American Idol 2012 Winner Is Phillip Phillips After Record 132M Votes
The winner of American Idol Season 11 is Phillip Phillips after an amazing night of performances on Idol and a record breaking 132 million votes cast.
After an intriguing sing-off between Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips on Tuesday night's final performance show the Idol was finally revealed tonight. Phillips was overcome with emotion and mid-way through singing his new song, which will now be released, he tearfully made his way to his parents and family at the front of the audience.
WATCH VIDEO OF PHILLIP PHILLIPS WINNING NEW ORIGINAL SONG "HOME" - CLICK HERE
Sanchez was wonderfully graceful after finding out she had missed out on the top spot, immediately embracing Phillips and congratulating him.
Phillips will be a popular winner, and his unique style and voice will be sure to sell millions of records across America in the coming year.
WATCH VIDEO OF PHILLIP PHILLIPS WINNING NEW ORIGINAL SONG "HOME" - CLICK HERE
Tuesday night's show saw both Sanchez and Phillips sing three rounds of songs. The first round of songs were chosen by Simon Fuller, and saw Sanchez give a powerful rendition of Whitney Houston's famous "I Have Nothing."
Phillips followed that with an interesting version of Ben E. King's "Stand By Me."
During the second round Sanchez performed Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli's "The Prayer" and was once again given praising compliments by the judging panel of Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson. Phillips again followed with a strong performance of Billy Joel's "Movin' Out" to again put himself in contention alongside Sanchez.
The third and final round of songs on Tuesday night saw Sanchez sing the specially written song "Change Nothing", but although her voice and performance was complimented by judges, they unanimously agreed that the song choice for her was off and that it did not bring out her best talents that everyone has grown accustomed to witnessing.
Phillips then gave a fantastic performance of his specially written song "Home", which was overwhelmingly praised by judges.
With both contestants receiving strong praise and slight criticism on the night, it was always close as to who would be taking the crown.
Powerhouse vocalist Sanchez expressed backstage on Tuesday night, "Of course we all want to win, but it gets to a point where nobody really makes it this far. I love that I'm with [Phillip] in the top two. It's amazing. He's goofy and he's funny and he is an amazing artist and an amazing person overall."
Phillips said, "We got to the point that whatever happens, happens. We are two completely different artists and we wish each other the best with both of our careers."
WATCH VIDEO OF PHILLIP PHILLIPS WINNING NEW ORIGINAL SONG "HOME" - CLICK HERE