Crown in low-key ‘Idol’ season goes to DeWyze

LOS ANGELES – Lee DeWyze, a paint store clerk who overcame his shyness to impress “American Idol” judges and viewers with his spirit and soulful voice, triumphed Wednesday over bluesy musician Crystal Bowersox in the contest’s ninth season.

When asked by host Ryan Seacrest how he felt, an emotional DeWyze said, “I don’t know. It’s amazing, thank you, guys, so much … I love you. Crystal, I love you.”

The finalists had closely matched fan bases, with just a 2 percent voting gap between them coming into the finale, Seacrest said. DeWyze’s victory was based on votes cast after Tuesday’s performance show, which drew more judges’ compliments for Bowersox, 24, of Toledo, Ohio, than for DeWyze, also 24, of Mount Prospect, Ill.

The assessments of DeWyze were respectful but measured – with Ellen DeGeneres the exception.

“Lee, I couldn’t be prouder if I birthed you myself,” she told him after he sang Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Boxer.”

The total number of votes cast in the finale weren’t announced by Seacrest. That’s a departure from most years past.

Fox didn’t comment on the omission. But “Idol,” although still TV’s top-rated show, has seen audience erosion this season that could have affected the tally. The talented but low-key Bowersox and DeWyze might also have provoked less interest.