Third time lucky Candice Glover took the American Idol crown last night. Glover, who had previously auditioned for the 9th and 11th season of the singing reality show but never made it to the final rounds, finally achieved her dream of winning American Idol after showing consistency and strong performances throughout the season.
Glover defeated 22-year-old country singer Kree Harrison and performed her new single "I Am Beautiful" after winning the competition.
Before the winner of American Idol was announced, longtime Idol judge Randy Jackson bid farewell to viewers. "I love everybody that walked on this show," said Jackson. He added, "Hopefully, I touched their lives a little bit. They certainly touched mine." Jackson had announced his departure from the show last month to focus on his record label and other business opportunities.
Glover had performed a powerful rendition of "Inseparable" with former Idol contestant and Grammy/Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson.
Other performers to fill out last night's finale show were Frankie Valli of The Four Seasons, who sang his famous hit song "I Love You Baby" and "Grease is the Word," followed by Mariah Carey's performance of her hit songs.
"Gangnam Style" singer Psy also took to the stage with his hit new song "Gentlemen" followed by judge Keith Urban's performance.
Angie Miller, who landed third in season 12 of American Idol, performed with her idol Jessie J from UK. Idol finalist Kree Harrison performed with judges Randy Jackson and Keith Urban.
Both finalists sang their hearts out at the Nokia Theatre on May 15 with three songs with hopes of being crowned the next Idol.
Judge Randy Jackson said, ""Dude, this is so close."
Watch Glover's 'I Am Beautiful' performance and her duet with Jennifer Hudson below:
