In a record-breaking 132 million votes – outstripping last year’s 120 million votes – guitar man Phillip Phillips won this year’s American Idol.

Ouch. Someone’s parents had a sense of humor. That aside…

“Phillips, 21, considered a strong favorite on online betting sites, impressed Idol judges and fans with his self-assured artistic choices to defeat 16-year-old balladeer Jessica Sanchez in the 11th edition of the Fox singing competition.

“The Leesburg, Ga., singer, who has been likened to everyone from Dave Matthews to Paul Simon, earned a standing ovation from the show’s judges for a final song, Home, during Tuesday’s performance finale, an auspicious way to lead into viewer voting.” – USA Today