Candice Glover joined Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, and Jordin Sparks by becoming the newest “American Idol.” Only hours after the
confetti fell from the “Idol” stage, the South Carolina singer had already
announced her debut album.
The 23-year-old
excursions coordinator from St. Helena Island
beat out country singer Kree Harrison in Thursday’s finale and performed a duet with her idol Jennifer Hudson.
Glover, who cites Jazmine Sullivan and Christina Aguilera as
inspirations, auditioned three times before winning. She was still
soaking in the surreal moment.
“I don’t remember [Ryan Seacrest] saying my name,” Glover told
The AP. “I do remember confetti getting in my mouth.”
The vocal powerhouse has
signed a
record deal with 19 Recordings/Interscope Records and will release her full-length debut
Music Speaks on July 16. The album is available for
pre-order on
iTunes featuring her coronation song “I Am Beautiful.”
Glover will hit the road with her fellow “Idol” contestants on the “American Idol”
summer tour,
kicking off June 29 in St. Louis. She is also set to visit “The
Tonight Show With Jay Leno” and “Live! With Kelly & Michael” during
her press tour.