FRANCISCO Martin, the 19-year-old Filipino-American singer from San Francisco, California, finished in the top 5 of “American Idol,” which aired its all remote live finale on Sunday (Monday in Manila).
Just Sam, who was the only girl in the top 5, was crowned the winner of the show’s 18th season, defeating Arthur Gunn, who finished as the runner-up.
“I would have never ever expected this. Thank you for voting for me,” she said as she celebrated her victory from her own home.
During its last episode, the top 5 contestants sang two songs each: a celebration tune for being part of the top 5, and a previously performed track.
For Martin’s first song, he did a cover of Harry Styles’ “Adore You” which brought judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan to say how proud they are of him for coming so far.
In the second round, Martin slayed with his audition song “Alaska,” which he thought best represents his journey on the competition.
“That performance was an elevated version of what you gave to us in the beginning. You’re so smooth when you delivered that. It sounded like it was professionally recorded in the studio somewhere. That’s how good it was,” said Perry.
Bryan, for his part, said he’s “heartbroken that this is the last time we’ll get to hear you perform like this on ‘American Idol.’”
Meanwhile, Richie commended Martin for being a “model student.”
“You have taken all of our notes and every time I see you, I smile while you’re performing because you have delivered the goods on graduation day,” he said.(ABS-CBN)
