Apple Valley s Chayce Beckham wins American Idol crown
Victorville Daily Press
Fireworks lit up the Apple Valley sky on Sunday night as hometown favorite Chayce Beckham was crowned the newest “American Idol.”
Meanwhile, on the “Idol” stage, pyrotechnics and confetti shot across large illuminated letters that spelled out “Chayce” as Beckham and runner up Willie Spence, 21, shared an embrace before Beckham closed out the show with his hit song, “23.”
Voters nationwide pushed the 24-year-old raspy-voiced Beckham across the “Idol” finish line with a first-place win during the three-hour Season 19 grand finale on ABC.
After the show, Beckham’s mother, Windie Petersen of Apple Valley, spoke to the Daily Press. “We are so excited for Chayce’s future and we can’t wait to get him home, Petersen said. I know he can’t wait to say thank you in person to everyone in the High Desert for all their support.”
Victorville Daily Press
Chayce Beckham moved his mother, and many “American Idol” viewers, to tears with his heartfelt tribute song, “Mama,” which helped him advance into the show s Top 5 on Sunday.
Voters nationwide texted their approval after the Apple Valley singer-songwriter serenaded his mother, Windie Petersen, and performed a rendition of Coldplay s “Magic” during the Mother’s Day- and Coldplay-themed episode on ABC.
Like Beckham, the six other remaining “Idol” contestants sang Coldplay hits, as well as songs dedicated to their mothers. The popular band also performed their single “Higher Power,” which was released on Friday. Mama
Beckham sang an emotionally charged “Mama,” which he wrote during the show’s “Hollywood Week” earlier this season.