'American Idol' Finalist Garrett Jacobs Reminisces About Life Before 21 on 'Into the Bar'

Shortly after finishing in the Top 14 on Season 16 ofAmerican Idol, 18-year-old Garrett Jacobs packed his suitcase and made the 639-mile road trip from Bossier City, Louisiana to Nashville, Tennessee in hopes of making his music dreams come true. He moved into a high rise located in the nightclub hub of Midtown, where he could look down onto the honkytonks and feel their energy of life just beneath him.And then he would turn around and get back to work.

'American Idol' Frontrunner Kenedi Anderson Drops Out of Competition for 'Personal Reasons'

Kenedi Anderson will no longer be competing onAmerican Idol. The 17-year-old singer revealed the news on Instagram Monday after her pre-taped Top 24 performance aired, in which the season 20 frontrunner sang a stunning rendition of Christina Perri’s song “Human.” “For personal reasons, I’m unable to continue onAmerican Idol. This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I know it’s necessary,” Anderson wrote. “I’m so grateful toAmerican Idol, the judges, the producers, the amazing contestants, and all the fans who have supported me.

'American Idol' Has a New Champion! Iam Tongi Wins Season 21

After a nail-biting three-hour finale, Iam Tongi is the newestAmerican Idol!On Sunday’s season finale of the singing competition series, Tongi, 18, was crowned the winner following a stunning performance of his original song “I’ll Be Seeing You.“He was up against Megan Danielle and Colin Stough, who placed second and third, respectively.Iam Tongi wins American Idol.Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty ImagesAfter hostRyan Seacrestcrowned Tongi the winner, he sang “Don’t Let Go” as his family, the judges and audience members swayed along and celebrated the feat.

'American Idol' Has a New Champion! Noah Thompson Wins Season 20

Congratulations are in order forNoah Thompson! On Sunday’s season 20 finale ofAmerican Idol, the top three contestants hit the stage for the last time in hopes of taking home the first-place prize. Once America’s results were in, Thompson was named the champion over his fellow finalists, HunterGirl and Leah Marlene. Noah Thompson.Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images The 20-year-old winner performed three songs for the finale: “I’m on Fire” for theBruce Springsteenround, his original song “One Day Tonight,” andRihanna’s “Stay” as his favorite song of the season.

'American Idol' Judges Break Silence on Caleb Kennedy's Departure Days After Controversial Video Surfaced

TheAmerican Idoljudges are breaking their silence four days after top five contestantCaleb Kennedy exitedthe show due to a leaked controversial video. After Sunday’s emotional semi-final episode, judgesLuke BryanandLionel Richieexpressed their feelings on Kennedy’s sudden departure — and what they hope for the young singer in the future. “First and foremost, as judges, we love these kids,” Bryan, 44, told PEOPLE after the show. “We get emotionally involved in these kids. We want the best for Caleb.