‘I’m not here to change the music world,’ the ‘American Idol’ champ tells MTV News. By James Montgomery Lee DeWyze Photo: MTV News It’s been exactly one week, but Lee DeWyze still can’t believe he won “American Idol.” The words seem strange even coming out of his mouth. “Yeah, it’s weird to say it, man,” he told MTV News on Wednesday (June 2). “I’m lovin’ it, to be sure, but man, it feels weird to say ‘ “American Idol” champion.’ ” To further illustrate that point, DeWyze said he can’t really remember how he felt — or what he did — when “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced that he’d been crowned the champ of season nine. It’s all just one rather glorious, delirious blur. “I was lost, dude. I didn’t know where I was! It was so crazy and intense, because everything we’ve done had led up to that point. And it was like, ‘And the winner is … ‘ And then there’s like the six-month pause, and then he says my name, and I was like, ‘Wow,’ ” he laughed. “It was just a big weight off my shoulders, and it felt amazing. I had it in my head what I would say or do if I won or if I lost, and all of that went out the window. … I’ve watched it back, and I try to remember what it was like. There’s some parts I don’t really remember. I remember being up there, and then the next thing you know, I was in the room with the press. It was just really fast and nonstop.” And things haven’t really let up since then. There has been the constant promotional cycle that comes with winning “Idol” — the performances and the appearances on TV shows — and then the upcoming American Idols Live! Tour. DeWyze doesn’t mind all the fuss that comes with winning the show (“Why would I complain about any of it?” he laughed), but more than anything, he’s really looking forward to getting into a recording studio to begin work on his album — which he’ll do whenever he has a free moment in between tour stops. “The studio and the stage are obviously two completely different things, so it’s going to be interesting to see how going from the live performances to the recording and back is going to pan out, but I’m really looking forward to it, because I’m going to have a lot of say in it,” he said. “I think that’s another misconception about ‘American Idol,’ is that once you go on there, you’re forced to do this or forced to wear that … we’re not. We get a lot of freedom and a lot of say. So I’m just looking forward to making a record I can be proud of.” What will that record sound like? Well, it’s still early, but DeWyze said fans can expect to hear some different sides of him — the kind of stuff he didn’t really get to show off on “Idol.” Though he knows winning the show only raises expectations, he’s ready and willing to take on the task at hand and whatever tasks come after that. “I’m sure there’s going to be elements of pop somewhere in there, there always is, and elements of rock and a folky feel. I’m not trying to go out there and do something that’s never been done. It’s all been done … and I think now, it’s more or less an opportunity for people to show who they are through their music,” he said. “I’m not here to change the music world, but I’m definitely here to show what I can do and express myself through my music. So to do that’s going to be cool, and to prove myself. Because I don’t feel that, just because I won ‘American Idol,’ that, you know, now I’ve made it. There’s a lot to prove still. There’s an album to put out, and I’m looking forward to it. It’s all about the process for me, you know? Just making the album, touring, doing all that stuff and seeing where I’m at in a year from now.” Where do you think Lee will be a year from now? Let us know in the comments! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos Lee DeWyze: From Illinois Boy To ‘American Idol’ Star Related Artists Lee DeWyze
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Lee DeWyze Says There’s Still ‘A Lot To Prove’ On His New Album
