'American Idol' Season 18 Finale: Lionel Richie's 'We Are The World' collaboration is what we need now, say fans

The moving performance featuring old and new contestants was a reminder for many viewers to remain united and strong in these trying times
Lionel Richie (ABC)
Lionel Richie (ABC)

'American Idol' Season 18 came to a bittersweet end as fans said goodbye to their favorite contestants. Judge Lionel Richie gave viewers a wonderful parting gift with a once-in-a-lifetime performance of his Grammy-winning classic, 'We Are the World' featuring some memorable faces from 'American Idol' history. Former contestants Alejandro Aranda aka Scarypoolparty, Fantasia, Gabby Barrett, Jordin Sparks, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Laine Hardy, Phillip Phillips, Ruben Studdard and Scotty McCreery along with Richie's fellow judges Luke Bryan and Katy Perry as well as this season's Top 11 all came together to create a truly inspiring performance.

"Nothing celebrates winning 'American Idol' like a final sing-along with images of contestants all singing together on mountains and skyscrapers #americanidol2020 #IdolFinale," tweeted one fan, and if that makes absolutely no sense to you, we recommend checking out the performance below, which features videos of all the performers projected onto some recognizable city monuments and landmarks, all coming together virtually in the end.



 

"What a beautiful ending to #AmericanIdol #IdolFinale with 'We Are the World!' #JustSam wins—and what a wonderful Cinderella story she has! The others in the Top5/10 will be stars! Don’t forget #DouglasKiker the Garbage Man. He’ll make it, too!" tweeted one fan, while another asked, "Anyone else get goosebumps watching @LukeBryanOnline, @GabbyBarrett, @TheLaineHardy, @ScottyMcCreery, @Lauren_Alaina and more sing #WeAreTheWorld on the @AmericanIdol #IdolFinale?!"

McCreery's fans were especially happy to see him tonight, tweeting, "@ScottyMcCreery Did a Great Job Singing 'We Are the World,' on @AmericanIdol! So Inspiring!" For many who continue to brave the ongoing coronavirus pandemic by staying indoors during the lockdown, this finale was just what the doctor ordered. "That performance of 'We Are the World' on @AmericanIdol is what this world needs to experience right now. #IdolFinale," tweeted one fan, and another stated, "Loved that collaboration of 'We Are the World'. So good! A song the world needs now #AmericanIdol."

One fan shared, "The rendition of 'We Are the World' was quite good and moving. #IdolFinale," while another said, "Yes. 'We are the world'. And Together, We will Heal as One." And another fan tweeted, "That ending was just perfect! #WeAretheWorld beautifully done."

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'Running Point' gave a heartwarming tribute to Niko Mijailovic in its recently released third episode.
34 minutes ago
Shinwell Johnson was called into the ER to treat a mysterious patient who had a paper with his name on it
1 hour ago
The episode focused on Nate's wedding to Cassie and saw the high school group back together for the special occasion.
1 hour ago
The next episode sees Rue in custody as she is questioned by two DEA agents, who present a photograph of her in Mexico
4 hours ago
The short clip features breathtaking visuals, strange new planets, and dangerous prehistoric creatures
4 hours ago
'House of the Dragon' stars attended CCXP Mexico and shed light on their characters from Season 3
5 hours ago
The latest episode of 'Marshals' finds Kayce Dutton and his team of Marshals face off against Randall Clegg, a longtime enemy of the Dutton family.
5 hours ago
The latest episode of 'Euphoria' brings all the high school friends together under one roof for Nate and Cassie's wedding.
7 hours ago
The fourth season will feature Agnez Mo as the lead antagonist, Lila Hoth, an emotionless terrorist cell leader
7 hours ago
'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' will highlight the brewing romance between Stuart and Denise
9 hours ago