Carrie_On

I think Just Sam and Arthur probably led the votes every week. Production knew to give Sam a duet with Lauren Daigle. Like Fantasia, I think her story and personality clicked with the voters. Arthur has a lot of international fans, which is why his social media numbers look so inflated.

Some trivia information I just realized: Just Sam is the first person to win Idol using a stage name. She is not the first winner who had the sing two songs in their initial audition. Kelly (At Last, Express Yourself), Fantasia (Proud Mary, Killing Me Softly), Taylor (A Change Is Gonna Come, Swanee River Rock), Scotty (Your Man, Put Some Drive In Your Country), Phillip (Thriller, Superstition), Caleb (Original Song, Respect), Just Sam (Rise Up, You Say) all had to sing two songs before the judges.

1. Kelly Clarkson 2. Carrie Underwood 3. Fantasia 4. David Cook 5. Candice Glover 6. Maddie Poppe 7. Kris Allen 8. Jordin Sparks 9. Trent Harmon 10. Just Sam 11. Phillip Phillips 12. Laine Hardy 13. Scotty McCreery 14. Caleb Johnson 15. Ruben Studdard 16. Lee DeWyze 17. Nick Fradiani 18. Taylor Hicks

Wow. What a pleasantly surprise of an ending. I never expected her to win but honestly, she may have lead the votes all season long. Production somehow knew to give her the one celeb duet of the finale. I guess this shows that a lot of Arthur’s support was overseas fans. Just Sam was truly the underdog winner. I thought she was gonna be the female Dennis Lorenzo: talented but wouldn’t connect with casual voters because of her neck tattoos and urban flair. I’m so glad she proved me wrong. The only thing that sucks is that she had to be crowned at home alone, but it was nice to see her grandma be able to celebrate with her by video chat. Hopefully next season can start off by having Just Sam perform on stage in front of a live audience, singing “Rise Up” and getting showered in confetti for her true winning moment.

I agree. Less talking and more singing. I want Nigel Lythgoe back. I’m sure he’s learned from the S12 blunder. I did enjoy Season 16 but the past two seasons have been poorly managed, even though the talent has been great.

ABC has renewed American Idol for a 4th season on the network (Season 19.) https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/american-idol-renewed-season-4-abc-1234607770/

I’m about 90% sure Louis and Julia are going. I’ll be a little surprised if it’s anyone else. My two pre-show faves. Julia’s still my favorite but Louis didn’t live up to my hopes for him. If Julia leaves, I’ll have to root for Francisco.

I’m over the Disney theme.

Nah, he’s been correctly spoiling results for years now.

True lol. But you could tell that the producers didn’t even consider her as a possible winner until the finals began. She got no airtime whatsoever before the voting rounds and none of the judges predicted that she’d be voted into the Top 10. Simon harped on her being forgettable. Unless she was set-up to be a dark horse winner along? As for this season’s winner, I can see it being anyone except Julia (my fav ):) or Louis. Arthur seems like the sure bet right now but I won’t be surprised to see Dillon or Jonny take it. Francisco and Sam are possible but not as likely.

Kelly Clarkson and Kris Allen are the Queen and King of no airtime winners lol. Kelly was never shown before the semifinals and Kris was montaged a couple of times with no backstory. Elise also did very well despite not being shown much at all in Hollywood. All we saw were little glimpses of her until her Green Mile performance. Honestly, she, Jessica, and Hollie all got very far despite their lack of screen time.

I doubt it. I don’t think the tours were making much money in later seasons.

The new ABC Idol slogan: Pray you don’t win.

1. Julia 2. Francisco 3. Sophia 4. Jonny 5. Just Sam 6. Grace 7. Louis 8. Arthur 9. Makayla 10. Dillon 11. Jovin

The hiatus doomed this season. I think it’ll remain fractional next week, then pick up for the finale because it’s the live coast to coast broadcast.