banded together with mentor Randy Jackson for a mash-up of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.” Lopez also took the stage alone to perform her newest single “First Love.”įollowing the star-studded performances, it was time for Ryan Seacrest to announce who was the winner of American Idol’s 13th season – classic rocker Caleb Johnson. Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. may steal the show during the finale, reported CMT.com. Harris took on “Alright” with Darius Rucker.Īll the male finalists from this year came together to sing “The Man” with Aloe Blacc, while the female artists were joined by Demi Lovato to sing “Don’t Really Care” and “Neon Lights.” Richard Marx hopped on the Idol stage for “Right Here Waiting” and Lady Antebellum performed their latest single “Bartender.” While Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene will wait to see if they will capture the 13th American Idol crown Wednesday, their judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. 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.” Malaya Watson got the chance to sing “All of Me” with John Legend, who also performed “You and I.” Alex Preston sang “Love Someone” with his idol Jason Mraz and Dexter Roberts and C.J. 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.” 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. "American Idol" has launched the careers of stars including Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson.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. The show, which hit a peak of 30.3 million viewers in the 2005-06 season, was drawing audiences in the single-digit millions this year. NBC's singing contest "The Voice," which leapfrogged "American Idol" in the ratings, has leaned heavily on its performer-coaches to boost audience interest.įox, acknowledging the glory days of "American Idol" are behind it, said it likely will cut the show from two nights a week to one next season, after the initial auditions. He was joined on Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting" by the singer-songwriter. It also showcased a song by judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr., with judge-turned-mentor Randy Jackson joining in.Įven Seacrest took a turn crooning, proving as a singer he's a great host.
The two-hour finale included performances by John Legend, Kiss, Demi Lovato and Lady Antebellum. He is to receive a recording contract as this season's champion. Caleb Johnson has been named as the winner of American Idol 2014 Season 13. Irene sang "Dog Days Are Over," "Can't Help Falling in Love" and "We Are One." Malaya Watson and other female finalists on American Idol 2014 also performed with American pop superstar on the finals.
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. "American Idol," which long reigned as TV's top-rated show, now is a moderately successful, top 20 performer. Seacrest did not announce the number of votes cast, as was routine when the show drew huge audiences and impressive vote tallies.
Runner-up Irene is getting a consolation prize: The two competitors and friends are set to attend her high school prom, Seacrest said. Johnson, 23, of Asheville, North Carolina, and Irene, 17, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, told each other "you da bomb" before the result was revealed.
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"This is crazy," Johnson said after host Ryan Seacrest announced the TV audience's decision on Wednesday's season finale of the Fox contest. LOS ANGELES - Big-voiced rocker Caleb Johnson is the season 13 "American Idol," winning the title over teenage pop singer Jena Irene.