'American Idol': Declares winner for season-11

'American Idol': Declares winner for season-11

Competitor Phillip Phillips has been named the winner of the eleventh season of American Idol.

The Leesburg, Georgia native scooped the recording contract prize over fellow contestant Jessica Sanchez in the live finale of the Fox competition.

Both singers had performed three tracks on last night's show: one chosen by them, one selected by the judges and another which would serve as their debut single should they win.

The 21-year-old's original song is called 'Home'. His performance last night had prompted Randy Jackson to compare him to Mumford & Sons and Fleet Foxes, while Jennifer Lopez marveled at his passion and artistry.

The episode opened with the return of this season's Top 12 contestants, who took to the stage in all white for a rendition of Bruno Mars' 'Runaway Baby'.

Later, the girls performed a medley of Chaka Khan songs with the singer herself, while the boys took the stage with Neil Diamond. The men also performed a tribute to the late Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb, who passed away last week.

Rihanna appeared to perform her new single 'Where Have You Been' while the judges also got involved in the festivities, with both Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler's Aerosmith taking the stage for two songs each.

In a surprise moment, former Idol contestants Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo shared a special moment when Young proposed to DeGarmo live on stage.

For their final performances, the finalists were given the opportunity to sing with two of their musical heroes, with Phillips singing twice with Credence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty and Sanchez singing 'And I Am Telling You' alongside Jennifer Holliday.

Ahead of the finale, A record-breaking 132 million votes were received to determine the winner of the competition.

The season-12 of the American Idol will return in 2013 on Fox.