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Last night on "American Idol," Candice Glover was crowned the Season 12 winner, and while it was the lowest-rated "Idol" finale ever, the show still featured some exciting moments, not the least of which was Candice's very deserved victory.

Reality Rocks headed to the "American Idol" Season 12 finale this Thursday, where I caught up with a random assortment of past and present Idols on the red carpet, from Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks to some of this year's colorful contestants, as well as fan favorites from Seasons 6 (Blake Lewis), 8 (Gokey, MacIntyre), and 10 (the dream team of Haley and Casey).

Then backstage after the big reveal, judges Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, new winner Candice Glover, and runner-up Kree Harrison all stopped by to talk to the press.

photo: Ray Mickshaw/FoxEver wonder why the winners REALLY cry at the "American Idol" finale? I think it's because they often have to release "I Believe a Moment Like This is My Now and is the Time of My Life Because I'm Flying Without Wings Inside Your Heaven"-type pap as their first singles. I'd be bummed too.

It's too bad that almost every past coronation song has been such a piece of sentimental, Hallmark-y dreck, but some have been more listenable than others. So here's my ranking of the "Idol" coronation songs, from best to worst. Where does Candice Glover's "I Am Beautiful" fit in? Read on...

Was Mariah live, or was she Memorex? [photo: Fox]Mariah Carey is known as one of the greatest singers of all time. She was hired this year, for a whopping $18 million, to judge other singers on "American Idol." So when she gave a performance on Thursday night's "Idol" finale that seemed more appropriate for another talent show, "RuPaul's Drag Race" — that is, she appeared to be lip-synching for her life — well, it was not a tour de force, dahling.

Candice wins! [photo: Matt Sayles/Invision/AP]The third time was the charm for Candice Glover on "American Idol." After trying out for the show twice before (and getting cut in Season 9's Hollywood Week and Season 11's Vegas Week), the 23-year-old South Carolina soulstress was crowned the new "Idol" champion this Thursday, on Season 12's finale.