Lee DeWyze, the 24-year-old paint salesman from Chicago, was declared the winner of American Idol season 9.

It was a close competition between DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox, with only a 2 percent margin separating the two in the final vote tally.

The show also paid tribute to Simon Cowell as this is his last season as a judge on American Idol. Short video clips were shown all throughout the show, recounting the highlights of Cowell’s almost 10-year stint. Former Idol judge Paula Abdul was there to share her unforgettable moments with Cowell on the show.

Big names in the music industry, including Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson, Bret Michaels, Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, and Robin and Barry Gibb, were there and performed with the Idol contestants.

Alanis Morissette sang a duet with Bowersox, while Chicago jammed with DeWyze. All past American Idol winners, minus David Cook, also performed on stage.

After being proclaimed the winner, DeWyze sang his version of U2’s “Beautiful Day” to close the show.

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