Caleb Johnson is the winner of the 13th season of American Idol.
Caleb Johnson is the winner of the 13th season of American Idol.

Caleb Johnson is the winner of the 13th season of American Idol.

The 23-year-old beat 17-year-old Jena Irene Asciutto at the end of a live, star-studded TV show.

Johnson, a native of Asheville, North Carolina, will receive a record contract, with his first album due out on 12 August.

Johnson took to his Facebook account to thank his fans and share his excitement.

Wow what an incredible journey thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart this is absolutely amazing I am at loss...

Posted by Caleb Johnson on Wednesday, May 21, 2014

During the final performance on 20 May, Johnson sang three songs – Aerosmith's Dream On, Paul McCartney's Maybe I'm Amazed, and an original song called As Long As You Love Me.

Meanwhile, Asciutto performed Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine, Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley and her single We Are One.

During the two-hour special finale on 21 May, judges of the show – Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, Harry Connick Jr and Idol mentor Randy Jackson, performed together, a first time in Idol history.

Johnson performed with the band KISS and Asciutto got to perform with her favourite band Paramore.

The show also included performances by Demi Lovato, Darius Rucker, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, Lady Antebellum, Jason Mraz, Aloe Blacc and American Idol winners from previous seasons and contestants who were eliminated earlier this season.