Candice Glover is the American Idol Season 12 winner!

It was a dramatic finale episode tonight that featured guest performances from The Band Perry, Psy, Jennifer Lopez, judge Mariah Carey and various Idol 2013 alum. Candice even sang a duet with former Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson. Those girls can flat out sing.

After hearing her name called in the last few minutes of the show, Candice Glover burst into tears. Former contestants joined the powerhouse vocalist as she sang her brand new single "I Am Beautiful" [a soulful anthem with a little Adele sprinkled on top].

The grin on runner-up Kree Harrison was warm and genuine. You could really tell the two singers bonded alot over the last few months. Kree has nothing to worry about. Her career too is just beginning. Living in Nashville, I would be there's producers and songwriters already trying to get in touch with the country singer. With country music being one of the most popular genres in the industry, Kree Harrison could be the next Carrie Underwood.

Enough about Kree, tonight's spotlight is on the Idol 2013 winner: Candice Glover.

Something I've noticed watching American Idol over the years is way these young singers, many in their teens, transform so dramatically over the course of the season. They start out fresh and naïve and evolve into these poised, commanding performers. Though the show's ratings have continued to dip, the winners continue to become some of the most popular entertainers of all time. Sure there's been a flop once or twice but Kelly Clarkson, Phillip Phillips?