'American Idol' 2023 - Season 21 Finale Performers & Celebrity Guest List Revealed!

And the winner of American Idol season 21 is… not the fan favorite??

tweeted one angry viewer. “Big Hawaiian dude that has the best sob story is going to win.

Luke Bryan wasn't expecting to turn on the water works during Sunday's big season 21 finale! While fellow judge Katy Perry found herself getting expectedly emotional during the star-studded finale — as she's a judge who is known to wear her heart on her sleeve — Bryan surprised some fans when he shed a few tears as well during the showdown between the season's Top 3 -- Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi, and Colin Stough.Speaking with ET's Denny Directo after the show, Bryan joked, «I never anticipated crying on national TV that much.»«But I think we're just mimicking what people are feeling at home,» he added.Ultimately, 18-year-old Tongi was crowned the champion, and Bryan shared some words of wisdom for the up-and-coming performer.«I think the main thing is, you have to make sure it's all on your terms, and when somebody is trying to push you down a creative path you may be unsure of, just trust your gut on stuff,» Bryan shared. «Also, understand that you're gonna make some mistakes.

*Caution: Spoilers ahead!*

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains details of the winner of American Idol Season 21.

American Idol Season 21 is coming to an end!

It’s hard to believe American Idol first premiered almost 21 years ago!

American Idol has gotten the golden ticket from ABC.

There was apparently a big gathering held by Taylor Swift at Electric Lady Studios on Monday night (May 15) in New York City, and we have the full celebrity guest list for you!

Ryan Seacrest never gets tired of announcing the next American Idol. ET's Denny Directo spoke with 's host of more than two decades on Sunday, and Seacrest admitted that the novelty of announcing the winner each year has «never» worn off.«We're looking down to that card and saying, 'The next American Idol is,'» Seacrest said of the upcoming season finale. «I mean, that's the best part for me... I get excited.»That excitement comes from a season of seeing the contestants «grow» and develop, Seacrest said.«We see them with their normal jobs and they just come in for this audition,» he said.

Keith Urban is set to make a much-anticipated return to American Idol, albeit for one night only.  The official announcement came from the show's Instagram account and was also shared by Keith on his Instagram Stories.  The 55-year-old will grace the grand finale on May 21st as a guest mentor and will also perform on the show.

As American Idol gets ready to crown its Season 21 winner, a star-studded cast has been lined up for the night of celebration set to take place on Sunday, May 21. The three-hour finale episode is set to air live from coast to coast starting at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.

The Kardashians are reportedly filming!

Viewers of "American Idol" were treated to a regal surprise Sunday evening in the form of two newly crowned royals while watching the latest live episode of the long-running competition show. Phoning in from across the pond and broadcasted on a big screen were judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, taking a night off from critiquing performances to give ones of their own. Both Perry and Richie were tapped to perform at King Charles' coronation concert.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s unexpected cameo during Sunday’s “American Idol” was almost as big a surprise for Ryan Seacrest as it was for everyone watching.

The King and Queen appeared on American Idol as surprise guests amid the coronation celebrations.

American Idol welcomed royalty onto the show on Sunday evening, with King Charles and Queen Camilla making a surprise appearance alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Judges Katy, 38, and Lionel, 73, appeared via video link on American Idol as they missed this week's show due to performing at the Coronation Concert in the UK, and chatted to host Ryan Seacrest about the historic celebrations taking place in London.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla's unexpected cameo during Sunday's was almost as big a surprise for Ryan Seacrest as it was for everyone watching.Following Sunday's new episode of, Seacrest spoke with ET's Denny Directo, and explained how quickly the high-profile cameos came together.«I have to tell you, I was driving in and my phone rings and it's the executive producer and she says, 'Well, we've got some news,'» Seacrest shared. «I thought maybe something happened [with a contestant].

We’re already down to the final five contestants on season 21 of American Idol.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large Lionel Richie and Katy Perry weren’t able to perform their normal tasks as judges on Sunday night’s “American Idol,” as they were across the pond performing for the coronation of King Charles III. So they brought back a souvenir for the show: The actual just-crowned King and Queen. King Charles III and Queen Camilla were surprise guests on “American Idol,” in a pre-taped package introduced at the start of the show by host Ryan Seacrest. The clip opens with Richie and Perry, in a room that appears to be inside Windsor Castle. Suddenly, in walks the King and Queen. “I just wanted to check, how much, how long you’ll be using this room for?” King Charles quipped to Richie. Charles then thanked Richie for attending and performing at the coronation. “Thank you so much for your brilliant performance and it was great,” he said.