"American Idol" announced its 12th winner on Thursday.

Candice Glover wins American Idol
Candice Glover is the newest American Idol. (Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images)
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Candice Glover, the booming 23-year-old R&B vocalist from St. Helena Island, S.C., looked stunned when "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest announced she bested soulful 22-year-old country singer Kree Harrison from Woodville, Texas . The vote count was not announced.

A weepy Glover performed the new single "I Am Beautiful" after winning the 12th edition of the Fox singing competition. Glover auditioned for the show three times before making it as a finalist this season.

Thursday's finale also served as a farewell for Randy Jackson. The show's lone remaining original judge announced last week that he's leaving "Idol" to focus on his record label and other business opportunities.

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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