Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The American Idol Season 17 Top 10 celebrates with Laine Hardy as he sings his new single, Flame. (ABC Photo)

Remember back in early March on American Idol?

Laine Hardy strolled into the American Idol audition room with his guitar to support former French Settlement High School classmate Ashton Gill during her audition.

Ashton wound up earning a golden ticket, but the Idol judges wouldn’t let Laine leave the room without performing a song.

After all, he’d made an impression in Season 16, when he was cut just short of the Top 24.

His cover of “The Weight” made another impression. So much so, that the judges wouldn’t let Laine leave the audition room without taking a golden ticket with him.

Sunday night, Laine completed the journey from reluctant auditioner to American Idol champion.

He was named the show’s Season 17 winner following a finale that also featured runner-up Alejandro Aranda and third-place finisher Madison VanDenburg.

Idol host Ryan Seacrest named the 19-year-old from Livingston, La., the winner.

Laine then launched into singing his winner’s single, “Flame,” which is now available on iTunes, as members of the Season 17 cast swarmed the stage to congratulate him on his victory.

Laine Hardy reacts after Ryan Seacrest announces him the winner of American Idol Season 17. (ABC Photo)

Laine Hardy receives congratulations from Wade Cota and runner-up Alejandro Aranda as he performs his winner’s single, Flame. (ABC Photo)

Castmates swarm Laine Hardy following his American Idol triumph Sunday night. (ABC Photo)

Laine Hardy is congratulated by judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie after winning American Idol. (ABC Photo)

Laine Hardy performs with Jon Pardi during the American Idol finals Sunday night. (ABC Photo)

Laine Hardy performs Sunday night on American Idol. (ABC Photo)