LOS ANGELES, May 22 — Caleb Johnson has been declared the winner of American Idol season 13. His victory has left 17-year old Jena Irene in his wake, as Johnson successfully won a recording contract.

Johnson’s performed ‘Dream on’ by Aerosmith, ‘Maybe I’m amazed’ by Paul McCartney and his signature single, ‘As you love me’. Irene’s performance carried tunes from Elvis Presley, Florence and her single ‘We are one’.

The voting process done over the phone, online and through text messaging was heralded by host Ryan Seacrest as, “The Wild Card vs. the Wild Child.” During today’s finale, guests caught Johnson performing with the band KISS and was later joined by his brother Houston on stage to meet his favourite band. Meanwhile, Irene tried to woo the audience with her on-stage act with Paramore.

The all star two-hour special brought back many faces of contestants who were eliminated earlier in the season as well as appearances by JLo, Darius Rucker, John Legend and some previous Idol winners.

“It’s amazing to see my brother out there performing with such an amazing band. It’s crazy,” said Houston Johnson. — FOX Carolina