Candice Glover wins "American Idol" and Judge Randy Jackson Bids Farewell On Finale
Candice Glover is named the "American Idol" on Thursday. Glover is the first female singer to win the singing competition since 2007.
Twenty-three-year old Candice Glover, a soul singer from rural South Carolina, defeated country singer Kree Harrison in the popular vote. The judges called the contest a close one, but Glover took the title on the 12th season of "American Idol" on Fox.
With tears streaming down her face, Glover performed the new single "I Am Beautiful" after the announcement was made by host Ryan Seacrest. Glover auditioned for "American Idol" three times before making it as a finalist this season.
"You are officially our American idol," Seacrest said to Glover as 7,000 people in the crowd cheered at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.
Seacrest's announcement was made at the end of the two-hour special, which featured performances by Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, and Psy, who sang his new single "Gentleman."
Glover has won a record deal, which might help her path to stardom to join other female "Idol" winners like Kelly Clarkson and Kelly Underwood.
Just before Glover was announced as the winner, "Idol" judge Randy Jackson bid farewell to the talent competition and its devoted audience. He is the only judge who has remained since the first season of "Idol" in 2002.
"I love everybody that walked on this show," said Jackson. "Hopefully, I touched their lives a little bit. They certainly touched mine."
Last week, Jackson announced that he was leaving "Idol" to focus on his record label and other business opportunities.