Sparks, who captured the hearts of viewers of the most popular U.S. TV show with her bubbly personality and big voice, beat 25-year-old Blake Lewis in a contest that was decided by a telephone vote in which record 74 million votes were cast.
The two finalists embraced after host Ryan Seacrest announced the result with Sparks, dressed in a long, flowing gold gown, having difficulty catching her breath.
"Thank you so much for everything -- Mom and Dad, I love you!" said the emotional teenager.
In its sixth season, "American Idol" has grown from a cheesy summer talent competition into a cultural phenomenon that draws about 30 million viewers twice a week to the Fox network, owned by News Corp.
In its sixth season, "American Idol" has grown from a cheesy summer talent competition into a cultural phenomenon that draws about 30 million viewers twice a week to the Fox network, owned by News Corp.
The show puts contestants through auditions and performances that showcase musical genres ranging from country to hard rock and has produced a list of successful stars from both its winners and losers. About 100,000 people auditioned for the show's sixth season.
On Wednesday night's show at Hollywood's Kodak Theater, four of the show's five previous winners -- Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks -- performed a medley of Beatles tunes with the show's top 12 finalists.
"American Idol" has also become a coveted forum for established artists to be seen, a
"American Idol" has also become a coveted forum for established artists to be seen, a
nd Wednesday's star-studded event included performances by Gwen Stefani, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Tony Bennett and Green Day.
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