American Idol 2022 Winner is Noah Thompson, Did the Right Person Win? Let’s recap what happened. Noah Thompson won the title of “American Idol” in the 20th season, as expected. During the three-hour finale episode, which aired live coast-to-coast on ABC on Sunday, May 22, the soft-spoken 22-year-old country singer from Kentucky defeated runner-up HunterGirl and third-place finisher Leah Marlene.
After nearly 16 million votes were cast, host Ryan Seacrest announced Noah Thompson. As confetti rained down in celebration, the blue-collar construction worker turned Idol sang his new tune “One Day Tonight.” After encouraging Arthur to audition, Noah had better get his best friend something nice.
Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie offered their typical criticism, but it was evident that all three candidates are ready to fly at this point in the competition.
The night began with Flo Rida and the Top 10 singers performing “Good Feeling” on a rooftop. For America’s votes, each of the three finalists performed a Bruce Springsteen song and an original song. “Cover Me” and “Flowers” were performed by Leah Marlene, “Dancing in the Dark” and “Red Bird” were performed by HunterGirl, and “I’m on Fire” and “One Day Tonight” were performed by Noah Thompson.
Earth, Wind & Fire performed a medley of their greatest hits with Top 7 contestant Jay, including “Shining Star,” “Let’s Groove,” and “September.” Then Deana Carter and Top 10 finisher Mike Parker sang “Strawberry Wine” as a country duet.
Following a vertigo-inducing performance by Flo Rida and friends, the finale began with a round dedicated solely to Bruce Springsteen, followed by performances of the finalists’ official singles. Midway through the night, the first elimination occurred, followed by several all-star duets, including Michael Bublé and Christian Guardino’s outstanding version of “Smile.”
Round 1: American Idol 2022
Leah Marlene (‘Cover Me’)

Marlene opened the first round of the finale with Bruce Springsteen’s “Cover Me,” bringing plenty of the attitude and vocals we’ve come to expect from this up-and-coming rock star.
Lionel Richie told her, “You turned that into your song,” and Katy Perry praised Marlene for being “the whole package.”
Noah Thompson (‘I’m on Fire’)

Thompson teased us with his falsetto during a sweet-then-strong performance of “I’m on Fire,” promising a “smouldering” Springsteen tribute. That would be a big check for the smoulder.
Luke Bryan told Thompson, “You are the king of ‘aw shucks,'” and Richie complimented him on his artistry throughout the season.
HunterGirl (Dancing in the Dark)

HunterGirl performed “Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen in a polished, professional performance that felt like a true celebration to the audience.
Perry told her, “This is your stage.” “I don’t believe you’re a celebrity.” “I believe you to be a supernova.”
Round 2 Of American Idol 2022
Marlene kicked off Round 2 with “Flowers,” a song she wrote as a letter to herself when she was younger. Marlene performed flawlessly despite being visibly emotional, but tears of joy and gratitude began to flow the moment she nailed her final note. The 20-year-old college dropout from Normal, Illinois, once again demonstrated her ability to bring the edge, rocking out on the guitar while accompanying herself.
Noah Thompson started the round 2 of American Idol Woth “One Day Tonight” song. This “One Day Tonight” performance wasn’t particularly electrifying, but it was very Thompson — charming, chill, and effortless. Richie told him, “Yes, we strive for hit records, but what makes your career last forever is when people fall in love with you.” “You’ve hit on something fantastic.”
HunterGirl started the round 2 with Red Bird song. Perry and Bryan’s tears said it all when it came to HunterGirl’s beautiful home-inspired single “Red Bird.” The emotions were palpable in this performance, but in the hands of a pro like HunterGirl, they never overshadowed her incredible vocals. “God bless you,” Richie said on behalf of the entire group. “May you live as long as possible because your heart is in the right place.”
First Elimination: Leah Marlene
HunterGirl was the second finalist to be sent to safety, after Thompson. “That’s my girl,” Marlene told a dazed HunterGirl as she processed the good news in real time. Marlene then exited the Idol stage, waving to the studio audience with a heart sign.
Round 3
On Round 3 Noah Thompson and Melissa Etheridge performed ‘I’m the Only One song. HunterGirl and Luke Bryan Performed “I Told You So”. At the end Leah Marlene and Katy Perry Performed “Firework” song.
The Final Round
Noah Thompson (‘Stay’): Thompson surprised the judges by performing Rihanna’s “Stay,” which had previously wowed the judges during the Showstopper Round — a distant memory, if one can call it that.
HunterGirl (‘Riot’): HunterGirl gave us even more of a throwback in her encore performance, performing an even more polished version of her audition song, Rascal Flatts’ “Riot.”
Runner-Up: HunterGirl
HunterGirl was the final elimination of the season, which means we have our American Idol 2022 Winner.
American Idol 2022 Winner:
Noah Thompson won the final round with “stay” song. HunterGirl eliminated at final stage. Americal idol official Twitter Handle Tweeted Noah Thompson as American Idol 2022 Winner.
Complete American Idol Winner List
Here is the list of american idol winners till season 20.
Season | Finale | No. of contestants | No. of episodes | Winner | Runner-up | Third place |
1 | September 4, 2002 | 30 | 25 | Kelly Clarkson | Justin Guarini | Nikki McKibbin |
2 | May 21, 2003 | 36 | 41 | Ruben Studdard | Clay Aiken | Kimberley Locke |
3 | May 26, 2004 | 32 | 44 | Fantasia Barrino | Diana DeGarmo | Jasmine Trias |
4 | May 25, 2005 | 24 | 32 | Carrie Underwood | Bo Bice | Vonzell Solomon |
5 | May 25, 2006 | 24 | 41 | Taylor Hicks | Katharine McPhee | Elliott Yamin |
6 | May 23, 2007 | 24 | 41 | Jordin Sparks | Blake Lewis | Melinda Doolittle |
7 | May 21, 2008 | 24 | 42 | David Cook | David Archuleta | Syesha Mercado |
8 | May 20, 2009 | 36 | 40 | Kris Allen | Adam Lambert | Danny Gokey |
9 | May 26, 2010 | 24 | 43 | Lee DeWyze | Crystal Bowersox | Casey James |
10 | May 25, 2011 | 24 | 39 | Scotty McCreery | Lauren Alaina | Haley Reinhart |
11 | May 23, 2012 | 25 | 40 | Phillip Phillips | Jessica Sanchez | Joshua Ledet |
12 | May 16, 2013 | 20 | 37 | Candice Glover | Kree Harrison | Angie Miller |
13 | May 21, 2014 | 20 | 39 | Caleb Johnson | Jena Irene | Alex Preston |
14 | May 13, 2015 | 24 | 30 | Nick Fradiani | Clark Beckham | Jax |
15 | April 7, 2016 | 24 | 24 | Trent Harmon | La’Porsha Renae | Dalton Rapattoni |
16 | May 21, 2018 | 24 | 19 | Maddie Poppe | Caleb Lee Hutchinson | Gabby Barrett |
17 | May 19, 2019 | 20 | 18 | Laine Hardy | Alejandro Aranda | Madison VanDenburg |
18 | May 17, 2020 | 20 | 16 | Just Sam | Arthur Gunn | Dillon James, Francisco Martin, Jonny West1 |
19 | May 23, 2021 | 25 (34)2 | 19 | Chayce Beckham | Willie Spence | Grace Kinstler |
20 | May 22, 2022 | 24 | 19 | Noah Thompson | HunterGirl | Leah Marlene |
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