American Idol winner is Lee DeWyze

Lee DeWyze has been named the winner of the ninth season of American Idol. The 24-year-old from Illinois scooped the recording contract prize over fellow contestant Crystal Bowersox in tonight’s live finale of the Fox competition.

Both singers had performed three tracks on last night’s show: one chosen by them, one selected by Simon Fuller, and the song they would release if they won.

“I don’t know how it feels, this is amazing. Thank you guys so much for everything. Thank you, thank you!” he said after the result was announced.

“I can’t believe this. I love you guys. Crystal, I love you. I’m so happy right now, I’ve never been happier in my life. There are no words to describe it. This is amazing and I appreciate everything everybody here has done.”

DeWyze’s original song is called ‘Beautiful Day’. His performance last night had prompted Simon Cowell to say that he is what the show is all about, while Kara DioGuardi thought he had one of the “most commercial voices” of the season.

He had taken to the stage several times over the evening, including to duet with Chicago on a medley of hits, while Bowersox had performed alongside Alanis Morissette. The pair later collaborated on a rendition of ‘A Little Help From My Friends’ with Joe Cocker before the result was announced.

The episode opened with the return of this season’s Top 12 who took to the stage in school uniform for a rendition of ‘School’s Out’ featuring Alice Cooper.

Tonight’s finale also marked the final appearance of Cowell as a judge, after the music mogul confirmed that the ninth season would be his last at the panel.

Michael Lynche performed ‘Takin’ It To The Streets’ with Michael McDonald, Siobhan Magnus and Aaron Kelly duetted on ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ with Barry and Robin Gibb, while the girls sang a medley of Christina Aguilera’s ‘Beautiful’ and ‘Fighter’ before Aguilera herself joined them on stage with her new single.

The boys then took to the stage for a group performance and to introduce Hall & Oates, and Casey James duetted with Bret Michaels on ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn’. Former Idol hopeful General Larry Platt further returned to perform his original song ‘Pants On The Ground’, and Janet Jackson treated viewers to a performance of her new single.

Last season’s winner Kris Allen was also on hand to perform his new single ‘Truth’, while season four champion Carrie Underwood returned with new song ‘Undo It’.

Cowell’s departure was recognised with a series of tributes throughout the evening, including the return of Paula Abdul and a group performance by some of Idol’s previous winners and finalists including Allen, Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia.