Jordin Sparks was crowned this season’s ‘American Idol’ last night during a star-studded two-hour show at the Kodak Theatre.
The 17-year-old from Arizona fought off competition from beat-boxing Washington-native Blake Lewis, 25, to scoop the title and recording contract.
"Thank you so much for everything," Jordin – who looked every inch the superstar in a floor-length gown - gushed after hearing she’d won. "Mom, Dad, I love you. Nana, Papa, P.J., thank you guys."
Lewis – who hasn’t yet secured a record deal - revealed after the show that he wasn’t upset about coming second to Jordin.
"I picked Jordin Sparks at the top 24 as the ‘American Idol’ winner," he said. "I was actually going to try to wear a `Vote for Jordin Sparks' t-shirt last night but they wouldn't let me do it."
Gwen Stefani, Green Day and Bette Midler were among the stars who performed at the event.
Motown star Smokey Robinson, another performer at the final, said of Jordin: "She is an awesome singer. She sings so good it's hard to believe she's 17.”
Adding: "To sing like that, you would have to have lived for a long time. She's an old soul."
