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America's ninth 'Idol' is Lee DeWyze, Bret Michaels performs, video

By April MacIntyre May 27, 2010, 4:50 GMT

Lee Dewyze, Los Angeles, CA USA © Salpi Bezdjian / PR Photos

Simon Cowell says farewell, Lee DeWyze wins American Idol and Bret Michaels is on stage performing "Every Rose Has its Thorn."

"It has come down to a single mother from Toledo and a paint salesman from Chicago," emcee Ryan Seacrest after a star-studded night that saw the Bee Gees, Chicago, Michael McDonald, Alice Cooper, Joe Cocker, Christina Aguilera and Alanis Morissette alter her R-rated lyrics in a duet with Crystal Bowersox.

"After the nationwide vote. I can now tell you the winner of American Idol 2010 is ... Lee DeWyze!"

DeWyze said, "I've never been happier in my life."

The two-hour show included a send up roasting by comedian Dane Cook and a speech by former judge Paula Abdul.

"I've loved all the fun we've had together," Abdul told Cowell. "'American Idol's' not gonna be the same without you. But as only I can tell you, it will go on."

Bret Michaels, who won "The Celebrity Apprentice" on Sunday (May 23), surprised the audience with a duet of  "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" with "Idol" third-place finisher Casey James at Wednesday's finale.

With his electric guitar slung over his shoulder and armed with his six string, Casey sang the first verse solo, and when Michaels joined him, the crowd erupted in cheers.

Michaels suffered a brain hemorrhage last month that had him in critical condition for several days. After he was given a release from hospital, he vowed to be back on tour by the end of May.

Then Michaels was struck again, re-hospitalized last week after suffering a "warning stroke," and doctors also found a hole in his heart at the time.

Michaels has bounced back from all the setbacks and appeared on the finale of "Apprentice" and then his performance tonight at the Kodiak theater.

Here's video of Michaels' and James' duet: