Winner Announced on AMERICAN IDOL XIII!

American Idol XIII came to a ROCK-tastic close tonight as wild child Caleb Johnson was crowned the winner during the live two-hour Season Finale on FOX. Johnson, 23, from Asheville, NC, emerged as America's top choice following last night's extremely close vote.

Upon winning the coveted title, Johnson sang his coronation song, "As Long As You Love Me," which is available for download on americanidol.com and iTunes. Next, Johnson will release his self-titled debut album, which is available now for pre-order on iTunes. Johnson will also embark on the American Idol Live! 2014 concert tour. The 41-show tour kicks off June 24. Tickets are on sale now on americanidol.com.

The broadcast from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles featured performances by the American Idol XIII judges, the reunited Top Finalists, as well as music superstars Lady Antebellum, Aloe Blacc, KISS, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Jason Mraz, Jennifer Nettles, Paramore, Phillip Phillips, Darius Rucker and, in a special solo performance, American Idol XIII judge Jennifer Lopez. Also, for the first time ever, after 13 years of hosting, AMERICAN IDOL's own Ryan Seacrest stepped into the singer's spotlight, as he performed with Richard Marx in an ode to the first concert he ever attended.

Johnson joins past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips and Candice Glover.

The search for the next singing superstar continues during auditions for American Idol XIV in Minneapolis, MN, on Wednesday, June 18; New Orleans, on Wednesday, June 25; Uniondale, NY, onWednesday, July 23; Nashville, TN, on Wednesday, July 30; and San Francisco, CA, on Monday, Sept. 29. Once again, auditioners can submit online at americanidol.com through Tuesday, July 1, 2014, and later this year, the annual "AMERICAN IDOL® Audition Bus Tour" will visit Portland, OR; Portland, ME; Reno, NV; Columbus, OH; Richmond, VA; Albuquerque, NM; Amarillo, TX; Myrtle Beach, SC; Branson, MO; Tallahassee, FL; and Kansas City, MO. Find out all you Need to Know about the Social Auditions and Nominate An Idol HERE.

American Idol XIII is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. The series was created by Simon Fuller and is executive produced by Simon Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Trish Kinane, Per Blankens, Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager. Louis J. Horvitz is director and Rickey Minor is musical director.

"Like" American Idol on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion using #idol. See photos and videos on Instagram by following@AmericanIdol. Download the American Idol app for iOS devices from the App StoreSM; and for Android devices at Google PlayTM Store.**

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