After Sunday’s American Idol finale, Leah Marlene jumped on to Instagram to thank fans for their support. She was eliminated in third place behind winner Noah Thompson and runner-up HunterGirl. But she’s not made about it. Instead she’s full of hope and excitement for what comes next in her music career.
“…it’s been a big day and it’s kind of the end of an era today and obviously, feeling all the things have so many thoughts and all that jazz,” Leah said in a video clip. “I just want to say thank you from the bottom and the top, and all the sides, and my entire heart. This has been the most beautiful, incredible journey in my entire life.”
Leah is grateful for the friends she has made along the way. “… to be able to share it with other people whom I love with my whole heart and witness their growth too.”
“I was so emotional tonight, because…I’ve a lot of reasons. I can’t even go into all that. I’m just so so grateful for this entire journey.”
“It’s really, really hard to close this chapter and say goodbye,” Leah confesses, “but that’s because it was so, so, so beautiful and amazing.” While it’s hard to say so long, the future looks bright, not only for Leah, but her fellow contestants as well. “This is only the beginning for every single one of us. And this is where…the real work starts and I hope you guys will stick with me because I am ready to work my a– off and make this dream a reality in the real world.”
“I Feel Like the Biggest Winner”
She thanks her fans again. “Just a great big thank you. Every part of me. I feel like the biggest winner, the luckiest person in the world to have experienced everything that I’ve experienced in this show.” No regrets, she says, “And I wouldn’t have wanted anything to go any other way than it has. So thank you…I love you guys.”
Highlights from the finale included Leah performing her self-penned original single “Flowers,” and duetting with judge Katy Perry on her hit “Firework.” Leah’s father accompanied them on guitar, just as he did when young Leah sang it on stage in 2011.
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Leah is stranded at the Dallas airport, trying to get back home. It’s raining in Texas.
