Tag Archives: singer

Alicia Keys Pregnant!

Alicia Keys and her fiance Swizz Beatz were spotted leaving the Keep A Child Alive Black Ball amidst news that the singer is pregnant. Sources say: “They’re very happy” and are set to wed “in a private ceremony later this year.” Congrats to the happy couple!

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Alicia Keys Pregnant!

Singer Delays Giant Killer

Bryan Singer’s been committed to Jack the Giant Killer for almost a year — and his massive pay-or-play deal kept him from helming X-Men: First Class — but the project still isn’t ready to shoot. THR reports that Singer’s delayed production til February 2011, despite meeting with potential stars like Aaron Johnson and the in-demand Andrew Garfield. Sometimes, you just need a few more months to sort things out in the Oahu Coffee Bean . [ THR ]

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Singer Delays Giant Killer

Crystal Bowersox Broke Up With Boyfriend Before ‘Idol’ Finale

Runner-up tells Ryan Seacrest her ex ‘didn’t think he was up’ for her music-star lifestyle. By Ryan J Downey Crystal Bowersox Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ Getty Images It turns out Crystal Bowersox went through a whole lot more on Wednesday night than just losing the “American Idol” crown to Lee DeWyze . Just hours before the season-nine finale, she broke up with her boyfriend, the singer told Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS-FM radio show Thursday morning (May 27). Bowersox, 24, said her relationship with Tony Kusian, 26, ended amicably. “We’re both logical, grown adults,” she told Seacrest, explaining that Kusian wished to return to their Midwestern stomping grounds. “He went home. He wasn’t cool with the lifestyle. “He’s a small-town guy and that’s fine,” she continued. “I’m a small-town girl, but I want this. I want this more than anything — this career, this lifestyle. I didn’t think he was up for it. He didn’t think he was up for it.” Bowersox had nothing but nice things to say about her ex. “He’s been amazing. He stuck it out through this whole thing. … We’re going to be friends for a long time.” Judge Kara DioGuardi appeared with Bowersox on the “Idol” host’s long-running Los Angeles radio show and offered moral support to the runner-up. “You have to do your music,” DioGuardi said to Bowersox. “It’s not a choice for you. It’s what makes you whole. If somebody can’t hang with that — I’m sure he’s a lovely guy, but right now this is your dream.” Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos ‘American Idol’ Finale Highlights Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Runner-Ups

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Crystal Bowersox Broke Up With Boyfriend Before ‘Idol’ Finale

‘American Idol’ Winners’ Careers Give Clues To Lee DeWyze’s Future

Will the season-nine champ be a Kelly Clarkson or a Taylor Hicks? By Eric Ditzian Lee DeWyze Photo: FOX “Oh my God. I don’t know. This is amazing. Thank you guys so much for everything,” Lee DeWyze said late on Wednesday night’s “American Idol” finale . And thus, a new champion was born into the world. As he heads straight to his career as a professional recording artist, the most obvious question is: Will he be as successful in the music biz as he was on a reality-TV competition? MTV News studied the history of “Idol” winners for clues about how the ninth-season champ’s career might turn out. Kelly Clarkson, Season One : The first “Idol” champ set a crazy-high bar for all who came after her. You want album sales? A double-platinum debut. A sophomore disc that went platinum six times. You want awards? Two Grammys. You want staying power? Her latest disc hit the #1 Billboard spot. And how about we just forget about “From Kelly to Justin,” OK? This summer she’ll head out with the Lilith Fair tour. Success score: 5 out of 5 “Idol” stars Ruben Studdard, Season Two : While the Velvet Teddy Bear has the best nickname of any “Idol” winner, there’s nothing superlative about his track record as a recording artist. Though his first disc hit the #1 Billboard spot on its way to platinum status, the trend ever since has been downhill. His 2004 release, I Need an Angel, went only gold, and his third effort was even less impressive. His last studio album delivered his worst sales numbers, and his greatest-hits disc moved so few units we’re embarrassed to print the actual tally. But hey, he looked great on Wednesday’s show, slimmed down and rocking a dapper suit. Success score: 2.5 out of 5 “Idol” stars Fantasia Barrino, Season Three : Fantasia’s rendition of “Summertime” might be the finest “Idol” performance ever, a master class in vocal dexterity and emotive singing. The competition was hers from then on. Her post-“Idol single, “I Believe,” was #1 on Billboard for four straight weeks. But her first disc broke the streak of #1 Billboard hits for “Idol” winners. Still, Free Yourself went platinum. Like Ruben, Fantasia has struggled to follow through on her early success. Starting in 2007, she appeared on Broadway in Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple,” and in 2010 she launched her own VH1 reality show, “Fantasia for Real.” The singer is at work on a third album that she somewhat self-consciously promised (during an appearance on this year’s “Idol”) would return her to her musical roots. Success score: 3 out of 5 “Idol” stars Carrie Underwood, Season Four : The show’s only country champ holds the title of highest-selling “Idol” contestant ever with over 11.5 million albums sold. Her first album went platinum seven times, and her second went platinum twice. Her third album again hit the top Billboard spot and went platinum. She saw Clarkson’s two Grammys, then raised her three more. Nine singles went #1 on the Billboard country chart. Another single, “Home Sweet Home,” was season eight’s farewell song. In April, Underwood became the first woman ever to be named the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year twice. You can’t get much better than that. Success score: 5 out of 5 “Idol” stars Taylor Hicks, Season Five There’s always got to be someone at the bottom, right? That poor soul is the leader of the Soul Patrol. Hicks had a fast start after the show ended — a #2 Billboard debut that eventually went platinum — but his first effort was for many years the poorest-selling debut disc from an “Idol” winner (Kris Allen now holds that ignominious title). But unlike Allen, Hicks never sold singles, and his songs barely ever made it onto the radio. His second album tanked, and he spent last summer traipsing around the country with the touring company of “Grease.” What passes for his summer tour is a whopping two dates: one at the Syracuse Balloon Fest and another at the 7th Annual Rocky Mountain Power Jam. Success score: 1 out of 5 “Idol” stars Jordin Sparks, Season Six : At 16, Sparks was the youngest singer to win “American Idol.” Precocious she was. A huge seller she ain’t, at least when it comes to albums. Her first album sold the fewest copies of any debut from an “Idol” winner, though it ended up going platinum and out-selling Hick’s disc. Her second album cracked the top 10 but didn’t even go gold. Yet she has three top-10 singles (one of which was a duet with Chris Brown) and has sold 9 million singles, thrusting her into the ranks of the top “Idol” performers of all time. She’s got a packed summer of tour dates coming down the line. Success score: 3.5 out of 5 “Idol” stars David Cook, Season Seven : Cook’s got both platinum singles and a platinum debut, but no #1 album, and that puts him in the middle of the “Idol” pack. And that album, overseen by superstar rock producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance), left much to be desired. Last year he embarked on an impressive, 30-plus-date summer tour, but this summer he’ll hardly be seen out on the road. Cook, who was at a cancer benefit instead of Wednesday’s season finale, is going to have to deliver an impressive sophomore effort to leapfrog the “Idol” winners currently ranked ahead of him. Success score: 3 out of 5 “Idol” stars Kris Allen, Season Eight : It’s early in his career, but there’s no doubting Allen has struggled. His debut disc has sold less than 300,000 copies. On the other hand, his singles have performed respectably well when it comes to radio play. He’ll hit the road with the Barenaked Ladies this summer. It’s an open question whether or not he’ll ever enjoy a higher profile than Adam Lambert, the singer he vanquished on season eight. Then again, he rocked a solo performance on Wednesday night’s finale, and Lambert was sitting out, reportedly resting his voice before heading out on tour. Success score: 2.5 out of 5 “Idol” stars Which past “Idol” winner is your favorite? Whose career path do you think Lee will follow? Talk about it 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 Videos ‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Winners Related Artists Kelly Clarkson David Cook Ruben Studdard Taylor Hicks Jordin Sparks Carrie Underwood

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‘American Idol’ Winners’ Careers Give Clues To Lee DeWyze’s Future

Why Adam Lambert, David Cook Were Absent From ‘American Idol’ Finale

Cook had a previous engagement, while there are reportedly numerous reasons for Lambert’s absence from the ‘Idol’ stage. By Gil Kaufman Adam Lambert Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/ Getty Images It was an unprecedented gathering of “American Idol” royalty. On Wednesday night, all but one of the former “American Idol” winners took to the Nokia Theatre stage to sing a song in honor of departing judge and mentor Simon Cowell. Lined up side by side were Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen and Taylor Hicks giving a rousing performance of Delta Goodrem’s “Together We Are One.” The “Idol” icons — mostly dressed in black — were joined by nearly two dozen finalists from past seasons, including such favorites as Jason Castro, David Archuleta, Michael Johns, Bo Bice and Elliot Yamin. But where was season seven winner David Cook , the only champ missing from the crew? Cook explained that he was unable to attend because of a previous commitment to a cancer charity event in Kansas City. During his time on the show, Cook famously paid tribute to his late brother, who was battling the disease during the singer’s “Idol” run. He did tweet his congratulations to winner Lee DeWyze though, writing, “Congrats to Lee Dewyze! So sorry I couldn’t be there to see all my fellow idols. I’m there in spirit!” Also conspicuously absent was last year’s runner-up, Adam Lambert . Earlier in the day, a report surfaced that Lambert had been dropped from the number because he failed to attend rehearsals. Later it was reported that he’d been ordered by his doctor to rest his vocals. It was also reported that he’d not been invited to attend. Lambert vigorously denied all those rumors in a fiery series of tweets , explaining, “Would have loved 2 have been at the Idol Finale to wish Simon farewell and support the finalists, but this tour for my fans is my priority,” elaborating later, “I have now just been made aware of more gossip and rumormill: First of all, I was never asked to appear on the finale in any capacity. 2nd: I DID come down w a throat bug most likely caught on my flight back from this past weekend’s concert in Boston.” He also explained that he’d been put on vocal rest on Tuesday after tour rehearsals. Lambert also lashed out at what he considered the irresponsible reports on his absence. “Sad that I’m forced to defend myself bout situation no one pointing fingers knew any factual details about. I’m working so hard on this tour!! All i ever heard was: ‘you’ve not been asked to perform on finale. Would you like to sit in the audience?’ Me: sorry-Too much work to do today.” Much of the drama was created by PopEater.com, which claimed an exclusive earlier in the day on the “bedlam” behind Lambert’s alleged no-show . A rep for Lambert lambasted that report, telling EW.com that the story about Lambert failing to show up to rehearsals was full of “false information.” Spokesperson Roger Widynowski said that like most “Idol” finalists, Lambert was approached by producers about being part of the alumni tribute to Cowell, but that the singer came down with a case of laryngitis over the weekend, and with his “Glam Nation” tour set to begin on June 4, he was placed on vocal rest. “He was never confirmed to do the show. He never skipped rehearsal,” said Widynowski. Though he disagreed with claims that it was diva behavior that led to Lambert’s absence, Widynowski did confirm that the glammy singer sent out a provocative tweet on May 19 announcing that he would not be at the finale. “Unfortunately not performing on ‘Idol’ Finale,” Lambert wrote. “Guess they have plenty of artists booked.” Related Videos ‘American Idol’ Finale Highlights ‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season-Nine Performances Related Artists Adam Lambert David Cook

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Why Adam Lambert, David Cook Were Absent From ‘American Idol’ Finale

Mariah Carey Drops Out Of Tyler Perry’s ‘For Colored Girls …’

‘I’m not at liberty to discuss her personal life at this time,’ Carey’s rep says about her decision not to star in the film. By Jocelyn Vena Mariah Carey Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage Fans who have been looking forward to seeing Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson hit the big screen together for Tyler Perry’s film adaptation of Ntozake Shange’s 1975 play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf” will be disappointed to learn that the flick is officially one diva short. A rep for Carey confirmed to People.com that the singer decided not to appear in the flick this week, following Perry’s confirmation of the cast to MTV News in April. Her rep, Cindi Berger, gave no concrete reason her departure but said, “I’m not at liberty to discuss her personal life at this time.” Her dropping out of the film has many wondering if Carey is pregnant, a rumor that has been following her around since she married Nick Cannon two years ago. That rumor has to date not been confirmed. Shooting for the film is expected to take place in New York City this summer, and the film will hit theaters in late 2010 or early 2011. Earlier this year, Perry (and Janet Jackson) listed the names of the women attached to the movie, which at the time included Carey. “It’s Janet, Mariah, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Jurnee Smollett, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Loretta Devine, Anika Noni Rose … I don’t want to forget anybody,” Perry said. “It’s pretty incredible.” “For Colored Girls …” is based on a series of 20 poems about a woman who is identified with a single color of the rainbow. The stories deal with a wide spectrum of topics including love, abandonment, rape and abortion. For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos Live From The ‘American Idol’ Finale Red Carpet ‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds Related Artists Mariah Carey

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Mariah Carey Drops Out Of Tyler Perry’s ‘For Colored Girls …’

Bret Michaels ‘Didn’t Tell’ Doctors He Was Performing On ‘American Idol’ Finale

Singer performed ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn’ with Casey James. By Kelley L. Carter Bret Michaels Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ Getty Images LOS ANGELES — According to Bret Michaels , his surprise performance Wednesday night on the “American Idol” season finale stage was much-needed musical therapy. Anticipation built quickly in the audience when the familiar guitar chords of one of Michaels’ biggest hits with his group Poison, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” began and he later emerged on stage with top-three finalist Casey James. “I needed to be here and do this because it’s been two months since I played,” the rocker said backstage at the Nokia Theater shortly after his performance. “It’s been a month and a half in the hospital. It was such an amazing feeling to come out here and jam with Casey. I didn’t tell [my doctors] I was going to do this. I just told them I was doing the ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ finale. They’re going to find out in a minute. But I feel great, I gotta be honest. There’s a still a lot of pain I’m still experiencing. [But] except for a little hitch … my left side from the … stroke, I feel amazing.” Last month the singer and reality show star was hospitalized for a brain hemorrhage and was rushed to the hospital again last week because of a “warning stroke.” On Sunday he appeared on the “Celebrity Apprentice” finale and was named the victor, and he says that he’s ready to hit the road again. “I can’t believe my family let me out. I may not have told them either; I left a few things out,” he joked. “But I needed this for my soul. Honestly. It was a great experience.” He said that he plans to perform again as soon as Friday in Biloxi, Mississippi. “[I’m going to] do a few shows at a time. If it works out, great. If it doesn’t, I’ll start again,” he said. Michaels also reflected on lessons he learned while hospitalized. “I’ve always tried to treat people with respect and I’ve always tried to treat people great. I enjoy every day — every minute I’m here is awesome.” Michaels joked that he wasn’t exactly sure what he would be doing, now that he’s won the title of “Celebrity Apprentice.” He also said that he initially didn’t know if he was hired or fired by Donald Trump. “I leaned in and said, ‘Did you say hired or fired?’ I didn’t know what he said. I just jumped up. I thought, ‘Trump, you’re not going to fire me, right now. I’m on medication. I flew a long way. Holly is amazing. She’s a fierce competitor,’ ” he said of his co-finalist, Holly Robinson Peete. “I didn’t ask Trump ‘What does being “Celebrity Apprentice” entail? Do you get paid? Is there cash involved?’ But what do you gotta do for him? Hopefully, you get to do a lot of charity fundraising. If that’s what it is, I’m going to love it.” And as for that hospital stay? “I’ve spent the last month and a half in the hospital. I don’t ever want to see a hospital again,” he said. “I just want to go out and have a great time.” What did you think of Bret Michaels’ performance on “Idol”? Sound off in the comments below! Related Videos ‘American Idol’ Finale Highlights Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season-Nine Performances Bret Michaels’ Career In Photos Related Artists Bret Michaels

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Bret Michaels ‘Didn’t Tell’ Doctors He Was Performing On ‘American Idol’ Finale

Crystal Bowersox, Alanis Morissette Unite For ‘You Oughta Know’ On ‘American Idol’ Finale

Duo performs Morissette’s mega-hit after Bowersox’s solo performance of ‘Ironic.’ By Eric Ditzian Crystal Bowersox and Alanis Morissette perform together on “American Idol” Wednesday Photo: FOX Back in February, Crystal Bowersox took the “American Idol” stage to perform Alanis Morissette ‘s “Hand in My Pocket.” It didn’t go so well. Simon Cowell accused her of sounding like a thousand buskers outside a thousand different subway stations. Bowersox got her revenge on Wednesday night’s (May 26) finale when she united with Morissette for a duet that brought the crowd at the Nokia Theatre to its feet. The “Idol” finalist got the performance started with a solo take on Morissette’s “Ironic,” a song that reached the #4 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She then turned dramatically toward the back of the stage and welcomed her fellow artist onto the stage for a duet of the Grammy-winning best-seller “You Oughta Know,” another cut off Morissette’s 1995 album Jagged Little Pill. As Morissette strode out under the bright blue lights of the “Idol” stage, the two singers exchanged verses, crisscrossed the stage and finally met in the middle, voices wailing, smiles wide. Buskers they weren’t. And coming on the night when Bowersox could be crowned the victor of the ninth season of “Idol,” the performance was not without its share of ironies. After Cowell dismissed Crystal’s effort in February, the singer bounced back to establish herself as one of the show’s undeniable front-runners the very next week when she busted out a killer version of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Long as I Can See the Light.” She hasn’t looked back since. And Bowersox has come to count Cowell as one of her biggest supporters. On Tuesday’s show, Cowell praised Bowersox’s performance of “Up to the Mountain,” saying, “I thought that was by far the best performance and the song of the night. And since this is going to be the final critique I’m ever going to give, I would just like to say that was outstanding.” Related Photos Crystal Bowersox’s ‘American Idol’ Experience ‘American Idol’ Season Nine Performances Related Artists Alanis Morissette

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Crystal Bowersox, Alanis Morissette Unite For ‘You Oughta Know’ On ‘American Idol’ Finale

Bret Michaels To Appear On ‘American Idol’ Tonight: Report

TMZ cites ‘spies’ as saying rocker will appear on ‘Idol’ finale. By MTV News staff Bret Michaels Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/ Getty Images Bret Michaels will appear on the “American Idol” finale tonight, TMZ reported on Wednesday evening (May 26). The site cited its ” ‘Idol’ spies” as saying the singer will make a “cameo” during the show, although at press time it was unclear whether he might perform. Last month, Michaels was hospitalized for a serious brain hemorrhage and was rushed to the hospital again last week due to a “warning stroke.” Despite his serious medical condition, Michaels has bounced back with vigor, making many television appearances in recent weeks — including a victory on the “Celebrity Apprentice” — and insisting that he’ll resume his tour with an appearance in Mississippi on Friday night. “I am not at 100 percent yet, but I have every intention of trying to continue the tour starting Friday in Biloxi,” he wrote in a message posted on his official website earlier this week. “I hope to see your rockin rollin, smiling faces on the road — that is the best medicine I can think of right now. You rock my world.” Michaels is set to perform at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, followed by another 39 shows from New Jersey to Washington. The tour is not expected to finish up until early October in San Antonio. But hitting the road so soon after his multiple health problems seems to carry its fair share of dangers. Michaels admitted that his doctor warned him about the risks of even appearing on the “Apprentice” finale, saying, “Yes it’s been a risk, but I wanted to be here. I came to win and I’m glad to be on the show.” Following the subarachnoid brain hemorrhage he suffered last month, Michaels landed back in the hospital last week with a so-called warning stroke. Doctors also discovered the singer has a hole in his heart and have scheduled him for surgery to correct the issue in the fall. Yet Michaels clearly remains upbeat and committed to returning to his strenuous touring life. “With all of my heart, soul and the remaining organs I have left (lol) I would like to thank each and every one of you for all of your support and awesomeness,” Michaels wrote in his message. “All the good vibes and well wishes gave me the strength to go back to New York and win ‘Celebrity Apprentice.’ ” Related Photos Bret Michaels’ Career In Photos Related Artists Bret Michaels

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Bret Michaels To Appear On ‘American Idol’ Tonight: Report

Lee DeWyze’s Friends Say He Has The ‘Momentum’ To Win ‘American Idol’

‘No matter what happens, he’s changed his life,’ one friend tells MTV News. By Gil Kaufman Photo: FOX Even Lee DeWyze’s friends and fans have to admit that the 24-year-old former paint-store clerk from Mt. Prospect, Illinois, got out-sung by his “American Idol” rival on Tuesday night’s final performance show. While Bowersox belted out strong versions of “Me and Bobby McGee” and an emotional “Up to the Mountain,” Lee seemed nervous and sometimes struggled to hit the notes on R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” and his potential coronation song, U2’s “Beautiful Day.” But momentum is a funny thing, and if there’s anything the soft-spoken DeWyze had going into the last sing-off, it was a head of steam. The judges appeared to turn his way late in the game after a few weeks of so-so performances from Bowersox, whose friends are, of course, also confident she’ll pull it out. Like MTV News’ “Idol” experts , Lee’s longtime friend Brian Friedopfer predicted that his pal would emerge triumphant at the end of Wednesday night’s (May 26) two-hour finale. “He’s going to win,” Friedopfer said. ” The Nokia [Theatre] is a different element for both the constants and the judges. Lee may have been a little nervous, considering the theater was filled with 7,000 people, but the judges didn’t hear what they think they did. I guarantee that if and when they watch it back, they’ll realize Lee did a fantastic job with the songs that were given to him, and America knows it. Lee DeWyze will be crowned the next American Idol tonight.” If there’s anyone in Mt. Prospect who has reason to grin with pride from ear to ear, it’s Dr. Pat Tedaldi-Monti. The dean of students at Prospect High School , which Lee attended from ninth grade until halfway through his senior year, said despite the singer’s off night, she’s confident he’ll win. “Lee had a bit of a rough night, and Crystal did very well, but we’re real confident that he’s going to be the next American Idol,” she said. When DeWyze left her school, the teen’s parting words were, “I’m going to be a rock star … and you [and my other teachers] are going to be in the front row, and I’m going to be playing a really big concert.” He’s almost there, and despite Bowersox’s good night, she thinks Lee is going to make that promise come true. “The next American Idol will be from Mt. Prospect,” she said. “He predicted it.” One of his oldest friends, Vince Ferrara, 26, agreed. “I still think he’s going to win,” said Ferrara, who’s known Lee for almost a decade. “I think he had a pretty good performance, and I didn’t agree with what the judges said, that he was pitchy. If anything, Crystal had the better song choices, and they suited her voice more. I still think he wins, because he has the momentum and he’s done so well for so many weeks.” And what if he does win? Ferrara will watch the finale at home with friends and plans to go to a local bar to celebrate the result. “If he wins, I might just have to start bawling,” he said. “Because it’s so unbelievable that he’s made it this far. No matter what happens, he’s changed his life. … It’s forever changed, and he’s touched so many people. It’s so moving.” Do you think Lee will win the “Idol” crown? Let us know in the comments! Join Jim Cantiello for our live stream of the “American Idol” finale red carpet tonight at 6 p.m. ET, only at MTV.com. Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos ‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds Related Photos Lee DeWyze: From Illinois Boy To ‘American Idol’ Star ‘American Idol’ Season Nine Performances

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Lee DeWyze’s Friends Say He Has The ‘Momentum’ To Win ‘American Idol’