Candice Glover wins season 12 of ‘American Idol’

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After a night of stunning performances, including a medley by legendary diva Aretha Franklin, British star Jessie J and former ‘Idol’ contestants including Adam Lambert, Candice Glover of South Carolina was named the season 12 winner of American Idol.

Glover, 23, beat country singer Kree Harrison to win the title.

But before she was named the winner, Glover brought down the house with a blockbuster duet with former “Idol” contestant and Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson. The two performed the R&B classic “Inseperaable.”

Glover, the soulful singer from St. Helena Island had been cut from previous seasons 9 and 11. She had several standout performances this season, including a version of The Cure’s 1980s hit “Lovesong” that judge Randy Jackson called one of the best performances in Idol history.

Glover will release a single, “I am Beautiful,” which she performed, tearfully, in the closing moments of the show.

The season finale of “Idol” also served as the send-off for Randy Jackson, the last member of the original cast of judges on the show.

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