American Idol Season 11 Finale: 2012 Winner Announced

The finale of American Idol season 11 took place Wednesday, May 23, crowning one of the two finalists – Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips – the 2012 winner.

After many star-studded performances, including Chaka Khan, Neil Diamond, Rihanna, Reba McEntire and American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Seacrest announced the 2012 American Idol winner.

And the winner is….

Phillip Phillips!

“After a record breaking 132 million votes,” Seacrest said at the end of the two-hour finale, “the winner of American Idol season 11 is… Phillip Phillips!”

The judges gave Phillip a standing ovation and last year’s AI winner Scotty McCreery handed Phillip his trophy.

Phillip performed his new single, “Home,” but was so chocked up, he couldn’t finish the song. The new American Idol winner hugged his parents as the confetti fell and the show concluded.

Tags: AI AI 2012 AI Winner American Idol American Idol 2012 American Idol 2012 Winner American Idol Finale American Idol Season 11 American Idol Season 11 Finale American Idol Season 11 Winner American Idol Winner Jessica Sanchez Phillip Phillips Ryan Seacrest