After a record number of 132 million votes were cast to determine the winner of American Idol's 11th season, the results were announced on the grand finale aired on May 24 (May 23 in the US). Filipino-Mexican singer Jessica Sanchez took second place as crooner Phillip Phillips Jr. was crowned this season's American Idol. His winning song, "Home," which earned him a standing ovation from the judges when he performed it on May 23 (May 22, US time), will be released as his debut single.
But before the results were finally revealed, the American Idol top 12 regaled audiences with production numbers. Among the standouts was Jessica's duet with Tony and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Holliday. They sang "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" and got a standing ovation from both the judges and audiences. Meanwhile, Phil took on Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" and "Bad Moon Rising" with the group's lead vocalist, rocker John Fogerty.
Top 3 contestant Joshua Ledet also had a duet with AI Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino on the song "Take Me to the Pilot" by Elton John. Top 4 contestant Hollie Cavanagh had her turn as well. She sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" with AI Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks.
Just before Phil was crowned the night's big winner, he and Jessica performed their own rendition of "Up Where We Belong," which Season 4 contestants Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood also sang during their own finale.
(Screencap via YouTube)
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