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 Bill

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Yeah I agree the voting is bogus here and at the other reality show DWTS. How can the producers allow people to vote so many times. The results are skewed when this happens and you will never get a true winner.

By BV

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DeWyze is a Dweebe !

By dave

I have to take a step back on my Lee DeWyze remarks, as the previous season's winner, he should have been allowed to perform and be considered an afterthought by Nigel. If that had happened to me, I would not have been politically correct in my response to that old man who disrespected one of his show's winners. Of course, I still think he is forgettable, just don't think they show showed him respect he had earned.

By me

Pretty soon we'll be saying, "Scotty who?", just wait. Not saying the guy can't sing, but I can't even remember Chris's (the winner not Daughtry)last name. I like Lee Dewyze, and was very happy when he won, but I had no clue his CD was even out. It was totally wrong on AI's part to deny him a part in the finale. In past finale's there have been performances from several past Idols. I understand not everyone of them can be there with their ridiculous schedules and all, but Lee definitely should have had a performance.

By Steve

I always thought Lee had a great sound ( somewhat similar to past male idols) I believe his personality lack the showbiz dynamic and somewhat lacking the x factor. If he got a hold of a coach to enhance his stage presence and gets a hold of a great song,, I think he'll re surge. He seems to be a really nice guy and the Nigel overlook was a shameful oversight.

By morgan

To be honest I had totally forgotten about him. I read the story because I couldn't recall who they were talking about by his name.

There are so many forgettable and untalented winners because of the voting system that allows multiple votes, in the hundreds, an thousands, per individual. It's a bogus and a big fraud played by FOX and the show's producers on the public. Who cares how many millions of votes they say were received when the voting system is a fraud. Fix it by allowing one person one vote. The same goes for the other bogus reality show with the same type of voting system, DWTS.

Sunday 29 May

By rle1875

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Bill,
You hit the nail right on the head.What you said about the multiple votes was spot on, this is one phoney voting system and Fox knows it, but it makes them look like there are more viewers than there really are.

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One more thing, let us hope the XFactor uses a one person one vote only system. Too many good performers have been shot down because of the multiple voting system.

By Em

Lee has handled this whole situation with grace and diplomacy. Nigel, this is how professionals conduct themselves. Too bad it takes a 25 yr old "new kid" to school you in manners. You should have included him in the finale and you know it!

By Sharon Coy

I was wondering why Lee wasn't there for the finale. Hearing him sing again would have been a whole lot better than having to watch Lady GaGa. As one of my aunts used to say "she is someone to pray over". And I like Jennifer Lopez but she lost her appeal for me wih the number she did with her husband, the "bum" flapping was not necessary and not entertaining. Anyway, again I want to say to Lee, a lot of people wondered why you weren't asked to be in the finale, but we won't forget you. Good luck in your career!

By hello

Lee who?

By candy

I'm so sick of people saying that Crystal should've won. Her and her "newly fixed teeth" and her discusting dirty dreadlocks are not idol material!!

By RNG

Next year it will be Scotty that gets snubbed on when he doesn't have multiple platinum sales. Unless you're a cash cow they could care less about former Idols.

By indigoskye19552

Everyone knows that the real talent last year was Crystal Bowersox.
She was robbed. But she will be the one who will be remembered.

By Julie

Seriously-not trying to be rude-but if some of you wanted Crystal to win last saeson then why didn't you vote for her? Lee won fair and square. They can't take the title away from him. Get over it! I don't blame Lee for being upset about the Idol snub.I would be too.

By mike

Nigel is an arrogant a-hole...he and the other producers have fixed this show from the begining..just like him to diss Lee and then blame it on him!

By forkuu

lee go away ..no one knows who you are and if they did they have already forgotten you.. go make hamburgers or something where you belong..by the way change that annoying last name while you are at it.

By Kim

He could have taken Lady Gaga's place and the show could have been rated PG instead of having that performance that was so inappropriate for the supposedly family oriented show.

By pmaizy

Thank Goodness I'm not the only one who was disgusted with Lady GAG GAG and J.Lo's performance. They ruined an almost enjoyable show! J. Lo was obnoxious. She shake, rattles and rolls because she has NO TALENT AT ALL!

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