The Season 12 finale of “American Idol” featured several guest performers: Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Frankie Valli, Jesse J, Psy, Pittbull and Aretha Franklin via satellite.

Who won “American Idol” 2013?

I’m not sure it was a big surprise to everyone — except for maybe the winner herself — but the Candice Glover vs. Kree Harrison battle was all about overcoming obstacles and believing in yourself.

We all knew Candice Glover was a feel-good story right from the beginning when she made the Top 10, and we kept rooting for her after every elimination, even after other feel-good stories (like Lazaro Arbos) and more marketable singers (like Angie Miller) were eliminated.

Despite the on-air and off-air drama of the judges — the name calling and Twitter wars between Nicki Minaj and Maria Carey, and the announced departure next season of resident “dawg” Randy Jackson — Season 12 of “American Idol” all came down to “the voice.”

And Candice Glover — as well as her Top 2 partner Kree Harrison, a feel-good story herself, losing both her parents at a young age, and also an aspiring singer trying to make it Nashville — had “the voice.”

Candice Glover won “American Idol” Season 12 over Kree Harrison for an incredible range and the ability to relate to the “Idol” audience.

The finale — despite all the pomp and circumstance of guest performers such as Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Frankie Valli, Jesse J, Psy, Pittbull and Aretha Franklin via satellite — was all about a 23-year-old girl from St. Helena Island, South Carolina, and her dream to be on a big stage and sing her heart out.

To her it was only a dream.

Not any more!

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Who are the guest performers at tonight’s “American Idol” 2013 finale? We have the spoilers!

UPDATE: Who won ‘American Idol’ 2013? We have the results here!

Predictions, predictions! Well, “American Idol” 2013 has come down to the Top 2: Kree Harrison vs. Candice Glover.

What did you think of last night’s show? (Check out the video from E! News below.)

Each singer performed three songs, and each one made a case for taking home the Season 12 title — which will be, by the way, the first time a woman has won since Jordan Sparks on Season 6.

This morning on the “Gravy in the Morning” radio show, I made my predictions for what I think will happen tonight on the results show (8-10 p.m., May 16, Fox).

First, let me tell you what my radio friends think.

Gravy — who to his credit, picked last year’s winner, Phillip Phillips right at the beginning of Season 11 — has stuck with soulful country girl Kree Harrison to be this year’s winner. He may be right. The Texas native lives a musician’s lifestyle in Nashville, and is considered a serious performer with a great voice who is versatile and can do more than just country.

Her best performance last night was “Up to the Mountain,” a song she played earlier in the season and one that showcases her ability to sing just about anything.

Gravy’s co-host, Rachael Gray, thinks Kree has a great chance to win, but is siding toward Candice Glover, who has been so consistent this season and — to borrow a reality TV phrase from “Survivor” — “outlasted” the competition.

Candice’s best song of the night was “I Who Have Nothing,” also a song she performed earlier in the season; it closed the show.

MY PREDICTION
I have followed “American Idol” since Season 1 — I picked Kelly Clarkson over Justin Guarini — and I have been writing about the show’s success for years. I have interviewed many of the judges, talked to many of the winners and gone on tour to see the performers live in concert.

That’s not to say I am perfect. I have made some bad predictions over the years. I still don’t know how Katharine McPhee lost out to Taylor Hicks (Season 5)!

As for Season 12: I love this Top 2. I’m bummed Angie Miller did not make it this far, but maybe this shows that fans are ready for something different.

That’s why I am predicting Candice Glover will win.

She has the best voice in the competition, plus I love her vulnerability; and I love the fact she seems like an “Idol” winner who could go on and have a lengthy career.

I also love the fact she is just so down to earth. Fans, feel free to join the discussion in the comments below or email me.

As for surprise performances tonight; you know there will be many!

SPOILERS!
Word has it that The Band Perry, Adam Lambert, possibly Phillip Phillips and even Psy will all perform on the show.

Also, expect to see former judge Jennifer Lopez and and current judges — for now — Keith Urban and Mariah Carey.

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Each singer on “American Idol” Season 12 finale performed three songs, including their single.

UPDATE: Who won ‘American Idol’ 2013? We have the results here!

I can’t believe it’s the “American Idol” 2013 finale: It’s country girl Kree Harrison vs. soulful singer Candice Glover.

And on tonight’s show, each singer performed three songs.

The first song was selected by the show’s creator, Simon Fuller.

The second song is the winner’s choice for a single. And host Ryan Seacrest reminds us that last year’s song, “Home” by Phillip Phillips, has gone on to become the top selling single by an “Idol” winner.

The third song is each contestant’s favorite of the season.

Here we go!

KREE HARRISON
• She sings “Angel,” which is Simon Fuller’s pick. It’s a super-slowed down version, and Kree sounds incredible. She’s just a little nervous.

• Next she sings “All Cried Out,” the song that will be her single should she win. It is a ballad. There are some pitch issues, but the song suits her well. All the judges, except for Nicki Minaj, give her a standing ovation. I don’t think it as good as “Home,” but it should be accepted by radio. And fans.

• As her pick, Kree brings back “Up to the Mountain,” which she performed in Las Vegas. It shows her bluesy side and wows all the judges. It’s her best song of the night.

CANDICE GLOVER
• She sings “Chasing Pavements,” which is Simon Fuller’s choice. She struggles at the beginning as she searches for the key. It gets better during the chorus. But the ’70s/jazz vibe doesn’t match her voice. Judge Randy Jackson, who is leaving after this season, said he didn’t care for either of the Simon Fuller’s picks — because they were too slow — but says Candice was best for showing off her lower register.

• Her single is “I Am Beautiful,” a song with an inspirational message that also should find appeal among her fans. Keith Urban said both songs were taylor-made for each singer. Nicki agreed, and she praised the songwriters for finding a perfect song for Candice. “It fit her like a Glover,” he added.

• She picks “I Who Have Nothing,” (from the Top 10 show) and sings the opening lines a capella — now that’s the way to make an impression. Will it be enough to win her the title?

Come back tomorrow to MLive.com for our predictions, more details about the finale (8-10 p.m. May 16, Fox) and more.

Tune in at 6:45 a.m. Thursday, May 15, to the “Gravy in the Morning” show on HOT-FM (105.3) to listen to my recap and hear who I predict will win this season. We’ll also find out if co-host Rachael Gray agree with Gravy, who picked Kree at the beginning of the season.

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Kree Harrison and Candice Glover advanced to next week’s finale. That means Angie Miller misses out!

Did you predict this one? On tonight’s “American Idol” 2013 Top 3 results show — revealing the Top 2 — it was Candice Glover and Kree Harrison to make it to next week’s finale?

That’s right. Angie Miller — the 19-year-old singer with a big smile, big voice and big aspirations — was eliminated tonight (May 9).

So much for “Idol” producers, judges and mentor Jimmy Iovine giving Kree bad songs on Wednesday night’s performance show.

On the results show tonight, which featured performances by former “Idol” star Lauren Alaina and Grammy award winner Alicia Keys, it was hard to ignore all of the day’s developments.

First, a story surfaced that all the judges will be shown the door next season.

Later in the day, longtime judge, Randy Jackson confirmed he was going to leave after this season.

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“American Idol” auditions last came to the Motor City in 2002 when producers were auditioning for Season 2.

Despite the fact longtime judge Randy Jackson won’t be back next season, and rumors persist of a whole new judge’s panel, the auditions will go on for next season.

And Detroit is getting its first audition since 2002 when auditions came to the Motor City for Season 2.

Detroit is one of six cities announced today to host auditions.

The news comes on the night that “Idol” announced its finale next week. Competing for the Season 12, “American Idol” 2013 title will be Kree Harrison and Candice Glover.

Here is a list of audition dates, according to AmericanIdol.com

AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 13 AUDITION CITIES:

San Francisco, CA – July 16
AT&T Park
24 Willie Mays Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94107

Detroit, MI – July 21
Ford Field
2000 Brush Street #200
Detroit, MI 48226

Atlanta, GA – July 26
Gwinnett Center
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway #100
Duluth, GA 30097

Boston, MA – August 2
Gillette Stadium
1 Patriot Place
Foxboro, MA 02035

Austin, TX – August 7
Frank Erwin Center
1701 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701

Omaha, NE – August 11
CenturyLink Center
55 North 10th Street
Omaha, NE 68102

Starting next Thursday, May 16, after the finale you can audition online at AmericanIdol.com.

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“Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on ‘American Idol’ I have decided it is time to leave after this season,” Randy Jackson said in a statement.

Original “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson confirms he is officially leaving after this season.Courtesy photo 

It’s official, the “dawg” is leaving the building. Randy Jackson — the last original judge of the Fox reality TV singing show “American Idol” — announced today he is leaving after this season.

The news comes on the heels of a report issued today that “American Idol” is about to undergo major changes next season, including all new judges and the possibility of dismissing longtime executive director Nigel Lythgoe.

Tonight (May 9), “American Idol” 2013 will reveal its Top 2 for Season 12.

The finale is next week, May 15 and 16.

“I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry,” Jackson said in a statement.

“It’s been a life-changing opportunity, but I am looking forward to focusing on my company, Dream Merchant 21, and other business ventures.”

All the changes are due to decreased ratings and the changing habits of today’s TV viewers, who now use mobile devices and tablets to stay in touch with their favorite programs.

To complicate matters, several other singing TV shows have been introduced the last few years.

NBC’s “The Voice,” in only its 4th season, is already out-pacing “American Idol.”

According to reports, “Idol” has dropped almost 25 percent in the ratings from last year, when the ratings were the lowest in show history.

RELATED: “American Idol” Top 3 Recap: Kree Harrison, Candice Glover and Angie Miller get emotional on hometown visits.

RELATED: “American Idol” 2013 Top 2 revealed!

Jackson first appeared on the panel alongside Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul when the competition debuted in 2002, becoming famous for his “yo, dawg” comments and his signature shout out to contestants, saying they’re “in it to win it.”

Abdul departed after Season 8 after not coming to terms with producers on a new contract.

Cowell left after Season 9 to launch his “The X Factor” show.

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The 56-year-old record producer and bassist called the experience a “life-changing opportunity.” He said he’s leaving “Idol” to focus on his record label and other business opportunities.

View full sizeRandy Jackson arrives at the Winter TCA Fox All-Star Party at the Langham Huntington Hotel, in Pasadena, Calif., on In this Jan. 8, 2013. Jackson, the 56-year-old “American Idol” judge says he won’t be returning to the Fox talent competition after serving 12 seasons on the show’s judging panel. The record producer says in a statement on Thursday, May 9, 2013, he’s leaving “Idol” to focus on his record label and other business opportunities. Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File

LOS ANGELES — Jackson out.

Randy Jackson, the lone original “American Idol” judge, says he won’t be returning to the Fox talent competition.

“To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on ‘American Idol,’ I have decided to leave after this season,” Jackson said in a statement Thursday. “I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry.”

The 56-year-old record producer and bassist called the experience a “life-changing opportunity.” He said he’s leaving “Idol” to focus on his record label and other business opportunities.

Jackson has served as a judge on all 12 seasons of “Idol.” He first appeared on the panel alongside Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul when the competition debuted in 2002, becoming famous for his easygoing “yo, dawg” rapport with contestants.

Jackson currently judges the show with pop royalty Mariah Carey, R&B diva Nicki Minaj and country star Keith Urban. His exit comes amid reports the entire panel will be replaced next season. A spokeswoman for Fox and spokesman for “Idol” producer FremantleMedia declined to comment.

Ratings for “Idol” have plummeted this season. The show has been the most popular entertainment program in prime time for nine years running, but it’s likely “Idol” will lose that distinction this season. It’s now regularly behind the NBC singing competition “The Voice” in the weekly ratings.

The current 12th season is set to conclude next week.

Or maybe Kree Harrison will square off in the Season 12 finale of “American Idol” 2013!

So, what’s in store tonight for “American Idol” 2013? Will the Top 2 reveal Angie Miller and Candice Glover as the singers who advance to next week’s finale?

And what will happen to the extremely talented Kree Harrison, who has been one of this season’s top contenders right from the outset?

Did the show’s producers, judges and mentor Jimmy Iovine “throw her under the bus,” as some of our readers have suggested on MLive.com? Obviously the powers that be selected songs that didn’t quite suit her?

SPOILERS at the bottom of this story and in the comments!

As a long time fan of “American Idol” you have to wonder what’s going on behind the scenes.

In fact, reports surfaced again today that show’s future –or at least the way we know it — is in jeopardy.

Oh, it will be back for Season 13, but reports are saying that all the judges — Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson — as well as executive director Nigel Lythgoe will all be gone. (Video report below.)

RELATED: ‘American Idol’ judge Randy Jackson officially departs the Fox reality TV show

RELATED: “American Idol” Top 3 Recap: Kree Harrison, Candice Glover and Angie Miller get emotional on hometown visits.

I think the show is due for an overhaul.

We’ll see what happens.

Right now we’re more concerned about tonight!

Kree? Candice? Angie?

Personally, I hope Kree makes it.

Follow the results live tonight (8 p.m., May 9, Fox). Refresh this page or join us in the comments below.

UPDATE 1: Candice is the first one announced as a finalist!

UPDATE 2: Kree Harrison makes it to the finale. That’s a bit of a shocker. That means Angie Miller does not make it into the finale.

Email John Gonzalez at gonzo@mlive.com
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