LOS ANGELES — Candice Glover was crowned the new “American Idol” on Thursday after defeating country singer Kree Harrison.
The booming 23-year-old R&B vocalist from St. Helena Island, S.C., looked stunned when “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced she bested soulful 22-year-old country singer Harrison from Woodville, Texas . The vote count was not announced.
A weepy Glover performed the new single “I Am Beautiful” after winning the 12th edition of the Fox singing competition. Glover auditioned for the show three times before making it as a finalist this season.
Thursday’s finale also served as a farewell for Randy Jackson. The show’s lone remaining original judge announced last week that he’s leaving “Idol” to focus on his record label and other business opportunities.