Behind the Lee DeWyze 'Idol' Finale Snub

By Christine Fenno Posted May 28th 2011 11:02AM

Last year's 'American Idol' winner, Lee DeWyze, was absent from the stage during the season finale episode this week, and although he appeared on the series earlier this spring, he played no part in crowning new Idol Scotty McCreery.

Eagle-eyed viewers could spot DeWyze sitting in the audience at the Nokia Theater. But Ryan Seacrest never singled him out to let fans know the most recent 'Idol' was even in the house.

Why the snub? In years past, the champ from the previous cycle passed the torch with a performance, but this season seems to have ended in a feud.

Prior to the live broadcast, DeWyze hinted at trouble in this tweet: "Hey guys, no I'm not performing at the Finale. I wasn't asked to."

But 'Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe soon gave the night's events a slightly different spin, casting DeWyze as an unwilling participant.

"I was so upset Lee DeWyze wouldn't present the winners trophy to Scotty," Lythgoe tweeted after the episode aired. "Especially as he'd been on the show this Season. I guess he was shy."

In his defense, the 25-year-old posted this comeback: "First off I want to say congrats to Scotty & Lauren.... Secondly, just for the record... I was not asked to be involved in the Finale. It wasn't until about 2 minutes before they announced [a winner] that Nigel had approached me and asked if he could 'borrow' me for a second."

DeWyze continued, "I didn't feel a last-second jump on stage was appropriate. It was Scotty's moment. I appreciate American Idol, and the opportunity it has given me.... I am not angry, or bitter etc. It was an amazing Finale, and I would have loved to be a part of it. I just wasn't asked. Good luck to all the contestants and stay true to yourself."

Now, the singer is elaborating in a new interview with the Hollywood Reporter: "Viewers and the people who vote on American Idol, I don't think they're stupid," DeWyze says of the headlines he's made. "If [Lythgoe] thinks that I'm a shy person, just sit with me for a minute and talk to me, you'll find out very quickly that I'm not. Why he said that, I can't speak for him. He's the big shot, but it came down to simple facts for me: I was not asked to perform on the show, which was something I was hoping to be a part of, since it was such a big part of my life. A last-second scramble.... seemed inappropriate and kind of ridiculous.... So yes, when Nigel tapped me on the shoulder and asked to 'borrow' me, I said No, and next thing I know, he's talking about it publicly. I don't know what point he's trying to make, but it's really not a big deal to me anymore. I'm over it."

He continues, "I didn't want them to throw me a bone because I didn't perform," calling Lythgoe "a very vocal person, and I can respect that part, but other than that, I can't say there's anything that's made me want to go have a drink with the guy." He points out, "I just love music, man, and that's what keeps me going."

Take a look back at PopEater's interview with 2010 champ Lee DeWyze, which took place before the latest 'Idol' controversy:

You're watching Lee DeWyze - PopEater Interview. See the Web's top videos on AOL Video

Tags: American Idol, lee dewyze, nigel lythgoe, ryan seacrest, Scotty McCreery

Comments

(77)

Saturday 28 May

By jannieschafer

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I saw Ryan hand Scotty a "microphone-like" trophy. Scotty had to give the trophy to James so he could hold the real microphone and sing. I've been watching Idol since day one of season one, and I don't recall ever seeing a past idol hand over a trophy to the new winner. I do, however, remember that the previous winners have ALWAYS performed in the finale. Lee deWyze earned his right to be there.

In my opinion, Nigel is trying to put Lee in a bad light, when in reality, Nigel is the one who is in the wrong here. It looks like the media is taking the bait and reporting that Lee refused to participate. The truth is that Lee has been nothing but gracious. He is not using his Twitter to bash Idol or Nigel. Nigel needs to grow up and take a lesson from Lee. Lee deserves a huge, public apology!

To not invite him is just so WRONG! They had plenty of time. Bono's Spiderman thingy had no relevance to the show and should have been left out. Gaga, J-Lo, and Beyonce's performances weren't fit for children to see or hear! It has always been tradition to have the previous winner perfom. Instead, they stuck the reigning champ back in the 3rd row, and then they didn't even acknowledge his presence in the audience! Shame on you, Idol. I'm SO done with you. Can't wait for the X-Factor!

Sunday 29 May

By GML

Ditto for me too....

By bkale0955

Very well said Jannie, I too would have rather heard a preformance from Lee. Lady Ga Ga, sorry I just don't get it! Lopez I like her ok but not her music either. Bono...yawn...he's looking more and more like Robin Williams every day Lol!

By Andrea

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Whether or not you voted for someone to win, he did win, and should have been included. It is a contest, and no one says that just because they won and didn't make it like Underwood or Clarkson, they still won. Many people voted for Lauren to win. Does that mean that Scotty should not be included next year because you thought that Lauren was better? I love Lee and I love Crystal equally, and for different reasons. This should have nothing to do with how much success they found after IDOL. If Lee had done something scandalous or inappropriate to mar the reputation of the show, I might have a different feeling, but that is not the case. They were wrong, plain and simple.

By Mary

Did he even make an album yet?

By Rita

I must have missed a season somewhere!

By JUDY

Nigel Lythgoe is such a jerk. It doesn't take much of a person to take a swat from on high to someone in the trenches trying to make a go at this business. Shame on you Nigel, definitely not well done.

By deb

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maybe the producers don't want Lee's lack of talent to rub off on anyone.

Saturday 04 June

By Jean

I just saw Lee in concert in Ft Myers, He was great. He's in the process of making an album now.

By Kris Vandeveer

Lee was last years winner and should have been recognized. America did vote him in as winner regardless of opinions now. I think they should have brought back all the idols to perform and leave GaGa at home. Her performance on a family show was disgusting. I like her music but that on stage was just too much.

By fobesq

Like this year's winner, Dewyze should not have won. Both these guys have mediocre voices. Scotty has an immature twang he works at in his throat sounding ridiculous.

Oh Lee, I wouldn't worry too much about an Idol snubbn'
I wish you'd move forward and have an album produced. I loved you on Idol.
There were a bunch of idol winners who weren't present so no biggie.

By Joe

I'm sure Lee is a nice, talented guy, but when I saw him I had to ask my partner who he was. I honestly didn't remember him.

By Tweety

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Who cares? AI is dead! THe old wrinkled screaming Hag and the New big Butt Zlister have ruined the show! NO MORE..X factor Baby!

By jackie

Lee I saw you in the audience I was waiting for Ryan to acknowledge you...no matter .....I loved you on Idol and voted for you...and wish you well....if you get to the Washington DC area i will see you.

By non

They snubbed the greatest idols, Lee and Adam Lambert, time wasted on the borrrinnng Carrie Underwood and her boring songs, the Beyonce wanna be wore shorts , wanting soooo bad to wear pop artist outfits. what country singer wears shorts to a show???

By dizziebuss

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crystal needs to do something with that rat's nest that she wears on her head

By vic

# 1 Carrie is great. # 2 what old wringled hag are you talking about? Lee is a nice guy but I haven't heard a thing about him since Idol. Just another Idol that couldn't make. If you have the talent you don't need to be the winner. We have all seen the results of runner ups. I will say however that Lee should have been on the show. I really forgot all about him. Crystal was great on her performanc on idol this year. She will do great.

the old wringled hag they are talking about is steven tyleri have heard people call him that before

By Alan

The whole thing is BOGUS. I liked Scotty and Lauren, but the idea that people can vote as many times as they wish kinda skews the whole "125 million of you voted" thing. Lee DeWyze is a perfect example of this - only a tear later, he seems to be a has been who never was.

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