American Idol Finalists Sing It To Win It

American Idol finale in nine years.

The contestants sang three songs apiece: one chosen by Idol producer Nicki Minaj — who said she felt Glover won the round — said Harrison's song made her "reach down in the gut" more than ever but thought Glover's song spoke more to her personal journey on the show.

Harrison saved her biggest fireworks for her final performance, a revival of Patty Griffin's Up to the Mountain.

Backed by a full choir, she belted the song and brought the four judges to their feet.

"That right there is a winning kind of performance," Jackson told her, while Urban called the song "absolutely beautiful".

Glover brought the house down to close the show with her version of I (Who Have Nothing), opening the song a cappella while enveloped in smoke before lighting up her full scorched-earth vocals.

"That girl can plum-flat-out sing!" said Jackson, offering his final Idol critique. "This is how you do it. You just shot this whole night to a whole 'nother level, and that's what I've been waiting on. Because it's about singing, and baby, you've got it all!"

After praising Glover's "powerhouse" vocals, Urban told her: "That song is like a planet exploding to life."

Carly Rae Jepsen also debuted her song Take A Picture, which was part of a season-long contest sponsored by Coca-Cola.

But the final was overshadowed somewhat by reports that Nicki Minaj will be the next judge (after Randy) to announce her departure.

A source told Us Weekly: "It's safe to say [Nicki] isn't coming back to Idol.

"She's okay with it. She had a great time but was only going to do one season anyway."

The singing can be seen this evening on 5* in the UK, with the results show being broadcast tomorrow night.

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