Sixteen-year-old Alaina from Rossville, Georgia, had been the judges' favourite after Tuesday's final sing-off, despite a vocal cord injury which required medical treatment.

Inspired by female revolutionaries in Egypt and elsewhere and fed up with being kept off the road, a small but vocal group of Saudi women have been actively fighting for their right to drive.

In addition to his vocal talent, Aiken showed off his acting skills by joining the cast of Spamalot on Broadway as Sir Robin in January 2008.