‘American Idol 22’ finale recap: Did Abi Carter, Jack Blocker or Will Moseley win? [Live Blog]
Tonight on the grand finale of “American Idol” season 22, Abi Carter, Jack Blocker and Will Moseley face off one more time for America’s vote. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jon Bon Jovi mentors the final three before they take the stage in front of judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. At the end of the night host Ryan Seacrest will announce this year’s champion. Let’s go!
Below, follow with our live blog for “American Idol 22” Episode 18 airing Sunday, May 19 (8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET).
SEE ‘American Idol’ deaths: Full list of singers we’ve lost
8:00 p.m. — Previously on “American Idol”! The Top 5 performed two songs each on fan-favorite “Disney Night.” America voted live for the Top 3, and Emmy Russell and Triston Harper were eliminated. Who will be crowned the winner in tonight’s grand finale?
8:05 p.m. — Ryan introduces viewers to this season finale of “American Idol” as Abi, Jack and Will serenade the audience with “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. Next, Jon himself joins the trio singing “Legendary.”
8:10 p.m. — Luke, Katy and Lionel take their spot at the judges’ desk for the final time this season. Katy is a little emotional since this is likely her last night as a judge. Next we see Will sit down with Jon for a mentorship session. Jon teaches him to feel the moment as he sings the Bon Jovi classic “It’s My Life,” which happens to be one of Will’s dad’s favorite songs. When Will hits the stage it’s clear his voice lends itself well to rock music, he ain’t just some country crooner. A solid opening for Will!
8:12 p.m. — Lionel screams, “Way to go!” before adding, “Let it go and enjoy yourself.” Katy says Will sounds like Bon Jovi. Luke says it’s fun to watch Will and he never thought he’d see Will not holding a guitar. He notes, “That thing had some teeth on it!”
8:15 p.m. — Jack has chosen the power ballad “I’ll Be There for You” for his Bon Jovi tribute. Jon shares this song reminds me of the time he proposed to his wife — and says “Jack’s gonna win this f***’n contest, let’s go!” Jack hits the stage and gives it his all. I don’t typically think of him as a balladeer, but he’s showing some chops on this song.
8:17 p.m. — Katy calls it “surreal” to see Jack in the Top 3 after he barely survived his audition and adds, “No one is blocking Jack Blocker, not even me.” Luke says Jack’s shirt should win it’s own award and compliments him on pushing himself. Lionel says their relationship started rocky, but he could always see the potential (which is a bit of a fib). Luke reminds everyone that HE was the judge who fought to keep Jack around.
8:25 p.m. — Abi meets with Jon and tells him she’ll be performing “Bed of Roses.” He encourages her to sing the song her own way and not copy his version. He tells her, “You’re the whole package.” Abi hits the stage to sing this ballad at the piano. It’s a gentle, beautiful arrangement like Abi’s become known for. She may have just won this first round with that vocal performances.
8:27 p.m. — The crowd will not stop cheering and delays the judges from making comments. They have little time to talk, but Katy says, “The room may be cheering, but if you’re not voting from home it doesn’t mean anything, so you better vote.” Next, Abi gets a special congratulations from Billie Eilish who wishes her “nothing but the best” and says, “I’m here to support you forever.”
8:38 p.m. — It’s time for round two of this contest, which are hometown dedications. Will is dedicating “My Town” by Montgomery Gentry to his hometown of Hazlehurst, Georgia. It sounds like the type of song he’d release to country radio, so that makes it a pretty good choice. Lionel says he can make that song his staple and having a sold-out show in your hometown is unlike any sell-out you can have. Katy says this show keeps the American dream alive and Will is a perfect example of that. Luke compliments Luke’s delivery of the song and says he has all the tools for a great career.
8:50 p.m. — Next Jack dedicates “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait to his hometown of Dallas, Texas. I love this song, but it’s kind of a funny choice for a hometown dedication. Still, it’s a fun, upbeat number from Jack who has grown into this season’s most unpredictable performer. Katy calls this his “bread and butter” because he’s “footloose and fancy free.” Luke says everything about that performance was “star” quality and it may be his favorite performance. Lionel says Jack’s career is about to take off.
9:03 p.m. — Wrapping up the first hour of this finale is Abi’s dedication of “Somewhere” from “West Side Story” to her hometown of Indio, California. She’s shown so much versatility in her song choices this season. What an epic classic to choose for the finale! Lionel calls it a “show-stopping moment” and adds, “It doesn’t get any better.” Katy calls it “magic.”
9:17 p.m. — Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino pays a special visit to say hello. She tells the finalists, “God gave you a gift and it’s up to you how far you take it.” She also says this show opened so many doors for her and she’s grateful for it. She’ll be back later for another appearance! But first Julia Gagnon joins Jason Mraz for a performance his song, “I Feel Like Dancing.” Then Jayna Elise joins Seal for his classic “Crazy.”
9:20 p.m. — After two performances it’s time for someone’s journey to end right now. Dim the lights! Ryan announces the person who came in third place is Jack.
9:35 p.m. — James Bay hits the Idol stage with his hit “Let it Go.” He’s joined by Season 22 contestants McKenna Faith Breinholt and Kaibrienne. Then Luke takes the stage with his single “Love You, Miss You, Mean It.” Then Mia Matthews joins him for a tribute to George Strait with “Run.”
9:45 p.m. — Lionel is on stage singing “Running with the Night” when he’s joined by entire Top 12. Then country superstar Cody Johnson sings “‘Til You Can’t” with Triston Harper. It’s an all-star concert tonight!
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