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Was it Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy or Madison VanDenburg?
‘American Idol’ alums Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert & Maddie Poppe returned to stage
Following a cross-country search for the next singing sensation, “American Idol” rounded out its second season on ABC with an epic grand finale event, featuring Top three contestants Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg. For the first time in “Idol” history, America’s live coast-to-coast vote determined the winner of the iconic singing competition series, as all voting took place during the show. The crowning moment was preceded by special performances from music legends, including “American Idol’s very own superstar judges, the return of fan-favorite contestants from the current season and a special visit by last season’s winner, Maddie Poppe. Her debut album, “Whirlwind,” dropped on Friday.
The finalists performed two songs each before one, Madison, was eliminated.
Grand finale performances included:
In the end, Laine was crowned the winner of “American Idol.”
“American Idol”: Laine Hardy is shown following his win. Pictured are Bobby Bones, Madison Vandenburg, Alejandro Aranda, Alyssa Raghu, Wade Cota, Laine, Uche, Laci Kaye Booth, Walker Burroughs and Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon. (ABC photo by Eric McCandless)