Candice Glover was crowned the winner during the live two-hour season finale. The 23-year-old from St. Helena Island, SC, edged out fellow finalist Kree Harrison, 22, from Woodville, TX, to win the "Idol" title.
Glover's rendition of "I Am Beautiful" is currently available for download on www.americanidol.com and iTunes. She will release her debut album this summer on 19 Recordings/Interscope Records.
Glover joins previous "American Idol" winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery and Phillip Phillips.
The "American Idol Live!" tour launches June 29 in St. Louis, MO. Tickets are on sale now at www.americanidol.com/tour and www.aeglive.com.
Former "American Idol" contestants who have taken to Broadway after their stint on "Idol" include Fantasia Barrino (The Color Purple), Taylor Hicks (Grease), Clay Aiken (Spamalot), Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages), Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray), Frenchie Davis (Rent) and Jordin Sparks (In the Heights) as well as former "Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi (Chicago), among others.