American Idol | Latest News, Photos, and Videos

• American Idol‘s ratings are down 7.2 million viewers from last year’s finale, making it the first finale to hit under 20 million viewers – The Hollywood Reporter
• Zoe Saldana compliments Britney Spears – Huffington Post
• Check out Candice Glover‘s new cover art – Just Jared Jr
• The Office finale surges in ratings – Entertainment Weekly
• Paris Hilton reacts to Bling Ring – DListed
• Julianne Hough rocks a pair of short shorts – Hollywood Tuna
• George Michael has been in a car accident – Towleroad

Candice Glover holds up her number one in the press room after the American Idol Season 12 Finale on Thursday (May 16) at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

The 23-year-old singer won the singing competition this year and became the first female winner in six years!

“I’m happy I came back, and that I was determined enough and it finally paid off,” Candice said after the finale (via USA Today). “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 the next round, because that’s such a stressful process. But I know the work is only going to get bigger from here on out.”

Also pictured: Second place contestant Kree Harrison posing in the press room. More Here! »

American Idol contestant Angie Miller‘s first single “You Set Me Free” has officially been released!

The studio version of the 19-year-old singer’s original song was released on iTunes following the season finale of the hit competition show on Thursday (May 16).

During the finale, Angie hit the stage for a performance alongside two of her personal idols – Jessie J and Adam Lambert. In case you missed it, watch the performance in full right now!

WHAT DO YOU THINK of Angie Miller’s new single “You Set Me Free”?

Nicki Minaj walks the black carpet in the press room backstage at the American Idol Season 12 Finale on Thursday (May 16) at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

The 30-year-old entertainer served as a judge on the show’s twelfth season alongside Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, and Randy Jackson and reports have said that none of them will return next year.

“So well deserved. Words can’t even express how proud I am mama,” Nicki tweeted after the show. Find out who the winner was right here!

10+ pictures inside of Nicki Minaj in the press room… More Here! »

Jennifer Lopez hits the stage for a performance of her new single “Live It Up” during the American Idol Season 12 Finale on Thursday (May 16) at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

The 43-year-old entertainer was joined for the performance by her collaborator Pitbull.

“About to #LIVEITUP on @americanidol #idolfinale!!!” Jennifer tweeted before her performance. Buy the song right now on iTunes!

The day before, Jennifer was in New York City to attend the upfront presentation for her new television network NUVOtv.

10+ pictures inside of Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull performing on American Idol… More Here! »

Angie Miller hits the stage with two of her own personal idols – Adam Lambert and Jessie J – during the American Idol Season 12 Finale on Thursday (May 16) at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

The 19-year-old singer was shockingly voted out of the competition last week and came in third place.

During the finale episode, Angie performed the song “Titanium” with Adam and then the song “Domino” with Jessie.

Great news for all of Angie‘s fans though – her original song “You Set Me Free” will be released on iTunes TONIGHT!

More Here! »

Amber Holcomb hits the stage with British recording artist Emeli Sande for a performance of “Next to Me” during the American Idol Season 12 Finale on Thursday (May 16) at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

The 19-year-old contestant came in fourth place during this season’s competition.

For a recap of all of Amber‘s performances during this season of American Idol, head on over to Just Jared Jr.!

Amber and the rest of the top eleven contestants will be heading out on tour this summer, so get your tickets now.

15+ pictures inside of Amber Holcomb and Emeli Sande on the red carpet… More Here! »