American Idol 2023 finalist Colin Stough wins ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’ Encore competition
Fans will not be surprised that American Idol season 21 second runner-up, Colin Stough, won the Live with Kelly and Mark “encore” contest. The singer’s performance will air on Tuesday, March 30. Mark your calendars!
Already, winner Iam Tongi appeared on the show Tuesday (May 23) for a chat and performance, while runner-up Megan Danielle’s performance will air on Thursday (May 25). Check your local listings for when and where Live with Mark and Kelly airs in your area.
Every season during the ABC era, the morning talk show “Live” has invited the winner and runner up on to the show to perform, with a third slot saved for the winner of the “encore” contest. American Idol host, Ryan Seacrest served as co-host for the first six ABC seasons. However, Ryan left the show in April in order to concentrate on new projects. Kelly’s husband Mark Consuelos is the new “Live” host.
American Idol Top 8 were eligible for the contest
This year, the bottom six out of the Top 8 were eligible for the poll, which began collecting votes on the Live with Kelly and Mark website the morning after the Sunday finale and ran approximately 24 hours. In the meantime, the eligible singers asked their fans to vote one last time, including Haven Madison (Top 8), Oliver Steele (Top 8), Warren Peay (Top 8), Zachariah Smith (Top 5), We Ani (Top 5), and Colin Stough (Top 3).
Former winners of the Live “American Idol Encore” include: Cade Foehner 4th place, season 16; Madison Vandenburg 3rd place, season 17; Julia Gargano Top 7 season 18; Grace Kinstler 3rd place season 19; and Fritz Hager Top 5 season 20.
On Sunday night (May 21) Iam Tongi won American Idol 2023, while Megan Danielle finished in second place. Country singer Colin Stough left halfway through the broadcast in 3rd place. Former American Idol judge Keith Urban mentored the Top 3 for an Urban themed round. The Top 3 also performed songs dedicated to their hometowns on the heels of trips back home earlier in the week, filmed for the broadcast.
After Colin left the competition, Iam and Megan performed their newly recorded original songs. After fans voted throughout the night, host Ryan Seacrest crowned Iam Tongi the winner. (Read our Recap)
