"American Idol" Finale: Lee DeWyze Wins

Lee DeWyze performs during the finale.

/ AP Photo/FOX, Vince Bucci

NEW YORK (CBS) It was a "Beautiful Day" for Lee DeWyze on Wednesday night when he beat out Crystal Bowersox to become the newest "American Idol."

"Thank you guys so much, everybody," a visibly shocked DeWyze told "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest after he had been announced the winner. "I can't believe this. I love you guys."

Pictures: "American Idol" Season 9

The newly-appointed winner then sang the U2 song "Beautiful Day" as confetti flew through the air and fans in his hometown of Mt. Prospect, Ill., showed their admiration via satellite.

The announcement came at the end of a two-hour finale event that brought back past "Idol" winners and notable recording artists.

The show opened with this season's "Idol" cast performing "School's Out" complete with school uniforms and a cameo from Alice Cooper.

Runner-up Crystal Bowersox performed a duet with Alanis Morissette, while Casey James, who was eliminated last week, took to the stage with "Celebrity Apprentice" winner Bret Michaels.

Other performances included a mediocre new tune from Christina Aguilera and cameos during "Idol" performances by Hall & Oates, the Bee Gees, Michael McDonald and Joe Cocker.

The best performance of the night, however, came from Janet Jackson. Sporting a new short haircut, Jackson began with the ballad "Nothing" before transitioning into a fantastic rendition of "Nasty Boys," complete with a sexy catsuit and very Michael Jackson-esque choreography.

Miss Jackson and the "Idol" final two aside, the other star of the night was Simon Cowell. Wednesday's finale was the final episode of the reality show that the notoriously blunt judge would appear on.

"Idol" winners from previous seasons, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Kris Allen, took to the stage to give Cowell a musical sendoff, while former judge Paula Abdul returned to wish him well, saying that working with Cowell gave her "immeasurable joy."

"I've loved all the fun we had together. 'American Idol' is not going to be the same without you," she said.

"I didn't think I would be this emotional, but I genuinely am," Cowell said.

[stotziegirl]

I'm glad Lee won!! Everybody just kept making such a BIG DEAL out of Crystal---she sings one way and one way only---nothing special about her----

[OhPinYun]

The people who voted 500 times each got LEE his winning votes.


Each of them will not buy 500 copies of his recordings.


I predict that Crystal will outsell LEE over the years and in just a few years we'll be saying, "Lee Who?"

[moonhaze2]

Mah1121:Here is the actual break down on the dollars and contracts:Lee & Crystal both get contracts with entertainment19,winners 3-10 get contracts only if offered.Both got cars,Lee gets $175,000 to start recording and Crystal $150,000 both get the same amounts upon completion of their album.They both also make money on their record sales.Entertainment19 takes a huge chunk of whatever they make.Crystal in my opinion is way better off because she gets almost the same as Lee and can make her music on her terms.

[ClarksvilleTN]

Lee was my pick from the beginning. I believe he does have the talent. I love that raspy thing he has with his voice. I think he could be as big as Daughtery if he plays his cards right. I don't think Crystal has the versatility that she needs to make it. Her kind of music isn't mainstream and to make it big, she'll need to be able to do other types of music. I just didn't like her voice when she tried. I wish them both the best but I do believe Lee was the correct choice out of all of them. Just my opinion. Happy day everyone!

[td1138]

America got it wrong again, just like they did with Adam Lambert vs what-his-name and Clay Aiken vs Ruben Studdard. At least it proved that there was no phone phraud in the Aiken v. Studdard vote - it was simply voter stupidity.

[mah1121]

how is it voter stupidity when people are voting for what they personally prefer? you're telling us that you're more intelligent because you liked Chrystal better than Lee? is somebody stupid if they like pepperoni pizza when you prefer sausage w/ extra cheese? get over your self.

[cjSteph]

America still has power in numbers to pick what they think is the "American Idol". It is the overall person. Talent comes easy for so many people but the overall person is the still the biggest challenge. I am hoping Lee can keep it clean and moral and set a great example for our country. I wish him great success. I am proud of him.

[GottaLuvItt]

I think Crystal will come out on top eventually...

[mah1121]

yes...just like Bo Bice

[craigh9]

It's time for this show to go away - not only is it getting old and stale but it continually results in a popular winner that is much less talented than the last few contestants eliminated. The premise is to find the top talent - but it doesn't function that way at all.

[mah1121]

The reason Chrystal didn't win even though she probably had the purest voice is because she's really not relevant to mainstream music. She'll have more of a "niche" market...singer/song-writer w/ a little blues-gospel mixed in. Turn on a top-40 station and you don't hear that kind of music. Lee on the otherhand fits very well into mainstream music. When you consider the overwelming amount of the audience is 18-35, Chrystal never really stood a chance.

[bruce789]

I agree, she should change her taste in music. That one she likes died of a heroin overdose living a rough hippy life in the 60's. Thought she played it pretty safe, little quiet songs all along, she had more experience before. Lee has potential, finally conquered the fear and found the magic in conveying feeling.

[Zann-Zel]

I agree, she should change her taste in music
==========
Tell me you were being saracastic!
Why should SHE change? She needs to stand by who she is - not try to be someone that pleases everyone else. The artists who stay true to who they are end up being the classic greats in the business!

[Turbidite]

Lee showed how weak his voice has become when singing a duet with Bret Michaels. He should take better care of his larynx. His interpretations are limited to the hoarse throated imitations of Billy Joel without the attendant piano expertise, song writing ability and phrasing of B.J.

Crystal has the opportunity to act as a free agent now, instead of being tied to "Idol's" pre-signed agreement & contract. She is a very talented lady and should go far with the right manager.

[mah1121]

Lee didn't sing with Bret Michaels, Casey James did. Also, Crystal is not a free agent. The top 3 are all contractually bound to 19Entertainment, the only difference between 3rd place , 2nd place and 1st place is the amount of $.