‘American Idol’ Champ Laine Hardy Takes Victory Lap With ‘Flame’ [LISTEN]

Laine Hardy took home the top spot on Sunday night's (May 19) American Idol finale, besting fellow finalists Alejandro Aranda and Madison VanDenburg in the three-hour live broadcast of the show's final episode. After being declared the winner, Hardy launched into a spirited live performance of his new song, "Flame," which he subsequently officially released as his debut single. Press play above to listen!

An inspirational anthem tailor made to fill stadiums, "Flame" takes its cues from the pop-rock world and features a catchy chorus built for singalongs. "Put your light up / Put your light, put your light up / Put your light, put your light up / Put your light, put your light up / So I can see your flame," Hardy sings.

When Hardy's win was announced at the end of the Idol finale, host Ryan Seacrest asked the winning singer to describe how he was feeling in the moment. "I don't know what to think right now! I'm so thankful," Hardy breathlessly replied.

Immediately, the season champ launched into a performance of "Flame," his fellow contestants and the show's judges cheering along beside him. Earlier in the show, Hardy also performed a cover of Hank Williams' "Jambalaya," as well as Mark Broussard's "Home." Lionel Richie described the latter performance as "nasty," in the swampiest, bluesiest and best way imaginable.

Additionally, during the finale, Hardy teamed up with country star Jon Pardi to duet on two of Pardi's most popular hits, "Dirt on My Boots" and "Night Shift." The 18-year-old singer hails from Livingston, La. Over the course of the 2019 Idol season, he garnered praise from judges Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan for his earthy, Southern rock-inspired brand of pop music.

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