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Georgia native Phillip Phillips bests Jessica Sanchez for Season 11 crown
By Carla Patton
Hundreds of performances later, it has all come down to this. Season 11 of "American Idol" will crown a winner after two hours of complete, star-studded nonsense. I have one question before we let 'er rip, though: Will Lee DeWyze be stewing angrily in the audience?
Bing: More about 'American Idol' | Photos: See Season 11 highlights
A group number right away! This show is already delivering. We see all the eliminated contestants dressed in white performing "Runaway Baby" as though they were sent to "American Idol" purgatory after their elimination. This is a special kind of hell's waiting room, where your clothes turn white after you leave a competition and you have to listen only to Bruno Mars.
More: 'American Idol' on BuddyTV | Photos: Non-winner 'Idol' successes
After the first of many commercial breaks, Phillip Phillips performs "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" poorly with the lead singer of CCR. It's not his fault: His voice just doesn't go that high. As this weren't enough, Phillip introduces a second song, "Bad Moon Rising." We're just going to keep pushing this boy to his limit, humiliating him next to John Fogerty. Phillip sounds better on the second song. It's OK, Phillip. You don't have to pretend to care anymore. Not that you ever did!
Then, we are forced to remember terrible and embarrassing "Idol" audition moments. That was so long ago!
It was not so long ago that Joshua Ledet was eliminated. But now he's back, in a sparkly suit jacket, singing Elton John's fun "Take Me to the Pilot." He took it to church, but not before he brought out Fantasia Barrino in some weird kind of "Spider-Man 3" bodysuit and a mile-long weave. They both jumped and screamed, and I was very concerned for the structural integrity of that bodysuit. Fantasia and Joshua seemed done, but the song kept going. So, they kept screaming into their microphones until the producers had to cut to a commercial break. It was glorious.
Because the show is over two hours long, we have a segment entirely dedicated to how old man Jimmy Iovine could not remember Jennifer Lopez's name. He kept calling her Jessica. He did it so many times -- and I love Jimmy so much -- that I ended up laughing out loud. It was a wacky little thing.
And now, the ladies of the top 12, wearing sparkly "Real Housewives" dresses and singing a Chaka Khan medley! How is it that Jessica Sanchez just popped into the medley so late? Did she think she was exempt? Chaka Khan showed up, but just barely (and I do mean bare-ly! Look at our second bodysuit of the night!). I love Chaka Khan, but she seems maybe drunk. Either way, she's phoning it in. Love you, Chaka!
For the final Ford music video, they found a way to work around Phillip. They simply showed all of the least flattering shots of each of the top 12 from previous FMVs! And Ford has an unceremonious gift for the top 2's mentors: gifts to the "American Idol" finale! They got to see Chaka Khan live! And another surprise for the mentors (Phillip's brother-in-law and some other guy whose position I didn't catch): keys to their new Ford Escapes! Oh. And Phillip and Jessica, you get cars, too! Everyone gets a Ford Escape! Except Jennifer Lopez. She gets a Fiat.
Rihanna performs next, without any members of the top 12. She is a solo act and won't be brought down by the likes of, say, Shannon Magrane. She came in her own space triangle just for the event. Will someone please just tell me whether or not this performance was inspired by "Battlefield Earth"?
Skylar Laine is back to sing "Turn on the Radio." And if she's singing with Reba, I will lose it (in a good way). She is!! I'm freaking out. I am dead. Skylar totally kept up, too. She's got a career ahead of her, and I would love it all the more if that career were playing Reba's country-singing daughter in a new sitcom.
Nothing can follow that. So, we might as well see this jokey video clip about Steven Tyler's dressing room. Haha, the sloth!! They have the same hair. Also, the sloth looks like he is in ecstasy (or on it). 
I need a commercial break to collect myself! But no, Jessica Sanchez is singing "I Will Always Love You." And Whitney Houston will obviously not come on stage, but maybe Jennifer Hudson will? No, it's not that kind of moment. Ahhh, it's just as good as I remember it! You go, girl.
No break for us. We power on through to a performance from the top 12 guys singing a medley. Neil Diamond is always good for an appearance. He probably paid Nigel Lythgoe $25 to appear in the finale. Aww, that's mean to Neil Diamond. Why would I say that? One thing is clear in this medley: Heejun Han does not care.
And another thing: Joshua Ledet is still scream-singing from that last song with Fantasia. No one has the power to resist "Sweet Caroline," though!
I'm glad they had a little clip about Randy always saying the same things, and I really enjoyed the literal singing of the phone book bit, in spite of myself. It even made fun of Joshua taking it to church!
Now Jennifer Lopez gets two song performances as part of her contract -- and two outfits made from the same cheap sequin fabric.
Speaking of cheap sequins, Lauren Alaina is in the house! So are Taylor Hicks, and Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo, our "American Idol" couple! Diana DeGarmo is adorable. I saw her in "9 to 5" on Broadway, and she was amazing. Ace said he thought this would be the right time to ask a "simple question." Diana looked excited, then skeptical. But this is no Ryan Seacrest fake out! There was a little product placement in the proposal, but I don't mind that! I love televised proposals, and I love that they had Kieran dim the lights for it! Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young are engaged now! Did Ace just congratulate himself?
After that, Hollie Cavanagh performs "You'll Never Walk Alone" with Jordin Sparks. If I had to declare a winner of this duet, I think I'd pick Hollie, though she's a bit greener.
Did you like that, Phillip? Are you enjoying your finale? I hope he's feeling OK.
In a tribute to Robin Gibb, the top 12 guys (again, minus Jermaine and Phillip) sing a Bee Gees medley. I think this will be best for DeAndre. Against expectation, it's a relatively good moment for Colton, and everyone else sounds dreadful on it. They sound particularly terrible when they're all singing together.
Another superstar duet, one that I have dreamed of since the top 24: Jessica Sanchez and Jennifer Holliday singing "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." Why is Jessica always late to the stage? Are long drape-y dresses that hard to change in and out of? Oh, and Jennifer Holliday? Girl's still got it. Unlike a lot of the other celebrity guests on this night, she is putting in some major effort. I hope Jessica Sanchez knows what an awesome moment this is. She can always look back on the time Jennifer Holliday wiped the floor with her.
At long last, Aerosmith agrees to perform on "American Idol." Maybe just to fill the slot that Phillip Phillips couldn't due to illness. Liv, your old man's still got it. And Steven wore one of his nicest chiffon robes.
Phillip finally emerged back on stage, wearing a cute cool-guy tux -- no tux shirt, just a T-shirt and a vest. Kind of funky, but whatever. And Jessica looks great in burgundy. They sing "Up Where We Belong," which is actually a perfect duet for them if there ever was one. Phillip is just barely singing, and I hope his kidneys (kidneys? mysterious illness center) don't explode when he wins. They just need to turn his microphone up -- or down. I don't know. There's just a great disparity in vocal range here, but not in heart!
The results are starting now! How exciting! Even though I've never been less unsure of who will win, I'm still happy we've gotten here. Phillip looks good in a V-neck. Jessica's hair is majestic. The finalists have never looked better!
Dim the lights.
The winner of "American Idol" Season 11 is ...
Phillip Phillips!
Phillip Phillips Sr. hugs his wife. Everyone hugs Phillip, led by Heejun. And Scotty McCreery hands Phillip the god-awful, meaningless microphone trophy. Phillips sings his song and seems relatively unfazed. Maybe he's just in shock ...
He sings "Home" under a cascade of pyrotechnics. I hope to hear it on the radio, because I like the song. I hope to hear a lot of this season's contestants on the radio soon. Phillip is overwhelmed and actually shows some emotion! It's completely endearing! If you feel nothing you are dead inside. Phillip breaks into tears, takes off his guitar, tries not to swallow the confetti and goes to hug his family. I can't help but love it!
Goodbye for now, everyone! I hope you had a good Season 11. I thought it was OK.
What do you think of Wednesday night's results? Did America get it right?
Oscar-winning actress first former contestant to land the job
Jennifer Hudson is coming back to "American Idol."
The Oscar-winning actress and one-time contestant will be a judge when the beloved singing competition returns for Season 13, E! Online reports.
Bing: More on 'American Idol' | Jennifer Hudson
As reported earlier this week, FOX and the producers behind "American Idol" are hoping to recruit more past winners and competitors as judges. Other candidates include Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken. But Clarkson's camp told THR the "Stronger" singer will have no part on the judge's panel next season.
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"American Idol" is in need of new judge blood and bringing back former competitors could do the trick. Season 12 lost 33 percent of its viewers from last year and 10 million from 2011, due in part to the success of NBC's "The Voice." According to The Wrap, all four judges from Season 12 -- Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban -- and even producer Nigel Lythgoe are getting the boot. But so far, Jackson has been the only one to officially bow out.
"American Idol" Season 13 returns to FOX in 2014.
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'X Factor' head doesn't rule out working with original 'American Idol' judges in the future
WENN
"X Factor" honcho Simon Cowell is open to reconstructing the original "American Idol" judges panel with Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul sometime in the future. For now, Cowell is slated to judge alongside Demi Lovato and new additions Kelly Rowland and Paula Rubio on "The X Factor" next season. But one day he could see himself reuniting with the team of judges that made "American Idol" a global sensation when it began in 2002.
He told "Extra," "I wouldn’t rule it out. I don't know on what show, but I think we've probably all got a desire to do something together again." As for his current trio of females, Cowell thinks their chemistry -- or perhaps lack of chemistry --- will only intensify the drama. He explained, "Putting a load of girls into one situation and seeing how they get on, I like that. I think it's fun."
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Rep for the Season 1 champ confirms she'll play no part on the show next season
WENN
"American Idol" champ Kelly Clarkson won't join the FOX singing competition show as a judge for Season 13. The "Stronger" singer's rep confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter she will have no part on the panel of the show next season. Clarkson was at the center of rumors suggesting show producers were eyeing an all-alumni judging panel, with Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert also reported to have been contacted.
Bing: More about 'American Idol'
FOX network bosses are scrambling to find a fix for the TV contest after the Season 12 finale saw a 33 percent drop in viewers compared to last year. Longtime judge Randy Jackson has jumped ship. Reports suggest that Nicki Minaj won't be returning. The futures of Mariah Carey and Keith Urban uncertain.
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Nick Carter developing series with fiancée, A.J. McLean looking to go 'Dancing'
WENN
Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter is developing his own reality TV series. His untitled series, which will center on the pop star and his fiancée Lauren Kitt as they plan their upcoming wedding, is winning over executives at several cable networks, according to reports. Carter tells blogger Perez Hilton, "It will also be about the growing-up phase of my life."
He isn't the only member of the grown-up boy band with his sights set on reality TV. A.J. McLean is desperate to show off his dancefloor skills on "Dancing With the Stars." Bandmate Howie Dorough explains, "The same year that Nick's brother (Aaron Carter) did it ("Dancing With the Stars"), I was approached about doing it but obviously couldn't do it because of the fact we were embarking on a new record and touring. I know A.J. has always said he's wanted to do it, for sure. He has almost begged to be on the show."
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'The Clintons' will showcase ongoing copyright battle on 'Osbournes'-like series
WENN
Funk icon George Clinton has vowed to use his new reality TV show to highlight his various legal battles over the copyrights to his songs. The Funkadelic legend is embroiled in numerous ongoing lawsuits over the use of his back catalog, and in January he was ordered to hand over the rights to four of his classic tracks to pay off a $1.5 million debt to his former lawyers. Earlier this year he announced he'd be following in the footsteps of rockers Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne by launching his own family-based reality show, called "The Clintons." Now the star has revealed his legal battles will be at the core of the program.
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Clinton tells Uncut magazine, "I'm doing a reality show with my family, with my son Tracy, my six grandkids, Scott Thompson, Brandi ... It's a big family thing. A bit like ("The Osbournes"). But most of them are, like, musicians, rappers and everything ... We got to come up with new ways to get the music across, so we're doing this reality show, so we can expose all the noses out there, stealing the copyrights and taking people's music and money. This is all gonna be part of the reality show, the copyright fight."
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Amy's Baking Company adds immigration proceeding to public relations quagmire
WENN
Amy's Baking Company restaurateur Samy Bouzaglo, made infamous for his stint on Gordon Ramsay's show "Kitchen Nightmares," is facing deportation for withholding information about his criminal past. The Moroccan-born Israeli citizen was apparently less than forthcoming with immigration officials about drug distribution and extortion charges that landed him in prison before he came to the United States 13 years ago.
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Bouzaglo is now mired in ongoing immigration court proceedings that could result in his expulsion from the country, AZ Central reports. His attorney, David Asser, says the matter began two years ago and is unrelated to his unflattering portrayal on FOX's "Kitchen Nightmares." His residency was the subject of a removal hearing on Monday in Arizona. Samy tells the Arizona Republic, "The FBI knows all about me ... The IRS knows. I want people to know about me. But not today, not tomorrow. I have nothing to hide."
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'Starting Strong' to chronicle what it means to live, eat and breathe Army life
WENN
Actor Ricky Schroder and his production company have joined forces with the U.S. Army to produce an unscripted series that will shed light on the different aspects of Army life. "Starting Strong," which is directed, narrated and produced by Schroder, aims to educate Americans about daily life in the Army and potential careers within the organization. Viewers will be introduced to more than 150 military occupational specialties by Army prospects who will share their personal on-the-job experiences. Schroder tells the Hollywood Reporter, "This is sort of new for the Army to give this behind-the-scenes, open-door look at what it means to live, eat and breathe Army life. Viewers are going to see real young men and women getting real experience in living, eating and breathing Army culture and jobs."
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One focus for the series will center around the expectations of military candidates and how they match up with reality. The series will follow trainees through the challenges of their chosen profession until they ultimately decide to join the Army or return to civilian life. Schroder explains, "Sometimes what the families want the young man or woman to do is different than what they end up doing. And the Army's standards are higher than ever. So, in some cases, the Army may not want you because you are just not up to standards. You will see some of that, but it will be handled in a very delicate and gentle way." The 10-week chronicle is set to debut on FOX stations on June 2, with four additional episodes available online.
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'Who Do You Think You Are?' to return in July on TLC
WENN
Lisa Kudrow's family tree-themed "Who Do You Think You Are?" has taken root at a new network after bosses at NBC axed it last year. Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon and Lionel Richie were among the celebrities who investigated their ancestral history on the series, which ran for three seasons and was executive produced by former "Friends" star Kudrow. NBC executives decided to cancel "Who Do You Think You Are?" last May, but it has now been picked up by TLC.
A statement from Kudrow reads, "I've never stopped hearing about how much people love 'Who Do You Think You Are?,' and I've always known that we've had more great stories to share. TLC is a great home for the series, and we join our excited celebrity participants as we unearth some amazing background and surprising histories." The new eight-part reality series will kick off on July 23.
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