Lee DeWyze is Winner of American Idol 2010

Season nine came to an emotional end with the announcement of Lee DeWyze as the winner of American Idol 2010. Runner up, Crystal Bowersox, was there to give him a victory hug as he told her that he loved her.

Lee's hometown of Mount Prospect, IL went wild as they watched Ryan Seacrest's announcement on Jumbotrons. Lee won fans over with his raspy rocker style and sweet demeanor.

This finale show was jam-packed with entertainment. Janet Jackson, Michael McDonald, Alice In Chains, Chicago, Alanis Morissette, Bee Gees were some of the performers, along with past idol winners Kris Allen and Carrie Underwood.

But there was a bitter sweet feeling in the air, with this finale being Simon Cowell's final appearance on Idol. Past idol winners and contestants performed a moving tribute for him, and Paula Abdul made an appearance just to honor her former judge mate. When Simon went on stage to respond to the outpouring of support he was clearly emotional.

Simon isn't leaving Fox, however, and he will still be the judge we've grown to love (well at least I love him!) Simon will be producer, mentor and judge on the U.S. version of the British hit X Factor which will also air on Fox. So no, we can't get rid of the cynical and sarcastic quips that easily!

Susan's Dream, Our Wake-up Call

Susan Boyle dared to dream on an international stage. Now, her album, “I Dreamed a Dream,” released on Nov. 23, is now No. 3 on the iTunes Top Ten selling albums list. But when the then 47-year-old Scottish woman stepped onto that “Britain’s Got Talent” stage on April 11, she was not welcome. Susan was scoffed at and ridiculed for just her physical appearance

After a few eye rolls from Simon Cowell, Boyle started singing. The laughter stopped, replaced with cheers, gasps and standing ovations. Happy ending, right? Why was I so upset? Why am I STILL upset?

Susan’s rocket-fast launch into fame was because she proved us wrong. Are we that superficial a society? We were so shocked, that the surprise alone was the catalyst to Susan’s fame.

When Susan sings, I cry. Yes, her voice is beautiful. But my tears aren’t from gushing appreciation. I cry FOR Susan. For every person who admires her story of courage, there are more who still laugh at her appearance and conclude that she is … nothing.

Until we stop judging books by their covers, we will always miss opportunities to discover truly beautiful and meaningful people that cross our paths.