Phillip Phillips Wins 'American Idol'

May 24, 2012 — -- Phillip Phillips was crowned the season 11 "American Idol" champion on Wednesday night's results show.

More than 132 million votes came in after Tuesday's performance show -- a new "Idol" record.

Jessica Sanchez was this season's runner up. Phillips was overcome with emotion performing his winner's song, "Home," as the show ended.

Before the results were revealed, Sanchez and Phillips sang the Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes duet, "Up Where We Belong."

The top 12, minus Sanchez and Phillips, opened the show with a group performance of Bruno Mars' "Runaway Baby."

Phillips teamed up with John Fogerty to sing Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" which he had performed earlier in the season. They followed it up with the CCR staple, "Bad Moon Rising."

Sanchez later revisited Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," the song she first made a big impact with earlier in the season. She returned for a real show-stopping performance of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," from "Dreamgirls," with the woman who sang it originally on Broadway, Jennifer Holliday.

Joshua Ledet teamed up with Fantasia for a duet on the early Elton John song, "Take Me to the Pilot." Ledet was called "Mantasia" for most of the season, so this duet was a big moment for "Idol" fans.

The ladies of the top 12 sang Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody" and "Through the Fire" before Khan joined them on "I'm Every Woman."

The guys of the top 12 sang Neil Diamond's "America," "Cracklin' Rosie" and "I'm a Believer" before Diamond joined them for "Sweet Caroline."

The top 12 also poked fun at judge Randy Jackson's overused phrase about good singers being able to sing the phone book by actually singing the phone book in a funny skit.

In tribute to the late Robin Gibb, the top 12 guys sang a Bee Gees medley, including "Words," "How Deep Is Your Love," "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" and "To Love Somebody."

Rihanna emerged out of a box onto a smoke-filled stage to perform "Where Have You Been." It was a high-production number with dancers and lasers accentuating Rihanna's latest hit.

Skylar Laine teamed up with country icon Reba McEntire for a collaboration on her no. 1 hit, "Turn Up the Radio."

Hollie Cavanagh was joined by Jordin Sparks for a duet on the show tune, "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Judge Jennifer Lopez turned in a performance of "Goin' In" from the upcoming movie, "Step Up Revolution," and "Follow the Leader" featuring Wishin & Yandel. Of course, Lopez was backed up by a big team of dancers.

Judge Steven Tyler performed with Aerosmith towards the end of the night, too. The group sang its new song, "Legendary Child," before going into "Walk this Way."

As part of the show, Ford presented new Ford Escapes to Phillips' musical mentor, his brother-in-law, Ben Neil, and Sanchez's mentor, Robert Talon. Phillips and Sanchez also got new 2013 Ford Fusions.

Several stars were spotted in the crowd, including former "Idol" champ Carrie Underwood and Jane Lynch of "Glee." Lauren Alaina and Taylor Hicks were there, too.

"Idol" alums and real-life couple Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo actually got engaged on the show. Young went down on his knees and presented her a ring, and DeGarmo nodded yes before they shared a big kiss. Seacrest held the ring's box as Young slipped it on DeGarmo's finger.

Preparations for "American Idol's" 12th season are already underway. Auditions for next season start in Los Angeles at Dodgers Stadium on June 7.