Candice Glover Wins American Idol 2013

Candice Glover became the first female contestant to win the American Idol since 2007, after she was declared the winner of American Idol 2013 Season 12, Thursday. This was her third try at the contest.

The popular phrase "third time lucky" holds so true for American Idol contestant Candice Glover who defeated Kree Harrison to take home the winning title of American Idol 2013 Season 12. Glover was announced the winner Thursday by popular public votes in what judges deemed a 'close competition.'

Glover was in shock and in tears after she was announced the winner and said "Oh, my God. Three years," referring to the other two years she tried out for the talent show. As the crowd of more than 7,000 cheered, host Ryan Seacrest said, "Three years, persistence, determination and a lot of talent. You deserve it."

The finale that took place at the Nokia Theatre L.A. in Los Angeles, was a star studded event with the likes of Jennifer Hudson, the Band Perry, Adam Lambert and Jennifer Lopez performing live at the event. The audience was also treated to live performances by Frankie Valli, Jessie J, Emeli Sandé and Psy.

Judges Randy Jackson and Keith Urban also performed a few songs while Judge Mariah Carey performed a medley of her biggest hits.

During the initial weeks of the show, runners-up Kree Harrison was predicted to take home this year's title owing to her consistent performances that wowed the judges time and again. On Wednesday, Kree showed her versatility on the show and won a standing ovation with her take on Patty Griffin's "Up to the Mountain," which Judge Randy Jackson described as a "winning performance."