Even though he was considered a frontrunner all season, J Rome describes winning Thursday's finale of the hit competition show, "Duets" as "an out of body experience."

The R&B/pop singer's celebrity partner on the show was mom-to-be Jennifer Nettles. Sugarland's vocal powerhouse actually had two partners in the Top 3, as she also took fellow Georgia native John Glosson to the finale. But she predicted the viewers' votes would go to J Rome.

"I loved those vocal performances that were big, long soaring melodies," Jennifer tells Zap2It of her admiration for her winning protégé's pitch-perfect voice and commanding stage presence. "For me, I appreciated 'How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,' 'I Will Always Love You,' and 'God Bless the Child' ... Those showcased the real depth of his talent."

"I'm grateful to Jennifer for everything," gushes J Rome, who won a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

J Rome's final performances on the inaugural season of the show were a duet with Jennifer on DeBarge's "Rhythm of the Night," followed by his solo rendition of the Stevie Wonder classic, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."

Watch J Rome & Jennifer Sing Sugarland's 'Tonight'

More From TheBoot