Lee DeWyze has been crowned American Idol for 2010. The 24-year-old from Mount Prospect, Illinois was somewhat of an underdog and beat out 24-year-old Crystal Bowersox of Elliston, Ohio on the show's big finale on Wednesday, March 26, 2010. Her unique bluesy style had been getting rave reviews from the Idol judges from start to finish while Idol fans watched DeWyze overcome his shyness and learn to make the stage his own over the course of this ninth season of American Idol. His humble presence and soulful singing won the hearts of more of the American viewers whose votes decide the winner of this famous reality TV show singing contest.
DeWyze seemed overwhelmed when host Ryan Seacrest announced him as the winner at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Seacrest asked him how he felt about winning and DeWyze answered, "I don't know. It's amazing. Thank you, guys, so much.” He also said, “Crystal, I love you,” and gave the runner-up a big hug.
Saying Goodbye to Simon Cowell
This was also Simon Cowell’s last day as a judge on American Idol. A video montage to pay tribute and poke fun at the acerbic-tongued judge was part of the show as well as a visit from former judge Paula Abdul who often had ‘words’ with Cowell on past seasons of Idol. Comedian Dane Cook entertained by taking some of Cowell’s sarcastic comments to American Idol hopefuls and turning them into a song of “Simon Said,” with those who were targeted by the insults coming out to dance around Cook.
Cowell said he felt more emotional than he thought he would on his final day as an Idol judge, and thanked everyone for their support and sense of humor. Cowell is leaving Idol, but keeping himself busy. He’s executive-producing and judging on a new talent search reality show based on the popular X Factor out of the UK. The American version is set to start up in 2011.
Big Names out for Idol Finale
Former Idol winners ranging from Kris Allen to Carrie Underwood took to the stage as well as the top Idol finalists for 2010. Janet Jackson, Alanis Morissette, Christina Aguilera, Hall & Oates, Robin and Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, Michael McDonald and Joe Cocker were among the big acts that performed throughout the grand finale Wednesday night. Reality TV star and former Poison frontman Bret Michaels belted out Every Rose Has Its Thorn with Idol finalist Casey James, which is remarkable considering Michaels poor health after a recent brain hemorrhage in April.
There were some lighter singing moments to the show with Larry Platt rapping his song Pants on the Ground with the help of dancers dropping their pants and the infamous William Hung joining in with his memorable singing skills.
American Idol winner DeWyze sang “Beautiful Day” to end the two-hour special and it will also be his first single.
It’s also not the end for the top ten finalists of American Idol 2010. They will be performing together on the American Idol Live! Tour 2010 that kicks off July 1st in Auburn Hills, Michigan. For American Idol tickets and concert date information check out LiveNation.com.
Also check out American Idol Finalists 2010 to find out birthday and hometown information about the top ten Idol singers.
Tami Nicholson - Tami is the Topic Editor for Parenting Methods at Suite101. She is a mother of two with a background in education and journalism.
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