19-year-old Fantasia Barrino, a black single mom from North Carolin, won the hit reality TV show. Barrino's style, which ranged from tender to earthy, moved the three-judge panel to tears and captivated audiences.

Fantasia Barrino (L) and Diana DeGarmo during the finals of the 'American Idol' - pic courtesy Reuters

First runner-up DeGarmo, 16, a Georgia schoolgirl, was the youngest contestant to reach an idol final. But she suffered uncharacteristic pitch problems in the Tuesday night finale before a live audience at Hollywood's Kodak Theater. She is also expected to secure video recording contracts.