'American Idol' season 17: Laine Hardy wins the title and fans couldn't be happier

'American Idol' season 17 finale had a star-studded lineup along with the finalists and Top 10 contestants performing. The finalists this season were Laine Hardy, Alejandro Aranda and Maidson Vandenburg. 
UPDATED MAY 20, 2019

SPOILERS FOR AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 17 AHEAD

After a long wait, 'American Idol' season 17 revealed its title winner and we couldn't be happier. 

Airing live with its grand finale, 'American Idol' had a star-studded lineup along with the finalists and Top 10 contestants performing. The finalists this season were Laine Hardy, Alejandro Aranda and Madison Vandenburg. 

But halfway through the show, it was revealed that Vandenburg placed third with the lowest number of votes and was eliminated. Then between Hardy and Aranda it was anyone's game. 

Laine Hardy is the winner of 'American Idol' season 17. (ABC/Eric McCandless)

Winning the title this season with the highest votes, is none other than Louisiana bayou boy Laine Hardy. Though Hardy was sent home in season 16 during Hollywood week, he came back this year with a bang. 

Hardy didn't audition for 'American Idol' season 17 this season. During the auditions, he just accompanied his friend Ashton Gill just to play the guitar for her performance. But after the judges begged Hardy to accept the golden ticket and give it another shot, he decided to give it another try, and it paid off. 

Crowned as the winner of 'American Idol' season 17, Hardy was up against Aranda and Vandenburg in the grand finale but came out on top with the highest votes. He closed out this season by performing his debut single 'Flame' as confetti fell from the sky and fans went crazy. 

Laine Hardy had not auditioned for 'American Idol' season 17. (ABC/Eric McCandless)

Though Hardy had fewer followers compared to runner-up Aranda, he had a major fan base who voted for him. And after the news of Hardy being the title winner broke, his fans couldn't be happier. 

"I am thrilled @TheLaineHardy is the official @AmericanIdol !!! I can’t wait to hear the albums he comes out with!! Congratulations!!!!" wrote a fan on Twitter. While another said, "Congratulations @TheLaineHardy!! I'm so proud of you and I can't wait for what the future holds for you!! #americanidol #PartyWithAHardy." 

"so so so happy that @TheLaineHardy won, he deserved it SO MUCH. i knew from the beginning he was going to be a STAR. congrats laine PARTY WITH A HARDY #americanidol," added another fan. 

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RELATED TOPICS AMERICAN IDOL (2002)

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