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The most-awaited American Idol season 22 finale was aired on ABC on Sunday, May 19. It saw the crowning of Abi Carter as America's next singing superstar. The star-studded last episode was also a big farewell to Katy Perry, who announced her exit from the show earlier this year.
Like most finale episodes of American Idol, the season 22 finale was a sight to behold for many reasons. The event was graced by stars like Cece Winans, Wynonna, Nick Fradiani, Bishop Briggs, and many more, who performed alongside the show's eliminated contestants.
Jon Bon Jovi not only mentored the final three contestants to sing his songs but also performed with them. As a tribute to Katy Perry's run on the show, the ladies in the Top 12 performed a medley of her songs, making everyone emotional.
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What went down on American Idol season 22 finale?
American Idol season 22 finale had all three finalists sing two songs, one by their episode mentor Jon Bon Jovi, and the other dedicated to their hometowns. Will Moseley kicked off their Bon Jovi performances, starting with It's My Life. Then came Jack Blocker, who went with I'll Be There For You and Abi Carter sang Bed of Roses.
For their songs dedicated to their hometowns, Will Moseley chose My Town by Montgomery Gentry. Jack went with All My Ex's Live in Texas by George Strait, while Abi performed on Somewhere by West Side Story.
After Jack Blocker was announced as the third-place winner, the remaining two finalists braced themselves as they gave their third and final performance before the winner was announced. Both Will and Abi sang their own creations, with the former singing Good Book Bad, and the latter singing This Isn't Over.
After Abi Carter was named the winner in the American Idol season 22 finale, and she stunned with her performance of Billie Eilish's What Was I Made For?.
American Idol season 22 finale was a farewell to Katy Perry
Katy has been a judge on American Idol since 2018, which makes season 22 her 7th season as a judge. The finale was the last time she was on American Idol, a realization that got her teary-eyed several times throughout the episode.
The makers of the show and the contestants set up perfect performances to commemorate her run on the show.
The ladies in the Top 12 of American Idol season 22 namely Abi Carter, Emmy Russell, Julia Gagnon, McKenna Faith Breinholt, Kaibrienne, Mia Matthews, and Jayna Elise performed a medley of her songs Teenage Dream, Dark Horse, and California Gurls.
After Jack Blocker was announced the third place winner, he and Katy together sang What Makes a Woman, her last performance on the American Idol stage.
Other performances on the finale of season 22 of American Idol
Apart from performances by Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry, other stars such as Jason Mraz, Cody Johnson, Seal, James Bay, Nick Fradiani, Wynonn, and CeCe Williams also graced the stage with their performances alongside the former contestants of the season, in the American Idol season 22 finale.
Jon Bon Jovi sang his song Legendary, alongside the three finalists. Will Moseley was paired with Hootie & the Blowfish, and they sang a medley of three of the band's songs. Abi Carter was paired with Bishop Briggs, and the duo sang Bishop's most popular song, River.
American Idol has been renewed for season 23, which is likely to come out in 2025, with another star judge replacing Katy.
