She?s Britney Spears with a voice, Christina Aguilera with morals, and the new envy of all teenage girls. America has chosen its idol in Kelly Clarkson. The 20-year-old from Burleson, Texas was announced as the winner of ?American Idol? in the final episode, beating out Justin Guarini, 23, of Doylestown, Pa.

With over 100 million votes tabulated by phone since Tuesday night, Clarkson received 58% of the public?s votes. She receives a guaranteed album deal with RCA, and will release a single, ?A Moment Like This,? through the label on September 17. She performed the song immediately after she won.

?I?m pretty much thinking, how am I going to sing this song crying?? was her first reaction, after hearing her name read as the winner. Guarini smiled and embraced her with a hug until she stopped crying.

During the song however, she became overwhelmed with emotions that she had to say, ?sorry,? for her pauses. She was still able to hit all the high notes, and ended in tears and the 9 other finalists came to congratulate her.

?I?m so blessed to be up here,? said Guarini, thanking the fans, his family, and the three judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson.

All three judges picked Clarkson to win. Cowell admitted that, ?the talent is better [in America,]? compared to England, where the show originated. Will Young was victorious in ?Pop Idol,? and he performed a duet with Clarkson on tonight?s show.

A concert from Las Vegas featuring all 10 finalists will air on September 23.






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