LOS ANGELES May 27, 2004-- Fantasia Barrino was voted ‘American Idol,’ with a 1.3 million-vote edge over competitor, Diana DeGarmo, last night on Fox.

Barrino is a 19-year-old single mother from High Point, N.C. She lives with her 2-year-old daughter, Zion, about whom she said, “I fought so that my child can have the best.”

“I feel like a good mom,” Barrino added. “I’m a strong woman now…don’t look down on me. Pray for me because I’m trying.”

During last year’s finale, Reuben Studdard claimed the ‘American Idol’ title with 24 million votes cast, in comparison with this year’s 65 million votes.

Runner-up, DeGarmo, a 16-year-old from G.A., plans on recording an album just like last year’s runner-up Clay Aiken. Aiken has even beat Studdard in record sales so far.

DeGarmo does not have a record deal yet, but she said, “Anybody, please sign me…And Fantasia, you better watch out because I’m coming with one.”

‘American Idol’ judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul agreed with the ‘Idol’ choice. “There aren’t many other artists in America right now that I’d prefer to have on my label,” Cowell said.

Abdul agreed with Cowell, “…everything from her name, to the way she looks, to the way she sounds, to her personality. She’s just got it.”

Barrino will release her first single, “I Believe,” which was written by past ‘Idol’ contestant Tamyra Gray who competed with Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini during the first season.

According to ABCNEWS.com, “All 12 finalists will go on tour together this summer, something they practiced for Wednesday with a lengthy medley of the series’ previous songs.”

All quotes from The Associated Press on ABCNEWS.com