Lee DeWyze Blog

What's Life Been Like for Lee DeWyze Since Winning American Idol? PLUS, a Rare Acoustic Performance of Lee's New Single "Beautiful Like You"!!

2011-04-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

What's Life Been Like for Lee DeWyze Since Winning American Idol?
Lee DeWyze Speaks Candidly About Life After Idol
The Season 9 winner opens up about his "upsetting" album release day, telling THR's Idol Worship: "There were so many things going against it."

Lee DeWyze has achieved an extraordinary feat: he won American Idol during one of its toughest seasons ever -- not just in terms of the competition, which was formidable, as always, but because he also had to battle apathetic judges, viewer fatigue and slipping ratings. Somehow, Lee not only survived American Idol Season 9, he thrived, transforming from a reserved former paint salesman to a star on America’s biggest stage.

The euphoria lasted until November 23, 2010, when, after a week of mixed emotions, Lee saw his debut album, Live It Up, chart at a respectable No. 19, only to be derided in the same breath for its low (by Idol standards) sales -- as far as the rest of the music business is concerned, 39,000 units moved is a good week!

Last week marked Lee’s first return to the Idol stage since winning Season 9. And perhaps in being reminded what he had truly accomplished, Lee sat down with Idol Worship and spoke candidly for the first time about that roller coaster record release week and life after Idol.

THR: The Idol experience, especially for a winner, can make you feel like a hamster running on a wheel. When were you finally able to stop and take a breather?

Lee DeWyze: People use the world whirlwind a lot, and it really was. It was just out of control -- almost like you don't remember it. When it was over, I didn't know what was next. I was like, "What do I do now?" Going back home and seeing the family was awesome, but I got back in the swing of things really quickly with recording the album.

THR: How did your family handle Idol?

DeWyze: I think they handled it well. It was definitely difficult at times. It was pressure for them, too -- now they're the parents of this kid that's on American Idol. It was interesting for them. They're very humble, normal people so it was more fun than anything.

THR: How did it feel to be back in the Idol studio?

DeWyze: It was awesome. It felt more like playing a gig with my band than going up as a contestant. You're finally doing your own thing, playing your own music -- getting to that point is a really great place to be. I had a couple flashbacks here and there, but it wasn't a bad feeling. It was more like, "I remember what this was like."

THR: The set is different…

DeWyze: It's very different. I like it way better, actually. It felt more like a stage, like a place I'd want to perform. The other one was like a backdrop and here's 60 feet of floor. Now, it's got a dynamic to it, it's got shape, there's an audience of people surrounding you. It feels like you're in a venue.

THR: What didn’t you miss about that building?

DeWyze: Waiting around for performances, sound checks and things like that. What I did miss were the people behind the scenes.

THR: What was your impression of the new judges?

DeWyze: They're doing great. I think that they're really finding themselves as judges. And the niceness slowed down a bit, I noticed. They were real fluffy at first, and now it's a little more direct.

THR: It’s like a feather's touch compared to your season. They were harsh!

DeWyze: On our season, they tore it up. They really didn't hold back at all and I think a lot had to do with it being Simon Cowell's last year. It was just, like, “Let's do whatever the f--- we want, let's just tear them down.” But I got through it. I'm okay with where I'm at, and I'm happy I went on the show when I did… . It was a wild ride, but now it's all about real music.

THR: Of course, most people judge the success of a music career on album sales. Was your release week kind of ruined because you couldn’t just take pride in the accomplishment?

DeWyze: Definitely. It was interesting. They didn't release the album on time [because] there was some sort of a mix-up at iTunes -- it was supposed to be out at midnight, it didn't get released until three in the afternoon -- and just as it’s about to come out, the Beatles release their full catalog. So it was like, "Wow. Really?" Almost every album above mine was the Beatles, which is cool, but I got a lot of flack.

People wanted to bash on me and I was, like, “I don't really f---ing care.” I don't. I'm gonna do what I do because I love doing it and for the people that like my music. So for me, the album release wasn't my best day. It was pretty upsetting. Not because of where it was or how much it sold, there were just so many things going against it…

It's easy to sit behind a computer and blog about how much you hate somebody. It's my job to get out there and perform, and it's their job to try to tear people down.

THR: Were you able to talk to the Season 10 contestants? Maybe offer some advice?

DeWyze: Yeah, I got to hang with them for ten minutes. They were really inquisitive. They asked me a lot of questions like, “How did you feel every week?,” and “What's it like when the show's over?” My advice to them was, "Just remember why you auditioned in the first place: you love music. And if that's really what you're in this for. No matter what happens, you'll still be playing, one way or another. Small venues, big venues, whatever. And you have a lot to look forward to in your careers, so don't look at this as the be-all, end-all." That's what I did. I looked at it like, "If I go home, I go home. If I don't, I don't.” I'm still as happy with my life no matter what happened. You can't look at it as if, "This is it. This is my life.” Because it’s not.

THR: Although the words American Idol will be attached to your name forever.

DeWyze: Which is okay. I like that I stand for something like American Idol which helps musicians and artists get out there. It's important to have shows like Idol because it's so hard to get into the music industry nowadays – nearly impossible.

THR: Season 10 finalist Haley Reinhart is from Wheeling, Illinois, not too far from your hometown of Mt. Prospect. Coincidence?

DeWyze: It must be something in that Midwest water. [Laughs] I'm hoping the best for her. I've seen a bit of the shows here and there, and I've got my eye on a few of them, like Casey [Abrams], Pia [Toscano] and Haley; they would be my three.

THR: Your album is called Live It Up, have you been able to?

DeWyze: A little bit, but a lot of my time has been work. Living it up for me is just enjoying life. That's really what the album is about: experiencing life, examining relationships… The new single "Beautiful Like You" is a song that I relate to so well and I can sing from a very honest place.

THR: Is there a lyric you’re especially proud of on this record?

DeWyze: "You've only got one life, live it up darling." I love that line because it speaks to everybody. It’s saying: just do it. Whatever your dreams are, if you're in love, just go for it and have fun doing it. And then it goes on to say every second that passes you by is just wasting time. You can sit on your ass for years saying, "I want to do this," but until you actually get up and try, it's like, "what are you doing?"

Lee also treated us to a special acoustic performance of his new single "Beautiful Like You," which, following his Idol performance, saw an 8,000-plus percent boost (Live it Up also re-entered the Billboard 200 chart on March 23, coming in at No. 96). See video below...

Source: THR by Shirley Halperin

VISIT The AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 10 BLOG @ http://aiseason10.blogspot.com/

Get the American Idol Season 10 Top 12 performances! Click below:

Lee DeWyze Debuts his NEW Single "Beautiful Like You" LIVE on American Idol

2011-03-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

American Idol Season 9 champion Lee DeWyze debuts his latest single "Beautiful Like You" on the Idol Top 12 Results Show. This is the second single from Lee's chart-topping album Live It Up. The first single, "Sweet Serendipity," premiered on On Air with Ryan Seacrest on October 13, 2010.

After winning Season 9 of American Idol on May 27, 2010, DeWyze signed a recording contract with 19 Entertainment and RCA Records. He started recording soon after and continued during the American Idols LIVE! Tour and completed in early October 2010, releasing the album November 16, 2010. He worked with Toby Gad, John Shanks, Espionage, and other producers. Lee DeWyze co-wrote ten of the eleven songs on Live It Up. He explained about the album and work:

"To see my name listed in the credits on each song was really important to me because I’m a songwriter. I also loved working with such talented writers. They all brought so much to the table and really helped me flesh out my sound. I grew up listening to Simon and Garfunkel, The Mamas & The Papas, Cat Stevens, and Kris Kristofferson. I love hard-edged vocals over pretty melodies — that’s what I’m about.″

Lee DeWyze's Pre-American Idol Albums

Get the American Idol Season 10 Top 12 performances! Click below:

Watch Lee DeWyze's New VIDEO "Sweet Serendipity" and Order New ALBUM NOW!!!!

2010-11-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

Lee DeWyze's 'Sweet Serendipity' Music Video Debuted

Lee DeWyze has got his first music video, which was filmed to support his debut single "Sweet Serendipity", made available for viewing pleasure. It features him and his love interest walking through the streets in separate scenes. He is walking at night, while she wanders on her own during the day.

"Sweet Serendipity" is the lead single from DeWyze's upcoming studio album "Live It Up" which is slated for November 16 U.S. release. It actually was not the first choice for a lead single. He previously planned to release title track of the album, but changed it few hours before the release.

In an interview with Ryan Seacrest, DeWyze explained why he changed his mind, saying he felt that "Sweet Serendipity" is the one in the album that stood out the most. Both songs actually have some similar "Jason Mraz vibes," but "Live It Up" is a bit more sleepy than "Serendipity".

Don't forget to add Lee's pre-American Idol albums ~ Slumberland and So I'm Told ~ to your music collection!!

AND, pre-order "Farmer's Daughter" by Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox!

TODAY = OPERATION ALBUM SPIKE!! PRE-ORDER LEE'S ALBUM TODAY plus Lee DeWyze Dishes on His “Very Chill” Debut Album ~ Interview + Video!

2010-09-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

Neon Limelight Interview: American Idol Champ Lee DeWyze Dishes On “Very Chill” Debut Album
by TJ

With the lights, cameras, and judges from American Idol in the past, the show’s ninth season champ, Lee DeWyze, is feeling like himself as a performer again. Known on the show for being the shy guy rocker, Lee has reverted back to using his confident swagger on stage as he performs around the country on the American Idols Live! tour this summer. The pressure of performing is off.

But there’s a new pressure: putting together his debut album. Lee was mum on who he’s working with on the already-in-progress album when we caught up with him backstage at the Idol’s Live tour stop in Baltimore, MD this past weekend, but we managed to get a few tidbits about the set’s overall sound and how it will represent him.

See what he told us about the album, his favorite part about touring, and which past Idol contestant he’d duet with if given the chance in our exclusive interview below:

Neon Limelight: Seeing how you won, you probably wouldn’t go back and do anything different, but now that you’ve had the chance to go back and see what you did well and what you could have improved on, if you could go back and mentor yourself, what would you tell yourself?

Lee DeWyze: I feel like when I went on the show, in the beginning — before the show, I knew who I was and I was myself — when I went on the show, everything was just jumbled for me. It was kind of I had to relearn how to do everything. It was really bizarre. Towards the end of the show I started falling into my groove again. And now that the show’s over and I’m doing the live stuff again, I’m back to being me. If anything I would tell myself to not be as nervous and just sing and not worry about it, but other than that, I’m kind of happy. I did what I could.

NL: Do you still get those nerve when you’re about to go on stage.

LD: Nope.

NL: Not at all?

LD: Nope!

NL: That’s awesome!

LD: I played for four years before I ever went on American Idol, so it was never about being nervous to play live, it was just about the cameras and the judges. It was all so bizarre to me. Now that that’s all over, I’m just having fun and doing my thing again.

NL: You’ve done live shows–

LD: Not like this!

NL: Of course! But what’s the biggest surprise about touring so far?

LD: That I can actually sleep on the bus! I didn’t think I’d be able to actually fall asleep on the bus but I can.

NL: Do you get good baby sleep or is it bumpy?

LD: No, when I fall asleep on the bus, I’m out. I’m out like a light. So I’m happy I can sleep on the bus.

NL: What’s your favorite part of the live show you guys do on the tour?

LD: Seeing the fans. Seeing the fans support and seeing them come out the way they do is awesome, it’s unbelievable. They’re the ones who voted us to where we got and supported us throughout the show and are gonna buy albums and go to concerts and be part of what we’re doing. Those are the people I want to thank and do this for. That’s why I’m doing this.

NL: What you gotten the chance to think about what your album will be like and have you started it?

LD: I’ve already started. It’s gonna be like a whole rock/pop sort of deal. It’s gonna be very chill rock, a little harder stuff. It’s gonna be my vibe — stuff I would have done from day one [and] what I’ve always done. It’s gonna be awesome.

NL: Who are you working with, like writers and producers?

LD: I can’t tell you. [grins]

NL: Fine!

LD: I wish I could or I would. I would tell you for sure.

NL: It’s fine! I understand. So, if you could duet with any past Idol contestant, who would it be?

LD: That’s a good questions. Including this season?

NL: Not this season.

LD: Probably Carrie Underwood. She’s got like a really beautiful, pretty voice and I’ve got like a harder, rougher voice, so I think it would be kind of cool to put those two together.

NL: Yeah, I think they would compliment each other well.

LD: Yeah, it would be really cool. So, Carrie Underwood.

AT&T LIVE CHAT with Lee DeWyze & the American Idol Top 5!

2010-09-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

American Idol winner Lee DeWyze and his Top 5 buddies - Crystal Bowersox, Casey James, Michael "Big Mike" Lynche and Aaron Kelly - sit down for a live chat, brought to you by AT&T.

A SNEAK PEEK Inside Lee DeWyze & Andrew Garcia's Hotel Room!!!!

2010-08-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

See animals in their natural habitat! LOL Take a sneak peek inside the hotel room of American Idol winner Lee DeWyze and his best bro, Andrew Garcia as they kick back and decide what to eat for dinner. Or breakfast (Andrew's in bed...). So, does Lee like calamari?? Find out in the video below!!

LAST SHOW OF IDOLS LIVE TOUR! TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR $16 & $20!! See Lee DeWyze in Concert in Indianapolis, IN! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

Watch Inside Lee & Andrew's hotel room!!!! on Fanpop

Download Lee's American Idol performance singles and videos Now

Lee DeWyze and Andrew Garcia give the Fans a little treat before the Idols LIVE! Concert!

2010-08-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

American Idol winner Lee DeWyze and best bud Andrew Garcia - who are always teased about their 'bro-mance' - serenade the crowd with James Morrison's "You Give Me Something" outside the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio before the Idols LIVE! Concert on 8/29/10. Lee cutely hangs his head in sadness when Andrew won't provide harmony for him...

ONLY 2 SHOWS LEFT!!! See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

Lee DeWyze pleased with post-American Idol recording plans

2010-08-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

Written by Alan Sculley, toledofreepress.com

ONLY 3 SHOWS LEFT!!!Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

Lee DeWyze seems to be the kind of artist and musician who isn’t afraid to set lofty goals.

“In my mind you only live once, and if you’re not going to do it big, then don’t do it at all,” he remarked during a recent phone interview.

DeWyze has certainly followed that line of thinking during the past year or so, taking one of the quickest paths any musician can follow to make a big splash on the national music scene.

He auditioned for “American Idol,” and was crowned the champion this past season. Now he’s about to record an album on major label RCA/19 Records, and if all goes according to plan, it will be released during the high-profile Christmas shopping season.

And with the built-in fan base that comes with having your performances seen on “American Idol” by millions of viewers week in, week out, there’s little doubt that DeWyze will have a good chance to make a big first impression with his RCA/19 debut album and have the kind of immediate success that many past “Idol” winners have enjoyed with their first post-“Idol” CDs.

This is exactly the platform DeWyze wanted to reach in his music career. In interviews as the “American Idol” season was unfolding, he made no secret that he wanted to record for a major record label — not an independent.

“No one’s got the outreach like a major label does,” DeWyze said, explaining that preference. “I don’t care what anyone says. You can’t get the exposure that a major label can offer [on an independent record label].”

“For me, I want to get my CDs everywhere. I want it out all over the place. I want everyone to listen to my music. That’s just how I am. If I’m doing something and I’m proud of it, I want everyone to hear it.”

DeWyze, 24, knows what it’s like to be trying to build a career from a much more modest starting point. Prior to auditioning for “American Idol,” he had tried to build his career the way so many artists do, by playing countless gigs around his home base.

Starting out at age 17, he had spent six years playing shows in his hometown Chicago area.

“We played everything from your dive bar to the House of Blues … just a lot of different places, everything you could think of,” DeWyze said.

Along the way, DeWyze released two CDs on the Chicago-based independent label, WuLi Records: 2007’s “So I’m Told” and 2009’s “Slumberland.” Both albums found DeWyze working in primarily an acoustic folk-rock vein (with bass and drums often added to his guitar parts and vocals). It’s a sound that isn’t far afield from that of artists like Jason Mraz or Jack Johnson.

The fact that DeWyze had this experience in music wasn’t played up on “American Idol,” which instead focused on the fact that he had worked in a paint store before making it as an “Idol” finalist.

DeWyze said he wasn’t that bothered by how he was portrayed, although he admitted the “paint store guy” angle was a bit odd.

“I think their whole thing was he’s the paint store guy, the working class man,” he said. “And it was cool. I worked at a paint store. Everyone’s got jobs. Everyone’s got to pay the bills. So for me it was kind of just weird that was the main focus.

“I’m glad it wasn’t some kind of sob story,” he said. “I understand that people have things that go on in their lives, but for me, I didn’t want it to be about any of that stuff.”

Even for a musician with performing experience, getting onto “American Idol” can seem like a pipe dream. First, one has to audition against thousands of other hopefuls. And that’s just to get to the next round to try to become one of the 24 semi-finalists that will actually get the chance to compete on the show. To DeWyze, who sounds like he doesn’t lack for confidence, auditioning for “American Idol” was something he decided he just had to do.

“I just didn’t want five years to go by and be like, ‘what if I had done this? What would have happened’?” he said. “Now I can’t say that to myself. I know exactly what would have happened.”

What happened, of course, is that DeWyze kept doing well week after week on “American Idol.” On the way to claiming the title of this season’s champion, he never landed in the bottom three — something that no previous male finalist had ever achieved.

He admitted, though, that doing the “American Idol” show was different than what he had expected.

“I thought it would be a lot more relaxed than it was,” DeWyze said. “At times, it became very high tension, like it was very tense, the whole situation. And it was just very sometimes unnerving and just a little bit more than you would think.”

Now, DeWyze is getting to showcase his talents away from the set of the show on the “American Idols Live!” tour (Get Tickets Here!). He’ll do a set of five songs or so to close the shows, which also feature performances from the other nine finalists from this season. DeWyze said he’s ready for the tour, even though he’s accustomed to clubs and not arena stages.

“I’m used to playing in front of people, but nothing on this scale,” he said. “I’m definitely not worried about the performances. I’m more looking forward to them than anything. I’m not nervous about it or anything. It’s different than ‘Idol.’ It’s not like you’re being judged or you have a minute and a half to play a song. You get to play full songs in front of crowds. It’s going to be great.”

He’ll also get started recording his first album for RCA/19. DeWyze though, didn’t offer many details about the kind of sound he’ll pursue on the CD, or if it will be different from the acoustic-oriented sound of his two independent CDs or what producers or co-writers will be involved.

“I have a lot of new ideas and things I want to get down, different sounds and things,” DeWyze said. “Being in the studio and being able to do that is going to be awesome for me, because that’s exactly what I need right now.”

See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

American Idol Interview - Catching Up with Lee DeWyze

2010-08-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

Catch up with American Idol Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze, and find out how he's doing after winning the title of "Idol"!

ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT!!! See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

Idol Lee DeWyze Sings "Hallelujah" @ Staples Center

2010-08-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

American Idol Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze sings Leonard Cohen's hauntingly beautiful "Hallelujah", made popular by Jeff Buckley, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during an Idols LIVE concert tour stop.

ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT! See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

Idol Lee DeWyze & Finalists Talk SUPER POWERS, FIRST KISSES & TOILET PAPER!

2010-08-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Insider interviews American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, and Season 9 Finalists Siobhan Magnus, Michael Lynche (aka Big Mike), Andrew Garcia and Katie Stevens before the Idols LIVE Tour in Seattle, Washington. One of the best interviews I've seen ~ great off-beat questions, funny answers, all Idols in very relaxed, charming moods ~ and believe me, I've seen them all!

ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT!! See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

American Idol Lee DeWyze talks about the songs on his upcoming album.

2010-08-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

American Idol Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze told a reporter at the Staples Center that his debut album may feature a few pre-Idol tunes. Lee also said that the October 26th release date may need to be adjusted. Check it out.

Get Lee's pre-Idol album, Slumberland!

Lee DeWyze & the Top 10 talk with MTV at the LA Tour stop about who should be on the judges' panel this season!

2010-08-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

Winner Lee DeWyze and the American Idol Season 9 Top 10 talk with MTV at the LA Tour stop of the Idols LIVE concert(Get American Idol Live tickets Here!) about who should be on the judges' panel this season!

Check out who Lee Dewyze, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Katie Stevens, Michael Lynche, Didi Benami and the others suggest.

Lee DeWyze performs "Rocket Man" at Los Angeles show!

2010-08-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

Lee DeWyze - winner of American Idol Season 9 - performs Elton John's "Rocket Man" at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA during an Idols LIVE concert stop on July 13th, 2010.

See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

Exclusive: Lee DeWyze Talks Ellen DeGeneres' American Idol Departure

2010-08-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

Billboard.com Exclusive, by Monica Herrera, N.Y.

Lee DeWyze was the first "American Idol" winner to have been judged by Ellen DeGeneres, and now he's most certainly the last, after the talk show host and funnywoman announced her departure from the show last week. In a statement to Billboard.com, DeWyze says he was "privileged" to have been judged by DeGeneres during her lone season with the show.

"I feel very privileged to have been a part of 'American Idol' while Ellen was there," says DeWyze, who edged out Crystal Bowersox for the season nine "Idol" crown in May. "She represented the voice of the viewers and genuinely wanted to see each of us succeed. That's what I love about Ellen, she has a huge heart."

"I valued her opinion each and every week, and can not thank her enough for her support throughout last season," DeWyze adds. "I wish her the best."

Since DeGeneres announced her exit, everyone from Steven Tyler to Jennifer Lopez has been rumored as a replacement "Idol" judge. While Fox has remained tightlipped throughout the speculation, Tyler has confirmed that he was contacted by the network and that his deal is a "work in progress."

DeWyze is currently on the road with his fellow top 10 finalists for the American Idols Live! tour, which wraps at the end of the month, and recording his debut album.

See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

American Idol Season 9 Contestants First to Try New Cheesecake Factory "Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate" Flavor for Charity! (video)

2010-08-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Season 9 'Idol' Contestants First to Try New Cheesecake Factory Flavor!
"American Idol" winner Lee DeWyze and his fellow contestants were the very first to try The Cheesecake Factory's new cheesecake on Friday -- enjoying the Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake -- and it was all for a good cause!

The new cheesecake will support Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger relief organization, and on Friday, dine-in guests will be able to enjoy a slice of one of the 30 cheesecakes for only half the price. The Cheesecake Factory will donate the equivalent of $3.5 million in meals from proceeds from each slice to Feeding America.

Watch the video to see Lee, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Siobhan Magnus and the Idol contestants take a bite out of the new cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory in Virginia Beach, VA before their big show at the Virginia Beach Amphitheatre.

See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

Lee DeWyze ~ Interview with Phathead 94.3 WMJC

2010-08-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

American Idol Lee DeWyze talks with Phathead at 94.3 WMJC radio, Long Island.

See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

Lee DeWyze sings "Use Somebody" Live!

2010-08-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

American Idol Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze sings Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" on the Idols Live Tour.

See Lee LIVE - Get your American Idol Live tickets Here!

Lee DeWyze & Crystal Bowersox talk about their future plans with YoungHollywood

2010-08-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

American Idol Lee DeWyze and runner-up Crystal Bowersox talk about their future and how this is just the beginning for them (Get tickets Here!). Lee tells YH his secret on what he was feeling when he got crowned American Idol as Crystal tells us her musical influences and inspirations ~ like Micheal Franti and Spearhead, Aretha Franklin and Melissa Etheridge. Hosted by Tatiana Diana.

See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

Get the "Hallelujah" single and Lee DeWyze's pre-American Idol albums!

2010-08-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Get a video of Lee DeWyze's American Idol performance, and the mp3 studio version of "Hallelujah"! Click the banners below.

Also grab Lee's pre-Idol albums "So I'm Told" and the amazing "Slumberland" as well as the children's CD from Square One where Lee sings a song called "Parent's Wish". Order below:

See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

AMERICAN IDOL NEWS - Exclusive Interview with Lee DeWyze

2010-08-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

American Idol Lee DeWyze has been touring the country with his fellow Top 10 Season 9 finalists. The reigning champ hopped on the phone with us before performing in Pittsburgh for an exclusive interview. He chatted about his upcoming album, advice for Season 10 hopefuls, and more.

Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

Lee told us that “The best part of being on tour is getting to play live; really live! There are no judges and no cameras. It’s just me doing my thing and getting to play for the fans.” So does Lee get nervous performing in front of stadiums of people? Nope. “I got up in front of 40 million people while on American Idol and I learned so much from the show. It’s all about music for me. I stayed true to myself on the show, and being on the big stage on tour I’m interacting with the crowd and being myself.”

Every season seems to have a prankster, and it seems that Lee is the Season 9 tour prankster. MyIdol member Wahntchre wanted to know more about Lee’s leader role with the pranks and if he’s afraid of the pranks that may be pulled on him. “I only do very subtle pranks – nothing harmful. If anyone is going to try to prank me, it better be good, because there’s going to be retaliation!”

As the American Idol, Lee is the headliner of the Season 9 tour. Since he’s the last person to perform at each show, what does he do to pass the time while he’s waiting for his set? “I’m still trying to figure it out,” Lee remarked. “I have time to listen to a full album, so I’ll pick one and listen to it. I just try and chill, because if I just sit around and wait, I’ll get tired. During Casey's and Crystal’s sets, I’ll go watch them and listen to the crowd and get pumped up.”

Lee’s favorite part about being on tour is meeting the fans. “There have been a lot of cool moments meeting the fans. Seeing the people who supported me on the show has been great. They are fans of the show and are music fans too. It’s cool to see the people progress from being fans of mine to fans of my music. When I meet them I like to let the fans know how much I appreciate them. The time will come when I’m out on my own making music, and I look forward to making a name for myself and having them stick by me. I love them all so much.”

In just one month, the tour will hit up Lee’s hometown, Chicago! “I’m very excited for the Chicago show because my family and friends will be there,” Lee shared. “This will be the first show my family will be at. There are lots of fans in Chicago too. It will be like a really good homecoming.” Although the tour stop will be just 15 minutes away from Lee’s home, they don’t have any extra time to spend in Chicago. Once the tour ends, Lee said he’ll have a little time to see everyone back home.

As Lee travels the country on tour, he is also working on his album and first single. “My first single was U2's ‘Beautiful Day,’ and the fans responded to it well. It was cool to cover a song by one of the biggest bands of all time,” said Lee. “I am looking forward to releasing my album which will be more my style – more folk-rock. I’ve been writing everything so far and it represents me well.” My Idol members AngelxDeWyze and jojowinkie wanted to know more about the writing process, and Lee shared, “I’ve been writing since I was 16 years old. I’m inspired by different stages of my life, and Idol was a huge stage of my life and a big influence. I like to write about things I can relate to like finding myself, love, and emotional things people can feel. I’m emotionally connected to music. My mood affects my music and sometimes the melody comes first and other times it’s the story; it just depends on how I’m feeling. Sometimes a song will just come to me, but I never write about something I don’t experience myself or an experience someone else shares with me.”

To the Season 10 hopefuls who are currently going through the audition process, Lee offered up some great advice. “First, good luck to all of them,” Lee stated. “Don’t be fake and don’t try to be something you’re not. Stay true to yourself. If you do the best you can, good things will come.”

Before Lee hit the road with the Top 10, he talked about what he has to have with him on tour and what it’s like to have his dreams come true.
From AmericanIdol.com

See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

LEE DEWYZE WINS TEEN CHOICE AWARD!!

2010-08-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

2010 Teen Choice Awards Winners Announced

Yes Fans, American Idol Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze wins again! This time for "Choice TV: Male Reality/Variety Star"! Lee's loyal fans know how to get out the vote!

American Idol itself has proven to be a perennial favorite, winning the "Choice TV: Reality Competition Show" Award. America's favorite host, Ryan Seacrest took home the "Choice TV: Personality" Award. In the "Other' category, judge Ellen Degeneres took home two Awards - "Choice Comedian" and "Choice Twit." Rounding out American Idol's impressive six Awards was David Archuleta, who won the "Choice American Idol Alum" Award. One Award truly surprised me. The "Most Fanatic Fans" Award went to the Twilight Cast, not Lee DeWyze's Fans. But, we know the truth ~ Lee's fans are the BEST IN THE WORLD!

The winners for the 2010 Teen Choice Awards, which aired last night, Monday, August 8th at 8 p.m. on Fox with hosts Katy Perry and the male stars of Glee, were announced yesterday by the network, after the ceremony was taped at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles. In total, 105 award winners were announced, spanning five major categories from movies and television to music and fashion. Vampires dominated the awards, as the Twilight movies (both New Moon and Eclipse) racked up 12 surf-board shaped trophies, while TV drama The Vampire Dairies took home seven. Twilight‘s Robert Pattison, country music sensation Taylor Swift, and pint-sized pop star Justin Bieber each took home four awards. The winners were chosen through more than 85 million votes cast online.

Here is the full list of winners:

MOVIES
Choice Movie: Action Adventure
Sherlock Holmes

Choice Movie Actor: Action Adventure
Channing Tatum, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Choice Movie Actress: Action Adventure
Rachel McAdams, Sherlock Holmes

Choice Movie: Sci-Fi
Avatar

Choice Movie: Liplock
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Choice Movie: Fight
Mia Wasikowska vs. The Jabberwocky, Alice in Wonderland

Choice Movie: Hissy Fit
Miley Cyrus, The Last Song

Choice Movie: Chemistry
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Choice Movie: Male Breakout
Liam Hemsworth, The Last Song

Choice Movie: Female Breakout
Taylor Swift, Valentine’s Day

Choice Movie: Male Scene Stealer
Kellan Lutz, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Choice Movie: Female Scene Stealer
Ashley Greene, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi
Sam Worthington, Avatar

Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi
Zoë Saldana, Avatar

Choice Movie: Fantasy
The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Choice Movie Actor: Fantasy
Taylor Lautner, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Choice Movie Actress: Fantasy
Kristen Stewart, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Choice Movie: Drama
The Blind Side

Choice Movie Actor: Drama
Robert Pattinson, Remember Me

Choice Movie Actress: Drama
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side

Choice Movie: Romantic Comedy
Valentine’s Day

Choice Movie Actor: Romantic Comedy
Ashton Kutcher, Valentine’s Day

Choice Movie Actress: Romantic Comedy
Sandra Bullock, The Proposal

Choice Movie: Comedy
Date Night

Choice Movie Actor: Comedy
Ashton Kutcher, Killers

Choice Movie Actress: Comedy
Tina Fey, Date Night

Choice Movie: Horror/Thriller
Paranormal Activity

Choice Movie Actor: Horror/Thriller
Leonardo DiCaprio, Shutter Island

Choice Movie Actress: Horror/Thriller
Megan Fox, Jennifer’s Body

Choice Movie: Animated
Toy Story 3

Choice Movie: Villain
Rachelle Lefevre, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Choice Movie: Dance
Sandra Bullock and Betty White, The Proposal

Choice Summer Movie
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Choice Summer Movie Star: Male
Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Choice Summer Movie Star: Female
Kristen Stewart, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

TELEVISION
Choice TV Show: Drama
Gossip Girl

Choice TV Actor: Drama
Chace Crawford, Gossip Girl

Choice TV Actress: Drama
Leighton Meester, Gossip Girl

Choice TV Show: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
The Vampire Diaries

Choice TV Actor: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Paul Wesley, The Vampire Diaries

Choice TV Actress: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Nina Dobrev, The Vampire Diaries

Choice TV Show: Action
NCIS: Los Angeles

Choice TV Actor: Action
Zachary Levi, Chuck

Choice TV Actress: Action
Yvonne Strahovski, Chuck

Choice TV Show: Comedy
Glee

Choice TV Actor: Comedy
Jonas Brothers, JONAS

Choice TV Actress: Comedy
Selena Gomez, Wizards of Waverly Place

Choice TV: Animated Show
Family Guy

Choice TV: Reality Show
Keeping Up with the Kardashians

Choice TV: Reality Competition Show
American Idol

Choice TV: Male Reality/Variety Star
Lee DeWyze, American Idol

Choice TV: Female Reality/Variety Star
The Kardashians, Keeping Up with the Kardashians

Choice TV: Villain
Ian Somerhalder, The Vampire Diaries

Choice TV: Personality
Ryan Seacrest

Choice TV: Breakout Show
The Vampire Diaries

Choice TV: Female Scene Stealer
Hilary Duff, Gossip Girl

Choice TV: Male Scene Stealer
Chris Colfer, Glee

Choice TV: Female Breakout Star
Nina Dobrev, The Vampire Diaries

Choice TV: Male Breakout Star
Paul Wesley, The Vampire Diaries

Choice TV: Parental Unit
Mike O’Malley, Glee

Choice Summer TV Show
Pretty Little Liars

Choice Summer TV Star: Male
Ian Harding, Pretty Little Liars

Choice Summer TV Star: Female
Lucy Hale, Pretty Little Liars

MUSIC
Choice Music: Male Artist
Justin Bieber

Choice Music: Female Artist
Lady Gaga

Choice Music: Group
Selena Gomez & The Scene

Choice Music: Rap Artist
Eminem

Choice Music: R&B Artist
Beyoncé

Choice Music: Rock Group
Paramore

Choice Music: Male Country Artist
Keith Urban

Choice Music: Female Country Artist
Taylor Swift

Choice Music: Country Group
Lady Antebellum

Choice Music: Single
“California Gurls,” Katy Perry

Choice Music: Hook Up
“Airplanes,” B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams

Choice Music: Breakout Artist, Male
Justin Bieber

Choice Music: Breakout Artist, Female
Selena Gomez and The Scene

Choice Music: Love Song
“When I Look At You,” Miley Cyrus

Choice Music: R&B Track
“OMG,” Usher

Choice Music: Rap/Hip-Hop Track
“Love The Way You Lie,” Eminem featuring Rihanna

Choice Music: Rock Track
“Ignorance,” Paramore

Choice Music: Country Song
“Fifteen,” Taylor Swift

Choice Music: Album, Pop
“My World 2.0,” Justin Bieber

Choice Music: Album, Rock
“Brand New Eyes,” Paramore

Choice Music: Album, R&B
“Jason Derülo,” Jason Derülo

Choice Music: Album, Rap
“Relapse,” Eminem

Choice Music: Album, Country
“Fearless,” Taylor Swift

Choice Summer Music Star: Male
Justin Bieber

Choice Summer Music Star: Female
Lady Gaga

Choice Summer Music: Song
“California Gurls,” Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg

SPORTS
Choice Athlete: Male
David Beckham (soccer)

Choice Athlete: Female
Serena Williams (tennis)

Choice Action Sports Athlete: Male
Ryan Sheckler (skateboarding)

Choice Action Sports Athlete: Female
Maya Gabeira (surfing)

FASHION AND BEAUTY
Choice Male Hottie
Taylor Lautner

Choice Female Hottie
Megan Fox

Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon- Female
Selena Gomez

Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon-Male
Taylor Lautner

Choice: Celebrity Fashion Line
“Miley and Max,” Miley Cyrus and Max Azria

OTHER
Choice Comedian
Ellen DeGeneres

Choice Twit
Ellen DeGeneres

Choice Web Star
Shane Dawson

Choice Videogame
The Sims 3

Choice Smile
Taylor Lautner

Choice Activist
Shakira

Choice American Idol Alum
David Archuleta

Most Fanatic Fans
Twilight Cast

See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!
by Tanner Stransky/Entertainment Weekly

American Idol Lee DeWyze backstage interview!

2010-08-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

American Idol Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze's interview with Broken Records's owner, Scott Vollweiler at Jones Beach. Watch the emotion near the end of the interview. Classic Lee.

See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

Lee DeWyze plays piano and sings with Andrew Garcia & Alex Lambert at the 'Dream' house

2010-08-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

American Idol winner Lee DeWyze sat down at the piano and sang "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon, with Andrew Garcia accompanying him. Lee then played and sang Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" with Andrew providing harmony. Alex Lambert, the Season 9 contestant now part of the "If I Can Dream" house, joined the boys for a three-part harmony. They then sang "Use Somebody" again. The Top 10 visited the "Dream" house as part of their post-Idol media tour.

See Lee DeWyze in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!

The Lee DeWyze Band performs "Another Sleep Song"

2010-08-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

Before Lee DeWyze was the American Idol Season 9 winner, The Lee DeWyze Band was the house band on The Chicago Huddle hosted by ABC 7's Ryan Chiaverini. Lee sings "Another Sleep Song" with bandmates Ryan McGuire and Louis Svitek from his 2nd album, Slumberland.

Can't get enough of Lee DeWyze? Make sure to see him this summer as American Idol Live tours the United States! See Lee in Concert! Get American Idol Live tickets - Click Here!