'American Idol' finale: Noah Thompson, Huntergirl give         country showdown of the ages in Top 2 

 Charles Trepany, USA TODAY - 6h ago The "American Idol" finale featured all-star performances, emotional hometown visits, and the crowning of a new winner following a country music showdown. The final three contestants — Leah Marlene, Huntergirl, and Noah Thompson — each made their final plea for America's vote during the three-hour broadcast, which aired live coast-to-coast. They began by singing songs by Bruce Springsteen before each performing an original they recorded during their time on "Idol."

As usual, judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie chimed in with criticism — but at this point in the competition, it was clear that all three contestants are ready to fly. Better start the day. Every morning, you'll receive all of the news you need in your inbox. Here's what happened, including who won. Leah Marlene brings Katy Perry to tears with original song 'Flowers' Leah Marlene opened the show with Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA." The 20-year-old college dropout from Normal, Illinois once again showed she can bring the edge, rocking out while accompanying herself on the guitar."You've stepped into some big boots," Richie exclaimed. Marlene, according to Perry, is "the whole package." "You've won, period," she added, "end of story." 'American Idol': Nicolina delivers the show's 'treasured moment'... then is eliminated shockingly Marlene later returned to the stage to perform her original song "Flowers," which she had just released. The song was inspired by a difficult period in Marlene's mental health, the contestant revealed on social media. Though her mental health is much better now, Marlene hopes the song will provide comfort to those going through similar experiences. Marlene and Perry were both in tears by the end of the haunting performance, as the audience chanted "Leah." "The crowd will not tell you lies," Richie said. "Congratulations on your songwriter side." Perry described herself as "falling apart in a really good way." "I'm so grateful to be here, a part of this show that truly makes a difference and changes lives," she added. "That song is so beautiful and will change people's lives." Bryan agreed that "Flowers" is "just fantastic." "What an adventure you must be on," he said. "I'm overjoyed for you, and you have every right to feel this way right now." 'Are you okay?': Katy Perry falls over in chair while performing as Ariel on 'American Idol' Disney Night. Huntergirl graduates from star to 'supernova' Huntergirl, dressed in a sparkling silver blazer and skirt, then performed "Dancing in the Dark." Huntergirl, as a country singer, nailed the Bruce Springsteen classic. "You feel at ease. This is your moment, "Perry informed her. "You went above and beyond. I don't think you're a celebrity. I believe you are a supernova." Bryan praised the contestant's song selection, while Richie stated that Huntergirl has a great look. "You now have control of the stage," Richie added. "You are now responsible for your own career, and you have a career, my dear." Huntergirl then performed her original song "Redbird," which is also available for streaming. Huntergirl sings about looking for hope in a dark time in the song. Bryan held back tears as he gave his feedback, complimenting the contestant on her songwriting abilities."By singing that song, you just swooped in and grabbed every heart in America," she said. "You're just a nice guy from Kentucky who might win 'American Idol,'" he says. 'American Idol': Katy Perry wants 'extra hour of therapy' after Noah Thompson covers her ex John Mayer Thompson then performed "One Day Tonight," a song he recently recorded and released. Perry shed more tears as he reflected on how far the Kentucky construction worker has come. "I'm just going to keep my tissue in my palm," she explained. "Continue to daydream. There is a strategy in place for you and your life." Thompson, according to Richie, has made people "fall in love" with him on the show and will continue to do so long after the season is over. And the lucky winner is... Thompson was declared the winner of the show after 16 million votes were cast. "My heart is beating out of my chest," the understated singer explained. "This is insane." Thompson demonstrated that, at least for some, dreams do come true, going from working in construction to winning "American Idol."