Phillip Phillips has been named the winner of American Idol, besting 16-year-old Chula Vista native Jessica Sanchez.
Sanchez would have become the youngest winner and one of the first to win after being saved by judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.
Along with the title, the guitar playing Georgia native Phillips also receives a $1 million recording contract.
For West Coast viewers, the decision will be officially announced during the final show of the season which begins at 8 p.m.
Adam Lambert is the only other San Diegan to make it to the final two in American Idol.
debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart Wednesday, knocking previous Idol winner Carrie Underwood from the top spot.
As of late Wednesday night, a that 60 percent of respondents think Jessica will be a national star in five years.
