When the host of American Idol season 12, Ryan Seacrest said the words “You are officially our American Idol“, Candice Glover, a soul singer from rural South Carolina became the first female singer to win the television singing competition since 2007.
Glover, 23, defeated country singer Kree Harrison in the popular vote with her powerful voice; in what judges deemed a close contest to take the title on season 12 of the Fox network show.
With tears streaming down her face after hearing her name, Glover seemed lost for words. “Oh, my God” she said. “Three years.”
The third time was the lucky charm for Glover, who appeared in two earlier seasons of the show. She finally won the crown by making songs like “Somewhere” from the musical “West Side Story,” and the jazz tune “You’ve Changed” all her own.
“Three years, persistence, determination and a lot of talent. You deserve it,” said Seacrest.
No woman has won the title since Jordan Sparks six years ago. The show featured performances by judges Keith Urban and Mariah Carey, as well as Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Lopez, rapper Pitbull and South Korea’s Psy, who sang his new single “Gentleman.”
Host Ryan Seacrest, left, and finalists Candice Glover, center, and Kree Harrison speak on stage at the “American Idol” finale.
Judges Mariah Carey, left, and Randy Jackson walk on stage at the “American Idol” finale.
Janelle Arthur, on stage from left, Angie Miller, Candice Glover, Kree Harrison and Amber Holcomb perform with Aretha Franklin, seen on screen, at the “American Idol” finale.
Jennifer Lopez performs at the “American Idol” finale.
Finalist Candice Glover, left, and Jennifer Hudson hold hands after performing at the “American Idol” finale.
Keith Urban, from left, Kree Harrison and Randy Jackson appear on stage at the “American Idol” finale.
Pitbull, left, performs at the “American Idol” finale.
Judges Mariah Carey, left, and Nicki Minaj, right, kiss Randy Jackson following a tribute to Jackson at the “American Idol” finale.
Judges, from left, Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban appear following a tribute to Jackson at the “American Idol” finale.
The top 10 contestants perform in white at the “American Idol” finale.
Angie Miller, left, and Adam Lambert perform at the “American Idol” finale.
Psy performs at the “American Idol” finale at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live.
Candice Glover, left, and runner-up Kree Harrison await results to be read by host Ryan Seacrest at the “American Idol” finale at the Nokia Theatre at L.A.
Candice Glover, left, and runner-up Kree Harrison react after host Ryan Seacrest announces Glover as the winner at the “American Idol” finale at the Nokia Theatre at L.A.
Candice Glover reacts on stage after she is announced the winner at the “American Idol” finale.
Candice Glover performs on stage after she was announced the winner.
It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.