Sunday’s season 21 finale of American Idol brought with it many tears, and several outstanding guest and competitor performances.

The Top 3: Colin Stough, Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle took to the stage for the last time trying to win America’s vote and be named the new ‘American Idol’.

The entire Top 12 returned for their last performances of the season as well, including the eliminated: Nutsa, Haven Madison, Lucy Love, Marybeth Byrd, Oliver Steele, Tyson Venegas, Warren Peay, Wé Ani and Zachariah Smith.

Photo: ABC

Keith Urban was back on ‘Idol’ for the first time in seven years, mentoring the 3 finalists and then later taking to the stage to perform his tune, “Wild Hearts”.  The Idol judges: Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan also took turns performing and viewers were reminded why each are pop and country star icons in their own right.

In addition, the all-star season finale line-up also included: Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, Ellie Goulding, James Blunt, Jazmine Sullivan, Jelly Roll,  Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon, Kylie Minogue, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Daigle, Pitbull and Lil Jon, and TLC.

During the last night of competition, after each contestant sang twice, one was eliminated.  Mississippi’s Colin Stough was sent home.  Leaving Danielle and Tongi.

Throughout the night, Tongi’s set list included:  Urban’s “Making Memories of Us,” “Cool Down,” and his new single, “I’ll Be Seeing You”.  Danielle performed Urban’s “God Whispered Your Name,” Journey’s “Faithfully” and  her new single “Dream Girl.”  When the confetti flew, America went. as predicted, with Hawaii’s Tongi.

The night was filled with tearjerking moments. Mostly from the judges as Katy Perry and Luke Bryan were overcome numerous times being the proud ‘parents’, if you will, of the three finalists and noting how far they have come and grown through the competition.

To really make you reach for the hankies, the producers teamed Tongi with singer/songwriter James Blunt to perform Blunt’s song, “Monsters”, which started Iam’s journey on ‘Idol’ during the judges audition process.  At that time, Iam related he was dedicating the song to his father, Rodney, who had passed way.  For the finale, Tongi struggled to get through the duet, but it was still powerfully effective.

So, were you happy Ian Tongi took home the top prize … or were you rooting for Megan Danielle? Share your thoughts on the finale in the comment section below.

It could be a nail-biter for tonight’s three finalists to be named the next American Idol. ABC has planned a live coast-to-coast, three-hour season finale event featuring special performances from music legends and today’s top artists.  Meanwhile, the Top 3 contestants take the stage for the final time competing for America’s vote.

Now, while it has appeared that the biggest pop and fan reaction in-studio has consistently belonged to Iam Tongi, that doesn’t mean that Colin Stough or Megan Danielle don’t have a chance!  Over the years, viewers have seen the nationwide vote, not match up with the predicted winner.

Photo: ABC

On Sunday night’s May 21st season finale (beginning at 8 p.m. EST), in addition to this year’s top 12 returning to the stage one last time, Keith Urban, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, Ellie Goulding, Jelly Roll, Pitbull, TLC, James Blunt, Jazmine Sullivan, REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin, Kylie Minogue, Lainey Wilson and Lauren Daigle, plus Idol hosts, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, are all said to be performing.

Let’s take a look at the Top 3 vying for the title:

COLIN STOUGH

Photo: ABC

This southern ‘good ole’ boy and young man loves his momma, and he has made that quite clear during his performances.  Stough’s gritty voice and his stellar performance of Robyn’s Dancing on My Own, could make this a second year in a row that America voted for the singer who was most ‘rough around the edges’ performing-wise, but won their hearts, think Noah Thompson, ya’ll!

MEGAN DANIELLE

Photo: ABC

Clearly, the vocalist of all vocalists of the top singers that remained in the competition.  She has the raspy alto that has made her unique, and loves her country and gospel tunes. Her own personal idol, Lauren Daigle, who showed up during her Idol audition, is on tonight’s line-up. So, stand by for a duet between the two. Meanwhile, last week’s performance on ‘Disney Night’ of  You Can’t Stop The Girl, truly showed her vocal chops in the most magnificent way.

IAM TONGI

Photo: ABC

Throughout the competition, Tongi’s silky smooth vocals and heartfelt simplistic renditions of popular songs, have grabbed the attention of the judged and America from the start.  The loss of his father, and the man who gave him, his now famous guitar, has been one of the major storylines of the season.  Tongi’s audition of James Blunt’s Monsters  brought Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to tears.  Throughout the season, Tongi has been the most consistent performer.

Now, let us know in the comment section below if Colin, Megan or Iam should be named the next ‘American Idol’ on tonight’s season finale.

As ABC is set to unveil their fall schedule at the Upfronts this afternoon, the network has handed out some key renewals in their reality competition programming.

American Idol will be back for its seventh season on ABC and its 22nd season overall.  The network’s announcement comes ahead of the season finale which airs this coming Sunday, May 21st.

In the ratings, the current season has averaged a Sunday draw of 5.2M viewers and a Monday viewership of 4.7M.

As for the 18-49 key demo, Sundays drew close to 0.67, while Mondays managed a 0.56. Those numbers are slightly down from the previous Season 5, where viewership was closer to 5.5M viewers and the key demo at 0.7 rating for both nights.

While the show is currently hosted by Ryan Seacrest, with celebrity judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, it is still undetermined if the the 3 music superstars will be back for season seven. That news should come over the summer months.

Photo: ABC

In addition, The Bachelor has also received another pick-up for its 28th season.  On the heels of that, its companion show, Bachelor in Paradise, is also returning for its 9th season.

The show has gone under a behind the scenes transformation, as this will be the first time the series will fly without creator, Mike Fleiss.  As has been reported, Fleiss stepped away from the franchise in March following misconduct allegations.

On the way this summer is the new season of The Bachelorette with Charity Lawson in the lead as the woman looking for love.

So, what do you think about the renewal pick-ups for American Idol, The Bachelor, and Bachelor in Paradise? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.