Lee Dewyze beat out Crystal Bowersox and crowned for American Idol 2010.The Mount Prospect, Ill. singer actually dropped to his knees, unable to stand, just moments before show host Ryan Seacrest announced the news. “I’m just happy man. I’m so happy right now. I’ve never been happier in my life,” he said before he sang one last time – a fitting song – U2’s “Beautiful Day,” which he will now release as a single.

Crystal Bowersox got the chance to duet with the similar-sounding Alanis Morissette, an artist she had previously covered during the season. Crystal began signing “Ironic,” before the two sang “You Oughta Know” together. Lee’s superstar pairing found him performing alongside “Chicago,” the band named after the big city he grew up near, on a collection of the band’s classic hits.

Paula Abdul made a return to the “Idol” stage for the finale – to lead the emotional send off to her friend, departing British judge Simon Cowell.

“My darling Simon, I’ve worked with a lot of people over the years, hot cheerlearders, big movie stars, world famous recording artists, but if I’m being truly honest, none of them holds a candle to you my friend,” she said, choking up a little.

There may have been a few faces missing, but the most emotional face in the crowd was definitely the man of the hour, Simon Cowell.

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