Phillip Phillips is the new 'American Idol'
Photographer: By: Mark Davis - Getty Images
Copyright Getty Images
Posted: 05/23/2012
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."
Phillips, who was a top vote-getter throughout the season, gets a recording contract along with bragging rights.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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