To nobody’s surprise, Kalan Porter is the second winner of Canadian Idol.

The 18-year-old Alberta native defeated Theresa Sokyrka, 23, Thursday night. He had been the heavy favourite, never once appearing in the bottom two or three competitors in the competition.

“It’s really strange for me because I really feel like the same average normal guy but it’s really flattering,” the shy Porter said after the show. He also wins a recording contract with BMG, and signed his contract just minutes after he won.

Porter won’t have much time to celebrate. He will take part in numerous press interviews over the next few days, and will then enter the studio to work on his debut album, which BMG hopes to release before Christmas.

“Now is when the real work begins and I’m just excited to get into the studio.”

3.3 million votes were cast Wednesday night, bringing the total for this season to over 32 million, a 57 percent increase from the first season.

Porter performed his first single, “Awake in a Dream,” after his name was announced by host Ben Mulroney. The single has been sent to radio stations, and is probably playing as you read this.

Despite being considered almost a lock to win the competition, Porter said he was prepared for either scenario.

“It might sound a little over diplomatic but it’s not at all- I would have been just as happy if Theresa won,” he said. “We both felt like winners and we’re both excited for each other.”

When he heard his name called as the winner, Porter’s immediate instinct was to think ahead to the future — the immediate future. “The first thing that went though my mind was ‘oh crap; now I have to sing’.”

Look for andPOP’s complete recap tomorrow morning, as well as exclusive photos from Thursday’s finale

Should Kalan have won? Would someone else make a better Idol? Comment below!






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