LOS ANGELES — Phillip Phillips, a bluesy Georgia guitar man, was crowned the new “American Idol” after defeating teenager Jessica Sanchez in record viewer voting. He was the fifth male “Idol” winner in a row.

Phillips, 21, a pawn shop worker from Leesburg, Georgia, looked stunned when host Ryan Seacrest announced his name Wednesday night, then wordlessly accepted a hug from Sanchez and congratulations from his fellow finalists.

He dissolved into tears as he sang “Home,” the song that may be his first single. Phillips retained his humble, self-effacing demeanor to the end, and beyond.

“I have no idea why I won, man,” he said in his backstage dressing room. “I guess some people liked the music that I was doing. I’m just lucky. ... I was just doing my thing each week.” — AP