Listen to a backstage interview with American Idol Jordin Sparks!
Check out red carpet video of the finale!More about Jordin Sparks! By Tarah Oliver
American Idol fans picked 17-year-old Jordin Sparks as their new superstar, making her the youngest singer to ever win the competition.
Before viewers cast a record 74 million votes, the judges predicted Sparks would win season six from her history of vocally consistent performances. "Jordin you are star through and through," said Paula Abdul shortly before the results were announced.
Prior to her "Idol" success, the Arizona native appeared as a finalist in Star Search and America's Most Talented Kids. She also had a stint as a print model for plus-size fashion line, Torrid.
Sparks defeated 25-year-old beatboxer Blake Lewis in a three song showdown at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre, which included the winning tune from the the show's first ever songwriting competition.
Seattle pastor Jeff Peabody and contemporary Christian artist Scott Krippayne beat over 25,000 online entries with "This Is My Now."
Gwen Stefani, Doug E. Fresh, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Tony Bennett, The African Children's Choir, Green Day, Bette Midler, Joe Perry, BeBe and CeCe Winans each contributed explosive performances in true Idol grand finale style.
Legendary music mogul Clive Davis celebrated American Idol's impact on the music industry while presenting an award to season four winner Carrie Underwood, commemorating the success of her 6 million-selling debut album, 'Some Hearts.'
Underwood reunited with previous winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks to perform a Beatles tribute. Season three winner, Fantasia, was not present due to her starring role in Broadway's "The Color Purple."
FINAL PERFORMANCE NIGHT RECAP:
Blake Lewis:
Bon Jovi, "You Give Love A Bad Name" - "I give you a 10 out of 10 with the beatboxing...the singing was alright," said Randy. "I think you outdid yourself," said Paula. "You're not the best singer in the competition, but you are the best performer," said Simon.
Maroon 5, "She Will Be Loved" - "Great song and a very nice vocal," said Randy. "You really got into the ease of the song," said Paula. "It was good, it was safe...it wasn't as good as the first performance," said Simon.
"This Is My Now" - "It was alright," said Randy. "I think you did a great job on the song," said Paula. "It was all a little odd," said Simon.
Jordin Sparks:
Christina Aguilera, "Fighter" - "You were stellar," said Randy and Paula. "I thought the vocals were a bit shrieky in the middle, I'm gonna call round one to Blake," said Simon.
Martina McBride, "With A Broken Wing" - "I've loved you since day one...that was flawless," said Randy. "You're soaring," said Paula. "Now THAT was good," said Simon.
"This Is My Now" - "You were the best singer tonight, you deserve it all," said Randy. "You have a lot to be proud of," said Paula. "You just wiped the floor with Blake on that song," said Simon.
ON DEMAND: 
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