Laine Hardy Wins American Idol 17, Alejandro Aranda Comes First Runner Up
- Laine Hardy was announced the winner of the 17th edition of American Idol on Sunday night.
- Alejandro Aranda became the first runner up, and Madison VanDenberg was the second runner up of the competition.
- The least vote getter was eliminated from the top three contestants after they performed two songs in the 3-hours long finale.
- After the nationwide vote, host Ryan Seacrest crowned Hardy the winner of the show.
The 17th edition of American Idol wrapped Sunday night with a performance-filled, three-hour long finale. The three finalists Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy, and Madison VanDenberg performed along with the judges and previous contestants on Sunday night. In the end, Laine Hardy was announced the next American Idol and Alejandro Aranda the first runner up.
After each finalist sang two songs, the least vote getter was eliminated, and the final two contestants remained for the remaining half of the finale. The only female finalist, Madison VanDenburg was eliminated from the Top 3 after two beautiful performance.
Singer Lionel Richie started the night performing Dancing On the Ceiling which was followed by Hardy's performance of Home by Marc Broussard. VanDenberg took the stage next and performed Shallow from A Star is Born. Then, Aranda sang his original song, Millennial Love.
Hardy went on with Jambalaya for his second performance on the night. VanDenberg sang Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson while Aranda again sang his original Tonight. Then VanDenberg was announced the lowest vote-getter and was eliminated.
Hardy's last performance was Bring It On Home To Me, and Aranda sang yet another original song Out Loud, the song he sang in the audition. Then the show host, Ryan Seacrest announced Laine Hardy the winner of American Idol after the public voting.
