It has come from the horse’s mouth. Simon Cowell has said that Lee DeWyze has a good chance of winning this year’s “American Idol”.

The 24-year-old Irish American paint shop attendant from Illinois will go up against Crystal Bowersox this week with each contestant singing three songs each.

While on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show”, Simon Cowell said “If you’d asked me five or six weeks ago, 100 percent I would have said Crystal. But now I’ve changed my mind. I think Lee is going to win.

"He’s worked in a paint shop. He’s talented. He hasn’t had any real breaks in life, and this has given him a shot, and I like that."

DeWyze has improved greatly over the last number of weeks and he’s certainly peaking at the right time. Tonight both contestants will sing two songs of their choice followed by a third from the judges.


Bowersox and DeWyze spoke to the press (SEE VIDEO) about their situation in the competition. The two joked about rivalry at this point in the game.

DeWyze said he was engaging in strategy and Bowersox joked about friendly rivalry. The two suggested that they “freak everybody out” by starting a band.

"I think winning is the essential goal for both of us, but I think whether I won or she won first or second, both of us want successful careers and want to keep doing this," said DeWyze.

However, Bowersox said “I'm a little bit of a perfectionist when it comes to things so I might have a little bit of disappointment if I'm second.

"But at the same time, I'm happy that I've made it this far. I literally have everything I've ever dreamed of, I'm one happy girl and I'd be happy no matter what happens."

All will be revealed over the next two nights starting tonight on Fox at 8/7c.