Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Ryan Seacrest billed it as the battle between the wild child and the wild card.

On Wednesday night, the wild child won.

North Carolina rocker Caleb Johnson was named the Season 13 winner over Jena Irene, who was trying to become the first female wild card contestant ever to win the show.

And the 23-year-old, who was so determined not to let emotion get the best of him on his trip home a couple of weekends ago, couldn’t control his emotions this time around.

As the band started playing his victory song, he covered his face with his hands. Until he was swarmed by the fellow Idol finalists.

Then he hugged each one before launching into his new single, “As Long As You Love Me.”

I was rooting for Jena Irene, but I certainly can’t be mad at that outcome. Not like when Kris Allen beat Adam Lambert in Season 8 or Lee DeWyze beat Crystal Bowersox in Season 9.

These two were evenly matched, clearly the cream of the crop of Season 13. Once they made the finals, Idol couldn’t go wrong.

And Caleb delivered the best effort in Tuesday’s performance finale, a rousing rendition of Aerosmith’s “Dream On.”

Below are photos of Caleb’s victory. Check back tomorrow. I’ll have interview blogs with Jena and the new Idol champ.

Caleb Johnson reacts to winning American Idol. (FOX Photo)

Caleb Johnson reacts to winning American Idol. (FOX Photo)

Caleb Johnson is congratulated on his American Idol victory by Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest. (FOX Photo)

Caleb Johnson sings his victory song as confetti falls on the Season 13 American Idol champ. (FOX Photo)

Caleb Johnson sings his victory song as confetti falls on the Season 13 American Idol champ. (FOX Photo)

The backdrop says it all after Caleb Johnson claimed the Season 13 American Idol title. (FOX Photo)