Caleb Johnson, age 23, from Asheville, NC, was crowned the winner of the hit singing competition.
Upon winning the title, Johnson sang his coronation song, “As Long As You Love Me,” which is available for download on americanidol.com and iTunes. Johnson will next release his self-titled debut album, which is available now for pre-order on iTunes. Johnson will also embark on the "American Idol Live!" 2014 concert tour, which kicks off June 24.
The season finale featured performances by the "Idol" judges, the reunited Top Finalists, as well as Lady Antebellum, Aloe Blacc, KISS, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Jason Mraz, Jennifer Nettles, Paramore, Phillip Phillips, Darius Rucker and, in a special solo performance, judge Jennifer Lopez. Also, for the first time ever, host Ryan Seacrest stepped into the singer’s spotlight, as he performed with Richard Marx in an ode to the first concert he ever attended.
Johnson joins past "American Idol" winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips and Candice Glover.
Former "American Idol" contestants who have taken to Broadway after their stint on "Idol" include Fantasia Barrino (The Color Purple, After Midnight), Taylor Hicks (Grease), Clay Aiken (Spamalot), Constantine Maroulis (Jekyll and Hyde, Rock of Ages), Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray, Hair), Frenchie Davis (Rent) and Jordin Sparks (In the Heights) as well as former "Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi (Chicago), among others.
