American Idol 2021 Chayce Beckham Finale

This Video is 18 minutes long. Lots to say.

Round One: Judges’ Song Pick

Chayce Beckham,

“Blackbird” — the Beatles

Chayce’s ability to shine comes from his artistry. This song doesn’t really give him much room to wow us or connect emotionally, which he typically does so well, but it’s another solid vocal. Lionel loves his rasp (no duhhh guys) and Katy calls “Blackbird” “a classic small but mighty song” and thinks that is where Chayce excels. Regardless of how this stacks up against the other finalists, Chayce is happy because Luke says he’s finally earned a bass fishing trip with Mr. Bryan himself. That’s the real prize, I guess!

Round Two: Hometown Songs

Chayce Beckham, “Fire Away” — Chris Stapleton

Agh, now Chayce is crying! He’s overwhelmed by his full-circle homecoming after going through so much with his battle with addiction and everything his family and friends have helped him through. We love a comeback story, don’t we? This song is a much better fit than “Blackbird” and allows Chayce to show a little more edge and emotion. There’s a lot of passion in this performance, and his rasp is used to full effect. Luke Bryan seems particularly moved by seeing how much Chayce’s confidence has grown since they first met him to now, and even that moment in the hometown package in which Chayce says that he’s proud of himself is telling about how big this journey has been for the Apple Valley, Calif., kid.

Round Three: Favorite Moments

Chayce Beckham,

“Afterglow” — Ed Sheeran

Chayce goes on to reprise “Afterglow,” which is a super smart choice on his part. It’s the most emotionally connected song he’s performed tonight and a wonderful way for him to go out. The judges don’t have anything new to tell Chayce except congratulations on his Idol run.