American Idol Finale Recap: Did the Right Singer Win Season 19?
American Idol has dimmed the lights for the last time this season with the crowning of the franchise’s 19th (!) winner.
Heading into Sunday’s finale, 49 percent of TVLine readers expected Chayce Beckham to be crowned the new Idol, with 28 percent predicting a win for Willie Spence and 22 percent believing that Grace Kinstler had a genuine shot at the title. But those numbers shifted a bit when we asked our readers which finalist they thought deserved to win; Beckham still came out on top, but Spence and Kinstler followed more closely behind.
So, how did those predictions pan out? Let’s get straight to the results: Midway through the three-hour event, Ryan Seacrest revealed that Kinstler would not be moving forward, making her this season’s official third-place finalist.
Following another round of performances (more on those below), Beckham and Spence met center stage to learn their fate. The winner of American Idol Season 19 is… Chayce Beckham!
Read on for a breakdown of the three-hour (!) finale, with official videos to be added when they become available:
ROUND ONE | Kinstler kicked things off with a characteristically bombastic performance of Celine Dion’s “All By Myself,” the first of several judge-picked songs of the night. Not that it was much of a risk, but they knew exactly what they were doing when they assigned her this iconic ballad — the emotions were real, the high notes were effortless and the moment was hers. I’m not sure I agree that “Celine’s going to have words” (no one out-Celines Celine, period!) but it was stunning nonetheless. Watch:
Next up, the judges tasked Spence with performing a tribute to his home state via Ray Charles’ “Georgia,” and what a blessing it was. The purity of that man’s voice! Uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time, this performance — like so many of Spence’s this season — transported us to another place. He took us to church and Georgia without breaking a sweat. With a voice as admirable as his personality, Spence continues to be an absolute delight.
The Beatles’ “Blackbird” wasn’t the most exciting choice for Beckham, but it fit nicely with his gravelly voice. It wasn’t as challenging or impressive as the two songs that preceded it, but an extended grunt towards the end of the song was enough of a vocal moment to impress the judges, who loved what they heard.
ROUND TWO | Kinstler set the bar high in the finale’s second round, serving up a spectacular cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” It may have been a relatively safe choice, but there was nothing safe about those high notes, which she crushed. Click here to watch.
Kinstler may have set the bar for this round, but Spence had no trouble pole-vaulting right over it. His chilling performance of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” was undeniable. Even Luke Bryan admitted that it might have been the best performance of that song ever seen on the Idol stage. And Katy Perry wasn’t the only person who got emotional watching Spence’s beautiful relationship with his mother. I was cutting onions over here, too! Click here to watch.
Following an emotional look back at the hard times that brought him here, Beckham then wrapped up Round 2 with another gritty performance, taking on Chris Stapleton’s “Fire Away.” Click here to watch.
ROUND THREE | Following Kinstler’s elimination, Beckham and Spence faced off in the final round of the night, for which they each revisited a song they performed earlier in the season. Beckham kicked things off with a refreshingly emotional take on Ed Sheeran’s “Afterglow.” He always brings the vocals, but this performance showed us how much heart he’s capable of infusing in his performances. It was the kind of impressive display that would justify his seemingly foregone victory. Watch:
Then again, Spence proved he deserves the title just as much (if not more?) with an incredible performance of Cynthia Erivo’s “Stand Up.” From the chilling lower beginnings to the bombastic climax, Spence told a powerful story, and it was a privilege just to enjoy it from my own home. Wow doesn’t even begin to describe it. Watch:
Also worth noting…
Even though one of them had already been eliminated by this point, the Top 3 each got their own all-star duets. Kinstler joined Alessia Cara on “Scars to Your Beautiful,” Beckham performed “Forever After All” opposite Luke Combs, and Spence teamed up with Leona Lewis for a stirring take on “You Are the Reason.”
And those were just a few of the finale’s special guests. Sunday’s send-off featured performances by the likes of Macklemore, Fall Out Boy, Chaka Khan and Sheryl Crow. Idol also welcomed back a handful of this season’s more memorable contestants, including Alyssa Wray, Graham DeFranco and the man, the myth, the legend… Murphy.
Bryan brought back Casey Bishop for a duet of Bon Jovi’s “Livin on a Prayer,” and Lionel Richie took to the stage for a performance of “One World” with even more beloved eliminated contestants, including Cassandra Coleman and Deshawn Goncalves. And don’t get me started on Perry’s beautiful duet of “Thinking of You” with Hunter Metts. Watch:
OK, let’s talk: Do you think the right singer won the season? And how did you feel about the three-hour finale? Grade the main event in our poll below, then drop a comment with your full review.
Grace got robbed but the top 8 were incredible in general. Many could have massive careers. Hunter will, I think, have a great career. Beane is too fun to watch not to have something of a career. The winner, Chayce, has a chance at success too with 23 – his winning song.
Grace always blows it out of the park. She truly has an amazing voice. Willie is right behind her and then Chase. Grace u will go far anyway. We know u should have won.
How was Grace and Willie original? They all had awesome voices but how did they blow it out of the park like Chase did? He had a number one song that hit the charts instantly! Grace and Willie were phenomenal but could they compete with a number one song written and sung by Chase? Remember. This is American Idol. Not virginia , Detroit, or any other idol. The nation voted. Not a genre, or anything else! It’s popular by America. Not by specifics, culture or creed! People of course have their favorites as I do as well but that doesn’t mean they should win because that’s what you and me like. It’s what America wants! We get too wrapped up in ourselves and forget this is about popular demand! Grace and Willie are phenomenal but what they did has been done before. Over and over. Great voices who sang other people’s songs! Chase was original, and did what neither of them did! Can’t compare an instant number one song which is original to singing other people’s songs!
Agree I found that grace at hitting the high notes thou awesome when she sang in the lower voice she had this kind of wopple has I call it which turns me right off I hate when singers do this
Did like willy but like you said nothing original Ruben did the same thing but the best won
George/ Shirley , it doesnt matter how many times u tell people , they just have blinders on. Chayce will be around for decades , Will n Grace wont be arond in a year . There voices are great , but u need great songs that u or some1 writes for u to move forward .
Kelly clarkson didn’t sing any original song and turned out to be a very gifted writer with great original songs, don’t understand your point. The voice is more important you can’t teach it.. I think this show was always more about the voice and not the song writing
Chase is going to go the way of Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze. Theres zero originality about him. Grace will have a good career. Willie will become a huge gospel star. Willie should have won, hands down
You do realize that Kris and Lee are doing quite well for themselves. I am actually a little surprised when I looked them up. Both have recording contracts. Both have nice looking web sites. Both still tour. There are actually in better shape in the music world than someone like Clay Aiken.
Grace Kinstler when she sang Adele you got that massive Star’s vibe. I think with the right songs that are personal and can show off her voice not just the long vocals she will become America’s next Adele. Celine and Whitney knows when to hold back and when the songs needs a powerful long note and when to cut that note short or carry it out to the climaxing fade. Grace did not have the powerful climax we all were expecting. Chayce is a dime-a-dozen in these competitions and the young female swooning over Chayce vote out-won over bigger talent and star-quality like Grace, Willie, Hunter, Ava and etc.
I totally agree with everything you said
Well said…
Amen George!!
Willie should have won. Every honest watcher know that. Chayce was good
Grace was magnificent, but as usual other factors prevailed.
Thats what I’m talking about! You wrote All my thoughts down! People don’t understand that the viewers had to vote for their preferred singer! And Chayce got the most votes (period)! Besides that he is a great song writer that already has a NUMBER 1 HIT!
Grace got robbed. In my opinion Chayce won because he looks the part physically. I didn’t think Chayce was top 10. To me voters vote for their favorite instead of voting the best. I tweeted a couple hours before they announced the winner. I never voted for Chayce 1 time. Its basically a popularity contest. So predictable. Grace should have won AI
Totally agree with you Glenn Ksuffman.
Totally agree. chayce was not top singer.
I agree with you totally!
Watch next 2 yrs , chayce will be the only 1 standing .
You are on point
I think Grace got robbed also. She was amazing
Grace an willy got rob
All 3 are unique in their own way. They are all winners! Just watch, they will all be super mega stars. Great job to the 3 as well as top 10.
Grace by far was the most qualified hands down forv1st place
unbelievable, I liked Chase but seriously? Both Willie and Grace out performed him all season-Idol fans got it so wrong
I agree 100%, Technically and talent-wise, both Willie and Grace out-performed Chayce! I’m actually still in a bit of shock. I have nothing bad to say about Chayce, but he is not in the same league as Willie & Grace.
Chayce is not in the same league as Grace and Willie. He’s in a league of his own. America got it right! He’s a phenomenal talent with great stage presence.
Willie and Grace shine over Chayce..was very shocked when Grace left ..sad when Willie didn’t win.
I don’t want to knock Chayce, but er… he was third.
Better check the score card , Chayce Won. America Got it Rite .
America got it right if it was America’s next top model. He is sure a eye candy. But switch his body with Willie and I will bet my life the result would’ve been very different
I agree wholeheartedly with Pat and Ann Marie. I have nothing against Chayce and he is a talented songwriter. However, Willie and Grace were both flawless tonight and have stood above the crowd all season. For that matter, Casey also is an extremely gifted performer and I feel she should have been in the Top 3. I hope that they all do extremely well in their careers!
Agree 💯 with you!
Grace was the best but she made me (and many others) uncomfortable with the way she looks. Way too proud of being unhealthy and extremely overweight. She will never make it until she dies better. All the talent in the world can make us stop thinking about her appearance. So beautiful and so talented, but come in now, take more pride in how you look. Can’t hear her from looking how miserable she is in the wrong dress. Sorry, just facts.
Why are you commenting only on Grace’s image and not Willie’s? Is it because Grace is a woman?
And you should work on your grammar – perhaps take some pride in that. Perhaps you are the miserable one.
Seriously her weight has nothing to do with her talent she was gorgeous
And THAT ladies and gentleman is the reason Grace or Willie didn’t win. Because of these prejudiced people concerned with weight. Did you ever stop to think that maybe Grace has a medical condition? She SHOULD be proud of herself and who she is. Shame on you!
Yep! That is why Chayce won. Nothing against him, but if he wasn’t attractive he would not stand out at all. I think he is a nice kid,but I would never pay to hear him sing. Willie was my pick to win, but Grace wasn’t far behind. Both of them brought me to tears with their talent. Much love to them both because you know miserable trolls will always find a way to make their weight an issue.
DO Y’ALL REMEMBER RUEBEN STUDDARD(SP?)?? HE WAS PLUS SIZE AND HE WON IDOL SO WHAT DOES WEIGHT HAVE TO DO WITH IT??? LOOK AT CHRISSY METZ….
thanks for showing weight and gender discrimination with your statement. yikes!!
Willie should have taken it between the two..But,…Grace had the golden voice & im happy that she is PROUD of who she is.
Love you Grace! Keep rocking it girl..YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY!
Wow Andy. You are the reason women struggle daily with body issues and not feeling good about themselves. I hope to God you don’t have any daughters.
If she made you uncomfortable, you need to work on yourself. You have a problem, not her. Grace is beautiful and talented and she will make it.!
Unfortunately he’s not alone. These votes clearly to do with looks. Personally I think Grace is a very beautiful young woman but her body shape doesn’t typify what popular culture promotes. Willie has the most incredible voice. I probably prefer the type of song Chayce sings and like him and his voice but talent-wise Willie and Grace head and shoulders ahead of the field from start to finish …. as singers. No denying Chayce is an outstanding songwriter and I love to hear contestants sing their own songs …… but when I saw willie and Leona Lewison stage together I thought the two most obvious winners of their singing contests over the years.
Really
Yes, why did she always switch from loosed fit, to the tight, waist cinch, booty show off dress, making her look like fancy pear for performance? Somebody was advising her to, but they don’t let the competitors ‘help’ each other pick duds anymore, as sometimes they were not in the persons best interest. So, she must love the look!
You are so right Idol must change the way they judge the winners.
Chance wasn’t a clear winner, in the future American Idol shouldn’t let contestant put out music before the finale, country fans robs the best singers, I want be watching idol never again .
Katie should not be telling the voters who to vote for,watch the video.Wrong and prejudice.She did that through the whole show,it was wrong
Sorry Pat, but Ameica got it right. Chayce was phenomenal. Great voice and great stage presence. He is a STAR!!!!
I agree, all three were good as well as the rest of the top ten. I voted for Chance because I believe he was the best. On all these contests there are people who sing very loud and dramatic but some overdo it. I really prefer Chayce, Casey and hunters voices, to the loud over the top voices. Just my opinion but a lot of American voters agreed.
I agree. Grace and Willie are very talented singers but Chayce is the only one I would want to listen to or pay to see. Different strokes.
Totally Agree R.F.
They got it wrong! Willie should of won!
They talked about Jennifer Hudson weigh but look at her now so it nit about grace or willie weigh they both should have beat chayce
They sure did get that wrong! I won’t be watching no more. Had stopped for about a year. Definitely won’t watch anym8
Do you promise? I bet you’ve said that before when your favorite contestant didn’t win! Doesn’t matter all that much anymore…it isn’t like we have an Idol Tour, it isn’t like the winner actually becomes a star…we’ve not had that in years! The most popular wins every single year and that is how it goes on Idol…which flies by far too fast!
People, it’s a competition show. Whoever has the best night usually wins. Chayse rose above last night, and was chosen the winner. I doubt Disney and the producers did anything more than what Fox did years ago. America voted. Still wish we could see actual totals, but hey …. At least we have a new star in Chayse.
I would love to see the vote totals as well. Full transparency. It would be nice to see how close it was really. If it was close, I think Ryan would have said that. Since he didn’t I gather it prob wasn’t.
I so agree with Pat. Chayce is an Ok singer and good songwriter. Both Grace and especially willie were super incredible all season.
Sometimes I don’t understand how people can’t hear the difference between OK and Wow
Agree
K Perry always looks great and different. The men stay the same. The stage lighting system was repeatedly used for standardization too much. Microphones blocked the faces too much. Miss Wray is a Star. Lionel was fantastic! Casey won’t disappear. Chayse grease spot was disturbing.
No , they got it rite , U got it wrong .
So you the brother, uncle or papa of the winner? (Joke) they are all great, but they got it wrong!!
Im the person that understands talant . will n Grace are great singers ( there 1000’s of them in this world . ) Linel Richie said it perfectly in his Audition . “U are believable , i dont have to look for it “. Katie perry then says “U are Top 5 material” . Luke said this is what i call home n tell his wife n freinds ,This guy is special , this is why we do A.I. . That were the 3 judges the 1st time they heard Chayce all were blown away . I said at that time to.my Wife , he will Win it All . He had , what they call the “it” factor . U either have it or u dont , most people (99% ) no matter how great they are at singing dont have the “it” factor . Chayce has it in Spades . This is why he won and this is why he will be Succesful. Have i answered your ? Anthony
Pat you are 110% right. Chase is good but Willie has this angelic voice and Grace the voice. That is so pure. I wish they would go to two winners of Idol instead of one. This was the best top 10 in all.Idols years. I had a hard time deciding.. But to be fair 2 winners would be good especially if people are on the fence . thank you
Maybe they did but the winner should have been Casey Bishop anyway
I liked Casey also. I am from the Rocker Generation, She is a great singer and entertainer. Sometimes the one that don’t win go on to be bigger because they aren’t bound by the contract. Wait and see.
After 20 years, I’m kind of surprised people don’t get this yet. It’s not about raw talent. It’s about marketability. One of the three has a single currently sitting at the top of the charts. The other two had great songs that didn’t get enough downloads to land at a mentionable rank for such things. Big, huge, beautiful voices are rare in ‘real life’ but they aren’t necessarily in the music industry. Chayce had something a little more unique – and he plays his own music and he writes his own music. That appealed to folks. The other two (and Casey and Hunter) have the shot at a real career now that they’re a known commodity. They wouldn’t be the first Idol finalists that propelled into a career without winning. This was a door opening, not the end.
Amen!
You are absolutely correct. There has not been a successful winner of American Idol since the earlier seasons. About 10 years ago. Since then, none of the winners have been marketable. I think Chayce can actually make it past Idol. America got it right.
Spot on!!!!!
Well said Molly. They all have a chance now, with followers , to do the work and excel in their genres.
You are 100% right
I agree Molly. SInce the very beginning of Idol I’ve always thought of the show as we are choosing an American Idol. So the winner must pick marketable and relatable songs. They must be an artisit and someone that people look up too (aka-an idol) and can relate too. Is Chayce a better singer than Willie or Grace, probably not, but he was singing hits and songs that are trending right now. The songs he writes are also relatable to things going on today and lots of people are looking to him for inspiration. For me Grace and Willie have big voices but they sang songs that were older and not trending today and as others have said they really aren’t as marketable because of they way the dress, their lack of stage presence (seriously did either of them do anything but stand their and sing into the microphone as all this season?), and not being true Idol like. I guess people have to decide for themselves if this is a true singing competition only or if it’s American Idol. Just my two cents. I loved Willie as well and Grace’s voice is amazing, but as far as someone that has the best shot of making it big in the business, Chayce was the best choice for the winner.
The show is “American Idol”. Appearances do count, according to the voters. This is where “The Voice” format is better.. You don’t see the singer right away.. Grace is a beauty on the top half. She is almost deformed in her body shape. Willie as well. Chayce is more eye pleasing for live performances. That’s just the way it is. The best singer doesn’t win unless they are also eye pleasing.
Yah, so you don’t see the person immediately. Big deal, then you see them 5 minutes in and start right up judging their looks! And what do you mean ‘you’? We always see the singer , just cause hunting fat boy and whomever else doesn’t see them for 5 minutes. Whoopi! Stupid show, the voice, and they NEVER were a big deal or made a star, like idol did!
Agree completely. Thanks.
Funny, because the huge stars that American Idol produced won 16 and more years ago. I think that Scotty McCready has had some success. The winners of the voice are just like the post 2006 winners of Idol – they have had some success, some grammy nominations, some broadway hits, etc…but The Voice has not yet produced a Kelly Clarkson or a Carrie Underwood. It’s the potential that keeps me watching both shows.
Actually, I disagree. Appearances shouldn’t count. Right now I’m sitting here typing this response with my headphones on. I’m listening to Post Malone sing Circles. His tattoo-covered self is not something I personally find appealing. His music is not what I expected the first time I actually saw him take the stage. If I decided whether to listen to his music based on his look, the reality is, Circles wouldn’t be on my playlist, nor would a lot of other music by other performers. But this isn’t about what my eyes see. it’s about what my ears hear and what moves me. It’s about the song and the voice, not the hips or the ink or the hair or the waist line.
Molly you are spot on! Thank you!
You are So RIGHT Molly! Chayce is the Whole Package! He has Raw Talent that has a Voice that is Pure and Disctint! He has the Looks that can win my Vote as well as his Singing and Writing his own Songs! He us the Whole Package!!💙🎗🏆
Molly, I couldn’t have said it better. Being able to hit really Hugh notes at the top of your voice doesn’t necessarily make you a better singer. I said it all along… “Chayce is relatable to many people.” That’s why he won. There should hopefully be about 4-5 people who come out of Idol with some form of a music career. I also really liked Casey, but you’re right…. who is more marketable?
Casey is the one I worry about. I really don’t want her to be forced to do some bland pop album to fit with the sensibilities of the public. That’s exactly what James Durbin did after Idol. But he finally started doing what he shld be doing with Quiet Riot and now with Durbin. I hold out hope that Frontiers signs her and she can put out a rocking album. But I have my doubts.
You are right. This isn’t “america’s best singer.” It’s a contest about star quality, commercial appeal. And, both Willie and Grace have amazing voices, it’s hard to see who their long term audience will be. I can see both of them putting out wonderful albums, but, I don’t know if either would attract a large concert audience. Casey certainly would. As will Chayce.
Celine Dion. Powerful voice, like Grace has. There is a market for big voices but it seems not big hips. Fair or unfair, that is the way it goes.
I wanted Casey to win…..love here voice and the variable genres she can sing.
Oh come on! U can’t be that naive. He didn’t have anything more unique. The voters are just horny teenage girls and houeswifes.
I didn’t say unique. I said his single was sitting at the top of his genre’s charts which is an indication that he has potential for commercial success. Few successful acts are really unique. They are, however, good at creating music that has broad enough appeal to sell. Speaking as a marketer, if you want to sell ‘records’ and make money, that’s what you look for – something not bland but not so unique that it doesn’t grab the general populous in the wallet.
Okay, wait i did say unique – but not in the way you mean it. :) On that final stage, there were two people who came out and belted tunes, hit high notes and embraced the big voice. There was one that wrote his own music and played an instrument while singing a little gravel. Unique in that vein. On these shows you get a lot of folks that can sing songs someone else wrote for someone else. . . and eventually for them. Personally, I prefer someone like Chayce, Hunter, and others, that can write well, play well, and sing well.
If you didn’t vote, how can you gripe about the outcome?
Casey is a pure rocker and we haven’t a woman rocker in awhile since. Cyndi and Joan and Heart.. Casey is the one out of this American Idol season that really do big things in the coming years.
Willie Spence has a voice anointed by God. Without even seeing him, his voice gave me chills. I would buy a cd of his song “GLORY” and listen to it over and over. He has won heaven’s applause, and God’s approval already, and that is more important than any earthly title or award.
Even though I feel Willie was the best, that was a really good explanation in support of the end result. Was so delighted to see Murphy back ….. just love that guy …… brilliant songs.
You are on point
These were some of the best vocalists ever for a top 10. However nice of a guy Chayce is, his vocal talents and range are no where close to Grace and Willie. The talent was just not comparable at all. To be honest, Willie and Grace were always my final 2. They all had good backstories, and I am happy for all 3 however, did you see the judges faces after both of the announcements? Pure shock. Luke even promised Chayce a fishing trip possibly because he thought he was not going to win. The live voting is horrible for anyone not living on the East coast… How many people missed the 5pm start, which happened to coincide with the Billboard awards? I didn’t even figure out all of the ways to vote until they were about to close the voting. I had the text numbers down but somehow missed voting on the app and also at the website. I truly prefer to keep the playing field even and having overnight to vote for anyone who can not watch it live or happens to live somewhere besides EST. Announce the winners the next night….not like ABC has a scheduling problem because they are now showing old movies in Prime Time. Make it fair, America is disappointed and in this past year, we have had enough of those. All 3 do inspire me and I wish all the finalists the best of luck in pursuing their careers, I for one will be a life long fan for Grace and Willie. Their voices can make the world a better place.
Like ABC is going to fork over another night of Idol…we were lucky to get the number of weeks that we did…one day it will simply disappear and then those who threaten not to watch won’t have to!
I totally agree with you. Willie and Grace were my favorite picks from day one! I do believe they will make the word a better place. They’re both beautiful people and very talented. ❤
Absolutely the right winner.!!!!! His personality and friendlyiness plus his music won him the title. Thought the show was too long with silly people to finally get to what we wanted to hear.
I agree
I Agree!!!
I totally agree with you Pat
Agreed totally.
For me all three has amazing voices….but in the entertainment industry, it shouldn’t but it still does come down to looks/talent!!
I completely agree.
I agree ,,, so disappointing
💯 correct…Willie and Grace vocal talent far supersede Chace’s talent. And they did so consistently throughout the entire show! This outcome was disappointing but not shocking as it seems to be the trend with American Idol ….it seems folks are focused more on someone’s look vs talent. Grace and Willie can sing anything effortlessly! Hitting all the notes! No range with chace. He’s just a one lane artist which apparently America wants. The same thing happened with Alejandro…ughh…I hope Willie and Grace blow up big! They deserve it!!!
Yes great vocals but not necessarily stage material. Broadway maybe.
I agree with you.
I agree.
I agree
Chayce was literally the only person I didn’t fast forward through and that says a lot IMO.
In my opinion the right person won. They all had different styles and delivery of their talent. Chayce won because he IS the best. American voted for Chayce because he IS the best. Many of the contestants will go on to rewarding careers. This was the best year of talent! Thank you all who voted for Chayce.
I AGREE! Chayce was my favorite contestant from the beginning. i loved his Idol audition and every performance after that.
They did not get it right at all whatsoever Casey Bishop had them all beat hands down.
Alex you are a million percent right. Casey was my fav and well rounded in different types of music. She should have been in the top three. But with Willie and Grace, I though either would win. Chyace should have been 3rd because he has one style of singing. He is a great country singer but he did nothing in rock, pop, or any other style. Even stage presence was monotone. Willie is so angelic. Grace has wonderful range. But Casey should have one or Idol should go to 2 winners when your one the fence.
And you’re saying Grace and Willie sang different music genres? They didn’t, and that’s ok. If they’re good at the genre they’re at, they should stick with it. In a career, they aren’t going to have songs that apply to every genre under the sun. They sang were they excelled, no need to knock down Chayce because he doesn’t sing the genre you like
I like rock music, so its not about the genre. But something about Grace, i just didn’t get. Like she was talented for sure. But I think it just didn’t seem as authentic to me. I think it was the age vs. the types of songs she always sung. I feel like she could be a great leader of a cover band, but I don’t know how well she would do with her own stuff. Just my opinion.
That was supposed to be something about Casey I just didn’t get
And Grace constantly flutters her hand over her stomach area which drove me crazy! And yes she sang “old fashioned” songs, nothing really current about her…on the stage, you can see her on a stage belting out show tunes.
I was pretty shocked with the way it turned out. I was putting Willie as winner, then Grace, then Chayce. Such great talent this year, but as soon as I heard Willie in the auditions I started crying, so very beautiful! I know he will have a great career…I mean does anyone remember who won the year that Adam Lambert came in 2nd?? They are all sure to go far!
It was Kris Allen who won that year. I was hoping Adam would have won. He does have a great career. I put Willie as the winner, also. His singing is so righteous and beautiful.
I totally agree with you.
To me willie is the greater singer and more solid, but when it comes public voting, they will favor other things.
Yeah I had Willie as the winner! Smh! Chayce should of been eliminated.
So disappointed in the outcome. Both Grace and Willie sang better than Chayse. I have decided that I will no longer be watching. To have two great singers lose to Chayse is just not acceptable. In done.
You look at singing as who has best voice to U . Its who moves people , Springsteen doesnt have the greatest voice but he moves people emotionly n physcally. Its not American Best Voice its American Idol . Chayce by far was leaps n bonds Personallity wise miles past Grace n Willie . He conacted with the Avg. Person man or woman . Tjen he wrote songs about his struggles , that were great songs . I knew Chayce was winning this so much i bet 500 today at 2 1/2 to 1 , 500 got me 1250 back . Because he conacted with the average person , thats what Linel Richie said when he 1st heard him . Thats what people love , theres a million great voices , but who can connect with america with the Whole Package , Chayce !
No way brah Willie won this hands down
Totally agree with you Terry.
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I mean, listen, Chris Martin sat there a few weeks ago and said he’d doubt he could ever win Idol and went on to knock his own vocal abilities…and yet he’s Chris Martin of Coldplay. Success in the music industry isn’t about who has the best voice. It’s about who connects with the audience.
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Also agree with you on Springsteen. He’s gravelly and he shouts on some songs more than sings them. BUT, he is a poet who connects with an audience in a way that many others do not. He’s a legend with a wildly successful career even if he’s not the best voice. (Actually, a few weeks ago when the Idols were signing songs someone else picked for them, I was surprised they didn’t pick a Springsteen song. I’d loved to him do something like Streets of Philadelphia or Thunder Road.)
Andy: So tired of people thinking anyone cares what you think about how someone else looks ! Why did you say all this about Grace and not a word about Willie? As for Chase, didn’t even know he was on the show until the last couple of weeks. Winner should definitely have been Grace, Willie or Casey.
You are right on point!! Kiddo! I’m eith you!! Looks, Personality, and Loads of Talent!!
I think the reason Willie & Chayce made it to the final two is because they really connect with people when they sing. I don’t get that from Grace. She’s just loud when she sings. And yes, she has a good voice, but it doesn’t move me in any way. I feel more emotion from Chayce and Willie – especially Willie. But I wish them all the best in their careers. People talk about the so-called “guy with a guitar” always winning Idol, but the best one of those guys was Phillip Phillips. Go back and watch his performances. They were awesome!! Needed a little more of his creative and excitement in Idol this season. But can’t wait to see what Chayce does in his career and what good music he writes and sings!
1,000% agree with you. Technically Grace had a beautiful voice but she lacked an emotional connection for me. I knew the finalists would be Willie and Chayce. Chayce has that “it” factor. A man who can sing with heartbreak in his voice. The fact that he’s easy on the eyes doesn’t hurt either. A very talented cast this season. Kudos to everyone!
I agree. Grace was a great singer. But that’s it. I didn’t get much from her besides that. Something about Chayce made me (and I’m NOT a country fan) root for him, despite thinking Willie was leaps and bounds a better singer. And that isn’t a dig at Chayce, but Willie’s voice is just amazing.
Yeah and where is Phil Phillips today? He had some really terrific songs on the radio and then he won his case against the powers that be and poof! I never heard him again. I’m sure there are a lot of viewers who watch Idol who don’t vote and then they complain about their favorite not winning…well people you have a computer, you get online, easy enough to vote at the ABC website.
Chase was the total package. All three were great, Chase looked like the star. Song writer, played guitar, great stage presence he is the total package.
I wholeheartedly agree. Chayce is a singer=songwriter and plays the guitar too. The other two just sang. Chayce is most likely going to be a stage presence because of that total package he has to offer. Its not just about recordings, its about performing!
exactly, well said.
So Mr. Creative’s song 23 sure follows a similar theme to a Ben Schuller song…just saying. I heard Ben’s song the other day and had to listen again because I thought Chayce illegally slipped in my music somehow. Anyway rah rah he won, big deal. How many winners fade away and end up performing at Disney World on a side stage (many). Casey was the real winner. Willie and Grace the runners up. It’ll be another season where the non-winners outperform the winner. He’s boring and one note but some people go for that I suppose. At least it’s over.
Whats the name of the song by Ben Schuller, wana listen to it
The wrong person won!! Both Willie and Grace out performed Chayce, by miles. He is okay but Willie and Grace are in another league. I am still stunned because they were better all season, including tonight. But given the climate of half of the country, overall, I am kind of not surprised, unfortunately. Cute white guy with guitar; guess we are back to that. Let’s watch Willie and Grace become more successful, commercially. Happens pretty often.
They definitely got it wrong. I totally agree. Willie should of won ! But he still is going far
Who are “they”? You putting down my choice for the winner of American Idol?
Chayce cannot sing at all if Caleb wouldn’t have the bad video, he would have beat Chayce. Willie Spence had the best voice. Chayce can’t even hit a high note. That’s why I stopped watching American Idol in the beginning. After Phillip Phillips won with his terrible voice, it was over for me.
So why are you commenting on American Idol 2021 if you stopped watching after Phil Phillips won so long ago?
Chayce Beckham has talent, but his movie star good looks brought him the win. It’s well known that a preponderance of American Idol viewers are female.
It was striking looking at the appearance of the 3. I do wonder if that played a part someway in how ppl voted.
Didnt “Just Sam” , A African American Woman Win last year . To my knowledge she was going up against 2 men in the Final 3 . Whats your answer to that .
Grace Kinstler should have won! Hopefully they sign her!
How about you not forkin’ put spoilers in your headlines that appear in peoples news feeds, you inconsiderate pieces of ship :)
Well aren’t you just lovely…how about you take it upon yourself NOT to be online until the show is over?
Lol, it was less than an hour after the results, and some of us work. Also I shouldn’t have to stay away from the ENTIRE INTERNET so people can label stories with spoilers. Obviously the sure agreed because they changed the headline.
Yes Willie and Grace may have outperformed Chance, however Country music is huge and chance is great too and very marketable. We all know sometimes the best musically inclined singer sometimes doesn’t win because it’s American idol and that is it in a nut a shell. American idol is more than singing sometimes, especially when the singers are so close in popularity. All of the top ten will have great careers, chance will be great. In his genre. Grace and Willie will go on to have great singing careers. So America got it right because that’s who won on votes period. AMERICAN IDOL. …
There are many examples Idol Participants making it in the world of music and/or drama. I thought Adam Lambert was a great choice. He went on to bigger and better things because he put in the work. So will this year’s participants. Time will tell who takes advantage of this opportunity.
I’m extremely happy of the way American Idol ended. I have been rooting for Chayce and Willie since the auditions, I wanted Chayce to win and Willie to come in second.
Very disappointed! My winner was Grace & Willie as runner-up. Chayce is no match for my fav David Cook. Best rock voice ever.
Carrie might be a millionaire but my best female vocal is Kelly Clarkson! Idol sucks now. Grace & Wille should try The Voice. Just look at Jordan Smith – powerhouse!
You got to be kitty me.i still nea renee got robbed. The hole show suck.
After we learned that Chayce had that #1 single recently, I figured he would win. He’s fine. I was rooting for Willie.
Graham sure got way more air time then he deserved. He didn’t make top 12. I do wonder if Arthur was supposed to do the duet with S. Crow and backed out late. That wld be my guess. All the other top 10 were there except for the kicked out guy. We need to find out where Arthur was. I was a bit disappointed that Ava didn’t make an appearance. If she survived another wk she wld have been there I guess.
I was actually rooting against Grace tonight. Katy has been so over the top in trying to tip the scales for Grace. It annoyed me to no end. I do wonder if they told the judges what the votes were at and maybe that’s why Katy tried to steer even more votes her way. I didn’t think that was right.
Glad that Casey was there. Fun Bon Jovi duet with Luke. I think Casey has a bright future. I will keep track of Casey, Willie and Ava. Those were my favorites.
Can you blame Arthur for not coming back last night? All the hate and horror about him being voted back on (a stupid twist on the part of the stupid producers) that cropped up online was absolutely disgusting…you could see how sad Arthur was after he was back on the show and he simply did not want to be there. I thought Idol fans were incredibly rude and nasty about what happened and I don’t blame Arthur for being a no-show last night at all…and I’m sure knowing Arthur he was kind and nice in his refusal because that is the type of person he is. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you again Arthur…
He should have sucked it if that was the case. More exposure for him. This just makes him look unprofessional.
The best performance was far and away Katy and Hunter!
No person that ever won has become an American Idol. Most winners are forgotten about soon after. The show should have stayed ended the first time.
Really? Kelly Clarkson Carrie Underwood
Um Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood. Fantasia.
How about the non-winners like Jennifer Hudson, Gabby Barrett, Clay Aiken?
I love that though…the show should have stayed ended!!! Great grammar there Sambeckitt
I think Willie should have won. Grace sings beautifully but her last couple songs were not great. Willie out sang her too. He sings much better than Chayce although he is hot. I believe there is some bias involved. I think l will stop watching America Idol it’s getting a little too hoake for me. Don’t like the format anymore.
Totally agree, racist program
Lale , really grow up . So u watch a program all season and probably many other seasons that you believe is racist . Know what does that say about you , either you are a Moron or you like Racist shows. Its also funny how u didnt say sexist , that Grace was knocked out before the 2 men . Guess u only see color , which then would make you sexist. See how stupid that sounds , that what we hear when you speak . Like i said in the beginning , Grow Up .
I don’t believe its racist, its just probably in group bias. People often like people that they can relate to in some way. My guess is there are many more blue collar white families that watch American Idol. So you have a talented, attractive, personable blue collar white guy, and a lot of people who watch it will identify with him more. Its like that with any reality show. Black people often root for other black people, LGBT people often root for other LGBT people. Hell, even bigger people root for other bigger people. I don’t think everyone who voted for Chayse is racist, they just related to him more.
A painfully average singer beat two of the best voices this show has ever seen. That is such a bummer.
That being said, the finale was great. This was such a great group.
Let us discuss the week that Jennifer Hudson was sent home! She who has the last laugh…
Amen!
Still dont like Jennifer Hudson
After hearing all the horror reports about her behavior, I am not a huge fan of hers either.
I really thought Grace or Willie was going to win. I think it was one of the best finales Idol has had in a long time, I really enjoyed it.
Willie Spence was robbed! All thru the evening he was at the top of his game. He out performed Chance in all three sets of the finals.
No doubt in my mind that Willie will go far.
ATTA BOY, WILLIE. Love and prayers for your future.
Go far doing what? That is the thing with music today…I think about performances on awards shows…would Willie or Grace stand a chance of performing in amongst today’s type of musical acts? I hardly think so. Would they fill a venue if they were to perform in concert? Probably not. Grace I could possibly see doing musical theater but I don’t know about Willie…the days of a single male singer with an awesome, all encompassing voice just don’t seem to be in the 21st century.
I loved how Chance stood for every singer and throughly enjoyed every participant’s performances
Chase won on his looks . He shouldn’t have even been in the top three.!
Well that is just the best dang reason I’ve heard all day as to why Chayce won American Idol!! (I think it is more along the lines that Chayce won because he fits the criteria of who has won the most American Idol seasons…the country boy strumming a guitar!)
Are you saying that it had nothing to do with writing and singing a song that has become number one already? The others had phenomenal voices but there was nothing original! They sang other people’s songs! Chase wrote and sang a number one song. That and his voice was original! Grace and Willie had Great voices but everything they had done has been done before!
Because all the top 40 right now are such original amazing songs right? He got to number 1 because people liked him from the show because he is hot. Commercial music is a joke today you don’t get to number 1 because the song is good but because you have 20 mil followers