Candice Glover brought a set of powerhouse vocals to “American Idol” that had not been heard on the show since Jennifer Hudson took it by storm in 2004. So it was no wonder producers brought J. Hud back to perform an outstanding duet with Glover.
That’s right everyone. Candice Glover managed to snag the “American Idol” crown, making her the first female winner since Jordin Sparks took the title in 2007.
It was no easy road for Glover, however, as this was her third time trying out for America’s most popular singing competition.
“I always knew for some reason that it would happen if I kept going,” she said backstage on Thursday after she won.
She had previously tried out for season nine and season 11 with no luck, but she never forgot how those years affected her. As it was announced that she was America’s new singing sensation, she screamed “three years,” and struggled to perform her coronation song while simultaneously fighting back tears.
Later the soulful songstress admitted she didn’t even remember host Ryan Seacrest saying her name, but she did remember the confetti cannons spraying in her mouth while she was singing.
But what was as special to her as winning was the chance to take the stage with Jennifer Hudson.
“I look up to her and, honestly, she is so successful after this show, and I really admire her,” Glover said of the former “Idol” contestant. “I finally got a chance to not only meet her, but sing with her.”
Together, Hudson and Glover belted through a spectacular performance of Natalie Cole’s “Inseparable.”
The finale episode also demonstrated that curvy women could climb to the top ranks of “American Idol.”
Several potential contestants were criticized for their size by fans and judges in previous seasons – including J. Hud.
But this season, both women proved that being “marketable” doesn’t mean you have to be a size two. While neither woman could be considered overweight, they shot down the notion that a female singer must be super skinny to be successful.
Other stars took the stage throughout the two hour season finale, although we aren’t convinced they were all great choices.
It was a pleasure to see Emeli Sande, Jessie J, Aretha Franklin, “Idol” judge Keith Urban, and former “Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez take the stage, but then the producers had to ruin it all with another gimmick-filled performance by Psy.
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