Season 11 of the popular FOX singing competition American Idol is history after Phillip Phillips won the coveted title and record contract.
The star-studded two hour event paired Phillip with John Fogerty, Jessica with Jennifer Holliday, Joshua with Fantasia Barrino, Skylar with Reba McEntire and Hollie with Jordin Sparks.
Jennifer Lopez executed a blockbuster performance as did Steven Tyler with Aerosmith.
With 132 million votes cast, a certified new world record, the victor turned out to be the 21-year-old pawn shop worker from Georgia.
Phillip auditioned in North Charleston, bringing a vocal style that has been compared to that of Dave Matthews, a musician that he admits helped to influence his creative direction.
Runner-up Jessica Sanchez, a 16-year-old teen from Santa Clara, California, brought her A-game Wednesday night after a so-so showing during Tuesday night’s performance rounds. Unfortunately the nation voted based on Tuesday and a win wasn’t in the cards for the amazing singer.
The judges saved Sanchez from elimination seven weeks ago. J-Lo made a point of championing the youngest person in the competition at that point and Americans embraced her with their votes after the near disaster that threatened on April 12.
A behind the scenes Idol romance developed this season between third place finisher Joshua Ledet and Jessica. Many thought the couple might end up going head to head at the finale until his journey ended in a shocking elimination last week.
FOX held a major press conference this week that featured past and current American Idol contestants. Our very own Danni Starr was on hand for interviews and photo ops with the likes of Phillips, Sanchez, Jennifer Lopez, Joshua Ledet, Colton Dixon and Taylor Hicks.
Check out the photo gallery and PP’s coronation song Home below:
Photos: Danni Starr, FOX-American Idol, Video Screen Grabs