News

Season 20 of “American Idol” concluded on May 23, 2022 on ABC with Noah Thompson taking the title. This Emmy-winning reality competition series began in 2002, For more than a decade, it was a ratings powerhouse for Fox with many of those winners enjoying some success. Scroll through the photo gallery above to see all the “American Idol” winners and find out where are they now.

The first-ever champ, Kelly Clarkson, has won three Grammys and turned her fame into a string of hit records as well as ongoing gigs as a judge on NBC’s’ “The Voice” and host of her own talk show. And season 4 winner Carrie Underwood has done even better, having sold upwards of records and won a shelf load of music awards.

However, many of the more recent music newcomers to be named “American Idol” have found that their time in the spotlight is fleeting. Let’s take a...

“American Idol” turns 20 in 2022. To commemorate this big birthday, let’s take a look back at who won “American Idol” since it kicked off in 2002. Scroll down for the full “American Idol” winners list, which includes the titles of the winning songs and the names of the runners-up.

“American Idol” ran for 15 seasons 0n Fox. For the past five years, it has aired on ABC. Ryan Seacrest has hosted ever season of this reality competition series. He was joined in season one by co-host Brian Dunkleman. The original three judges were Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson who presided over the panel for eight seasons. The current line-up of judges — Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie — has been with “American Idol” since it began on ABC in 2018.

See Everything to know about ‘American Idol’ Season 20

Season 1: Kelly Clarkson

Won: Sept. 4, 2002

Runner-up: Justin Guarini

Winning Song: “A Moment...

Season 17 of “American Idol” ended on May 19. Will the new winner enjoy more success than the 2018 champion, Maddie Poppe? After all, she didn’t even get a chance to perform on this year’s finale despite releasing her first album, “Whirlwind,” just two days prior. What a contrast to the early days of the show, when the previous season’s winner was always showcased on the episode that unveiled the new winner of the franchise.

This Emmy-winning reality competition series began in 2002, For more than a decade, it was a ratings powerhouse with many of those winners enjoying some success. The first-ever champ, Kelly Clarkson, has won three Grammys and turned her fame into a string of hit records and an ongoing gig as a judge on the competition, NBC’s’ “The Voice.” And season 4 winner Carrie Underwood has done even better, having sold upwards of records and won a shelf load of music awards.

As the old saying goes, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Country star Laine Hardy, who was eliminated in the early rounds of “American Idol” last year, has returned in Season 17 for a second shot at the trophy. Should Laine end up earning the confetti shower, he’d be the third “American Idol” winner to claim victory after being eliminated in a prior season. The other two were Season 12 champ Candice Glover and Season 13 winner Caleb Johnson. Watch Laine’s 2019 audition video above of The Band‘s “The Weight.”

SEEKaty Perry injures herself doing the worm during Jake Puliti’s ‘American Idol’ audition: ‘My lower back hurts!’ [Watch]

Candice previously auditioned in the ninth and 11th seasons of “American Idol,” but failed to advance to the live shows both time. In Season 11 she made it to the Las Vegas round where she was grouped with two soon-to-be...

Hours after Maddie Poppe won season 16 of “American Idol,” two of the previous champs — Ruben Studdard (season 2) and Taylor Hicks (season 5) — made fun of their fleeting fame in a music video spoof on Monday’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” That got us wondering what happened to the other lucky 13 winners of this reality competition series.

After watching these two men make merry with some of the more dubious talent to appear on “Idol” during its 15-year run on Fox, scroll down to the photo gallery to find out what they, and the rest of the winners, have been up to since taking the title.

See ‘American Idol’: Did Maddie Poppe deserve to win season 16 over Gabby Barrett and Caleb Lee Hutchinson? [Poll]

Season 1: Kelly Clarkson

Won: Sept. 4, 2002

Runner-up: Justin Guarini

Winning Song: “A Moment Like This”

Now: This three-time Grammy winner has released eight studio albums and is now a...

Just two years after it was cancelled by Fox, “American Idol” returns to ABC on March 11. When this reality competition series hit the airwaves back in 2002, it was a ratings smash, and many of its early winners enjoyed huge success. Indeed, its first-ever champ, Kelly Clarkson, has won three Grammys and parlayed her fame into a string of hit records and a new gig as a judge on the competition, NBC’s’ “The Voice.”

However, many of the more recent music newcomers to be named “American Idol” have found that their time in the spotlight is fleeting. In the photo gallery above, we take a look back at the first 15 “American Idol” winners to date and see how many have been lucky so far and which have been jinxed.

Sign Up for Gold Derby’s newsletter with experts’ latest predictions

Season 1: Kelly Clarkson

Won: Sept. 4, 2002

Runner-up: Justin Guarini

Winning...

American Idol is over — shhhh! don’t tell my heart! — and The Voice doesn’t exactly trumpet the post-show output of its alumni. So what’s a reality-singing competition junkie supposed to do to discover new tunes from the shows’ most-talented artists?

VideosReality Check Finale: American Idol‘s Best (‘Tasia!) & Worst (Randy?) Ever! Plus: Trent Wins, Allison Rocks & More

Welcome to TV on the Radio, TVLine’s brand new roundup of current and kick-awesome tracks from singers who got their careers underway beneath the unwavering scrutiny of the TV cameras.

I’m in an old-school kinda mood, so for this edition,...

Kieran, turn out the lights.

Our American Idol “journey” has come to an end, but let us not weep for what’s been cancelled, let us instead go to iTunes and download the Season 15 winner’s new single. Hey, from a songwriting vantage point, it may not be “Home,” but it definitely ranks above “No Boundaries” and “Inside Your Heaven” — and we bought those, too. And if this show can produce one more bona fide radio/touring superstar, maybe the inevitable reboot will happen sooner than expected, no?

RelatedFarewell for Now, American Idol, and Thanks for All the Memories...

We may have gotten past the side-eye-inducing drama of American Idol‘s Group Rounds, but rest assured, executive producer Trish Kinane and her mischievous band of editors aren’t going to let this Farewell Season run on the fuel of vocal performances alone.

Preposterous teenage “love stories,” tales of next-level bronchitis (#AintNobodyGotTimeForThat) and the weeping of the lambs all came into play during Wednesday’s final solos (aka The Holding Rooms of the Damned). Show of hands: Did you cringe after Sara Sturm said Lee Jean was like a little brother to her, but Ryan’s voiceover kept pushing them as future lovers anyhow?...

It’s hard to say anything too harsh about an American Idol finalist immediately after experiencing his/her “Hometown Visit” package.

Misty-eyed mamas. Weeping dads. The contestants themselves embracing Fox affiliate meteorologists, kissing schoolkids and choking back their emotions when they realize they’re officially stars (or something pretty damn close).

RelatedThe Mindy Project Cancelled at Fox, But There’s a Hulu Twist

Lucky for me, Wednesday’s Top 4 performance night — featuring one painful elimination — was (despite the absence of Quentin Alexander and Joey Cook) about as solid a night of performances as we’ve had in Season 14… no...

A melancholy pixie, a model-pretty belter and the type of teenage boy so adorable, Paula Abdul would want to squish his head off and dangle him from her rear-view mirror. A bubbly teenage girl sporting a bowtie, multiple shots of Season 7 standout Carly “Bury Me Alive” Smithson ensuring J.Lo never comes within 20 feet of a deranged woman wearing an ill-advised frock from the Big Bird collection, and… Harry Connick Jr. losing his damn mind to the tune of Sia’s “Chandelier”?

Yep, American Idol‘s final audition episode of Season 14 had something for everyone — maybe even two or three possible Top 10 contenders.

Welcome back for another night of "American Idol" auditions. We wrapped up Kansas City last night. And on Thursday (January 15)? We're off to New York City. Click through and follow along... 8:00 p.m. Little known fact: Jenny used to live on Da Block. She's wandering in her old neighborhood, by her old house, where the current resident has no clue who she is. She insists she lived there for a long time.  8:01 p.m. Adam Lambert is replacing Keith Urban for this set of auditions. He's the first contestant to sit on the judging panel and both Harry Connick Jr. and J-Lo are "excited" that he'll be joining them. J-Lo wants New York to represent. 8:02 p.m. "Hi, new friends!" Adam Lambert, wearing a blue suit, gushes, as Harry narrates his credentials and experience in case we weren't sure. Unafraid of being a walking, tough-talking stereotype is Sal Valentinetti,...

American Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., will return for the singing competition’s 14th season, along with longtime host Ryan Seacrest.

Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, Harry Connick Jr. Return

American Idol announced on Monday evening that the show would be retaining its new trio of judges, the first time the show will have the same panel of judges for two consecutive seasons since season 11.

“Jennifer, Keith, Harry and Ryan are the very best in the business at what they do, and I’m thrilled that they are returning to American Idol for another season. Each brings unique qualities and expertise to the team, but they all share the same passion for helping undiscovered singers achieve the American dream,” Senior Executive Vice President of 21st Century Fox David Hill said in a statement.

AI Executive Producer Trish Kinane added, “Their experience, humor and passion for new...

Don’t worry if your singing voice is reminiscent of a shot glass in a food processor: You can still win Season 14 of American Idol.

No, Fox’s reality singing competition isn’t adding a new Auto-Tune feature to its live shows, but rather, it’s planning to dole out a $50,000 prize to the family member, friend or colleague most instrumental in getting the show’s 2015 champ to audition — Aka his or her “True Believer.”

Related | American Idol: 6 Most-Appreciated Improvements — and 6 Biggest Missteps — of the Season 13 Reboot

Contestants will be asked by the show’s producers to choose their...

Forget being a sore loser. American Idol season 13 runner-up Jena Irene Asciutto had way too much fun spending time with eventual winner Caleb Johnson that she didn't want it to end with the finale.

Instead, the Michigan high school senior asked him to escort her to the prom.

"He's an awesome guy. We've been best friends for a couple months now. To bring him to meet all my friends is pretty cool," she said outside the North Farmington High School prom Wednesday evening, according to Wwj CBS radio in Detroit.

The platonic pair stayed true to their personal style at the soiree: Asciutto,...

Forget being a sore loser. American Idol season 13 runner-up Jena Irene Asciutto had way too much fun spending time with eventual winner Caleb Johnson that she didn't want it to end with the finale. Instead, the Michigan high school senior asked him to escort her to the prom. "He's an awesome guy. We've been best friends for a couple months now. To bring him to meet all my friends is pretty cool," she said outside the North Farmington High School prom Wednesday evening, according to Wwj CBS radio in Detroit. The platonic pair stayed true to their personal style at the soiree: Asciutto,...

Forget being a sore loser. American Idol season 13 runner-up Jena Irene Asciutto had way too much fun spending time with eventual winner Caleb Johnson that she didn't want it to end with the finale. Instead, the Michigan high school senior asked him to escort her to the prom. "He's an awesome guy. We've been best friends for a couple months now. To bring him to meet all my friends is pretty cool," she said outside the North Farmington High School prom Wednesday evening, according to Wwj CBS radio in Detroit. The platonic pair stayed true to their personal style at the soiree: Asciutto,...

The South has an American Idol representative yet again. Caleb Johnson won season 13 and now there's so much for him to look forward to, including touring the country with his fellow contestants and recording an album.

Caleb talked with reporters, including BuddyTV, about auditioning multiple times, being close friends with Jena Irene (and going to her prom), performing with Kiss, winning the show and his upcoming album. Also, after suffering bronchitis and a vocal cord hemorrhage, how far along is he in recovering? Read on to find out.

She was the first Wild Card contestant since Clay Aiken to make the finals on American Idol, but like the season 2 alum, Jena Irene became the runner-up after Caleb Johnson claimed victory.

Jena talked with reporters, including BuddyTV, about her original music, singing "Can't Help Falling in Love," why she changed her last name, performing with Paramore and why she's going to prom with Caleb. Also, how come Jena chose to perform first during the finals when she won the coin toss? She explained what really happened, so read on to find out.

Jena Irene may have been a wildcard pick by the judges to get into the top 13 on American Idol, but the 17-year-old rocker from Michigan quickly wowed and won the hearts of America to make it to this week’s finale. Though she didn’t claim the title, it was clear from our chat with Jena that she still has a lot more to do in this business. Well, right after she graduates high school.

Entertainment Weekly: How are you feeling about the result?

Jena Irene: I think the fact that I just got to perform and compete in...

Jena Irene has a good, healthy attitude about her loss on "American Idol." "You can still be successful after the show," she tells Gold Derby in our webcam chat below. "It really doesn't matter what place you come in. Jennifer Hudson came in seventh place and she's winning Grammys and Oscars. So I think with me coming in second and me being so young, I surpassed my goal. I never even thought I would get this far. So I'm extremely excited and I will work my butt off after the show. I'm so excited for people to hear my album." -Break- What name will she use in the future? Her full, real name is really Jena Irene Asciutto, but she cut it short when the "Idol" production crew had trouble pronouncing and remembering her last name. "They always messed it up, so they called me by my middle name instead,...

Fans of “American Idol” season 13 winner Caleb Johnson won’t have long to wait for the newly crowned king’s debut album. Johnson’s self-titled album will come out Aug. 12. Anyone remember a winner’s set coming out that quickly before? Not only that, the release date was announced mere hours after Johnson was throned last night. Given that “Idol” no longer has the shiny new car smell it once had, 19 Recordings/Interscope Records, which is putting out the release, must want to strike while Johnson’s victory is still fresh in people’s minds. No word on when Interscope will release runner-up Jena Irene’s album. Judge Harry Connick asked Johnson last week what kind of album he’d like to make and he replied, unsurprisingly, a rock album of originals. He’s off to a good start with his “Idol” finale song, “As Long As You Love Me,...

A journey that started nearly a year ago officially ended tonight. From tens of thousands auditioning last summer to one being named the 13th American Idol. For my money, Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene were not only the two most deserving contenders for this season's crown, but they were so by a wide margin. The contentment with knowing that either would be a worthy champion added to a show that returned to the bygone era when Idol Finales were the highlight of each TV season.

Could Caleb Johnson's victory on American Idol take the show in an entirely new direction going forward?

If you ask the newly crowned champion – whose unconventional looks and powerful rock sound ultimately won over the audience this season – his answer is a resounding yes.

"I think for me, winning opens doors to all types of shapes and sizes and genres to come on the show and kill it," he told reporters Wednesday night shortly after his big win. "I'm probably the antithesis of what American Idols have been."

The Asheville, North Carolina, native, who emerged victorious despite a vocal...

Could Caleb Johnson's victory on American Idol take the show in an entirely new direction going forward? If you ask the newly crowned champion - whose unconventional looks and powerful rock sound ultimately won over the audience this season - his answer is a resounding yes. "I think for me, winning opens doors to all types of shapes and sizes and genres to come on the show and kill it," he told reporters Wednesday night shortly after his big win. "I'm probably the antithesis of what American Idols have been." The Asheville, North Carolina, native, who emerged victorious despite...

We've got goosies. Why? Because we were just in Jennifer Lopez's presence, that's why! Yes, we were lucky enough to chat with the stunning American Idol judge after Wednesday's finale, which saw rocker Caleb Johnson beat out Jena Irene to win the Fox reality series' 13th season. Of course, after taking a moment to bask in the glory that is Jennifer Lopez, we got down to business: will she be back at the judges' table in season 14?!  "I can confirm that I want to," Lopez told E! News. "I can't confirm that I am just yet." So it's not a yes, but it's also not a no, we'll take it! So why is Lopez holding off on officially confirming her...

It was a hard-fought win but in the end Caleb Johnson emerged victorious during the Season 13 finale of “American Idol” last night (May 21).

The Asheville, North Carolina native topped Jena Irene to win a recording contract and a debut album slated to hit stores on August 12th.

Giving props to his hometown fans, Caleb declared, “I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for all the love and support (from Asheville). We’re going to take this thing beyond this show and make records and (continue) this wild and crazy journey.”

And thankfully Johnson is keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground. “I still don’t feel like a celebrity at all. I think we’ve just been working so hard that we don’t get a chance to see the impact (the show) has.”...

A new "American Idol" has been crowned!It came down to Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene on the finale of the Fox singing competition on Wednesday night. After some amazing performances by Phillip Phillips, Kiss, Demi Lovato, Paramore, Jason Mraz, John Legend, and many more, it was time for host, Ryan Seacrest, to announce the winner.So, the winner of Season 13 is ...Caleb Johnson! Not only has Caleb won the title of the newest American Idol, a huge cash prize, and a record deal, he and runner-up Jena have also won Ford Mustangs. Johnson's win came on the strength of his renditions Tuesday of "Dream On," ''Maybe I'm Amazed" and "As Long as You Love Me," intended as his first single. Irene sang "Dog Days Are Over," ''Can't Help Falling in Love" and "We Are One."Are you happy that Caleb won? If not, who do you think deserved the top spot?...

Caleb Johnson has won American Idol! And the shocked contestant was so overwhelmed he could barely sing his own song. Fox's hit musical competition celebrated the end of season 13 with a two-hour live special, featuring showstopping performances by Lady Antebellum, Demi Lovato, Phillip Phillips, Richard Marx and even host Ryan Seacrest! But it was Johnson and fellow finalist Jena Irene who were the true stars of the much anticipated finale, and when the results were finally announced, 23-year-old North Carolina native Johnson was in shock. "I was like, [...]...

At long last, the "American Idol" results are in and America has spoken: The winner of Season 13 is rocker Caleb Johnson. But did America get it wrong? According to Gold Derby's exclusive predictions, poor Jena Irene was robbed! -Break- Join the red-hot 'American Idol' finale discussion going on right now in Gold Derby’s notorious message boards For the past two weeks in a row, Jena topped our leaderboards for who would win "American Idol," while Caleb placed second. Even Gold Derby founder Tom O'Neil was confident that Jena would triumph and Caleb would be crushed. So what exactly happened? The simple answer is that our oddsmakers forgot their "Idol" history. 'American Idol' poll: Can beauty (Jena Irene) crush that beast (Caleb Johnson)? Earlier this week I gave four rockin' reasons why Caleb would win based on what we've gleaned from the first dozen year...

We'd like to introduce you to the newest American Idol! After what has seemed like years, Fox and the voting American public have finally crowned the newest singing sensation. Wednesday night's two-hour broadcast was filled with A-list appearances and far too many commercial breaks as the remaining two season 13 finalists Jena Irene and Caleb Johnson awaited their fate. After some amazing performances by Phillip Phillips, Kiss, Demi Lovato, Paramore, Jason Mraz, John Legend, and many more, it was time for host, Ryan Seacrest, to announce the winner. Alright, Idol fans, send your tweets of congratulations to…. More: Catch up on last night's best performances from American...

American Idol’s season 13 finale on Wednesday night featuring finalists Jena Irene and Caleb Johnson included a number of performances by the two remaining contestants – as well as from eliminated contestants, the judges and a host of well-known talent.

American Idol Finale

The show began with Irene and Johnson collaborating on a medley of Queen’s “We Will rock You,” “Just a Girl” by No Doubt and Tina Turner and Bryan Adams’ “It’s Only Love.” Separately, both finalists got to sing with their musical inspirations. Johnson had the chance of sharing a stage with Kiss for “Love Gun” and “Shout It Out Loud,” while Irene sang Paramore's “Decode” before she was joined by the band for “Aint It Fun.”

Previous American Idol winner Philip Phillips sang "Home" with Sam Woolf before launching into his new single “Raging Fire.” Jessica Meuse sang “Wrecking Ball with Jennifer Nettles after she performed “That Girl.

A journey that started nearly a year ago officially ended tonight. From tens of thousands auditioning last summer to one being named the 13th American Idol. For my money, Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene were not only the two most deserving contenders for this season's crown, but they were so by a wide margin. The contentment with knowing that either would be a worthy champion added to a show that returned to the bygone era when Idol Finales were the highlight of each TV season.

Tonight's 2 hour finale show,kicked off with the 2 finalists ,Jena Irene and Caleb Johnson, opening the show with “We Will Rock You”, “I’m Just A Girl” and “It’s Only Love.” Since it was such a long,drawn out finale, some of this season's past contestants showed back up to deliver some encore performances either solo, in a group, or with the celebrity/guest performers. The celebrity/guest performers that showed up were: past winner Phillip Phillip, Jennifer Nettles sang "That Girl." Current judge and pop star, Jennifer Lopez ,performed "First Love." Legendary rock band,Kiss, performed with Caleb at on point. Former Disney and pop star, Demi Lovato, performed her new single, “Really Don’t Care.” Paramore sang with Jena Irene. John Legend performed his hit song, "All Of Me" with Malaya Watson. Jason Mraz performed "Love Someone" with Alex Preston. At one point, host Ryan Seacrest, even sang a little something.

(Spoiler alert: Do not read on if you've not yet seen the season finale of “American Idol,” which has completed its broadcast on the East Coast) After a long season of competition on “American Idol,” it came down to 17-year-old Jena Irene and 23-year-old Caleb Johnson. All season long, the teenager had impressed with her poise and vocal prowess. She was able to pour emotion and soul into her music that belied her young age. As for Caleb Johnson, he was an absolute powerhouse. A singer with a vocal range to be envied, he never stepped away from his rock-and-roll passion.

There is a new "American Idol."

(Spoiler Alert: This story contains the results of Wednesday's "American Idol" finale.)

Caleb Johnson beat out his pal Jena Irene to take the Season 13 trophy.

Photos: 'American Idol' S13 Finale: Inside The Show

The Asheville, Nc, 23-year-old rocker had very little to say after scooping the top prize, but he did tell the crowd, "Thank you guys so much."

Host Ryan Seacrest handed Caleb the mic to perform his single, "As Long As You Love Me," but Caleb took a minute before getting into his song when his ...

Copyright 2014 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More than 75,000 auditioned, but only one could become the 13th American Idol. "It's going to be close, I would imagine," judge Harry Connick, Jr., told reporters after Tuesday night's performance finale of the final vote, which came down to Jena Irene Asciutto and Caleb Johnson. And as he prophesized, it was anyone's guess who would become the Fox reality singing competition's latest winner. So who ultimately took home the title? Caleb Johnson! "Thank you so much … so much," Johnson said before attempting to sing his coronation song "As Long As You Love Me" before being inundated by hugs from his...

More than 75,000 auditioned, but only one could become the 13th American Idol.

"It's going to be close, I would imagine," judge Harry Connick, Jr., told reporters after Tuesday night's performance finale of the final vote, which came down to Jena Irene Asciutto and Caleb Johnson.

And as he prophesized, it was anyone's guess who would become the Fox reality singing competition's latest winner.

So who ultimately took home the title? Caleb Johnson!

"Thank you so much … so much," Johnson said before attempting to sing his coronation song "As Long as You Love Me" before being inundated by hugs from his...

Over 75,000 auditioned, but only one could become the 13th American Idol. "It's going to be close, I would imagine," judge Harry Connick, Jr. told reporters after Tuesday night's performance finale of the final vote, which came down to Jena Irene Asciutto and Caleb Johnson. And as he prophesized, it was anyone's guess who would become the Fox reality singing competition's latest winner. (Major spoiler ahead!) Asciutto was almost eliminated from the season during Rush Week but steadily improved week to week and became Idol's first female wild card to become a finalist. "I'm a baby still, so it's cool...

It came down to Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene on American Idol on Wednesday, and before naming a winner of the thirteenth season, the two enjoyed a slew of performances. Photos: 'American Idol' Top Two: The Race Comes Down to the Wire Johnson and Irene first opened the show with a head-banging medley of Queen's "We Will Rock You," No Doubt's "Just a Girl," and Tina Turner and Bryan Adams' "It's Only Love." Johnson also took the stage with Kiss for a pyrotechnic-filled performance of "Love Gun" and "Shout It Out Loud," and Irene sat

read more...

It was the wildcard versus the wild child last night as young rockers Jena Irene and Caleb Johnson battled and belted it out to become the next American Idol.

After an epic two-hour grand finale with performances from Kiss, Demi Lovato, Jason Mraz alongside the Idol contestants and even Ryan Seacrest himself among others, the winner of season 13 was announced.

Warning! Spoilers below!

The winner is…Caleb Johnson! A little bit of a surprise since most people (including me) seemed to think Jena did better last night, but Caleb definitely rocked it out all season long.

Full recap coming soon!

It took 13 seasons, but Ryan Seacrest finally sang on American Idol.

The host has often denied requests to hear him croon on the Fox reality singing competition. On Wednesday, however, he finally gave in at the season finale, where Jena Irene Asciutto and Caleb Johnson duked it out for the top prize.

During the two-hour live show – which featured performances by Kiss, Demi Lovato, Paramore and all three of the show's judges, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. – Seacrest braved the Nokia Theater stage to sing the first few lines of "Right Here Waiting" before being joined by Richard Marx on the piano.

It took 13 seasons, but Ryan Seacrest finally sang on American Idol. The host has often denied requests to hear him croon on the Fox reality singing competition. On Wednesday, however, he finally gave in at the season finale, where Jena Irene Asciutto and Caleb Johnson duked it out for the top prize. During the two-hour live show - which featured performances by Kiss, Demi Lovato, Paramore and all three of the show's judges, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. - Seacrest braved the Nokia Theater stage to sing the first few lines of "Right Here Waiting" before being...

Ratings suggest that most of America skipped Tuesday's performance finale for "American Idol." If you're just tuning in for Wednesday's two hours of guest appearances and very limited results, here's what you missed on Tuesday. Bottom Line: Caleb Johnson versus Jena Irene? It's gonna be a close one.  Probably. Click through and follow along for two hours of live-blogging! 8:00 p.m. Et. We begin with intercutting between Caleb & Jena's audition experiences in The Box and their introduction to 7,000 squealing fans at the Nokia Theatre. The night's first performance finds Caleb head-banging to Queen's "We Will Rock You," leading into Jena working the crowd on "I'm Just A Girl." Jena gets dancers. Caleb, however, got a song he could actually sing. They join together for a fire-filled duet on "It's Only Love." So much fire. 8:05 p.m. Ryan's gone strict black-tie tonight after last night's white jacket. 8:06 p.

As Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene battle in Wednesday night's American Idol finale, let's take a look at how far the Fox series' past contestants have come. Over the course of 13 seasons and multiple judge lineups, the show has continued to launch numerous music careers - plus, an Oscar winner. To prove the show and its stars have grown, we took the powers of Photoshop and matched the famous faces of American Idol with their younger selves. Get ready for the funkiest jam band around. All photo illustrations by Tiffany Hagler-Geard and Linzi Silverman for People.com.Kelly Clarkson:...

Finalists Jena Irene Asciutto and Caleb Johnson may have put on quite a show Tuesday night but the American Idol producers are pulling out all the stops for Wednesday night's finale. Here are five things to look forward to during the final episode of season 13: 1. The three judges will finally perform together."It was a blast," Harry Connick Jr. told People on Tuesday of pre-taping his performance of Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" and Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" with his fellow judges, Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban, as well as mentor Randy Jackson. "Jen chose 'True...

Finalists Jena Irene Asciutto and Caleb Johnson may have put on quite a show Tuesday night but the American Idol producers are pulling out all the stops for Wednesday night's finale. Here are five things to look forward to during the final episode of season 13: 1. The three judges will finally perform together."It was a blast," Harry Connick Jr. told People on Tuesday of pre-taping his performance of Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" and Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" with his fellow judges, Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban, as well as mentor Randy Jackson. "Jen chose 'True...

"Dim the lights." Tonight, Ryan Seacrest will say those three little words another time as American Idol is set to crown the winner of its 13th season. But will it be Caleb Johnson, the rocker, or Jena Irene, the radio-friendly pop diva? Who better to ask than Seacrest himself?! "It's hard, man. They just felt like they were neck and neck," the Fox hit's host told E! News after Tuesday night's performance show. "I think it's really that tight. I think it could go either way." But Seacrest was eventually able to pick one contestant that he think will edge out the other to be crowned the winner and be showered with confetti tonight. Press play on  the video above...

"American Idol" pundits breathlessly proclaim that the matchup is thisclose between blushing thrush Jena Irene and howling headbanger Caleb Johnson, but is that really true? Check out the result of the "American Idol" poll we ran yesterday before the dueling songmasters faced off on stage: 64% of respondents say Jena Irene will triumph, leaving Caleb banging his bruised noggin against a wall, saying, "Hey, where are all the supporters people say I have?" Good question, Caleb. We think there's a difference between the raging pundits of the blogosphere (young males who rock out on air guitars) and the sweet 16 girls who do the actual voting. Yes, often those lasses pick guys with real guitars on stage, but those tend to be trim males of chiseled jaw and heartthrob swagger. But we – and our poll – could be wrong, of course. Now it is time for you to make your prediction and compete against other Gold Derb.

Here we are, Idol fans. The moment is finally upon us. Who will win season 13 of American Idol? On one side, we've got the Wild Card. On the other, the wild child. At least, that's how the show described this match-up last night.

Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene took to the stage for the final time before America voted for the winner. Simon Fuller was in the house to watch the contestants perform songs he chose. Caleb and Jena also reprised their best performances of the season. (While that was the case with Jena, Caleb should have gone with "Skyfall.") And then of course they performed the winner's single.