Who will be the next American Idol? The two finalists, Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips, faced off in three final rounds for the next Idol titled in the American Idol season 11 big final performances show live from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California on Tuesday (May 22).

In the first round, Idol creator Simon Fuller picked songs for Jessica (Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing”) and Phillip (Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me”). The two contestants had the opportunity to perform their favorite performance from their Idol journey – Phillip sang Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out” and Jessica sang Celine Dion‘s “The Prayer.”

American Idol Finalist Phillip Phillips Needs Surgery ASAP

And finally, in the third and final round, the two Idol wannabes performed their crowning song, which will be their first single when one of them is announced as the new American Idol in the final live results show on Wednesday (May 23).

2012 American Idol Season 11 Final Recap + Videos

American Idol Finale – Round 1 – Simon Fuller’s Pick

Jessica Sanchez tackles “I Have Nothing,” a beautiful power ballad by the late Whitney Houston, and impresses the judges and the crowd with another controlled and incredible performance. Can you believe this girl is only 16?

It’s time for Phillip Phillips to take on Ben E. King’s classic “Stand By Me.” Once again, the singer made the song his own, but perhaps this performance was too laid back and relaxed. I loved it. It was a honest performance, but it did not have the wow factor.

Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson both agreed Jessica won the first round, while Steven Tyler chose to remain silent.

American Idol Finale – Round 2 – Encore

Jessica Sanchez opted to sing another song by a diva, Celine Dion‘s “The Prayer,” which earned her a place in the Top 24 contestants. This was another great song for Jessica to showcase her incredible instrument, the voice. That final note was something else. Wow.

Phillip Phillips traveled back in time to Billy Joel week and reprised his performance of “Movin’ Out.” I wasn’t particularly impressed with his song choice, but it was a fun performance and an improvement from round 1. It was very Phillip Phillips!

The judges cannot decide who won this round. Steven Tyler picked Jessica, while Jennifer Lopez gave Phillip her vote. Randy Jackson decided to call it a tie.

American Idol Finale – Round 3 – Winner’s Song

Jessica Sanchez was given a piano ballad titled “Change Nothing,” written by Jaden Michaels, Joleen Belle and Harry Sommerdahl to sing as her big crowning song. The judges all agreed they would not have picked that song for Jessica, and that doesn’t sound like a good thing…

Phillip Phillips delivered a solid performance of his winner’s song, “Home,” written by Andrew Pearson and Greg Holden. Somehow this song is more suited to the contestant or Phillip is really [that] good making songs his own. The judges loved it and declared him as the winner of the final round.