Chicago, our biggest turnout this season.
12,000 came.
But only 13 left with gold,
including a local paint salesman and a single mom.
Now, after seven cities, 100,000 dreams,
14 weeks of live performances and nearly 500 million votes,
what started in Chicago ends tonight.
You absolutely nailed it.
You've got to punch harder.
Come on, man, pick it up, pick it up.
Fantastic!
I give you that, I give you that.
I liked that, it was a lot better.
I'm giving it everything I've got, tomorrow my life's going change forever
You deserve to be here.
Bowersox is in it to win it.
I sang my heart out tonight, and the rest is up to America.
That was incredible,
incredible!
But on this critical night, what have your votes decided
will it be Crystal or Lee?
This is the finale, and this is "American Idol".
Thank you very much.
Good evening, I'm Ryan Seacrest,
and welcome to the finale.
This is one of television's biggest events, and in just two hours,
your next American Idol will be named.
Let me tell you how tight this race has been over the course of the season.
Coming into the vote last night,
less than 2% separated the finalists.
Gasp, yes.
Now, who is here for Crystal?
How about Lee dewyze fans in the house?
This is going to be fun.
Please welcome your judges,
Randy Jackson.
Whoo.
Ellen Degeneres.
Whoo.
Kara Dioguardi.
Whoo.
And on his last night of "American Idol", Simon Cowell.
Randy's already on his feet.
It's going to be a long night, Randy.
Now let's bring out the two people
who have been competing on the "Idol" stage for months,
surviving 18 different cuts.
Your finalists, Crystal and Lee.
So let me start with Lee.
What's the vibe?
How are you feeling going into tonight, Lee?
I'm happy, man.
I'm happy to be here.
I'm happy to be up here with her.
It's just amazing.
It's amazing.
And Crystal, where is your head tonight?
In the clouds.
I mean, this is incredible.
It's been an amazing journey and just thanks to
all the people I love and who love me.
It's going to be fun.
It's a celebration, so good luck to both of you.
I want to check in with their hometowns right now.
First let's go to Toledo, Ohio.
Crystal fans are hanging out there.
Let's look at that live right now.
You've got a few supporters out there.
All, right, we're coming to you live from downtown Toledo.
It's crazy in here.
Whoo!
All right.
Thank you.
We'll come back in just a little bit.
Now let's take a look at the crowd in Mount Prospect,
Illinois.
It's amazing, guys.
It really is amazing.
I'm going to let you get set to sing.
One more time for your finalists.
As we celebrate the end of our season,
please give it up for your top 12, America.
♪ school's out for summer ♪
♪ school's been blown to pieces ♪
♪ no more pencils ♪
♪ no more books ♪
♪ no more teachers' dirty looks ♪
Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together.
Welcome the legendary Alice Cooper.
♪ school's out for summer ♪
♪ school's out forever ♪
♪ school's been blown to pieces ♪
♪ no out for summer ♪
♪ out 'til fall ♪
♪ we might not go back at all ♪
♪ school's out forever ♪
♪ school's out for summer ♪
♪ school's out with fever ♪
♪ school's out completely ♪
We're in the Nokia Theater L.A. live.
Either Crystal or Lee will walk away with the title changing their lives forever.
Our next performer knows how that feels.
With "The Truth", here's your reigning American Idol, Kris Allen.
♪ let you fall asleep ♪
♪ vanish out into thin air ♪
♪ it's the elephant in the room ♪
♪ and we pretend that we don't see it ♪
♪ it's the avalanche that looms above our heads ♪
♪ and we don't believe it ♪
♪ trying to be perfect ♪
♪ trying not to let you down ♪
♪ honesty is honestly ♪
♪ the hardest thing for me right now ♪
♪ while the floors underneath our feet are crumbling ♪
♪ the walls we built together tumbling ♪
♪ I still stand here holding up the roof ♪
♪ 'cause it's easier than telling the truth ♪
♪ I still keep your photographs ♪
♪ I remember how we used to laugh ♪
♪ I can't keep on losin' sleep ♪
♪ if you're okay with being torn in half ♪
♪ it's the elephant in the room ♪
♪ and we pretend that we don't see it ♪
♪ it's an avalanche that looms above our heads ♪
♪ but we don't believe it ♪
♪ stop ignoring that our hearts are mourning ♪
♪ and let the rain come in ♪
♪ stop pretending that it's not ending ♪
♪ and let the end begin ♪
♪ oh, yeah ♪
♪ tryin' to be perfect ♪
♪ tryin' not to let you down ♪
♪ yeah ♪
♪ honesty is honestly ♪
♪ the hardest thing for me right now ♪
♪ yeah ♪
♪ the floors underneath our feet are crumbling ♪
♪ the walls we built together are tumbling ♪
♪ I still stand here holdin' up the roof ♪
♪ 'cause it's easier than telling the truth ♪
♪ oh, oh ♪
Kris Allen, everybody.
And the band.
Thanks, bro.
Good to see you, man.
As we all know, tonight is not only the end of this season,
But also the end of an era.
This is sadly Simon's last night on "American Idol."
And we thought it would be nice to pay tribute to the man
who's made so many fresh breaths come true and dreams come true.
Take a look.
Thank you.
What do we remember about Simon?
We need to look back at some of the moments on the show.
- What the highlights? - Or lowlights.
You're not going to hollywood.
Get out.
The British who's in, he's a and he can kiss my...
How professional is Simon Cowell at the judging table?
♪ Three times a lady ♪
He's very professional.
♪ Start spreading ♪
Thank you.
- Can I do something else? - Leave.
Bye.
It's why I did "American idol."
I was drawn to the kind of person he is.
Kind.
That was extraordinary.
Thank you.
Unfortunately,
Extraordinarily bad.
Caring.
You can't sing, you can't dance.
What do you want me to say?
You know, I have no professional training of singing.
No.
Considerate is what I would say about him.
It sounded like a cat jumping off the Empire State building,
And the noise it would hit before it hit the floor.
I think this show is crapy...
Well, I think Simon has incredible poker face.
He has an ability to hold back what he's feeling.
Very, very professional.
You know that he's always there for you, too.
Simon was so supportive of me.
Shut up, Paula.
You're really annoying me now.
- There's nothing wrong with working with a dummy. - Thank you.
I am the one on the show without sounding conceited
who knows what they're talking about.
It does't sound conceited at all.
It was, Kelly, I like you, but it was that bad.
Her name is Sherry.
Cowell is finally leaving.
I'm definitely gonna miss Simon Cowell.
Oh, my god.
This is such...
I'm feeling a bit weepy.
Can you believe it,
Dude.
Oh, my god.
He's gone.
It's me and you.
And there will be many more shared memories throughout the show.
Right now here are Siobhan Magnus and Aaron Kelly,
♪ How deep is your love ♪
♪ I'm I need to learn ♪
♪ 'Cause we're living in a world of fools ♪
♪ Breaking us down ♪
♪ When they all should let us be ♪
♪ We belong to you and me ♪
♪ When your eyes in the morning shine ♪
♪ I feel you touch me in the pouring rain ♪
♪ And the moment that you wander far from me ♪
♪ I wanna feel you in my arms again ♪
♪ And you come to me on a summer breeze ♪
♪ Keep me warm in your love and then softly leave ♪
♪ And it's me you need to show ♪
♪ How deep is your love ♪
♪ I really need to learn ♪
♪ 'Cause we're living in a world of fools ♪
♪ Breaking us down ♪
♪ When they all should let us be ♪
♪ We belong to you and me ♪
♪ I believe in me and you ♪
♪ You know the door to my very saul ♪
♪ You're the light in my deepest darkest hour ♪
♪ You're my savior when I fall ♪
♪ And you may not think I care for you ♪
♪ When you know down inside that I really do ♪
♪ And it's me you need to show ♪
♪ How deep is your love ♪
♪ I really need to learn ♪
♪ 'Cause we're living in a world of fools ♪
♪ Breakin' us down ♪
♪ When they all should let us be ♪
♪ We belong to you and me ♪
♪ Whoa ♪
♪ You don't know me but I'm your brother ♪
♪ I will wait here in this living space ♪
♪ You don't know ♪
♪ Times will tell ♪
♪ You telling me the things you're going to do for me ♪
♪ Taking it to the street ♪
♪ Taking it to the streets ♪
♪ Oh, oh, yeah ♪
Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Mcdonald.
Big Mike Lynche, everybody.
♪ Take this message to my brother ♪
♪ You will find him everywhere ♪
♪ Wherever people live together ♪
♪ Tied in poverty's despair ♪
♪ Are you ♪
♪ Telling me the things you're gonna do for me ♪
♪ I ain't blind and I don't like what I think I see ♪
♪ Takin' it to the streets ♪
♪ We can make it better ♪
♪ Takin' it to the streets ♪
♪ If you believe in me ♪
♪ If you believe in love, yeah ♪
♪ I know I can ♪
♪ Aaaah ♪
♪ Teah ♪
Mike lynche.
Michael Mcdonald and Michael Lynche.
Very nice.
Now we have a special song set to some of Simon's greatest insults.
It is performed by the one and only Dane Cook.
Simon, do you remember when you told that contestant.
♪ You sounded like a cat being thrown off a skyscraper ♪
♪ I'm sorry there is bad and then there is you ♪
♪ If you win this contest ♪
♪ We will have failed ♪
♪ Don't mean to be rude ♪
♪ But you look like the hulk's wife ♪
♪ Simon says ♪
♪ The things that Simon says ♪
Simon says no so often that the only time he says yes is
if someone just ask him if he said no.
Simon, you look great tonight.
But, normally, the only way your shirts could be tighter is
if you put Randy in there with you.
Simon, let me tell you something.
You, sir, have the honesty of Abe Lincoln
and the charm of the guy who shot him.
Three, four.
♪ did you take singing lessons ♪
♪ do you have a lawyer ♪
♪ you should sue your teacher ♪
♪ you came across like ♪
♪ a background singer for a background singer ♪
♪ did you really think you could be American Idol ♪
♪ you must be deaf ♪
♪ Simon says ♪
♪ the things that Simon said ♪
♪ Simon said ♪
♪ you know you said ♪
♪ the things that Simon said ♪
Nobody cares.
It's all about me tonight.
I'm gonna replace you Simon Cowell
No one has a thing to say about him
It's about me. It's my moment.
I wanna say you are nothing.
I wanna say I'm replacing you Simon Cowell because I'm all entertaining
♪ every day is so wonderful ♪
♪ suddenly ♪
♪ it's hard to breathe ♪
♪ now and then I get get insecure ♪
♪ from all the pain ♪
♪ I'm so ashamed ♪
♪ I am beautiful ♪
♪ no matter what they say ♪
♪ words can't bring me down ♪
♪ I am beautiful ♪
♪ in every single way ♪
♪ words can't bring me down ♪
♪ oh, no, no ♪
♪ oh, so don't you bring me down today ♪
♪ we are beautiful no matter what they say ♪
♪ words won't bring us down ♪
♪ oh, no ♪
♪ because we are beautiful ♪
♪ in every single way ♪
♪ words can't bring us down ♪
♪ oh, no, no ♪
♪ so don't you bring me down ♪
♪ today ♪
Get up.
Let's go.
♪ when I thought I knew you ♪
♪ thinking that you were true ♪
♪ I guess I, I couldn't trust called your bluff, time is up, always, because I've had enough ♪
♪ you were there by my side ♪
♪ always there for the ride ♪
♪ but your, joy ride just came down in flames. Beause your greed sold me out of shame ♪
♪ after all of the stealing and cheating ♪
♪ you probably think the whole reason is for you ♪
♪ but huh-uh ♪
♪ oh, no ♪
♪ you're wrong ♪
♪ because if it wasn't for all that you tried to do. I wouldn't know just how capable I am to pull through ♪
♪ so I wanna say thank you ♪
♪ because it makes me that much stronger. makes me work a little bit harder ♪
♪ it makes me that much wiser. so thanks for making me a fighter ♪
♪ I am a fighter. I ain't gonna stop ♪
♪ makes me that much wiser. so thanks for making me a fighter ♪
Please help me welcome
the incredible Christina Aguilera.
♪ I remember ♪
♪ it makes me that much stronger, makes me work a little bit harder ♪
♪ makes me that much wiser, so thanks for making me a fighter ♪
♪ I am done ♪
♪ a smoking gun ♪
♪ we've lost it all ♪
♪ we had it all ♪
♪ and we had magic ♪
♪ and it was tragic ♪
♪ you couldn't keep your hands to yourself ♪
♪ I feel like our world's been infected ♪
♪ and somehow you left me neglected ♪
♪ we've found our lives been changed ♪
♪ babe, you lost me ♪
♪ and we tried, oh, how we cried ♪
♪ we lost ourselves, the love has died♪
♪ and we had magic ♪
♪ and it was tragic ♪
♪ you couldn't keep your hands to yourself ♪
Christina Aguilera, everybody
Thank you very much, Christina.
Thank you very much.
Her new album "Bionic" comes out June 8.
Live via satellite we have Mr.Ricky Gervais standing by.
Ricky, are you there?
Thanks, Ryan.
When the producers of Idol approached me and said Ricky,
would you come on the finale to say farewell to your good friend,
Simon cowell, I said how far is the studio?
They said about half a mile.
I said no, let's just do it by satellite.
Also he's not a good friend.
Joking aside, Simon, you are the king maker.
You have taken ordinary people's dreams and made those dreams a reality,
producing some of the biggest international singing stars of a generation,
and you only take 80% of their wages.
What a guy.
Enjoy your retirement.
You shouldn't be working at your age anyway.
Or you can always fall back on your old career.
I'm sure there's still some demand for a 58-year-old male dancer. You still got it.
What you haven't got is your own teeth anymore, but cheers.
Do I get paid for this, yeah?
Because he's rolling in it.
In fact, here's a tip.
If we go to his house now while he's out,
go through the trashcans, he throws away money.
When it gets too sort of wrinkled, he throws it away.
It's a good tip.
Ricky Gervais.
When we come back, many more superstars hit the stage
as we count down to your results live.
Stay tuned.
♪ easy ready willing overtime ♪
♪ when does it stop ♪
♪ where do you dare me to draw the line ♪
♪ You got the body now ♪
♪ you want my soul ♪
♪ don't even think about it ♪
♪ say no go ♪
♪ yeah, I ♪
♪ I'll do anything that you want me to ♪
♪ yeah, I will do almost anything that you want me to ♪
♪ I can't go for that ♪
♪ no, no can do ♪
♪ I can't go for that ♪
♪ no, no can do ♪
♪ I can't go for that ♪
♪ no, no can do ♪
♪ I can't for that, can't go for that, can't go for that, can't go for that ♪
♪ she only comes out at night ♪
♪ nothing to do ♪
♪ seen her here before ♪
♪ watching and waiting ♪
♪ oh, she's with you but her eyes are on the door ♪
♪ so many have paid to see what you think you're getting for free ♪
♪ the woman is wild, a she-cat tamed by the purr of a jaguar ♪
♪ money's the matter, if you're in it for love, you ain't gonna get too far ♪
♪ oh, here she comes ♪
♪ watch out boy, she'll chew you up ♪
♪ oh, here she comes ♪
♪ she's a maneater ♪
♪ oh, here she comes ♪
♪ she's a maneater ♪
♪ here she comes ♪
♪ she's a maneater ♪
Ladies and gentlemen, Darryl Hall and John Oates.
♪ what I want you've got ♪
♪ might be hard to handle ♪
♪ like flames burn a candle ♪
♪ candle sees a flame ♪
♪ what I got, full stock of thoughts and dreams that scatter, and you pull them all together ♪
♪ you make my dreams come true ♪
♪ well, well, well, you ♪
♪ you make my dreams come true ♪
♪ on a night when bad dreams become a screamer ♪
♪ when they're messin' with the dreamer ♪
♪ I can laugh it in your face ♪
♪ twist and shout a way out ♪
♪ and wrap yourself around me ♪
♪ 'cause I kant the way you found me ♪
♪ I'll never be the same ♪
♪ well, well, you ♪
♪ you make my dreams come true ♪
♪ well, well, well, you ♪
♪ you make my dreams ♪
♪ I'm down on the daydream ♪
♪ that sleepwalk should be over by now ♪
♪ by now ♪
♪ you make my dreams come true ♪
♪ I've waited for, waited for you, girl ♪
♪ all right ♪
♪ you make my dreams come true ♪
♪ well, well, well, you ♪
♪ you make my dreams come true ♪
Daryl Hall and John Oates.
Remember, if you want to see the Idols on tour this summer,
you can find all the information plus
how to get discounted information at americanidol.com.
Right now, want to go back to Toledo with Crystal fans.
Janell Wheeler is standing by.
Janell, set the scene for us again, darling.
Hey, Ryan.
We're in Toledo right now.
It is great crazy.
I can't believe this crowd.
Crystal, we love you so much, girl.
They are excited.
And rightfully so.
Their girl is about to hit the stage and perform for you.
Will she become your American Idol?
It's down to both Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze fighting for that title.
Now, Crystal's father is here.
Ladies and gentlemen, say hi to Crystal's dad.
Come on.
Stand up for a second.
How does it feel to be here on this incredible night for you,
Sir?
Not as good as what Crystal's feeling.
- Looks like you're feeling pretty good. - Oh, it's good.
Here she is now.
Ladies and gentlemen, Crystal Bowersox.
Good luck.
♪ hey, hey, hey ♪
♪ oh, m'm, m'm, m'm ♪
♪ old man turned 98 ♪
♪ isn't it ironic ♪
♪ don't you think ♪
♪ it's like rain on your wedding day ♪
♪ it's a free ride when you've already paid ♪
♪ it's the good advice ♪
♪ that you just didn't take ♪
♪ now who would have thought ♪
♪ it figures ♪
Come on, guys.
Help me welcome Miss Alanis Morrisette.
♪ I want you to know that I have feeling for you ♪
♪ I wish nothing but the best for you both ♪
♪ will she have your baby ♪
♪ I'm sure she'd make a really excellent mother ♪
♪ 'cause the love that you gave that we made wasn't able to make ♪
♪ it enough for you to be open wide ♪
♪ no ♪
♪ and every time you speak her name does she know how you told ♪
♪ me you'd hold me until you died ♪
♪ till you died ♪
♪ but you're still alive ♪
♪ and I'm here to remind you ♪
♪ of the mess you left when you went away ♪
♪ it's not fair to deny me ♪
♪ of the cross I bear that you gave to me ♪
♪ you ought a know ♪
♪ and I'm here to remind you ♪
♪ of the mess you left when you went away ♪
♪ it's not fair to deny me of the cross I bear that you gave to me ♪
♪ you oughta know ♪
Welcome back to the "Idol" finale.
It's hard to believe that it was five years ago tonight
this next superstar was crowned your American Idol.
With her latest smash, "Undo It", Carrie Underwood.
♪ I should have known by the way you passed me by there was ♪
♪ something in your eyes and it wasn't right ♪
♪ I should have walked, but I never had the chance, everything ♪
♪ got out of hand and I let it slide ♪
♪ now I only have myself to blame ♪
♪ for falling for your stupid games ♪
♪ I wish my life could be the way it was before I saw your face ♪
♪ you stole my happy ♪
♪ you made me cry ♪
♪ took the lonely ♪
♪ took me for a ride ♪
♪ and I wanna undo it ♪
♪ you had my heart ♪
♪ now I want it back ♪
♪ I'm starting to see everything you lack ♪
♪ boy, you blew it ♪
♪ you put me through it ♪
♪ I wanna undo it ♪
♪ nah, nah, nah, nah ♪
♪ nah, nah, nah, nah, nah ♪
♪ now your photos don't have a picture frame ♪
♪ and I never say your name and I never will ♪
♪ and all your things, well, I threw them in the trash and I'm not even sad ♪
♪ only have yourself to blame for playing all those stupid games ♪
♪ you're always gonna be the same ♪
♪ oh, no, you'll never change ♪
♪ you stole my happy ♪
♪ you made me cry ♪
♪ took the lonely and took me for a ride ♪
♪ and I wanna undo it ♪
♪ you had my heart ♪
♪ now I want it back ♪
♪ I'm starting to see ♪
♪ everything you lack ♪
♪ boy, you blew it ♪
♪ you put me through it ♪
♪ I wanna undo it ♪
♪ nah, nah, nah, nah, nah ♪
♪ nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah ♪
♪ you want my future and you can't have it ♪
♪ I'm still trying to erase you from my past ♪
♪ I need you gone so fast ♪
♪ you stole my happy ♪
♪ you made me cry ♪
♪ took the lonely and took me for a ride ♪
♪ and I wanna undo it ♪
♪ you had my heart ♪
♪ now I want it back ♪
♪ I'm starting to see everything you lack ♪
♪ boy, you blew it ♪
♪ you put me through it ♪
♪ I wanna do it ♪
♪ you stole my happy ♪
♪ you made me cry ♪
♪ took the lonely ♪
♪ took me for a ride ♪
♪ boy, you blew it ♪
♪ you put me through it ♪
♪ I wanna do it ♪
Carrie Underwood.
By the way, she co-wrote that
song with our own Kara DioGuardi.
Carrie knows one of the perks of
making it to the finale is this gift from Ford, watch.
Everybody, we've got a big surprise for Lee and Crystal.
They have no idea what's about to happen to them.
We're on our way to a photo shoot right now.
Bright and early.
I'm happy.
I'm just glad to be here, you know.
It's a nice place.
Hey, guys, what's going on?
You guys remember those custom graphics
you created with the Ford designers?
They're yours.
Really?
Yeah.
Come on, really?
It's amazing.
Wow.
That's awesome.
It's really, really cool.
We've had a lot of fun in these cars.
On behalf of the Ford Motor Company,
here's the keys to your new 2011 Ford Fiestas.
This is pretty slick.
I love sunflowers.
Good morning, car.
This is just incredible.
I love it.
I absolutely love it.
Thank you, Ford.
Yeah.
♪ I hope you never look back ♪
♪ but you never forget ♪
♪ the ones who loved you in the place you left ♪
♪ your dreams may be ♪
♪ you need a moment you can hold ♪
♪ when you're out there getting where you're getting to ♪
♪ always know somebody loves you ♪
♪ I want the same things, too ♪
♪ it's my wish ♪
Congratulations on the new cars, guys.
How are you holding up?
How are you feeling?
I'm feeling good.
I'm having a blast.
This is amazing.
You looked up at Lee and said we're getting closer, Lee.
We're getting closer.
Soon.
This is fun.
I'm having a good time backstage hanging out with everybody.
Come out here with all these guys.
We're going to welcome
to the stage now a guy that made it so close to the finals.
Here's Casey James.
♪ people lie silent still in the dead of the night ♪
♪ I feel we born like close together, feel miles apart inside ♪
♪ was it something I said and something I did ♪
♪ did my words not come out right ♪
♪ I'm trying not to hurt you ♪
♪ though I try ♪
♪ but I guess that's why they say ♪
♪ every rose has its thorn ♪
♪ just like every night has its dawn ♪
♪ just like everybody cowboy sings a sad, sad song ♪
♪ every rose has its thorn ♪
♪ I listen to our favorite song playing on the radio ♪
♪ hear the DJ say love's a game of easy come and easy go ♪
♪ but I wonder does he know ♪
♪ has he ever felt like this ♪
♪ and I know that you'd be here right now ♪
♪ but if I could have let you know somehow I guess ♪
♪ every rose has its thorn ♪
♪ come on ♪
♪ whoo ♪
♪ just like every night has its dawn ♪
♪ just like every cowboy sings a sad, sad song ♪
♪ every rose has its thorn ♪
Put your hands!
♪ every rose has its thorn ♪
♪ just like every night has its dawn ♪
♪ just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song ♪
♪ every rose has its thorn ♪
Welcome back to the finale.
Exciting news.
In honor of our 10th season,
in addition to the cities we've already announced,
New Orleans, Nashville, Jersey City and San Francisco,
we're going online with MySpace for access to the auditions.
It's myspace.com/americanidol for details.
Now, here is the medaling hits from the band named after his home town.
Ladies and gentlemen, Lee DeWyze and Chicago.
♪ as I was walking down the street one day ♪
♪ a man came up to me and asked me what the time was that was on my watch ♪
♪ and I said ♪
♪ does anybody really know what time it is ♪
♪ does anybody really care ♪
♪ if so, I can't imagine why ♪
♪ if you leave me now ♪
♪ you'll take away the biggest part of me ♪
♪ oh, no, baby, please don't go ♪
♪ and if you leave me now ♪
♪ you'll take away the very heart of me ♪
♪ ooh, ooh, no, baby please don't go ♪
♪ girl, I just want you to stay ♪
♪ waiting for the break of day ♪
♪ waiting for something to say ♪
♪ touching light against the sky ♪
♪ giving up I close my eyes ♪
♪ sitting cross-legged on the floor ♪
♪ 25 or 6 to 4 ♪
♪ yeah ♪
♪ 25 or 6 to 4 ♪
Lee DeWyze and Chicago.
Let's see what the fans back in Illinois thought of that.
Matt Rogers is live now.
Matt?
Ryan, I am here with what has
to be the entire city of Mount Prospect.
We're at the Village Green just outside of the townhall.
Even though no one really knows
what the outcome is going to be,
I've got to say this is the funnest,
most raucous townhall party.
I've never been to it in my life.
We all believe that Lee is the right choice.
God bless you, buddy, we all vote for you, come on, baby.
Something tells me Matt is sweating.
All right.
Let's get back to Simon's favorite subject.
Himself.
Look at the lovers.
- Oh, how nice. - Yes.
Meanwhile, I have to tell you something.
I have fallen totally and utterly in love with you.
Is Simon a flirt?
Yeah, if you're a mirror.
I want to take you home. I want to take you closer. I want to...
Get out of here.
Leave us alone.
He never flirted with me.
- It's a very short dress, Paula. - I know.
I like that part.
Very slutty.
Well, Simon really goes after one type of woman.
Simon!
Ah, classic.
He usually likes girls that are somewhat enhanced.
Hi.
- Ah, yes. - Yeah!
I think you're cute, Simon.
Are you flirting with me?
Kiss me.
I think that Simon's first love will always be Paula,
and when she left,
he seemed to develop an interest in Ellen.
This is quite uncomfortable.
Oh, my god, I didn't know we've started. I'm so sorry.
Simon wants me,
and he... His hands are like wandering hands. And I...
Yeah. He was a flirt.
But his hands usually ended up on his own chest.
He is a flirt,
but he only ended up in bed with one judge.
What a horrible nightmare.
Yo, dog, you're supposed to be sleeping.
- Aaaah! - Aaaah!
How would you judge Randy as an actor there?
I... You know what, Randy,
you are... You missed an opportunity in life.
That was...
Subtlety, Randy, subtlety.
So many great memories on this
show like Fantasia singing "Summertime."
Great one.
Kelly Clarkson's performance of
"A Moment Like This" and Adam Lambert's version of "Mad World."
But this year, history was made with four simple words "Pants On The Ground."
General Larry Pratt.
♪ lookin' like a fool with your pants on the ground ♪
♪ gold in your mouth hat turned sideways pants hit the ground ♪
♪ looking like a fool with your pants on the ground ♪
♪ gold in your mouth hat turned sideways call yourself a cool cat ♪
♪ lookin' like a fool with your pants on the ground ♪
♪ gold in your mouth hat turned sideways pants hit the ground ♪
♪ looking like a fool with your pants on the ground ♪
♪ give it up ♪
♪ get your pants on the ground ♪
♪ looking like a fool ♪
♪ talking like a fool ♪
♪ call yourself a cool cat with your pants on the ground ♪
♪ boo ♪
♪ where's your home ♪
♪ pants on the ground ♪
♪ uptown ♪
♪ pants on the ground ♪
♪ downtown ♪
♪ pants on the ground ♪
♪ boom, boom ♪
♪ pants up ♪
♪ get pants up ♪
♪ I get my pants up right now ♪
♪ get your pants up ♪
You are back with us at the Nokia Theater LA Live for
our finale but it doesn't have to end tonight.
You can check all the Idols this summer on Tour. Live Nation is offering discount tickets.
Log on to americanidol.com for all of the information.
Now, tonight we're celebrating Crystal and Lee.
But also the guy who's touched
the lives of millions around the globe,
including this woman's.
While, when I first met Simon, it was the first day of work.
We were just thrown into the middle of cameras
and it was anything goes.
Steven, Steven, Steven, that was terrible.
Simon was loud and proud.
Telling everyone how it is liked.
- Temika, Temika, Temika. - It's Te-mika.
Go to an audition where they lie to you.
Thank you very much.
I could not believe what was coming out of Simon's mouth.
Call your vocal coach and demand a refund.
Oh, my god. We were like family. And then we became American's favourite dysfunctional family.
Shut up.
I¡¯m just reinforcing your point.
Shut up.
- Oh, come on, you want to do something about it? Come on, come on, come on. - Yeah, already, already.
Can you shut up?
- Someone's a bit of... Today. - Simon, I don't have a promising anything from your face.
After eight years of sitting between two men that have bigger boobs than me, I haven't had that.
Actually, the best moments we went when we were just laughing hysterically.
What the hell was that?
You always made that sound...
Now I¡¯m talking... You're making me laugh, Paula.
Through all the ups and downs of our relationship,
he actually taught me to be very strong.
For that I¡¯m grateful.
But I must say I¡¯m very proud to be his friend.
All I can say now is to sir, with love.
Thank you.
Simon, I¡¯ll get you in a minute.
Thank you, everyone.
Thank you so much.
It's fantastic being here tonight.
I really miss everyone.
Hello, judges.
Randy...
Hello, baby.
You look charming tonight.
Oh, It's so good to see you.
Great seeing you.
Hi, Ellen.
Hi, Paula.
How are you?
I love you.
I love you, too.
Want to dance?
All right.
Kara, you look beautiful tonight.
You look amazing.
Doesn't she look hot?
Amazing.
Thank you.
- So very good to see you. - Thank you very much.
Where's Ryan?
Ryan, wherever you are, you're so...
Right here.
You're so cute and I want my lip gloss back.
And, Simon...
That's all I got.
Good night, everybody.
Okay.
Who are we kidding?
Let's face it.
The only reason they wanted me back here tonight is so that I
could tell all of you the real reason why I really left.
But I don't think that's what tonight is all about, is it?
Although I will tell you this.
There's a baby backstage with Simon's haircut and, sweetheart,
It's your turn to feed him.
Look, Simon, my darling Simon,
I've worked with a lot of people over the years.
Hot cheerleaders.
Big movie stars.
World-famous recording artists.
Even a cartoon cat.
If I'm being truly honest,
none of them hold a candle to you, my friend.
Our relationship on the show...
And I call it a partnership, really, Simon.
I do call it a partnership although I know you'd like to
think of it more as a teacher-student thing.
No, it's a partnership.
But it's brought me immeasurable joy.
I've loved all the fun we've had together.
I've loved all the laughter we've shared together.
No, "American Idol" is not going to be the same without you.
But as only I can tell you, it will go on.
Yep, it will.
One of you here today is going to be the most famous
person in America, the American Idol.
Give yourself a round of applause.
♪ and now the end is near ♪
♪ and so I face ♪
♪ the final curtain ♪
Somebody once said to me
you've got to know when to leave the party.
It's simple as that.
Genuinely, I can walk away, you know, with happy memories.
♪ of which I'm certain ♪
♪ I've lived a life that's full ♪
♪ I traveled each and every highway ♪
I will make a prediction.
Not only will you win this show.
You will sell more records than any previous "Idol" winner.
And as usual, I got it right.
You're a great person, Simon.
I'm going to pay to Simon.
That guy can shove it.
You can kiss it right here.
Right here.
You're actually a very good kisser.
You need to give her another chance.
Why are you smiling?
Because I really like you.
♪ and did it my way ♪
If I'm being honest, I thought we'd make the show,
they'd hate it, and we'd be thrown out of the country.
And I was genuinely accepting that.
Honestly, for once, haven't got a clue what to say.
♪ yes, it was my way ♪
I had the best 10 years of my life,
so I genuinely mean this.
Thank you, and I'm going to miss you.
♪ where we are ♪
♪ sharing our lives ♪
♪ we made it through the good and bad times ♪
♪ and here we stand ♪
♪ with hope in our hearts ♪
♪ together we, we will do our part ♪
♪ and now we've come so far ♪
♪ one chance to touch a star ♪
♪ go higher and higher ♪
♪ find your guiding inspiration ♪
♪ in a place where dreams are made ♪
♪ with a lifetime's preparation ♪
♪ there's no time to be afraid ♪
♪ while we shine like the sun ♪
♪ see what we've all become ♪
♪ together we are one ♪
♪ together ♪
♪ we are one ♪
♪ find your guiding inspiration ♪
♪ in a place where dreams are made ♪
♪ with a lifetime's preparation ♪
♪ it's no time to be afraid ♪
♪ put our differences behind us ♪
♪ while we shine like the sun ♪
♪ see what we've all become ♪
♪ together we are one ♪
♪ yeah, yeah ♪
♪ together we are one ♪
♪ with a lifetime's preparation ♪
♪ it's no time to be afraid ♪
♪ put our differences behind us ♪
♪ while we shine like the sun ♪
♪ see what we've all become ♪
♪ together we are one ♪
♪ see what we've all become ♪
♪ together we are one ♪
Wonderful, guys.
Wonderful.
Simon, come up here for a second.
Come on.
Come on, judges.
Push him up here.
You know, I didn't think I was going to be this emotional,
but I genuinely am.
I just want to say it's great to have the tall one back.
What Paula said is true.
The show goes forward.
It will be different.
But I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for
the support, the fun, and everyone,
the sense... your sense of humor.
I mean, that's what's been the best part,
seeing these contestants back,
that's what's made the show,
and you know what the truth is.
When everyone asks who's going to be...
Who's going to replace me,
who's going to be the next judge,
the truth is you guys are the judge of this show and
you've done an incredible job over the years.
And even you, I'm going to honestly, honestly miss you,
and I want to thank everybody.
I'm not going to name names,
but the production team,
the people who put all this together.
Thank you very much indeed.
It's been a blast.
Thank you.
We'll be back.
♪ I heard from a friend today ♪
♪ and she said you were in town ♪
♪ suddenly the memories came back to me in my spine ♪
♪ how can I understand what I say ♪
♪ will I ever fall in love with you again ♪
♪ don't you stand there and then tell me you love me then leave again ♪
♪ I'm falling in love with you again ♪
Janet Jackson.
By the way, her song "Nothing" is the world premiere theme from
her latest motion picture.
She's also headlining at the Essence Music Festival July 2nd.
And Janet's "Number One" has produced 34 No.1s, unbelievable.
Tonight is about Crystal and Lee.
For those two it's been a crazy ride,
one that started together actually.
Watch.
All right, Lee.
Tell us a little about you.
I'm 23.
And this is what I'm supposed to be doing.
Your name is Crystal?
Yes, I'm Crystal Bowersox.
I'm really, really happy to be here.
♪ I fell in love again ♪
♪ all things go ♪
I am the next American Idol
Because my kid deserves a better life than I ever had.
I feel like there's a time and a place for everything and
this is my time and my place.
You're in the top 24.
I'm loving every minute of this.
This is exactly what I want to be doing with my life.
This whole thing's been
something I never thought I'd be able to do.
♪ what would you do if I sang out of tune ♪
♪ would you stand up and walk out on me ♪
♪ ooh, just lend me your ears ♪
♪ and I'll sing you a song ♪
♪ I'll try not to sing out of key ♪
♪ I get a little help from my friends ♪
♪ try with a little help from my friends ♪
Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcoming
Mr.Joe Cocker, living legend.
♪ what do I do when my love is away ♪
♪ how do I feel by the end of the day ♪
♪ are you sad cause you're on your own ♪
♪ gonna get by with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ gonna get high with my friends ♪
♪ try with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ gonna get on with my friends ♪
♪ do ya need anybody ♪
♪ oh, I ♪
♪ could it be anybody ♪
♪ don't you know I need someone ♪
♪ somebody who loves me ♪
♪ try with a little help from my friends ♪
♪ high with a little help from my friends ♪
Give it up, Joe Cocker!
It has come down to our mother from Toledo
and our paint salesman from Chicago.
One of them will be named the winner of season 9.
With the official envelope containing your results,
please welcome the founder and chairman of Telescope,
Mr. Edward Bodington.
Edward?
Is this the package we want?
Hello, sir.
I'm pleased to confirm that Telescope has certified the
voting results for this season's "American Idol,"
and the results are contained in this envelope.
Thank you very much.
Appreciate it.
Good luck, guys.
It's been a heck of a year.
Thank you for everything.
Here we go.
Dim the lights.
Let's get to it.
After the nationwide vote,
I can now tell you the winner of "American Idol" 2010 is...
Lee DeWyze.
That means Crystal Bowersox is our runner-up.
Lee, come up here.
Oh, my God.
Come up.
How does it feel to be the new American Idol?
I don't know.
It's amazing.
Thank you guys so much for everything.
Thank you.
Thank you guys so much.
Everybody.
I can't believe it.
I love you guys.
This is amazing.
Crystal, I love you.
Lee DeWyze takes the title.
Oh, my God.
Thank you.
Are you stunned?
I'm just happy, man.
I'm so happy right now.
I've never been happier in my life.
And... oh, my God.
Can you describe the
feeling inside you when I said your name?
No, I can't.
There's no words to describe it.
This is amazing.
And I appreciate everything everybody here has done.
Here he is, Lee DeWyze,
your new American Idol. "Beautiful Day."
Good night, everybody.
♪ there is no room ♪
♪ you're out of luck ♪
♪ and the reason that you had to care ♪
♪ the traffic is stuck ♪
♪ and you're not moving anywhere ♪
♪ you thought you'd found a friend ♪
♪ to take you out of this place ♪
♪ someone to you who could lend a hand ♪
♪ in return for grace ♪
♪ it's a beautiful day ♪
♪ sky falls, you feel like ♪
♪ it's a beautiful day ♪
♪ so touch me ♪
♪ take me to that other place ♪
♪ teach me ♪
♪ I know I'm not a hopeless case ♪
♪ see the world in green and blue ♪
♪ see the china right in front of you ♪
♪ see the canyons broken by cloud ♪
♪ see the tuna fleets clearing the sea out ♪