Last year's champ says he wasn't asked to be involved in finale until the last minute.
By Eric Ditzian
Lee DeWyze
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ Getty Images
The controversy over whether or not Lauren Alaina would be able to perform because of a torn vocal cord (manufactured drama? true curtain-time nail-biter?) wasn't the only one swirling around "American Idol" in the lead-up to Wednesday's finale. Supporters of season-nine champ Lee DeWyze were up in arms that the singer wasn't asked to take part in the final show, as is usually the custom with past winners. Instead, he was reduced to standing meekly in the background, often just over Ryan Seacrest's shoulder as the host emceed the event.
It was not a good look for a former "Idol" with lackluster album sales. Following the show, though, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe took to Twitter to make clear that he had, in fact, asked DeWyze to join in the fun. "I was so upset Lee DeWyze wouldn't present the winner's trophy to Scotty," he wrote. "Especially as he'd been on the show this season. I guess he was shy."
What Lythgoe failed to note, it seems, is the circumstances of that invitation. DeWyze himself hopped on Twitter to clear the air and set the record straight in one extended message.
"Hey everyone, first off I want to say congrats to Scotty & Lauren, awesome job," Lee began. "Well done, Scotty! Secondly, just for the record... I was not asked to be involved in the finale. It wasn't until about 2 minutes before they announced that Nigel had approached me and asked if he could 'borrow' me for a second.
"I didn't feel a last second jump onstage was appropriate," he continued. "It was Scotty's moment. I appreciate 'American Idol,' and the opportunity it has given me. And the people who have made that show possible. I am not angry, or bitter etc. It was an amazing finale, and I would have loved to be a part of it. I just wasn't asked."
Staying above the fray and declining to take any shots at Lythgoe, DeWyze concluded his tweet, "Good luck to all the contestants and stay true to yourself. Thanks everyone for your support, tour coming up... Good times :) I'll talk to you all soon. Love ya!"
Were you disappointed that Lee DeWyze didn't participate in the finale? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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