Despite being hospitalized a few days ago after doctors discovered a hole in his heart, Bret Michaels surprised everybody by appearing on Wednesday’s American Idol season 9 finale.

The Poison frontman performed a duet with this season’s third placer Casey James. They sang “Every Rose Has Its Thorns.” He seemed fine and healthy while he strummed his guitar and sang side-by-side with James.

He told reporters backstage, “I needed to be here and do this. It’s been two months since I played, and a month and a half in the hospital, and it was such an amazing feeling to come out there and jam with Casey. I needed this for my soul. Honestly, this is a great experience.”

Last month, Michaels suffered from subarachnoid brain hemorrhage. Although he is not yet 100%, he posted on his website that he is going on with his tour, which starts on Friday in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Michaels was declared the winner of this season’s  “Celebrity Apprentice” last Sunday.

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