“American Idol” ended its 22nd season on Sunday, and while Georgia’s Will Moseley didn’t win the crown, he went the distance.
Abby Carter, a 21-year-old musician from Indio, California, won the popular vote to become the Season 22 champion, while Moseley, 23, from Hazlehurst, and Jack Blocker, 25, from Dallas, came in second. Moseley and Carter stood next to each other, holding hands, when the winner was announced.
Moseley was all smiles during the announcement, celebrating Carter’s win and hugging him while she cried over her own victory.
It was an emotional show full of great songs and celebrity cameos. Here’s a recap of the big night:
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What did Will Mosley perform on the ‘American Idol’ finale?
The “American Idol” finale began with a group performance from the three finalists who sang Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The rock legend soon joined them, and the four sang his new single “Legendary.”
Each finalist sang a Bon Jovi cover song. Moseley’s song was “It’s My Life.” During the one-on-one conversation, Moseley talked about his father, who was a big Bon Jovi fan, and Jon Bon Jovi thanked his father for teaching Moseley music. He also coached Moseley on his cover, which helped him become more committed to the song.
“To be in the room with someone of that caliber is something special in itself,” Moseley said. “When they think so much of you that they give you a little push, it means a lot.”
We then see some footage of Moseley during his return to Hazelhurst, where family, friends and the Hazelhurst community showed their support with billboards, parades and lots of applause. One of the highlights was his return to his elementary school, where the school children surprised Moseley by singing his original song “Gone for Goode.” They were left speechless.
He sang Montgomery Gentry’s “My Town”, saluting his hometown. Luke Bryan, one of the judges, said it is one of his favorite songs, and after hearing Mosley’s performance, he is confident Mosley has what it takes to handle all the post-“American Idol” gigs. .
He then sang a few songs with some other “American Idol” alums, including 2015 champion Nick Fradiani, as part of saying goodbye to Katy Perry as a judge on the show.
Next, it was time for Moseley’s duet with Hootie and the Blowfish. Together they sang a medley that included hits such as “Hold My Hand” and “Let Her Cry”.
Mosley’s final performance on “American Idol” was on her original song “Good Book Bad”. After that, Perry said he was sure he would be a star whether he was champion or not.
Here’s what the other two finalists sang throughout the night:
Abi Carter: Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses”, “West Side Story”‘s “Somewhere”, the duet with Bishop Briggs “River”, and the original single “This Ain’t Over”.
Jack Blocker: “I’ll Be There for You” by Bon Jovi, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait and “What Makes a Woman”, a duet with Katy Perry.
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What does the ‘American Idol’ winner get?
According to Distractify, “American Idol” winners take home $250,000 and a recording contract with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings. Although he did not take the crown, Moseley kept his spirits up, posting the following message on Facebook:
“Feeling incredibly blessed to be a part of this amazing journey. Ending this journey on a high and this is just the beginning! Get ready America because this is the launch pad of my music career. Here comes Will.”
Will there be a season 23 of ‘American Idol’?
Billboard reports that ABC has officially renewed “American Idol” for a 23rd season. The premiere date has not been announced yet. Although Richie and Bryan would return for season 23, Perry announced in February that she would be leaving the judges’ panel after seven seasons to “focus on other endeavors”. Perry’s replacement has not yet been announced.
