"American Idol" crowns its winner

Phillip Phillips won "American Idol" on Wednesday (May 23), becoming the fifth male singer in a row to take the title and a guaranteed recording contract.

The 21-year-old guitar player from Georgia, who brought an indie vibe to the top-rated TV contest, beat ballad singer Jessica Sanchez, 16, of California in the public vote.

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest said a world record 132 million votes were cast by phone, text and online for the two finalists.

The winner was announced at the end of a two-hour finale on Wednesday featuring performances by Rihanna, Neil Diamond, Chaka Khan, Reba McEntire as well as "Idol" judge Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler's band Aerosmith.

John Russell, Reuters.