star,” with backing vocals from the Top 5. Meanwhile, over at Sleeping Beauty Castle at the Disneyland Resort in California, Halle Bailey performed “Part of Your World” from Disney’s upcoming The Little Mermaid.
Elsewhere, Descendants star Sofia Carson mentored the Top 5 contestants from the Happiest Place on Earth, sharing her advice ahead of their studio performances.
But who made it to the Top 3? Keep reading to find out below…
Wé Ani

ABC/Eric McCandless
Wé Ani got things started with a powerful performance of “Into the Unknown” from Frozen II, with judge Luke Bryan telling the singer she “hasn’t hit a bad note all year.”
Ani’s second performance saw her singing a slowed-down arrangement of “The Climb” from Hannah Montana: The Movie. Katy Perry, who was dressed in a Mrs. Incredible outfit, called Ani “a master of her craft.”
Zachariah Smith

ABC/Eric McCandless
Zachariah Smith was next to the stage, performing “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” from The Lion King. Lionel Richie praised the energetic performance, calling it a “tough arrangement” but that Smith was “right in the driver’s seat.”
For his second song of the evening, Smith performed “Life is a Highway” from Cars. Once again, Richie complimented Smith’s energy, calling him “the entertainer’s entertainer.”
Colin Stough
Colin Stough was up next, starting things off with “Real Gone” from Cars, which he sang in tribute to his mom. The judges said it was his best performance yet, with Perry stating, “You finally did exactly what we’ve been wanting.”
Stough later returned to the stage to perform “Nobody Knows” from Pete’s Dragon, slowing things down to show off more of his vocal range. Richie said that Stough has the kind of stage presence that can’t be coached.
Megan Danielle
Fourth up was Megan Danielle, who performed “You Can’t Stop the Girl” from Maleficent: Mistress of Evil for her first song of the night. Richie said Danielle had taken it to “another level.”
Danielle later sang “Carried Me With You” from Onward, showing off her country side. Bryan praised the performance, saying he’s loved her voice from day one.
Iam Tongi
Last up was Iam Tongi, who performed “Lava” from the short film of the same name. The judges loved the performance, with Richie calling Tongi a “master storyteller.”
Tongi later performed “Father and Son” from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in tribute to his father. Again, the judges praised the emotional performance, with Perry saying Iam stands for “I AM the next American Idol.”
But who did the voters choose? After the voting window closed, host Ryan Seacrest took to the stage to announce the three finalists moving on to next week’s season finale. Those three were Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi, and Colin Stough.
Journey to the Finale Special, Monday, May 15, 9/8c, ABC
American Idol, Season Finale, Sunday, May 21, 8/7c, ABC
Conversation131 Comments
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G
Very disappointed with the finalist! We Ani should have been the winner.
51 4
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P
Wé Ani was robbed of a place in the final three by the voters who choose country singers, talented or not, for the finalists. Will not be watching this show any longer. Wishing her a successful career.
53 6
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G
OMG We Ani CRUSHED IT! No one came close for her to not win seems wrong. Something seems amiss
43 2
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O
I agree something is diffinately wrong.
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C
I am has made it this far because of everyone's sympathy for his Dad passing. Tyler was better than him. We ani is definitely the real winner.
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O
I agree we ani and Zachariah should have been battling it out for top honors. Guess it’s just a popularity contest not based on real talent.
44 5
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G
America has gone deaf. Winner should have been We Ani or Tyler who was eliminated last week. Both of these kids could sing a phone book. Amazing voices that you don't forget. The rest will be forgotten by next season.
44 6
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G
I am a Colin fan myself, but I thought We Ani would get in the top 3 instead of Iam! I would not go to see him in concert - not enough variety - boring to me!
45 7
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O
Then why are you a fan of Colin's? The last thing AI needs is another male country singer.
1 1
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G
Amazing talent this season, but how can we not pick We Ani and Zacharariah over the two country singers, at least to give a chance to other genres? Makes no sense…
37 5
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O
AI has pretty much turned into a popularity contest controlled by teen girls.
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B
I feel Zachariah should have gotten it instead of Megan
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C
We Ani and Zachariah should have been in the top 3....I feel that Colin got in for his looks and Meghan is just middle of the road. Iam is good but not top 3. So disappointed with the choices, I feel Katy was out of line stating that Colin is the sure winner. I feel there was a lot of very YOUNG Girls sending in their votes!! I hope that We Ani and Zachariah pick up a contract and go far.
34 4
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C
We Ani should have been top three. She is the next Whitney Houston.
27 1
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C
I had the same thought when I watched her today. I can see Whitney Houston in her performances.
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R
Yes she is!
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O
Wei & Zachariah should be in the top 3. Disappointing.
25 3
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C
Zachariah is pure shtick. Incredibly ridiculous he made it as far as he did. We Ani is pure Whitney talent and a shame America's teeny boppers eliminated her
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G
Agree 100%
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G
yep 100... I knew this would happen.. popularity nothing about talent
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O
I think We Ani was definitely the best vocalist. I was shocked she was not in the top three. Iam is sweet and has a nice voice. I think his personality is what people like. Very disappointed with results. I think the judges overly praised the girl from Georgia, and that resulted in her getting more votes. Odd?
26 5
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O
Hoping Lionel Richie reaches out to Wei and helps start her career. Believe also she is the next Whitney
11
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O
Yes, I hope he or someone will.
She will go far…. Her voice is unbeatable.
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B
Iam should not have made it in the top 3. The judges were always saying how great he was, well he is good but no wear near great. Very disappointed does not even say how I am really feeling. Something tells me he is going to win and he absolutely should not!!!!
12 2
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G
I do not like finalists. Omg 2 of the best went home. We and Zachariah certainly top 2. Sad really
11 1
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O
How sad it is a popularity contest whether you vote or not! They’re just voting for the person, not their voice! Iam Tongi will probably win which he never should have made the top 10 just like Ruben did years ago, and he never should have. I also think it’s time for someone other than a country singer to win idol! I think the judges should have a vote, but We’ Ani Will be a star! You go girl!
13 4
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R
At this point I don't care who wins. The top talent is gone. I will watch final for the professional talent that will be performing.
13 4
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O
Yup, top talent gone. Not worthwhile watching any longer.
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P
No. No. No. No. the voters are idiots. We’ Ani should be in top 3. The American public voters screwed up again. The best singers are not in top 3. Every year they vote for country artists Colin and novelty acts Iam over great voices. The voting needs to be taken away from the public. I will stop watching the stupid show for now on.
It’s bad for years when the best singers/ performers don’t win. Adam Lambert, Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson,
Just to name a few. Fix the show or take it off the air. I won’t be watching anyway
10 2
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R
People have different views / taste. Doesn't make them idiots. Anyone of the top 10 were good enough to win imho.
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O
Voting has nothing to do with talent. It's a popularity contest!
We'ani, your the bomb! I look forward to following your career
10 2
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G
There is NO way that We Ani didn't get in there. She was definitely the absolute best. That's what happens when all the country fans flood the internet. If people don't vote, the REAL winners don't stand a chance. Oh well, I hope that she excels in her future.
10 3
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R
I’m done with idol. The judges always push a certain one. I wouldn’t pay a penny to see I am. No stage presence what so ever. Oh what a story he has. What story? His father died is his story. Wow. Zacariah was my pick and if they’re looking for a story he has one. Sick or the judges showing their excitement over one with hugs on stage etc. we should have gotten in top 3 over I am. Just a sorry joke.
11 4
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O
I do believe the show is rigged 3 basic singers make it an 2 top singers go home!
8 2
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O
Most certainly rigged. I was torn between We Ani and Zach. Best of luck to them both. Here I thought was one show that was real. Well the results are the proof that I was wrong. Another show I won't be watching again. So sad.
1 1
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G
I think We Ani should be in the top 3, but again you have to vote. You can't get upset if you don't vote. Bottom line is vote.
8 2
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R
People are all upset. "We ani will be a star" blah blah. How many actual stars come from these shows? We is an excellent vocalist for sure. Zac is an entertainer. This season had the deepest talent pool in a long time and I hope that many from the top 26 will continue to pursue music. I vote for people whose record I would listen to. One of my favorites was Nailyah. I would listen to her record. I think Megan will be the next Carrie Underwood.
6 1
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O
We Ani was the most talented, she has a beautiful voice…very Disappointed in the results..
7 2
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B
I think Katie should have kept her mouth shut about Iam winning American Idol. This type of comment often results in influencing voters, and voters do not need that. It gives contestants an edge over the others, which is highly unfair. She needs to correct this!!!
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R
I definitely feel the same
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R
I like and listen to many genre's of music... although only an occasional rock or country song, so I usually vote for several different "types" of contestants. Most of my favorites didn't get farther than the top 5 except for a few like David Archuleta, Joshua Ledet and yes, that one year I voted for a country singer- Scotty M. Even so, I am so tired of Country singers winning. Add that to the fact that I really enjoy island/reggae music and I am SO hopping that Iam wins this year! I sense that many who are voting for Iam are those who don't usually follow American Idol or have gone away from it with so many winners in recent past years coming from the same genre.
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G
yes. last year the 2 most annoying white, young country singers. Popularity contest.
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G
They are all very talented , I can not believe Ani was not in the top 3 . She can sing anything. She will be very successful anyway. Iam is very talent but not an American Idol . I am sure all of the will do great things. It’s Megan or Colin for me.
5 1
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C
We ani should be the American idol. Definitely the best singer, performer by far. Iam Tonga a bit boring and Meghan ok but no way as good as we ani. Colin typical country which seems to be a shoe in for a winner in American idol. Very disappointed!!
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G
Either Colin or Iam will win..such a shamy
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G
Remember, they are all stars but only one winner of Idol. We Ani will be releasing hit albums a making millions soon, Smith will be headlining everywhere, as will Iam. Colin makes us seriously happy watching and listening even if not a total country fan! It’s silly to not watch finals just because your favorite did not get Idol! “We don’t always get what we want.” I can’t wait to watch final night even though not fan of all the celebrity guest stars….snack time!
7 3
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R
We Ani is incredible. She will go far. Iam is not an American idol. I go with Megan and Colin. But the rocker is good too! I love Megan’s Bonnie Rait gravel sound…
Jut don’t know
5 1
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G
I am mad. The best two singers were not voted in. Not watching any more. America should only get a % of voting and judges do the rest.
3
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O
Again another great singer got robbed, how in heavens did they vote out We? She is the best singer out of the 5. But I’m convinced she is going to be more popular than the rest.
4 1
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B
We is clearly talented, but she’s been on both the Voice and Idol now. Something isn’t resonating with the public. Still, she should hold her head high and work on producing original music.
3
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R
I think the show is racist and simply a popularity contest. Its not a talent show, its a popularity show. Shame on ABC!
4 1
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O
We Ani - best vocalist by far. She should have sang “I’m Your Baby Tonight” by Whitney Houston, it is a more robust song than the second one she chose. This however still may not have changed the outcome of the popularity vote
4 1
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P
I totally disagree with the chosen 3 . Hate to sound like I’m being difficult but something is up. I feel as We Ani should have been picked.
3 1
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R
Country music needs it's own damn show. Enough already. So many great, diverse singers are sacrificed for average country singers.
3 1
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G
Currently the 3 judges are not actually judging....they are just glorified cheerleaders. I believe that one judge's pick needs to be part of each final cut starting with the top 12.
So for the top 3, voters select the first 2, and then the judges decide the last pick (majority wins).
This works because there are 3 judges, each with different genres.
So perhaps, someone like We Ani could have possibly made it......which if based on talent, really deserved a chance.
3 1
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G
We Ani should have won the whole dam thing. She is by far the best singer. Wish her nothing but the best!
3 1
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O
We Ani should definitely be in the top 3, We Ani, Zach and Colin. Megan is ok but not a powerhouse and Iam is sweet but limited vocally. I am hoping Zach and We Ani have contracts now!!
3 1
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R
Ask yourself who would you pay $100 or more a ticket to see perform?
3 1
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R
Depends on the material put out. With good material, Megan yes. If Colin creates a modern day version of a Southern Rock Band, YES!! I would buy Iam cd to help me sleep at night.
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R
Wei Ani's videos were not posted on the American Idol site last night. Only the others that won. I wonder if that would influence voting? People who are not able to watch the show live may have been waiting for her videos. Then, the voting closed and they closed comments also.
3 1
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P
Looking at the judges, I saw Lionel with his hands on the stand and his head facing down, very very disappointed. Of course been country Luke ate it up.
4 2
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C
Colin will win this because hes the Cute White Boy With Guitar. Called it from day one, its the AI formula and why the show needs to GO. We Ani's complexion has nothing to do with it...the teeny boppers don't vote for girls unless there's no cute country boy w guitar to swoon over. Ridiculous. Iam Tongi won't win bc he's too big. Talent plays no part in AI.
5 3
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C
I think the 3 finalists should have been Wai Ani, Zacharia, and Iam Tongi. American doesn't know how to vote. Colin and Meagan aren't that good. I'm disappointed ☹️
2 1
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B
We Ani was by far the best, Zachariah most entertaining and also sang really well, shocked they’re out—they’d be my top 2.
2 1
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G
I am is the greatest #1he is a great performer and a fantastic storyteller let's give him the credit that is due to him
2 1
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G
We Ani was so far above the other contestants, she should be in top three. Zachariah should have been in the top three too. I Am was a sweet guy but not top three.
In 2009 Adam Lambert lost that year, the voters got that completely wrong as the future proved.
2 1
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P
We Ani with that mind blowing performance definitely should have won
2 1
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R
I think the final 3 are awful except for Ian. The best singer, We Ani, is the only one who should
be the American Idol. Far superior to the others.
2 1
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B
I absolutely would not attend a concert with Iam. He only has one range of voice, and would put me to sleep…spending good money for nothing. Also, bless his heart he has no star power, or presence.
2 1
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C
We should have won , will not watch this show again.
1
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O
I agree , Wi Ani should have been in the top 3 , Ian is not top 3 he is boring , seems like a great kid but didnt have the talent that the other contestants did ! Wi ani is another Whitney Houston !!! America is deaf ! That's all I can say !
2 1
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B
Absolutely wrong !!! We should have been in top 3 and won hands down. She will be the only star out of that group
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R
Judging from the comments, the verdict is that We Ani is the best vocalist, and I agree. In fact, the comments are quite good all around. Iam has a pleasant voice, but he began to bore me. I have a soft spot for Megan, whose tone is indeed unique, and I like her soulful rendition of country music, so of the three remaining contestants, if I voted, I would vote for her.
2 1
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O
Kathy, gave the vote to Ian, When she stated his name (Iam), is going to win American Idol, Sunday 5/14/23…
He’s NOT concert/stage Entertainment.
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C
We Ani and Zachariah should have been in the top 2. I think the judges should have the final say, since America is clearly tone deaf.
2 1
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O
My picks as well!!
1
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O
This is how I know you don’t know music. Colin was the worst and is lucky to have even gotten to where he was. Not even top 10 in my book. Lucky if he’s too 25
2 1
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B
Typical Americans don’t have a clue what talent is We Ane will be a superstar with platinum status where the top three will never be in the same category as We Ane
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G
It should have been we Ani iam and Zacharia. I picked them right from the beginning iam to win and we Ani second but she has a bright future.
3 2
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O
Wé Ani will be a star no matter what--just like Jennifer Hudson who did not win on her season! Definitely We'Ani was heads above the rest in vocals! Best wishes on her future endeavors! (Still rooting for our GA gal!)😍
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W
I felt that We Ani was heads above all the other contestants. She will be a star, no doubt in my mind. But that's just me.
1
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G
You are absolutely correct and Zachariah should be in. I like Iam he's different but not top 3.
36 3
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B
I agree, the only possible reason she didn't get voted in was her "complexion", I hate to say. Judges would have put her through.
6 3
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G
Does she have an ACNE problem? Doesn’t Iam have the complexion problem as well?
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O
No he does not
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O
I agree 100%. Just didn't want to expound on the racist aspect . I also don't believe the vote count is accurate.
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R
Why does everything have to be racist. If it doesn’t go the way some people think it should they want to bring race into it. Maybe it’s because more people listen to pop country than anything else. I personally think that all of the top 5 are very deserving to move forward in the competition. Yes, it is a popularity contest and unfortunately only 1 gets to win. But, to say the top 3 don’t deserve to be there even though they continue to perform at a high level weekly. Stop bringing race into everything that is just entertainment. If you do not like it don’t watch. You live in a country that gives you the freedom to choose what entertainment to watch.
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Right on and amen to that. It totally upset me. I have always known that it was to unbelievable that she would win. She will advance like Jennifer Hudson and show they all made a mistake.
2 1
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G
You are absolutely correct! Not just you. It's me as well!
2 1
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G
I agree - all were great singes but We Ani was the best and most versatile. But it is not who is best, it is who has a huge voting block arranged. Clearly I Am had that from the beginning. He was good and lovable, but a bit of a one trick pony in my mind.
24 2
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O
I agree
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P
We Ani should be the next American Idol!
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P
Is it a joke??? We Ani is the idol she’s the best ,,,,,
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T
S o n g choice is very important very important
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C
Wé Ani and Zach were totally robbed. The 3 who got in have nowhere NEAR the vocal or performance talent as Wé Ani and Zach. I hope the 2 of them become SUPERSTARS!!
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O
American Idol needs new judges!
(Katy Perry is the worst of the 3!)
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O
I hope that Collin doesn’t win. Sorry.Just another mediocre, forgettable country singer by way of American Idol. If you really want to hear what a great Country voice sounds like, listen to Holly Brand on “The Voice” right now, or on YouTube. She’s on the same level or near same level that Ani We is, except as a Country singer.
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C
What a travesty We Ani wasn’t in the top three, if not the absolute winner!
Like many American Idol non 1st place winners such as Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert & Chris Daughtry (etc.) … We Ani is destined to have a great career anyway, despite American Idol!
Also, probably for the best as I have read many times that the contracts for American Idol aren’t all that great.
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J
People are acting SO shocked! American Idol is A TV SHOW. Ever notice they never release the EXACT vote counts? Ever wonder why? Because it's TV and therefore NOT REAL. The audience and demographics of American Idol is 12-year-old girls. The final THREE were hand-picked by the producers for their market & ratings. They always are. This year they started cutting the real talent when they were down to the final 24. More than a few in the top 10 were voted in over people who were better singers. Happens every season.
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C
Totally agree, as I have said the same thing about the show and its corporate overlords.
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O
Wi Mi Megan& Zaccarie should have been the winners
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G
There is no doubt that We will be a huge star. She may even get a better record deal not winning. But still there is just no reason for her not to be in the top 3.
I-Am also has a huge future.. He makes me cry whenever he sings.
They ALL have bright futures. But in all honesty the person who has the least growth in all areas is Colin Stough. He is awesome but still so young he isn’t comfortable working the stage/crowd.
No matter what he has a bright future but I don’t see top 3 for him over We Ani or Zachariah 🤷♀️
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O
WÉ ANI WAS ROBBED!!!!😡😡
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O
I think it's the worst outcome. Wei was the best singer in the competition. Her voice was very flawless. Sad day. My wife and I will not be watching the finale. Could care less who wins now. In my eyes the wrong person went home. That's what we get when people vote with their hearts not with their ears and eyes.
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O
We Ani, Megan, and Zachariah should have been the final three
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P
I think We Ani & Zachariah should have been in..Colin and Danielle are very good.
My choices are iam tongue, Zachariah and
We Anii..Even not in,they will be stars!
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G
America got it wrong this year. For We'Ani and Zachariah, it may not matter. There have been many top 10 American Idol finalists over the years who didn't win but went on to have great careers anyway: Adam Lambert, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Bo Bice, Mandisa are just a few and there have been many more. You don't have to win to have success. What We 'Ani and Zacharia got was exposure and that will serve them well as they go forward.. I have no doubt that they will both go on to have successful careers. They're going to be just fine!
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G
America got it all wrong if they didn’t vote We Ani in. Not fair!
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O
Most disappointing season ever. So sad people vote on personality not talent. I’m not interested in watching the last show.
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O
I am no longer watching American Idol. I have deleted them. Poor choices. Megan is good. 2 poerful singers not chosen
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C
I believe We Ani should be the next American Idol -voting audience is clearly not voting for the best singer.
Although I think all 5 are very talented. Prior Idol contestants did well - I believe We Ani will do well.
I do like Iam but don't believe he is the strongest contestant vocally.
Now I am rooting for Megan Danielle!
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R
We Ani is the winner in my eyes.
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B
I think that Iam was really good and I also think the We Ani was above and beyond and definitely top 3. But I’m not sure about Megan. And Zachariah is definitely top 3 as well. But over all, my personal favorite was Iam. He deserves to be in the top 3. Not only because of what he’s been through, but because of his amazing talent to be able to sing. If other people don’t think so, maybe they should try singing like Iam.
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B
We Ani should have been the American Idol!
2 2
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P
I think that American idol as some other people stated, is totally based on popularity, not talent, because there is no way that We Ani should have not made it in the top 3. I see the lineup as being We Ani, Zachariah, and Iam, Megan and Collin should have been the two that went home. They are the least talented. I will watch the finals ito see the professionals that are coming on. Those that voted for Megan and Collin should really listen to the voices I wish, We Ani and Zachariah the very best. Go make some records, guys.
1 1
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O
They sent home the 2 best that probably should’ve won
1 1
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G
I enjoy the show but you have to watch it knowing the country singers will ALWAYS have the numbers and will continue to be in the finals.
1 1
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B
I also think Iam is NOT star material. He cannot even move around on the stage. He perspires way too heavily, and certainly does NOT have the “look”. Sorry
1 1
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B
In addition I’m not watching finale or any future shows. It’s a shame people cannot acknowledge real talent
1 1
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R
If the majority of comments here suggest that We Ani should at least have been in the top three then what is going on here? This show has been racist for a long time and the best talented Black Americans never win. Why?
3 3
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B
We Ani will have people from recording studios lining up to sign her up to huge contracts
1 1
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C
Expect another boring finale!! Once again, the white boy will win the game. 😕
1
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P
Everyone saying that it is always a country singer- well it appears (right or wrong) that country fans actually vote. Which is why Katie Perry kept saying “You have to vote” I think without
a doubt that We Ani should have been in the top 3, however I would almost guarantee that she will have an amazing career because she can sing!
I like the show though and am not going to stop watching it because my favorites don’t always make it.
1
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O
Should’ve beenWei and the top, Megan next and then Cody. Ian is getting a sympathy vote.
It’s like a rerun of last season, Hunter Girl should’ve won that by far, just like Wei. Stage presence, involving the audience and the voice.
I’m done with American Idol. The Voice is the only true show out there and it’s entertaining and they don’t even have to wear and Imcredible’s costume. The Judges are themselves and they stay in the studio. Good bye American Idol. Last season it was no one on the west coast or Mountain time zone could vote because voting closed before it aired, hence why Hunter Girl lost. This year it’s just outright fixed.
1 2
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G
We Ani is the best!! Zachariah second. Iam should not have been top 10. The other 2 were 3 and four
1
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P
Just like politics its not who's the best (We'Ani) its who gets the most votes...regardless of how you get them😀 loved her and Zachariah🤗
1
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B
The wrong people were picked for the final three!!! What were the voters thinking????
1
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P
We Ani should have been among the top 3. All her performances from the onset were excellent. She possessed the voice, stage presence and confidence. Heads above the other contestants.
2
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G
I tried voting for the first time , it told me I had exceeded my votes. Maybe bc I was voting for We Ani very suspicious to me.
1 3
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B
They have been trying to push Colin and Iam through the past few weeks. They have been the weakest of the finals.
2 4
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C
YES I AGREE WITH THE TOP THREE! IAM ALL THE WAY. I voted for him from the start <3
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