Season 11 of FOX's American Idol — the most-watched show on television — has come and gone, leaving in its wake winner Phillip Phillips, 21, and runner-up Jessica Sanchez, 16. At the end of an epic, two-hour finale on Wednesday featuring performances by Jennifer Lopez, Reba McEntire, Jordin Sparks, Neil Diamond, Aerosmith and an over-the-top, show-stopping duet of "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" between Sanchez and original Dreamgirls star Jennifer Holiday, host Ryan Seacrest announced Phillips as the winner.

There was also a marriage proposal (Diana DeGarmo said yes to Ace Young), a Robin Gibb tribute, a literal "singing the phone book" number and plenty of catsuits to go around.

"Telescope has counted and certified a world-record 132 million votes," Seacrest said, holding the suspense to the bitter end.

"I'm kind of relieved that this whole thing is over, but I am also going to miss everybody here," Sanchez told MTV News. "But, I'm gonna see my Idol family on tour, so I'm thankful for that. And I really think that Phillip really deserved to win, and I'm so happy for him."

Watch Phillips' backstage reaction here:

Get More: Music News

Read more about American Idol here:

RECAP: Jessica Sanchez & Phillip Phillips Duel On 'American Idol'

'American Idol' Top 2 Picks Jessica Sanchez, Phillip Phillips

Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips Keep On Wowing 'American Idol'

Joshua Ledet, Jessica Sanchez Get Standing Ovations On 'American Idol'

RECAP: Jessica Sanchez Dominates 'American Idol' With Whitney Tribute

RECAP: 'American Idol' Top 5 Duke It Out

Read more about:
UInterview

Article by UInterview

Leave a comment

Subscribe to the uInterview newsletter