The journey is over. It was the first season without judge Paula Abdul. It was the first season since the premiere in which the ratings entered “normal” territory. But for all the season’s flaws, the emotion for the finale was, once again, unparalleled by any other reality series on television.
The competition, which came down to Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox, made people care. It made people feel. And even though Kris Allen proved last year that the winner is no lock for superstardom, it is impossible not to feel happy for the dreamer who gets the chance to celebrate an “American Idol” victory.
Wednesday night, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that the competition fell in favor of Lee DeWyze. Even though most critics (and the show’s judges) felt Crystal outperformed Lee on Tuesday’s show, it ultimately proved true that Lee DeWyze was the more popular contestant. He had the momentum, he had the likable personality and backstory, and as of this writing, he now has an “American Idol” victory on his resume.
(For a photo gallery from the finale, click here)
When the season first began, Crystal Bowersox instantly emerged as the frontrunner. The gritty singer, who was reminiscent of contemporary greats like Alanis Morisette and Melissa Etheridge, simply appeared to be in a league of her own. Her victory seemed to be a foregone conclusion.
But then came Lee DeWyze. His early performances were not pitch-perfect, but the tone of his voice and genuine personality started to gain traction, and as the other contestants began to meet elimination, he started to get a taste of being a frontrunner.
As the competition drew to a close, it was Lee–not Crystal–who was viewed as the frontrunner. While Crystal’s momentum started to die down, Lee’s excellence was just beginning. Crystal, no matter how talented, was going to be fighting an uphill battle at the finale.
It nonetheless appeared that she succeeded. She clearly outsang DeWyze in all three of the rounds, and her closing “Up to the Mountain” was rather universally viewed as the best performance of the season.
But the results revealed that sometimes a final rally is not enough. Crystal might have won the battle Tuesday night, but the war fell in Lee’s favor, and he is now the new “American Idol.” His first single will be a cover of U2’s “Beautiful Day.”
My favorite winner yet!!! Love, love love him!!
Although Crystal gave a better performance during the finale, Lee’s songs are more pleasing to the ears. His rendition of “Everybody Hurts” appeals more than “Black Velvet”. Lee’s contemporary version of the perfect song “Beautiful Day” outshines Crystal’s unpopular “Up to the Mountain”. Congrats, Lee !!!
He’s a nice guy, but will never be in the same league as Crystal talentwise. She was robbed but will be a HUGE superstar, she’s the real deal.
It is nice to see a humble, deserving talent win American Idol. Lee is a down to earth guy, nice, and not cocky.
In my opinion Crystal was a bit snooty, and something about her rubs me the wrong way. I don’t have anything bad to say about her, she just isn’t my idea of a superstar. She is someone I’d expect to see at the train station, playing a guitar and harmonica, and doing a good job of it. I would not however, be gung ho on buying an album of hers.
Lee is definitely the most deserving to win, and is why the people voted for him.
Its nice to see.
WAY TO GO, LEE!!!!! HE WAS ALWAYS THE VERY BEST AND DEFINITELY DESERVED TO WIN!!! I AM THRILLED THAT HE IS THE WINNER, AND I KNOW HE WILL BE A SUPER SUCCESS!!!!!!
Congratualtions to Lee!!!!!! – the real deal!!
I’ve nothing against Crystal, but she comes across as cocky.
Yeah Lee! His voice is the best. Crystal started getting more and more annoying. The boyfriend in the audience did nothing to help her suceed. Strange folks.
3 years running they’ve gotten the winner wrong, no wonder the rateings are falling. Crystals version of “up to the mountain” was incredible! While Lee’s performance on the final show although good, if you dicect it the 3 songs he sang were basically the same kind of song. You can’t make a record or go on tour singing the same type of song over and over again. I think in a year or two Lee will be on the scrap heap with Kris Allen.
Crystal’s performance Tuesday night of “Up to the Mountain” gave me goosebumps. I’d definitely buy her music.
Wow, Crystal is in a league of her own. He didnt even come close. I guess if you have more friends voting for you, then you can buy a win. Idol got this year wrong & I wont watch it again. Kinda like watching the Presidential race.
Crystal put me in the mind of somebody who was still stuck in the hippie era and didnt take a bath for months. Sorry but her voice just made me want to turn the tv off. Lee’s voice was soothing and relaxin
Neither deserved to win. This will be the most forgetable season ever.
Lee should have lost crystal was the best and the judges all love her
Crystal may not have won the ” Title ” but she will be the winner–she sang with an emotion that brought tears to my eyes–best of luck, girl!!!
The headline should read: “Second year in a row the second best musician/singer wins!!” Is he the first Idol not from the South?
Wow, I feel like I am back in high school… watching the “popular kid” is voted to win the debate, when the more deserving talented kid comes out on the losing end! It was pretty clear on Tuesday night who should have won.
So disappointing. Two years on a row, America crowned the wrong person. Wil still buy crystal’s album. Lee can just be another Taylor Hicks!
Everyone knows how badly Lee choked this week. That has been fully reported and agreed upon by EVERYONE. He wasn’t even close. I do like him, but it is always hit and miss with his performances. He totally stunk up the joint with his performance with Chicago tonight — which is just another example of his inconsistency. Crystal always gives a great performance . . . every time.
This show is becoming too much of a popularity contest, and less and less about talent. Don’t know how long I can remain a fan now.
Lee might have choked Tuesday (nerves, terrible song choices) but he did enough leading up to the finale to get the votes. Too bad Crystal couldn’t find a way to make herself appealing to the masses. Of course that doesn’t appear to be her style. Can’t fault her for staying true to herself but then you can’t complain about America getting it ‘wrong’ when Crystal didn’t attempt to cater to America.
Congrats Lee. And if I had to choose a song for you to sing on Tuesday, it would have been something by Dave Matthews.
Congrats – LEE – you deserved to win! You grew the most during this competition…not only as an artist but as a person…you went from a shy, somewhat insecure person to a confident, colorful performer. You improved every week!!!
Unfornately – the last 2 song choices you had little control over and you did your best to sing em – but nerves may have gotten the best of you. I am so happy you won and the voting should be based on all performances throughout the season, not just the last show.
Crystal will make it too – she was already established as an artist – but for LEE – he needed this to help him believe in himself and to aid him in developing confidence. Not too mention he is a very humble, genuine person and i have never seen a constant more deserving of the win & appreciative of the win!
LEE you rock and i cant wait for your first CD to come out – make sure u sign Halleluia (sp?)
CONGRATS – I love you MAN!!!
Suzie C from NH
Crystal a real artist, Lee win fade into the woodwork. It’s a shame, loved American idol but will not watch again. It has become a popularity contest, not a singing competition.
Winning is just a formality. Both Lee and Crystal are winners if they made it all the way to the finale. It’s not about who sings better than who in the end, it’s about the vocal, personality and relatability as a whole, plus the type of music that has more of a commercial appeal.
It’s also NOT about whose album outsells the other – they both have their own niche. Just like all the other artists – Lady Gaga and Rob Thomas of course have different fan bases – you just can’t compare them.
I understand those who comment that Lee’s music is more generic and radio-friendly, though I have to say Crystal also has that appeal. I genuinely believe both will find success in their own ways.
this was the best American Idol, all because of Lee DeWyze. Lee you rock