Story posted Friday, March 19, 2010
'Idol' DeWyze Lives To Sing Again
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Mt. Prospect resident Lee DeWyze is now one of 11 contestants remaining on the popular television show American Idol. But judge Simon Cowell said Tuesday night after the 23-year-old performed the Rolling Stones hit "Beast of Burden," if DeWyze is going to advance in next week’s competition, he needs to have a moment on stage and "stamp his mark on this competition."
"I really like you as a person and I like the whole story with you working in a paint store and having dreamed about being a star," said Cowell on Tuesday night’s performance show. "What has held you back Lee is your personality because you don’t shine at the moment. What you did tonight (Tuesday) is indicative---chose a very safe song and forgettable song and other people had bigger moments. You have an incredibly good voice. You need to stop thinking other people are better than you."
"I thought that song I could rock out," DeWyze told host Ryan Seacrest after Cowell’s comments. "I just need to let go and will."
"You know what I love is that you are an amazing singer," said judge Randy Jackson. "You did a very singer/songwriter kind of thing that was a cross between Rob Thomas and Dave Matthews. It was one of your better performances."
"I thought it was great and sounded great," said judge Ellen DeGeneres. "Of all the people on stage tonight (Tuesday) singing Rolling Stones, I was expecting a tiny bit more from you. It almost didn’t come together like a hospital gown. There was nothing wrong with it, just a little less than I expected."
"You are growing faster than anybody on this stage," said judge Kara DioGuardi. "Every week you get more confident and taking more risks with your vocals and not as pitchy. There is tremendous growth."
Prior to Tuesday’s performance, the show delved into DeWyze’s background. Seacrest tested DeWyze on his paint knowledge. He asked DeWyze what color is "Snugglepuss" and Lee answered purple---which was correct. A second test asked him what color was "Cupid’s Dart" and DeWyze answered red---but the answer was light purple. An introduction video followed featuring DeWyze explaining growing up in Mt. Prospect and comments from his family.
"When I was younger, I was totally embarrassed to sing in front of people," DeWyze said on the video.
"I remember the first time he sang for us we were on the way to your mother’s (wife Kathleen) house and he (Lee) said I’ll sing for you as long as no one looks at me," said his father, Lee Sr.
"My dad would have to tilt the mirror," DeWyze said.
"When we heard him sing we couldn’t believe how beautiful he sounded," said Kathleen.
"Of course we encouraged it and he was good so we said yeah keep doing it," said Lee, Sr.
Next week’s theme is Teen Idols. DeWyze will perform on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on FOX. The results will be announced the following day at 8 p.m.
Speak Out!
Comments are edited first by Journal staff before running in print and appearing online.