It’s another exciting night of American Idol on ABC tonight with an all-new Sunday, May 23, 2021, season 19 episode 19 Finale called “Grand Finale” and we have your weekly American Idol recap below. On tonight’s American Idol season 19 episode 19 as per the ABC synopsis, “The top three finalists will each take the stage one last time to perform in hopes of securing America’s vote and, ultimately, become this season’s winner. In addition to the finalists, Idol’s all-star celebrity judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie will each perform a hit song during the show.
Plus, the rest of the top nine return to join renowned music artists Lindsey Buckingham, Alessia Cara, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Fall Out Boy, Mickey Guyton, Chaka Khan, Leona Lewis, and Macklemore on the Idol stage for unforgettable performances throughout the show. Tune in for additional surprise guests and familiar faces. Voting for the next “American Idol” starts at the beginning of the episode and will be open throughout the live show.”
Tune in tonight at 8 PM EST! Celeb Dirty Laundry is your go-to place for all the up-to-date American Idol recaps, news, videos, spoilers, and more, right here!
Tonight’s American Idol recap begins now – Refresh Page often to get the most current updates!
In tonight’s American Idol finale the show begins with a performance of “Can’t Hold Us,” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton.
Tonight is the night that can change one of their lives forever, it is all up to America. The judges are welcomed: Katy Perry (who looks simply fabulous), Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. Our Host, Ryan Seacrest is on stage and welcomes everyone to the Grand Finale. Will the winner tonight be Grace Kinstler, Chayce Beckham, or Willie Spence. It is going to be an incredible night that is going to go down in idol history. All of the judges will take the stage with the finalist later in true idol fashion. There is a phenomenal lineup of guests. Voting for the top three is now open and we will have the first result after two rounds when the top two are revealed. For round one, the judges are choosing the songs and the top three took time to reflect with Bobby Bones.
Judges Choice:
Grace Kintsler performs, “All By Myself,” by Celine Dion.
Judges Comments: Katy: “You did not just take that one higher than Celine sings that, I picked that song for you because when Celine sang it, it made me want to be a singer, it is vulnerable power. You have this vulnerability of power and to connect, I felt you.” Luke: “To be on the finale and to deliver that this time, it was truly amazing. We picked that song and you took it to another level than the song was actually originally done, it was amazing.” Lionel: “Only you can create another song out of a standard song. What I am saying is you are a heart of hearts, you are a storyteller with a great voice. Amazing performance.”
Willie Spence performs, “Georgia On My Mind,” by Ray Charles.
Judges Comments: Luke: “I can smell magnolias, Spanish moss, peaches. Is it Thanksgiving right now? We are at the finale and you have delivered since the day you walked into the audition and I see you doing that the rest of your life.” Lionel: “You are a religious experience, you do it every time. I could sit down and watch the whole show, you move it, you build it, that was a great performance.” Katy: “Never forget where you come from, those roots, the sky is the limit for you. I love you.”
Chayce Beckham performs, “Blackbird,” by The Beatles.
Judges Comments: Lionel: “You have an identifiable voice to the point that I was wondering how you were going to pull this off. Where was going to be your punch, at the end of that song you gave us that identity, sound of yours with that wonderful raspy voice of life. I am so proud of you.” Katy: “We choose that song for you because it is a classic, mighty song. You do that so well, it is up to you, no matter what happens.” Luke: “Me and you, you have earned your bass fishing trip. Book the date, we got it, win or lose.
We take a look at Grace, in her hometown of Chicago, Il. She wishes her dad was here to see her go through the idol experience. She hasn’t seen her mom in weeks and is happy to see her. She sang the anthem in the stadium when she was fourteen and she exactly what you see, authentic and kind. Her mom says she was missing her like crazy and it was strange seeing her on TV. Grace returns to Crystal Lake Central High School, and Tuesday, May 18th was made officially Grace Kinstler day.
Hometown Song:
Grace performs, “I Have Nothing,” by Whitney Houston.
Judges Comments: Katy: “By the grace of God, I don’t know, the vote is so tight. If you think your favorites are safe, think again. Grace just sang her heart out, vote right now.” Luke: “Just seeing your hometown story is like if you don’t like this show you are crazy. This is amazing to be in this spot, I wanted to stand on the desk, a normal standing ovation is not enough. It was beautiful.” Lionel: “You just took a Whitney Houston song and took it up two more octaves, you have done, outdone yourself. Amazing performance.”
Willie goes back home to Douglas, Georgia. He says the support is real, everyone knows each other and everyone is rooting him. Willie heads to Georgia college where he recorded his viral video and he is excited to see his best friend who tells him that nobody shines as bright as him. Willie sits down with his family and they all break out in a song. At Jardine Stadium, a crowd gathers for Willie.
Willie performs, “A Change Is Gonna Come,” by Sam Cooke.
Judges Comments: Luke: “We have heard that one done a few times on this show, but we have never heard it done like that. What joy you bring my heart and my soul, seeing your mother and you, seeing you get back to your mother’s arms was special.” Lionel: “There is a feeling that happens only when it happens, you go back to your hometown and see the people who grew up with you and they look at you a different way, they look at you with pride and inspiration. If you can do this, it is inspiring for everyone else to think you can. Take this moment in your life and bathe in it.” Katy: “We are so proud of you, seeing you with your mother melted my heart, I love you.”
Chayce had a crash two weeks before the Ojai audition, it was the worst night of his life. We see his picking; it is in bad shape. All his gear was broken. Apple Valley, California is home to Chayce. They head to his old work, United Rentals. The District Manager tells him that he is making everyone proud. The next stop is home, and he gets to see his dog. At Vanguard Preparatory School, he did his first-ever performance there in the fifth-grade talent show. The city starts on an orchard on Chayce’s behalf and plants the first apple tree.
Chayce performs, “Fire Away,” by Chris Stapleton.
Judges Comments: Lionel: “What a great song for your voice, for your whole demeanor. When we first met you, you said you are not sure, we are sure. The grit that you have is undeniable.” Katy: “Sometimes, God has to turn up the volume on your life to see if you are listening, and you are listening. Keep listening, stand open, stay the guy from Apple Valley because your life is about to change.” Luke: “To see you come in during your audition just we could tell you were keeping everything close to your chest. And now, we see you proud of yourself and watch your confidence, you have grown since we met you.”
Alyssa Wray and Mickey Guyton perform, “Black Like Me,” by Mickey Guyton.
Time for the first results; Grace, Willie, and Chayce are on stage.
The first person to make it to the next level and one step closer to the crown is Willie Spence. Going head to head with Willie for the title tonight is Chayce Beckham.
ELIMINATED: Grace Kintsler
Tom McGovern gives his take on this season’s American Idol.
Fall Out Boy performs “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up).” Chayce and Willie join in.
Chaka Khan performs, “Sweet Thing,” “I’m Every Woman,” “Ain’t Nobody,” accompanied by some favorite faces from this season.
Leona Lewis and Willie Spence perform, “You Are The Reason,” by Calum Scott & Leona Lewis.
Cheryl Crow performs, “If It Makes You Happy,” joined by Graham DeFranco.
Murphy performs an original song, “Am I Still Mine?”
Luke Bryan and Casey Bishop perform, “Livin’ On A Prayer,” by Bon Jovi.
Lionel Richie performs, “One World,” with some of our favorite Idol contestants.
Lindsey Buckingham performs, “Go Your Own Way,” by Fleetwood Mac with Cassandra Coleman.
Alessia Cara performs an original song, “Scars To Your Beautiful,” with Grace Kintsler.
Luke Combs performs an original song, “Forever After All,” with Chayce Beckham.
Katy Perry performs an original song, “Thinking Of You,” with Hunter Metts.
Chayce Beckham performs, “Afterglow,” by Ed Sheeran.
Willie Spence performs, “Stand Up,” by Cynthia Erivo.
RUNNER UP: Willie Spence
WINNER: Chayce Beckham
WINNER ********* Chayce Beckham *********
THE END!
