‘Rock and Roll Viking' Caleb Johnson was crowned the 13th American Idol on Wednesday night's finale of the Fox singing competition. The 23-year-old rocker from North Carolina immediately covered his face with his hands in shock following the announcement. And there were no hard feelings from runner-up Jena Irene, who leapt into his arms to congratulate the Asheville native. 'I can't believe it. This is crazy. Thank you guys so much!' Caleb told the 7,000 screaming fans at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.
Johnson then victoriously launched into his coronation song As Long As You Love Me, which will be on his album dropping August 12. The Southern boy - who 'loves biscuits and gravy' - had been a strong frontrunner from the start after his season 10 stint left him well-seasoned. And the 17-year-old wild card from Farmington Hills, Michigan did not leave empty-handed as she and Caleb were both given Ford Mustangs as well as their families. The season 13 cast will next perform on the 41-show American Idol summer tour kicking off June 24 at New York's Broome County Arena in Binghamton.
