In the end, it came down to the battle of the Mississippi residents, but Trent managed to take home the most votes from the audience, scoring victory in the show's last episode.
Trent praised God as he's showered with confetti. "God is real," he said while embracing the runner-up La'Porsha.
He held back tears as he sang his winning song "Falling." Earlier, the last two finalists teamed up for a rendition of Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston's "It Takes Two", reported Ace Showbiz.
He praised "American Idol" for having "transformed television" and also encouraged Americans to vote in elections like the upcoming Presidential race.
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The two-hour finale also brought back former judges, including Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.
Kara performed Pink's "Sober" with Tamyra Gray and Jordin Sparks, while Cowell took the chance to apologise for their mean comments to contestants.
"I'd like to say on behalf of us, thank you America for inviting us into your homes. Thank you to the contestants, to FOX for actually putting us on air, to you guys for actually being my best friends now, and I am going to miss you," he said to Paula and Randy.
Carrie Underwood teamed up with Keith Urban for a duet of "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around".
Jennifer Lopez, meanwhile, performed her new song "Ain't Your Mama" live for the first time.
Kellie Pickler, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, Skylar Laine, Kree Harrison, Constantine Maroulis, Caleb Johnson, Chris Daughtry, Bucky Covington, Ace Young, Katharine McPhee, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard and Jessica Sanchez were among other musical performers in the farewell episode.