'American Idol' crowns 15th and final winner as TV show ends

Trent Harmon is the 15th and final "American Idol" winner.  He was crowned Thursday as Fox TV's singing contest ended its 15-season run. The runner-up was La'Porsha Renae.

The 24-year-old Harmon worked as a waiter at his family's restaurant before auditioning for the show. He grew up on a farm and described himself as a "dude from Mississippi," from the town of Amory.

Harmon, whose supple voice won over viewers, said on Wednesday's show that his persistence made him believe he had a shot at winning.  

The 22-year-old runner-up, Renae, is a single mother who overcame domestic abuse to compete. She's also from Mississippi.

"American Idol," once a ratings powerhouse that influenced TV and music, had suffered steady audience erosion before Fox decided it would end this season.