The sixteenth season of “American Idol” — and first ABC iteration — concluded with a live, two-hour finale Monday night.
In the closing moments of that finale, host Ryan Seacrest announced Maddie Poppe as the winner.
Poppe beat out Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Gabby Barrett, who respectively placed second and third in the competition.
Moments after learning of her victory, an emotional Poppe performed her original coronation song “Going Going Gone” for the live audience.
The song, which was already performing well on the US iTunes sales chart, enjoyed a big leap on the heels of the finale. It is #8 as of press time at 1:40AM ET.
As part of her victory, Poppe earns a recording contract with Hollywood Records. She will also be making appearances on “Good Morning America,” “Live With Kelly & Ryan” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” in the next few days.
She will also open for “Beauty And The Beast” at the Hollywood Bowl this week, before taking the Radio Disney Music Awards stage in June.
