'American Idol' finale: Noah Thompson, Huntergirl give country showdown of the ages in Top 2

The "American Idol" finale featured all-star performances, touching hometown visits — and a new winner crowned, after a country music showdown.

Before Season 20 came to a close Sunday night, the final three contestants — Leah Marlene, Huntergirl and Noah Thompson — each made their final plea for America's vote during the three-hour broadcast, which aired live coast-to-coast. First, they sang songs from Bruce Springsteen, before each singing an original they recorded during their time on "Idol."

As usual, judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie chimed in to offer critique — but at this last stage of the competition, it was clear all three contestants are ready to spread their wings. Here's what went down, including who won.

Leah Marlene kicked off the show with the Springsteen hit "Born in the USA." The 20-year-old college dropout from Normal, Illinois once again showed she can bring the edge, rocking out while accompanying herself on the guitar.

"What big boots you have stepped into," Richie exclaimed. Perry said Marlene is "the whole package." "You've won, period, end of story, to me," she added.

Marlene later took the stage again, singing her original song "Flowers," which she recently released.

The inspiration for the song came from a challenging period for Marlene's mental health, the contestant has said on social media. Though her mental health is in a much better place, Marlene said she hopes the song offers strength to those going through similar experiences

By the end of the haunting performance, Marlene and Perry were both in tears, as the crowd chanted "Leah." "The crowd will not lie to you," Richie said. "Props to your songwriter side.” Perry said she was "falling apart in a really good way."

"I’m so blessed to be here, a part of this show that is truly making a difference and changing lives," she added. "That song is so beautiful and is going to change other people’s lives." Bryan agreed that "Flowers" is "just tremendous." "What a ride you must be on," he said. "I’m so happy for you, and you have every right to have these emotions right now."

Huntergirl graduates from star to 'supernova' Next up, Huntergirl, donning a sparkling silver blazer and skirt, performed "Dancing in the Dark." As a country singer, Huntergirl predictably slayed the Springsteen classic.