LIVINGSTON, La.– Laine Hardy from Livingston Parish is now the 2019 American Idol.   Fans voted for him last night and he was crowned the winner on the season finale of the hit ABC show. News with a Twist Reporter Kenny Lopez spent the day at a Laine Hardy American Idol watch party, where family and friends were cheering on their bayou boy!   Watch reaction from family and friends in Laine’s hometown after he won! Laine Hardy first auditioned for “American Idol” in 2018, and didn’t make it past the Top 50, but this year was quite different.   Laine went to the 2019 auditions to play guitar for his friend Ashton Gill.  He didn’t plan on auditioning, but then the celebrity judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie asked him to try out again and they were amazed by how much he’s grown.  The judges sent him through to Hollywood once again, and the rest is “American Idol” history. After winning Idol, Laine has been appearing on ABC shows, “Good Morning America,” and “The View” talking about his experiences on “Idol.” Laine told Twist Reporter Kenny Lopez that if he won “American Idol” that he wanted to buy a boat.  His parents, Barry and Cindy Hardy said they would agree to getting their son a boat too. He’s now got a record deal on Hollywood Records and his debut single is called, “Flame.”