Candice Glover has won 'American Idol'.

The 23-year-old singer, who was considered the show's favourite, took home the crown on last night's (16.05.14) Season 12 finale, emerging victorious after battling it out against fellow hopeful Kree Harrison to win a recording contract.

Candice made jaws drop with her powerful rendition of Christina Aguilera's 'I Am Beautiful' and was overwhelmed with emotion when she became the first female champion since Jordin Sparks in Season Six, which was five years ago.

Jordin even made a surprise appearance on the show alongside the five male finalists and was humorously blamed for sabotaging the boys' chances after they had reigned supreme for the last few series.

Speaking after the finale, Candice admitted she was overwhelmed when she was announced as the champion after two previously unsuccessful auditions.

She told reporters: ''I'm still trying to process the whole thing. Like, I don't even know my name. I don't know what's happening. It feels amazing, though. I finally got to this point. I've been working for so long.

''I remember at one point saying, 'American Idol' obviously doesn't want me, so why would I go back? I found myself on the website looking at auditions again and just being determined. I just couldn't stay away because I knew that if I kept trying, it would happen.''

The soul star also had the chance to lend her vocals to a duet of 'Inseparable' with former contestant Jennifer Hudson, while Kree performed alongside judge Keith Urban with Randy Jackson on guitar and Blink 182's Travis Barker on the drums.