American Idol Runner-Up Megan Danielle Refutes Claims the Show's Finale Was 'Rigged'

Milton Quintanilla | Contributor for ChristianHeadlines.com | Updated: Jun 05, 2023
<em>American Idol</em> Runner-Up Megan Danielle Refutes Claims the Show's Finale Was 'Rigged'

American Idol Runner-Up Megan Danielle Refutes Claims the Show's Finale Was 'Rigged'

American Idol Season 21 runner-up Megan Danielle shot down claims that the singing competition show's finale was rigged.

Danielle, a professing Christian, spoke to the New York Post about the rumors that the show was rigged after she came in second place behind Iam Tongi in this year's season of American Idol.

"I would say that it isn't just because, you know, I feel like God made all of this happen for a reason," the 21-year-old singer from Georgia said.

"Even if I was first, second, last, whatever … I feel like any of us really deserved it."

She also commended Tongi for winning the competition and refuted claims that he won sympathy votes because his father recently passed away.

"I feel like Iam was deserving and he's so humble and so talented," Danielle said. "And this was his time and I'm just super proud of him."

As reported by ChurchLeaders.com, Danielle thanked her supporters on social media as she reflected on her life up to this point.

"Just wanted to come on and say THANK YOU ALL! I couldn't be more proud of myself for how far I've come! From being a little girl who never believed in herself to now knowing I can be the ONE PERSON to touch lives and share the love of Jesus. What a blessing," she wrote on Facebook last Friday.

"Iam Tongi deserved every bit of this! Season 21 RUNNER-UP! Thank you, God," she continued.

Before joining American Idol, Danielle sang in bars with her band, until her late grandfather encouraged her to switch to Christian music. During the Idol season finale, Danielle sang Journey's "Faithfully."  According to the New York Post, Danielle said an image of her late grandfather was projected on the screen, bringing her to tears ahead of her performance. It was edited out of the final episode.

"Watching my grandpa on the screen, I know he's proud of me," she told the New York Post.

In her pursuit of a musical career, Danielle also quit working as a server at a restaurant with her mother.

"I think this is a time where God has wanted me to wait on some opportunities that are coming my way," she said.

"So I'm just trying to be patient."

Related:

Christian Singer-Songwriter Megan Danielle Places 2nd on American Idol

Christian American Idol Contestant in Top 12 Performs Lauren Daigle's 'Thank God I Do'

Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Nagaiets

Video courtesy: ©American Idol


Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for Christian Headlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.



American Idol Runner-Up Megan Danielle Refutes Claims the Show's Finale Was 'Rigged'