Phillip Phillips, 21, from Leesburg, Georgia, has won the popular singing show “American Idol“. He was crowned American Idol Season 11 Winner on Wednesday night, May 23 at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. The runner up was awarded to Jessica Sanchez of San Diego, California.

Photo: AmericanIdol.com

On Tuesday, May 22, American Idol 2012 Top 2 performed three songs each. First round was a Simon Fuller’s choice, the second, favorite song of the season, and their winner’s song on the third round.

He performed “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King on the first round. Billy Joel’s hit “Movin Round” on the second and on the last round, Phillips got a standing ovation from the audience and the judges for his performance of “Home“.

Phillips is the 7th male “American Idol” winner, and the 5th consecutive male winner, after David Cook (Season 7), Kris Allen (Season 8), Lee DeWyze (Season 9) and Scotty McCreery (Season 10).