And the Winner of ‘American Idol’ Season 19 Is…

And the winner of American Idol season 19 is—drumroll, please—Chayce Beckham!

Last night, ABC crowned Beckham as the latest winner of the popular singing competition. As a result, the 24-year-old singer has landed a contract with 19 Recordings/BMG (the same label that helped launch the careers of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood).

During the finale, Beckham beat out fellow finalists Willie Spence and Grace Kinstler. He sang a variety of classic songs, like “Blackbird” by The Beatles, “Fire Away” by Chris Stapleton and “Afterglow” by Ed Sheeran.

The judges couldn’t help but gush over his performances. Katy Perry said, “I don’t think there’s anything left to say, Chayce. You’re out here in a satin suit, playing like a rock star. You had this dream, and now you’re living it.” Luke Bryan chimed in, “It’s just a bright future—and it’s your future. And I don’t have any doubt in my mind you’ll go out there and work for it.” Lionel Richie added, “Welcome to your career.”

Prior to winning American Idol, Beckham worked as a forklift operator in Apple Valley, California. He recently released his debut single, “23,” which was written about his battle with alcoholism.

“When you’re sober for the first time, performing for a long time, going in, I was a broken person. I came out the other side just a little bit more healed,” he previously said.

The finale also featured performances by several famous faces, including all three judges—Bryan, Perry and Richie—along with Fall Out Boy, Alessia Cara, Leona Lewis, Luke Combs, Macklemore, Lindsey Buckingham, Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan and Mickey Guyton.

So. Well. Deserved.

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