The top three finalists on American Idol — HunterGirl (Hunter Wolkonowski) of Tennessee, Noah Thompson of Kentucky, and Leah Marlene of Illinois — travelled to "Idol" glory along the New Jersey Turnpike. All three finalists performed their original songs in the 'American Idol' season 20 finale.
Along with the finalists, there were performances from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, as well as Idol icon Carrie Underwood, James Arthur, Sara Bareilles, Gabby Barrett, Michael Bublé, Deana Carter, Earth, Wind & Fire, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida, Ben Platt, Thomas Rhett, Tai Verdes, and more." At the end of the competition, one winner was named the next American Idol. Let's find out who won the 20th season of American Idol.
Leah Marlene
Leah Marlene is a gifted Canadian singer and songwriter who debuted on television in Season 20 of American Idol. The 20-year-old was born in Toronto and reared in Normal, Illinois. Leah has a distinctive, appealing voice and a songwriting style that blends pop, soul, Americana, and other influences. Marlene's success can be traced back to her Central Illinois roots. She started performing as a child in uptown Normal and honed her craft at festivals like the Sugar Creek Arts Festival and the Sweet Corn Circus. Since her audition, she had been a draw to the show, and each performance had gotten better and better. Leah Marlene has captivated American Idol viewers from her debut performance with the judges in Nashville.
Leah auditioned for the show with two songs: a rendition of One Direction's Steal My Girl and an original song she wrote with her pal's Wisher to the Well, which aired on February 27, 2022. Leah's amazing performance earned her a golden ticket to the next round of the competition. She made it to the Top 24 after performing "She's a Self Made Man" by Larkin Poe during the Showstopper round. Leah performed Journey's "Separate Ways" and Carrie Underwood's cover of "I'll Stand By You" on the show. She was chosen as one of three contestants to compete in the final round by the public. Leah performed 'Cover Me' and the original song, "Flower," in the finale. Unfortunately, she was out of the top 2 and settled for third place.
Also Read: Learn About American Idol 2022 Contestant Leah Marlene Dating, Boyfriend & Gay Rumors
HunterGirl
Hunter Wolkonowski, better known as Hunter Girl, is a country singer and songwriter who came in second place on season 20 of "American Idol." She rose to popularity after her audition performance on American Idol. Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan were all taken aback by her name, but she revealed that Hunter is her forename and Wakandowski is her surname. She began singing a Rascal Flat song after a quick introduction, and Luke's reaction indicated that he loved her voice.
HunterGirl was anticipated to be one of the competition's favorites. As an American Idol contestant, she dazzled judges and audiences alike. When she auditioned in Nashville, she received a standing ovation for her song "Riot," approved by all three judges. She was one of just three contestants to obtain a Platinum Ticket this season, and many expected her to compete in the finale. Hunter Girl appeared to be on her way to stardom on American Idol and beyond, with Luke Bryan even declaring on the show that she had the best female country voice he's heard in five years. Her vocals wowed the judges during the show's Mother's Day broadcast. Wolkonowski was the first to perform You Broke Me, reaching the show's Top 5. She performed "Undo It" and "Girl Crush" on her way to the final top three. HunterGirl performed 'Dancing On The Dark' and the original song "Red Bird" in the finale. Unfortunately, HunterGirl had to settle for second place, as Noah Thompson took the first position.
Also Read: American Idol 2022 Contestant Hunter Girl: Wiki, Age, Real Name And Net Worth
Noah Thompson
Noah Thompson had no idea he was on the verge of stardom. The 20-year-old singer from Louisana, Kentucky, didn't want to audition. Still, his coworker Arthur persuaded him to do so when he signed up for the show's virtual "Idol Across America" online tryouts. "He wasn't born to be working with us," his friend stated, despite attempts to perform in public, in the ultimate show of confidence to a friend who lacked it. Thompson surprised himself by advancing to the next round when he sang a poignant rendition of Kameron Marlowe's "Giving You Up" in front of the judges, who saw something in him.
Noah performed two songs for Mother's Day, including "Painted Blue" by Chloe Chaney and "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac. He astounded everyone, as he did every day. For health reasons, the singer was placed in seclusion after testing positive for Covid. But that didn't hinder him, as he put on an incredible show from his hotel room. After the performance, he video-called the judges. Despite his health, he made it to the Top 5, and fans were happier to see him flourish. For a chance to advance to the top three, he took on the ambitious "So Small" and Larry Fleet's "Working Man." Noah sang "I'm on Fire" during the Bruce Springsteen round, "Stay" by Rihanna as his favorite song of the season, and "One Day Tonight" in the finale. Thompson was declared the winner over HunterGirl and Leah Marlene when America's results were announced.
Noah Thompson Is The Winner Of 'American Idol' Season 20
Noah was voted the champion of the ABC singing competition show American Idol 20th season on Sunday night, May 22, 2022. Before announcing the highly awaited results, fans at home were treated to energetic performances from previous AI competitors and guest musicians, including Ben Platt, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sara Bareilles, and Michael Bublé. Noah finished the finale with the most real-time votes, beating out finalists HunterGirl and Leah Marlene.
Noah showed to be a worthy competitor with his powerful voice in the weeks leading up to American Idol's 2022 finale. Those who tuned in throughout the night saw Noah take the stage. Noah's performance of his hit "One Day Tonight" and his interpretation of Bruce Springsteen's "On Fire," were particularly memorable. American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan all gave him positive feedback.