It’s a “Beautiful Day” for Lee DeWyze — Wins American Idol Season 9 Crown, Judge Simon Cowell Says “Good-bye” to AI, Will Be Missed (video)
Posted By Vicki McClure Davidson on May 26, 2010
Lee DeWyze, left, was crowned the champion of American Idol's 9th season - also pictured, Ryan Seacrest (center) and runner-up Crystal Bowersox
It’s a “Beautiful Day” for Lee DeWyze, the former paint salesman from Illinois, who won this season’s American Idol competition — heartfelt congratulations, Lee. And while I was rooting most of the season for my favorite single mom, Crystal Bowersox — whose unique, raspy singing style captured my heart and will definitely give her more than just 15 minutes of fame — you’re no slouch, either, Lee.
Big things are in store for both these 24-year-olds. Doors will open for them that otherwise would never have been within a mile of them reaching prior to their exposure on American Idol.
Another season of American Idol has wrapped up for another year. But this one is more poignant for me than previous years. Long-time judge Simon Cowell will be leaving, and for many viewers, myself included, the show simply won’t be the same. Whether or not the show will maintain its relevant edge has yet to be seen, but Cowell’s unique style of often-harsh, no-holds-barred critique was a strong draw for viewers over the past nine years. No saccharine judging ever came from this shrewd, brutally honest business man and talent promoter… more like strychnine. The truth often hurts, and Cowell’s popularity grew with American viewers. He often said out loud what they were thinking about poor performances.
Love him or hate him, Cowell was often more entertaining than the young singing hopefuls on the stage. Without Simon, the reality show may drop from its lofty ratings perch and join the ranks of other just-OK talent competitions.
Time will tell.
In the video below, DeWyze sings “Beautiful Day” from last night’s final competition with the top 2 — and Simon Cowell gives his very last critique as an AI judge for the show.
Lee DeWyze – “Beautiful Day” American Idol – Top 2, 3rd song
Click the link for the video from last week of DeWyze’s stunning performance of “Hallelujah.”
From Reuters, Lee DeWyze beats Bowersox in “American Idol” upset:
(Reuters) – Dark horse Lee DeWyze was crowned “American Idol” on Wednesday, beating front-runner Crystal Bowersox in an upset result on America’s most-watched television show.
Lee DeWyze beats Bowersox in “American Idol” upset
DeWyze, 24, won the coveted title and a recording contract after millions of Americans cast their votes for the bluesy guitarist despite what “Idol” judges had deemed a better showing by Bowersox in Tuesday’s performance finale.
“I have never been happier in my life,” said an emotional DeWyze, who worked in a Chicago paint shop before auditioning for the Fox TV singing contest a year ago.
Initially shy and ill at ease, he blossomed in the later rounds and emerged as a serious threat to rocker and single mom Bowersox after he delivered an emotional version of the Leonard Cohen classic “Hallelujah” in the semi-final last week.
On Tuesday, “Idol” judges all but anointed Bowersox the winner. Outgoing judge Simon Cowell described her final song, “Up to the Mountain” as “outstanding.”
But Americans felt differently and after the counting of votes cast by text and telephone, DeWyze was pronounced the winner at the end of a two-hour finale that featured performances by Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson and Joe Cocker.
Past “Idols” — as well as former judge Paula Abdul — returned to give Cowell an emotional send-off on his last appearance on the show. The British music executive is leaving to launch a U.S. version of his “The X-Factor” talent show on Fox in the fall of 2011.
DeWyze’s cover version of U2′s hit “Beautiful Day” will be released as his first single. His debut album, on a Sony Music Entertainment record label, will likely follow in the fall.
From Daily Contributor, Lee DeWyze Joins Elite Circle of American Idol Champions:
Lee DeWyze has been named as the winner of the ninth season of American Idol joining an elite circle of champions. He is the first winner of the franchise that came from the northern states.
Crystal Bowersox took the runner-up honors. It was announced by host Ryan Seacrest that the two were only separated by less than 2% of the votes.
DeWyze, 24, performed The Boxer, Everybody Hurts and his first single Beautiful Day. Meanwhile, Bowersox, 24, performed Me and Bobby McGee, Black Velvet and Up to the Mountain.
This is the third straight year that a male contestant won the competition.
Judge Simon Cowell has also appeared for the last time in the show. A tribute was paid to him throughout the show. Former judge Paula Abdul showed up to personally salute Cowell. Various American Idol alumni finalists also joined in a song tribute.
The just concluded season is the second season to have a final two that were never publicly announced as bottom three or bottom two. The first season was during the seventh season when the feat was achieved by David Cook and David Archuleta.
From NJ.com, Lee DeWyze is named ‘American Idol’ 2010 winner:
One of the strangest seasons of “American Idol” came to a dramatic, and emotional, finish tonight as Lee DeWyze was named the winner of the nation’s biggest singing competition.
The Illinois paint store worker, who wowed Idol fans with his booming rocker growl and down-to-earth modesty, captured the “American Idol” Season 9 title over longtime season front-runner Crystal Bowersox, the cool, dreadlocked single mother with the raspy folk-rock voice.
Lee looked stunned and got emotional as Idol host Ryan Seacrest revealed he won the tighter-than-expected contest. Looking like he was about to burst into tears, Lee gave Crystal a hug and told her that he loves her.
Then Lee grabbed a microphone to sing his victory song, “Beautiful Day,” as mounds of confetti streamed down from the ceiling above the stage inside the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, where the results were announced live on Fox.
From USA Today, Simon Cowell makes his ‘Idol’ winner prediction:
Simon Cowell tells Ellen DeGeneres on her show today that yes, he is “feeling a bit sad” about wrapping up nine years on American Idol.
“I am feeling a bit sad because we’re nearly there, but at the same time, do you remember sort of that last three weeks when you were leaving school and you kind of couldn’t wait to get out? It’s a little bit like that. It’s kind of exciting. I’m not being ungrateful. I’ve had a fantastic time, and the show changed my life, but I just kind of knew it was time to do something different.”
Simon also said that his mind has changed about who will win Idol. “Well, if you’d have asked me five or six weeks ago, 100% I would have said Crystal. But now I’ve changed my mind. I think Lee is going to win. The last two years I’ve gotten it completely and utterly wrong, so I don’t think anyone is listening to me anymore.”
Meanwhile, Randy Jackson seems to agree with Simon.
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[...] won the ninth season of American Idol Wednesday b… Lee DeWyze has won the ninth season of AmericaLee Dewyze Wins – Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze Courtesy of Fox. The paint salesman from suburban Chicago Lee [...]
[...] won the ninth season of American Idol Wednesday b… America has spoken and your new American IdolLee Dewyze Wins – Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze Courtesy of Fox. The paint salesman from suburban Chicago Lee [...]
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