For the first time since a teenage Jordin Sparks scooped the “American Idol” title in 2007, a woman has won the FOX reality singing competition.
Earlier in the season, exiting judge Randy Jackson said Candice Glover gave one of the best performances in “Idol” history when she covered “Lovesong” (the Adele version of The Cure tune) and on Thursday night, she went on to win the “American Idol” title.
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“Three years,” was all Candice could say, after picking up the microphone themed “Idol” trophy, referring to how long she had been trying to make it into the “AI” competition.
Candice beat out her pal on the show, Kree Harrison, who became the Season 12 runner-up.
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As the credits rolled, Candice performed her new single, “I Am Beautiful.”
The 23-year-old singer had a host of highlights over the season, including last week when she floored America with her version of “West Side Story” song “Somewhere.” Randy dubbed that performance another one of the greatest in “Idol” history.
The win was a triumph for Candice, who admitted last week that she has struggled with insecurity issues.
“I used to be the most insecure person ever and this show has helped me so much,” she said.
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During Thursday night’s finale, Candice had great poise, singing alongside another great vocalist from “Idol” history — Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson.
As one new “Idol” was crowned, the show also said goodbye to Randy, who recently announced he is leaving the judges’ table after 12 seasons.
“Hopefully all these amazing contestants over 12 seasons — I am so blessed and so honored and so lucky — hopefully, I touched their lives a little bit. They certainly touched mine,” Randy said.
Show host Ryan Seacrest did note that although Randy is leaving the show, “the door is always open.”
For Angie Miller, the singer who left the competition one week shy of the final, she had a dream moment during Thursday’s big grand finale performance show.
Not only did she get to sing “Domino” with her “Idol” – British pop star Jessie J, but the singer invited Angie to sing with her on a UK stage.
“I would love to go to the UK and sing a song,” Angie said.
— Jolie Lash
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