Bluesy Phillips wins ‘Idol’ title

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES

Bluesy guitar man Phillip Phillips is the new “American Idol,” defeating teenage songbird Jessica Sanchez.

Phillips, a 21-year-old pawn-shop worker from Leesburg, Ga., received more viewer votes than 16-year-old Sanchez of Chula Vista, Calif.

Phillips’ victory Wednesday extended the “American Idol” winning streak for males to five consecutive seasons. The last female to win was 17-year-old Jordin Sparks in 2007.

During the three-song showdown Tuesday between Phillips and Sanchez, the show’s judges praised his performance across the board. Sanchez was faulted for a lackluster rendition of her final song, “Change Nothing.” The teenager agreed with panelists Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, saying she should have gone more “urban” with her song choice.

Phillips had better luck with his potential future single selection, a slow-tempo acoustic tune titled “Home,” which the judges said recalled artists such as Fleet Foxes, Paul Simon and Mumford and Sons. At one point during Phillips’ final performance, he was accompanied by a marching band.

It was a hit with the panel. Jackson beamed, “I love the song. I love you. I love the production. I love the marching band. Everything about that was perfect.”

Phillips, who was a top vote-getter throughout the season, gets a recording contract along with bragging rights.

Host Ryan Seacrest says audience voting for Phillips and Sanchez set a record for the singing contest.

Viewers cast 132 million votes after Phillips and Sanchez faced off for the last time Tuesday, Seacrest said as Wednesday’s finale kicked off.

Last year’s contest between winner Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alaina drew more than 122 million votes.

As if crowning a new winner wasn’t enough, “American Idol” can count a marriage proposal as part of its 11-season history.

Former contestants Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo became engaged on stage during Wednesday night’s finale.

Young, a season five finalist, told Seacrest that he and DeGarmo had just moved in together. Then Young got down on one knee and popped the question to her.

DeGarmo, a runner-up in season three, tearfully accepted.