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Popular reality competition series American Idol season 21 aired a brand new episode on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 8 pm ET on ABC. It documented the top 3 finalists competing against each other for one final time. They gave it their all to impress viewers and earn enough votes to win the coveted title and the grand cash prize of $250,000.
On the season finale episode of American Idol, Colin Stough was eliminated from the competition, cutting his chances to win this season. Fellow competitors William Tongi and Megan Danielle made it to the Top 2. Fans, however, were left divided over this decision and while some were happy, others were shocked.
The hit ABC series has been extremely successful among viewers. The contestants have come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. As they shared these with their fans and judges, the contestants have delivered some of the best performances on the show in the years that it has been on-air.
Season 21 of the competition saw the contestants perform in front of the legendary judge trio - pop princess Katy Perry, Oscar-winning singer/songwriter Lionel Richie, and country superstar Luke Bryan.
Colin Stough gets eliminated on American Idol
Sunday night's episode of American Idol saw the top 3 contestants - Colin Stough, Megan Danielle, and William Tongi - perform on stage. This was the last time that they would perform together before one of them was crowned the season winner. To do so, they had to deliver their best performances ever and earn a chance to win the coveted title.
The official synopsis of the episode, titled Season Finale, reads:
"The live coast-to-coast, three-hour season finale features special performances from music legends and today’s top artists, with the Top 3 contestants taking the stage for the final time as America decides who will become the next American Idol."
To help the Top 3 in the finale, former American Idol judge Kieth Urban made an appearance as a guest mentor. He helped the three finalists with song choices, stage presence, and vocal ranges. The singer was a judge from seasons 12 to 15 when the show aired on Fox.
The finale night was filled with multiple performances. The Top 12 of the season Wé Ani, Warren Peay, Haven Madison, Tyson Venegas, Marybeth Byrd, Oliver Steele, Zachariah Smith, Lucy Love, and Nutsa took to the stage to perform. They were joined by many guest performers, including Pitbull, TLC, Kevin Cronin, and others.
By the first half of the episode, the top 3 American Idol finalists were called upon the stage for the Top 2 announcement. Host Ryan Seacrest asked to dim the lights as Megan, Colin, and William took to the stage, nervous about their fate being in the hands of viewers and praying they make the Top 2.
The first contestant to make the Top 2 was William Tongi. Viewers rejoiced as their favorite singer made it through to the last leg of the journey. Following him was Megan Danielle. This meant that Colin Stough missed out on the win and was eliminated from the competition.
Fans left with mixed opinions over Colin Stough's elimination on American Idol
Fans took to social media to express their opinions. They were left divided with Colin's elimination ahead of the final leg of the season. While some felt it was unfair, others were quite happy with the results.
Other fans rejoiced at the elimination as they celebrated Megan and William advancing forward.
Season 21 of American Idol has seen a lot of talent this time around. Many contestants delivered their talent and while some were successful and reached far into the competition, others failed to make their mark. The show is set to return for a brand-new installment and viewers will have to wait for more details.
American Idol aired every Sunday at 8 pm ET on ABC.
