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