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Caleb Johnson’s third time on American Idol was the charm. The 23-year-old rockstar from Asheville, N.C. native beat 17-year-old Michigan singer Jena Irene Wednesday night, as the 13th season winner.
During the final episode, the two performed Queen’s We Will Rock You, No Doubt’s Just a Girl and Bryan Adams and a flame cannon filled performance of Tina Turner’s It’s Only Love.
“The competition is officially over!” Harry Connick Jr. told Ryan Seacrest. “I can stand!”
Long before that, it was sort of clear who the eventual winner would be, when Seacrest asked the audience at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live to cheer for their favorite singer, and Johnson earned more enthusiasm from the fans.
Jena Irene’s performance of Paramore’s Decode started at the piano, and was later joined by her band.
Towards the conclusion of the season, Jena and Johnson still seemed friendly, joking about going to prom together no matter what.
At the end of the night, Johnson performed As Long As You Love Me, and Seacrest reminded viewers that Johnson’s album is already available for pre-order on iTunes before its Aug. 12 release.
