Before AMERICAN IDOL, Lee DeWyze worked as a paint store clerk in Mt. Prospect, IL. Kris Allen was a college student from Conway, AR. David Cook tended bar in Blue Springs, MO. Chris Daughtry was a service advisor at a car dealership in Greensboro, NC. Carrie Underwood lived on a farm in Checotah, OK. Jennifer Hudson was a cruise ship performer from Chicago, IL. Kelly Clarkson was a waitress from Dallas, TX. One audition changed the rest of their lives.

AMERICAN IDOL, the No. 1 show on U.S. network television for seven consecutive seasons, will revolutionize its audition process by adding an online component via MySpace to the auditions for the first time ever. In celebration of the show’s upcoming tenth season, hopefuls across the country will have the opportunity to get their foot in the door – from the comfort of their own homes.

The ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL came to a sensational conclusion tonight as Lee DeWyze was crowned the winner during the live two-hour season finale on FOX. DeWyze, 24, from Mt. Prospect, IL, emerged as America’s choice in a competition that began with more than 100,000 hopefuls who auditioned in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles and Orlando.

Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze and Casey James are this season’s AMERICAN IDOL Top 3 finalists after it was revealed that Michael Lynche received the fewest of America’s nearly 37 million votes – the highest of the season. On Tuesday’s performance show, the Top 4 performed hit songs from the movies, and Lynche, 26, from St. Petersburg, FL, sang “Will You Be There?” from “Free Willy.” In addition, this evening’s results show featured special performances by Daughtry, Fantasia and rock legend Bon Jovi.

Finalist Aaron Kelly was eliminated tonight on AMERICAN IDOL after he received the fewest of America’s 32 million votes. On Tuesday’s performance show, the Top 5 performed the music of Frank Sinatra, and Kelly, 17, from Sonestown, PA, sang “Fly Me To The Moon.” In addition, this evening’s results show featured special performances by Harry Connick, Jr. and pop superstar Lady Gaga.

IDOL GIVES BACK 2010: Final 6 contestants on AMERICAN IDOL airing Wednesday. April 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape delayed) on FOX. Pictured L-R: Aaron Kelly, Crystal Bowersox, Casey James, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus and Lee Dewyze. ©2010 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Michael Becker/FOX

Finalist Tim Urban was eliminated from AMERICAN IDOL tonight during IDOL GIVES BACK, a special musical celebration raising awareness and funds to benefit various U.S. and international charities, including Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children’s U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation. On Tuesday’s inspirational songs-themed performance show, Urban, 20, from Duncanville, TX, performed “Better Days.”

Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a fourth judge. DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.

The ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL premieres January 2010 on FOX. DeGeneres will join the judges' panel after the auditions, which will feature appearances by guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.