American Idol ‘rigged’ row erupts over finale results as fans divided over series winner | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan were all back on the judging panel during this year’s American Idol finale to crown the latest winner of the hit ABC series.

Iam, Colin and Megan were the talented trio hoping to impress the USA’s voting public as well as the judges and studio audience.

In the end, Iam emerged victorious following Colin’s early elimination and pipping Megan to the top spot.

The singer kicked off his finale display with renditions of Making Memories of Us and Cool Down.

Following Colin’s elimination, Iam was then joined on stage by none other than You’re Beautiful singer James Blunt.

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The two had the audience on their feet as they performed Monsters while Megan sang with Lauren Daigle the song Thank God I Do.

Iam’s fourth and final performance left barely a dry eye among viewers as he dedicated it to his late father.

He performed I’ll Be Seeing You as a tribute to his dad.

Ryan Seacrest then gathered Megan and Iam on stage to announce the results before the audience roared when Iam was confirmed as the winner.

While a number of viewers took to social media to congratulate the singer, a number weren’t best pleased with the results.

So much so, some even went as far as to claim the results were “rigged”, with @ItsTaviBaby24 saying on Twitter: “This season been rigged since day 1 #americanidol.”

“Its rigged #AmericanIdol,” Danny Varcinic added while Mark Kevin Garrison echoed: “I can’t believe Iam Tongi won #AmericanIdol #americanidolfinale!

“He’s an awesome guy, but most of his songs sound like a Adam Sandler movie. Like most winners, he’ll go nowhere. We Ani should have won w/Megan in 2nd. Seriously, who would pay hundreds of dollars and parking 4 Iam?”

Meanwhile, @deadlyrose98_ hit out: “How did megan not win? Iam sounds the same every song l… #americanidol he’s good don’t get me wrong but really.”

However, there was still plenty of support for Iam, including @seasonalOREO who hit back at the claims: “Why are people saying it’s rigged when so many people are celebrating his win and the audience chanted his name every episode???

“Iam deserved this!! #AmericanIdol,” they signed off, showing their support to the singer.

Iam himself took to social media following his win, penning on Instagram: “Thank you everyone for voting! Love all you guys! Thank you so much, yessah blessa never stressa! #idol #idolwinner.” (sic)

American Idol airs on ABC in the USA.