The verdict is finally out!

After weeks of slugging it out in Sony Entertainment Television's most popular reality show, Indian Idol [Images], Prashant Tamang has won the coveted crown.

The grand finale -- a three-hour show held in National Small Industries Corporation Ground, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi -- saw thousands of fans waiting breathlessly for the results, while millions others watched it from their homes.

The show saw performances from the top 13 contestants, as well as from Mika, Alisha Chinnai, Anu Malik [Images], Udit Narayan and Sukhwinder.

John Abraham [Images] made a surprise entry at the end, and was the one to declare Prashant the winner. As soon as he heard the news, Prashant -- a 24-year-old constable from Darjeeling -- became emotional and could not hold back his tears. His mother, who was accompanying him, broke down in tears as well.

On the other hand, runner-up Amit Paul, who hails from Shillong, was all smiles.

Both boys win a Maruti [Get Quote] SX4 car each, while Prashant bags a Rs 1 crore contract with Sony as well.

The boys, who seem to be the nation's favourite singers right now, got a whooping seven crore votes during the contest.

Reportage: Patcy N | Photograph: Reuben V