Lee DeWyze has won the ninth series of American Idol, beating former frontrunner Crystal Bowersox on last night’s final show.

The 24 year old singer from Mount Prospect, Illinois, wowed the audience and judges alike on Tuesday night with his renditions of “The Boxer“, “Everybody Hurts” and his eventual winners single “Beautiful Day“. On his final performance of the U2 song Simon Cowell said:

I think you made the most of it. I felt a lot more effort. Look, this is my final time I’m ever gonna judge this show. I just want to say about you is that this is what this competition was designed for. Somebody who needs a break, having a normal job, working in a paint shop. You’ve worked hard and remained a nice person throughout, and I genuinely wish the best for you. You’re a great guy.

On hearing his fate last night, Lee said:

‘I have never been happier in my life.’

Of course as well as finding out who won on last night’s show, we actually witnessed a huge tribute to outgoing judge Simon Cowell.

“I didn’t think I was going to be this emotional and I genuinely am,” Cowell said on stage, turning to the audience.

“Everybody asks who’s going to replace me, who going to be the next judge. The truth is, you guys are the judge of this show and you’ve done an incredible job over the years.”

We were kind of hoping that Crystal would pip Lee to the post at the last minute, but it wasn’t to be. Were you happy with last night’s result? Leave Your comments below.