Chicago now has its first American Idol...Lee DeWyze!

After an audition process that began in August 2009, Mt. Prospect's Lee DeWyze can now call himself the American Idol.

Tonight's live finale in Hollywood pitted DeWyze against Toledo, Ohio's Crystal Bowersox.  The race was one of the closest in all nine seasons of Idol, with Ryan Seacrest stating at the beginning of the show that the vote margin was only 2%.

The two hour finale welcomed all but one of the eight previous Idol winners to sing a swan song to Simon Cowell, who made his last appearance on the Idol stage tonight.  Joined by various other finalists, the past winners followed a sarcastic and heartfelt goodbye courtesey of former Idol judge, Paula Abdul.

In addition to the past contestants, many Grammy award winning and chart topping artists lent a hand to the festivities.  Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Joe Cocker, Alice Cooper and The Bee Gees took part in duets and group numbers with this year's finalists.  DeWyze teamed up with hometown band, Chicago, and Bowersox rocked out with Alanis Morissette.

DeWyze was emotional before Seacrest even read the winning name and shed a few tears after he was declared the champion.  Always humble and appreciative, DeWyze continued to thank everyone and say that, "I've never been happier in my whole life."