American Idol Season 12 Finale | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

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! »

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! »

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.

FYI: Emeli is wearing the alice + olivia Cam Zipper Sleeve Biker Jacket on the carpet.

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

Candice Glover and Jennifer Hudson belt out the song “Inseparable” during the American Idol Season 12 Finale held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Finale on Thursday (May 16) in Los Angeles.

The performance was one of the highlights of an evening that saw performances from such guest artists as Adam Lambert, Emeli Sande, and Jessie J.

This weekend, Jennifer‘s performance on the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will air on HBO at 9/8c. Make sure to tune in.

WHAT DID YOU THINK of Candice Glover and Jennifer Hudson’s duet?

Mariah Carey takes to the stage looking beautiful to perform a medley of her greatest hits during the American Idol Season 12 Finale on Thursday (May 16) at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

The 43-year-old judge performed her songs “Vision of Love,” “Make It Happen,” “My All,” “Hero,” “We Belong Together,” and her current single “#Beautiful”.

“Thank you for supporting # beautiful and making it #1 on R&B! #L4L!!!!!!!” Mariah tweeted after finding out that her new single has become her 27th number one on the R&B/Hip Hop charts.