Categories: TV News

Caleb Johnson Wins “American Idol,” Jena Irene Settles for Second

When it comes to the finales of music competition series, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is evidently a vote repellent.

Christina Grimmie, who performed the song on Monday’s edition of “The Voice,” was announced as second runner-up during the show’s live finale on Tuesday.

Jena Irene, who reprised her acclaimed version of the song on Tuesday’s “American Idol,” was announced as runner-up during her show’s live finale on Wednesday.

The thirteenth “Idol” honor instead went to Caleb Johnson, who performed his coronation single “As Long as You Love Me” to close the show.

Praised for his loud voice and even louder stage presence, Johnson was considered the frontrunner from the moment the live portion of the show began. While Irene gained momentum late in the season with stunning renditions of “Creep” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” the momentum was not enough to drive her to victory.

Brian Cantor

Brian Cantor is the editor-in-chief for Headline Planet. He has been a leading reporter in the music, movie, television and sporting spaces since 2002. Brian's reporting has been cited by major websites like BuzzFeed, Billboard, the New Yorker and The Fader -- and shared by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. Contact Brian at brian.cantor[at]headlineplanet.com.

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Brian Cantor