The winner was announced on Sunday, May 21, 2023, following a competitor duel between Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle.
Tongi was named Season 21's victor after three hours of fierce competition and various musical guests.
The second-place finisher was Danielle, and Colin Stough came in third. After finishing last in the public vote, Stough was removed early on in the finale.
Iam Tongi, a musician from Kahuku, Hawaii, is 18 years old and rose to fame on Season 21 of American Idol.
Tongi captivated judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie with his performances throughout the course of the season.
Perry made a suggestion that he might win the competition before being announced the Season 21 champion.
She remarked following his rendition of Father and Son from the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 album, "I think it's written in the stars."