American Idol 2014 Elimination Results: Finale Live Recap – Who Wins?

We jump right into the action tonight as the show opens with Caleb and Jena recounting their journey on Idol and how it all started with them waiting in the chamber to audition. They then walk out on stage together and start singing a medley of songs, starting with “We Will Rock You” by Queen, then “Just A Girl” by No Doubt and ending with “It’s Only Love” by Tina Turner and Bryan Adams. A great way to kick off the finale.

Jena & Caleb – Opening Number – American Idol… by IdolxMuzic

Ryan Seacrest asks Jena and Caleb how they’re feeling, and while they’re both obviously nervous, they’re also excited and proud that they made it this far in the Idol journey.

Next, Sam Woolf takes the stage now and sings “Home” by Season 11 Phillip Phillips, who shows up on stage himself and takes over with one of his new singles.

Sam Woolf & Phillip Phillips -Home & Raging… by IdolxMuzic

The next performance is from country singer Jennifer Nettles, who sings “That Girl.” Afterward, Jessica Meuse joins her on stage, and the two of them sing “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus. They share a hug when the song is over.

Jessica Meuse & Jennifer Nettles – Wrecking… by IdolxMuzic

Ryan Seacrest asks Randy Jackson about his opinion on the contestants, and Randy recalls how Caleb first auditioned in season 10 and he grew a lot and he’s like a wrecking ball, like the song they just sang. He said Jena was shy at first and has grown by leaps and bounds, and he’s proud of them both.

Now, JLo takes the Idol stage for the second time this season to sing her new single, “First Love.” She also sang this song at the Billboard Music Awards, where she received the Icon Award. After she sings, she shows off some of her dance moves.

Jennifer Lopez – First Love – American Idol 13… by IdolxMuzic

KISS joins Caleb on stage next to sing “Love Gun” and “Shout It Out Loud.” Pretty cool, haha.

Caleb Johnson & Kiss – Medley – American Idol… by IdolxMuzic

Aloe Blacc sings “The Man” next, joined by Dexter Roberts, CJ Harris, Sam Woolf, Ben Briley, Alex Preston and, of course, Caleb. It’s a nice little reunion performance for all the male Idol contestants from this season’s Top 13.

Aloe Blacc & Idol Guys – American Idol 13 (Finale) by IdolxMuzic

We take a little break from the performances as Jena and Caleb thank their respective mentors, Dr. Sherri Jaffurs and Josh Sawyer, who are both here tonight to support them. Jena and Caleb also surprise them by announcing that they’ll each be receiving a 2014 Ford Fusion,. They’re both super excited to hear that. It’s a nice moment.

Demi Lovato performs “Don’t Really Care” and “Neon Lights” with help from the female Idol contestants from this season, Majesty Rose, Emily Piriz, Kristen O’Connor, Malaya Watson, Jessica Meuse and finally Jena. (But where’s MK Nobilette?)

Demi Lovato & Idol Girls – American Idol 13… by IdolxMuzic

Jena takes the stage again to sing “Decode” by Paramore, and the band then joins her tonight to sing their awesome new song, “Ain’t It Fun.” Giant yellow balloons start to rain down on the audience while they perform. This is easily my favorite performance of the night so far.

Jena Irene & Paramore – American Idol 13 (Finale) by IdolxMuzic

John Legend takes the stage next to sing his new single, “You and I.” Malaya Watson then joins him to sing a duet performance of his hugely popular song, “All of Me.”

Malaya Watson & John Legend – All Of Me… by IdolxMuzic

Alex Preston sings “Love Someone” with his personal Idol, Jason Mraz. It’s just a nice, quiet performance, and they sound really good together.

Alex Preston & Jason Mraz – Love Someone… by IdolxMuzic

In an interesting turn of events, Ryan Seacrest takes the stage and starts singing “Right Here Waiting For You,” and it just sounds utterly beautiful (hahaha). After only a few verses, Richard Marx plays the piano and finishes singing the song with him.

Ryan Seacrest & Richard Marx – American Idol 13… by IdolxMuzic

Two-time Grammy winner Darius Rucker performs his song, “True Believers,” and Dexter Roberts and CJ Harris then come out on stage again to sing “Alright” with him.

Dexter CJ & Darius Rucker – American Idol 13… by IdolxMuzic

Lady Antebellum, best known for their song “Need You Now,” are here tonight to sing their new single, “Bartender.”

Lady Antebellum “Bartender” ~ American Idol… by HumanSlinky

For the first time in Idol history, all three judges join forces to perform together, accompanied by Randy Jackson. They sing “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper, followed by “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac. Keith sounds the best out of all of them to me, while Harry does a great job at rocking out on the piano. They all look like they’re having a blast up there performing together.

JLO, Keith, Harry & Randy – Medley – American… by IdolxMuzic

Finally, it’s time to find out who won American Idol Season 13. CEO of Telescope, Inc. Jason George presents Ryan with the envelop containing the results.

2014 Winner of American Idol will be revealed! by HumanSlinky

And the winner of American Idol Season 13 is…Caleb Johnson!

I’m genuinely surprised, to be honest, as I really thought Jena was going to win. I’m happy for Caleb, though. He was great all season. He’s so overwhelmed that he won that he doesn’t even sing at first, and instead embraces all of his fellow Idol contestants on stage. He then jumps into what will now be his debut single, “As Long As You Love Me,” while confetti pours down all across the theater.

The Winner of American Idol 2014 is announced! by HumanSlinky

That’s a wrap for American Idol 2014! See you next year!

Join us tonight on Gossip & Gab for our American Idol 2014 Live Recap! Let’s watch together and see who won American Idol Season 13 tonight! For even more American Idol news, check out our partner site American Idol Net. Bookmark us or friend us on Facebook or Twitter for all our latest updates. Want to see more from Contributing Writer Alison Tummolo? Check out her ramblings over on her own blog!