For the first time since a teenage Jordin Sparks scooped the American Idol title in 2007, a woman has won the FOX reality singing competition.

Earlier in the season, exiting judge Randy Jackson said Candice Glover gave one of the best performances in Idol history when she covered Lovesong (the Adele version of The Cure tune) and on Thursday night, she went on to win the American Idol title.

"Three years," was all Candice could say, after picking up the microphone themed Idol trophy, referring to how long she had been trying to make it into the competition.

Candice beat out her pal on the show, Kree Harrison, who became the Season 12 runner-up.

As the credits rolled, Candice performed her new single, I Am Beautiful.