Irish American Lee DeWyze has won American idol. The Illinois singer, whose mother's maiden name was Donahue, defeated the other top contender Crystal Bowersox in a tension packed finale.

DeWyze , apaint salesman,had been a long shot until the very final weeks of the competition but his low key demeanor won over audiences in the critical final weeks.

It was finale that had everything from Paula Abdul coming back to a farewell to Simon Cowell who preened and looked very happy with all the attention.

But then Cowell said goodbye and seemed close to tears at times,

De Wyze will now s receive a major record deal and will be touring from coast to coast