Rooted on by family and friends, Wednesday night saw Theo Tams, a student of Alberta being crowned the new Canadian Idol. Wiping tears, Theo made a brief emotion-filled acceptance speech before a cheering crowd.

In East-meets-West showdown, the 23-year old crooner with a big voice, beat 22-year old Mitch MacDonald, a carpenter from Port Hood, Nova Scotia, in a star-packed show that featured Mariah Carey and John Legend. Dressed in a sparkling black mini-dress and high stilettos, Mariah enthralled the audience with her disco-themed single, ‘I,m That Chick,’ and her hit ‘We Belong Together,’ with Legend performing ‘Green Light’ and ‘Evolve’ from his upcoming album.

Classically trained Tams vowed fans and judges alike with strong rendition of sensitive ballads. MacDonald won accolades for his best offering of ‘if’ by Bread, while Tams impressed voting fans with his own version of ‘Good Mother’ by Jann Arden.

Four million votes were cast for the Canadian Idol finalists following the Monday night performance.

Taking the title from Hamilton rocker Brian Melo, Tams has won a record deal with Sony BMG, with his first single ‘Sin’ to be released on the radio.