Just Sam was crowned the Season 3 winner of American Idol on ABC last night.
She beat out fellow finalists Julia Gargano,Arthur Gunn, Dillon James,Louis Knight,Francisco Martin and Jonny West for the honor.
The virtual finale was filmed at the contestants’, performers’ and judges’ homes as they shelter in place during the coronavirus pandemic.
The singing competition show was hosted by Ryan Seacrest, while Katy Perry,Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan served as judges.
For the last episode of the season, Perry sang her new song “Daisies,” Bryan performed “One Margarita” and Richie led a star-studded rendition of “We Are the World,” joined by Idol judges, the Top 11 and members of the Idol family including Alejandro Aranda,Fantasia,Gabby Barrett,Jordin Sparks,Katharine McPhee,Kellie Pickler,Laine Hardy,Lauren Alaina,Phillip Phillips,Ruben Studdard and Scotty McCreery.
The season 3 virtual finale also featured performances by Cynthia Erivo, Lauren Daigle,Rascal Flatts and Doug Kiker.
The network has renewed Idol for a fourth season. It previously ran for 15 seasons on FOX.
Photo: Getty images