Candice Glover became the newest 'American Idol' on Thursday.
The 23 year old from South Carolina won the title, against country singer Kree Harrison, after auditioning for the show three times.
"I am happy I came back, and that I was determined enough and it finally paid off...," she said. "[I'm] speechless. Part of me is so happy that it happened, and part of me is relieved that I don't have to sing for votes and worry about making it to next rounds because that's such a stressful process."
Watch Candice become the newest American Idol (below):
Reports claim that Idol producers are planning to fire all 4 judges in an attempt to revamp the 12 year old singing competition.
"All four are gone," said an insider. "They feel they've lost their core audience and they want it back."
Music Producer Randy Jackson walked away from the reality competition after reports of the 'Idol' makeover went viral.
"Yo! Yo! Yo!," he said. "To put all the speculation to rest, after twelve years of judging 'American Idol,' I have decided to leave after this season. I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It's been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company, Dream Merchant 21, and other business ventures."
Fox has not commented on any of the firing rumors.
The show's season finale will premiere on Thursday, May 16 at 8 pm ET on Fox.
Pop Icon Mariah Carey will be joining 'American Idol.'
The announcement was made weeks after former Idol judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler left the show.
"It's the biggest recording artist that any of these shows have ever had," said Fox President Kevin Reilly. "It's an artist many of these contestants have tried to emulate."
Carey left a message on Twitter, saying: "It's going to be so much fun working on American Idol. As a singer-songwriter, I'm excited to help find and nurture new talent. LYM! --MC
The singing competition faced its' lowest season ratings earlier this year.
Jennifer Lopez announced her departure from American Idol on Friday.
The Latina singer called 'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest on his radio show to break the news.
"I honestly feel the time has come that I have to get back to doing the other things that you do, and you have to pay attention to that, too. I could keep doing Idol for the rest of my life, but that would be giving up a bunch of other things. I feel like we had an amazing run," she said.
Lopez, who was a judge on the show for 2 seasons, said goodbye a day after Aerosmith's Steven Tyler split to focus on his 'first love.'
Steven Tyler said goodbye to 'American Idol' on Thursday.
'I've decided it's time for me to let go of my mistress 'American Idol' before she boil's my rabbit," he said. "I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith."
Tyler's announcement came after the 10-year-old singing competition faced its' lowest ratings.
Rumor has it Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson may be next.
Phillip Phillips, a 21-year-old pawn shop worker from Georgia, became the new 'American Idol' on Wednesday.
Phillips seemed shocked and humbled by the announcement.
"I have no idea why I won, man," he said. "I guess some people like the music that I was doing."
Tuesday's final competition between Phillips and 16-year-old, Jessica Sanchez garnered 132 million votes.
Phillips carries the 5 year winning streak for white male contestants.
Sanchez, who is of Latino and Filipino descent, has no hard feelings over the loss.
"I don't blame it on anything." she said. "Phillips has fans, and I have mine. We're two totally different people. Our genres are completely different."
.jpg)
