Student Grace Kinstler Wins Third Place on American Idol

Berklee College of Music student Grace Kinstler won third place on last night's finale of ABC's American Idol. A fan favorite over the course of this season, Kinstler left both judges and audience members in awe of her stage presence and powerful voice. A native of Crystal Lake, Illinois, she is majoring in songwriting at Berklee. Her third-place finish marks the highest any Berklee-trained artist has ever placed on American Idol. 

“It has been a joy to watch Grace perform every week on American Idol," said Berklee President Roger H. Brown. "As an artist, she brought power and originality to each song in a way that’s been seen only a handful of times on the show’s stage. Her vulnerability, poise, and ability to perform under the toughest of circumstances will stay with me for a long time—Grace, you’ve represented Berklee beautifully during this time, and we are so proud of you.”

Watch Grace Kinstler perform Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing" on this season's American Idol finale: 

Watch Grace Kinstler perform at Berklee’s 2019 Singers Showcase tribute to Aretha Franklin: