Cowell: Fantasia the best Idol ever

Simon Cowell crowned the new American Idol Fantasia Barrino as the best idol contestant ever, including the UK Pop Idol originals Will Young and Michelle McManus.

Macy Gray soundalike Barrino, 19, who has a three-year-old daughter blew away second-placed Diana Degarmo, the youngest ever finalist at 16.

Elton John has led criticism of voting in the third series of American Idol, hinting at racial reasons behind the elimination of some of the most gifted black singers.

But Cowell, who flies back to Britain from Los Angeles on Thursday, and fellow judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson claim it was their strongest-ever season and viewing figures were huge.

The number of viewers voting in the finale added up to an incredible 65 million and there is no doubt the show – which screens on ITV2 at the weekend – has unearthed a genuine talent.