Kelly Clarkson wins American Idol

Kelly Clarkson is America’s Pop Idol – the singer got 58% of the viewer votes last night. Clarkson and runner up Guarini sang three songs, two of which were specially written for the show, broadcast on the Fox network. Simon Cowell, judging for the show, told reporters the atmosphere was electric. "Suddenly all of America's watching, only one of them is going to win, but they were amazing. It was a one sided competition as far as I was concerned because Kelly, without question, was the better singer." Cowell, who says the US contestants were more impressive than their British counterparts, predicted Clarkson would become a world-class celebrity. "The audience were witnessing a star," he said. "It was like that movie, A Star is Born." Now the cash in begins – Kelly’s debut single is set for a 17 Sep release, with an album in November. And no doubt Guarini will be hitting the charts some time soon too.