Lee DeWyze Previews Debut Single, Album

It will have been six months since American Idol ended when Lee DeWyze releases his debut CD, but the season nine champion can't for the world to hear it.

"Putting out an album on a major label is truly a dream come true," DeWyze says. "I'm excited for all the people who supported me throughout Idol to hear what I can do with my own songs. The album shows a whole different side of me and I'm so proud of it."

The first single, "Live It Up," will debut on Ryan Seacrest's radio show next Wednesday, followed, Lee hopes, by countless air plays around the nation.

DeWyze says he is influenced by Simon and Garfunkel, Cat Stevens and the Mamas and the Papas, adding: "I love hard-edged vocals over pretty melodies - that's what I'm about. I really admire guys like Dave Matthews and Ray LaMontagne, and to now be on the same record label as them - it just blows my mind."

Read More

Jermaine Sellers vs. Lee DeWyze: Semifinalist Showdown!

While everyone has been assuming a female will come out on top of American Idol this season, the ladies left the door open for the men last night, didn't they?

It's very early, but no woman stood out on the first live performance show of the year.

Two singers very happy about this development? Jermaine Sellers and Lee DeWyze. The crooners will take the stage this evening, along with 10 other men, and aim to impress all four judges and all 30 million people watching from home.

Sellers is a professional church singer and takes care of his ailing mother. She's been diagnosed with Spina Bifida.

DeWyze, meanwhile, wasn't seen very often during the initial Hollywood rounds. He hails from Mount Prospect, Illinois.

Compare the hopefuls and then vote below in our poll:

Read More