The New ‘American Idol’ Is The Guy That Almost Didn’t Audition

When Laine Hardy showed up to ‘Idol’ auditions this season, he was just showing up to support a friend because he’s been there, done that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfFfHe5LQoA

He didn’t even crack the top 50 last season as a 17-year-old high schooler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og8aezNneAU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXm2YhNfe00

He got a big welcome back to his hometown leading up to the big show…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8HR25GInIk

He’s come a long way since then. He did have stiff competition from runner-up and fan favorite, Alejandro Aranda, singing his original music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1Rq9AONG1E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfapStjACbk

Tons of stars stopped by to perform, including former winner Carrie Underwood…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efRvCVp-zoc

And Adam Lambert…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8Qn6NPTgRk

Finalists also got to perform duets….and Jeremiah Lloyd and Katy Perry SLAYED her song “Unconditionally”…

Kane Brown sang with finalist Alyssa Raghu…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wakKi_gb5fA

And things got cheeky making fun of a moment during auditions with Katy…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf5klupBUK8