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AI-11 is Phillip Phillips Thu May 24, 2012 4:07 am
excon
After a record-breaking 132.3 million votes were cast by viewers Wednesday (PHL time), Phillip Phillips was named on Thursday (PHL time) the new “American Idol.”
The guitar-playing Phillips, 21, from Leesburg, Georgia, has consistently done well in the competition, and bested 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, a Filipino-Mexican-American who grew up in Chula Vista, California.
Phillips was favored to win by some quarters, saying he fits the “White Guy With Guitar” type that has characterized recent winners of “American Idol,” among them David Cook, Kris Allen, and Lee DeWyze.
Earlier on the show Thursday (PHL time), Sanchez said, “I’m thrilled” when host Ryan Seacrest asked them how she felt. Phillips said, “I’m excited,” and said he had about nine hours of sleep.
The top 12 finalists sang “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars. Later, the women finalists sang with Chaka Khan the R&B icon's hits such as “Through the Fire” and “I’m Every Woman.”
The male finalists, meanwhile, sang with Neil Diamond hits like “Sweet Caroline," and later, a string of Bee Gees songs in honor of Robin Gibb, who recently passed away.
Phillips sang a duet with John Fogerty of Credence Clearwater Revival. They performed “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” and “Bad Moon Rising.”
Sanchez sang Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” which earned her rave reviews in the top 13 episode.
She also performed "And I'm Telling You," a duet with "Dreamgirls"' Jennifer Holliday, which brought the house down, with AI judges Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson joining the live audience in a standing ovation.
On Twitter, the hashtags #idolfinale and #JessicaForTheWin became the top two trending topics locally Thursday morning.
Despite lower ratings this season, “American Idol” remains a hugely popular reality singing show. Past winners–aside from David Cook, Kris Allen, and Lee DeWyze–include Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, and Scotty McCreery.
Among the finalists on the show who have had successful singing careers are Katharine McPhee and David Archuleta.
Filipino-Americans who have made it to the top 12 in past seasons include Thia Megia (2011), Ramiele Malubay (2008), Jasmine Trias (2004), and Camille Velasco (2004). –Karen Galarpe/ LBG/HS, GMA News
source: GMA-News
Phillips pic from tmz.com
