‘Idol’ Lee Dewyze lives up to title

"American Idol" Season 9 winner, singer-songwriter Lee Dewyze, visited Manila for a two-day show to promote his debut album "Live It Up." Filipino fans were more than thrilled to meet the singer and see him perform live last May 7 at the Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill and May 8 at Eastwood City Open Park.

Before his live performances, Lee met the press at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel last May 7, Saturday, where he shared his thoughts on his new album, his love for songwriting and his life after "American Idol." Lee has gone a long way from being a paint salesman from Illinois to becoming a champion of the premiere top-rating talent show in the US.

"Going from something that I did love to do to what I've always dreamed of doing is a very big change in my life," Lee said. Despite having no intention to join "American Idol" at first, Lee made his way to the top and survived each elimination week without landing on the bottom three. "When 'American Idol' came to Chicago, I really wasn't going (to the auditions). But then after awhile, (I said) why not? So we waited in the line and the rest is history," Lee shared.

On "Live It Up" album

Fast-forward to his post-Idol days, Lee released his debut album "Live It Up," a pop-rock album with "Sweet Serendipity" as his first single. Lee co-wrote most of the songs in the album and collaborated with music producers Toby Gad, John Shanks, David Hodges and the Norwegian production team Espionage. His first single, "Sweet Serendipity," gives a light, cheerful tone in the album, while "Dear Isabelle" and "Me and My Jealousy" exude strong emotions.

Lee said his favorite songs in the album include "A Song About Love," "Me and My Jealousy" and "Dear Isabelle." "I love to really put a lot into the lyrics and tell story of the song. When I write my music, I always listen to the lyrics and the content of the songs and kinda try to relate it to something in my life to connect with," Lee shared.

Passion in songwriting

While he takes pride in his songwriting, having co-written most of the tracks in the album, Lee admitted it was a "risk." "For sure, it (songwriting in the album) was a risk. People always judge you whether you're on stage, either judges or critics. People love to find negativity in things. But there's so much positive feedback. It's been great," Lee said.

Carrying the title as last season's "American Idol," does Lee worry about album sales and people's expectations of him? Aside from the tight competition in the industry, music downloads also take a big chunk. "Directly, I really don't worry about that very quickly. When you come out of the show like 'American Idol,' the expectations that people have for you, they expect you to come the show and sell millions of albums. With the way the industry is now, people like the song but they don't buy the album. At the end of the day, good music always rises to the top in one way or the other," Lee said.

Collaboration with 'American Idol' Alumni

Just like Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry, who recorded a song together, Lee is looking forward to collaborating with fellow "American Idol" alumni. For him, only one name comes to mind for such an undertaking. "Carrie Underwood will always be an awesome pick…Carrie Underwood is a real genuine person and I love to work with her," Lee added. In terms of songwriting, Lee said another "American Idol" champion would be a hands-down choice. "Kris Allen, I know he really does pride in songwriting and I can really relate to that level. Songwriting is really important."

Changes in 'American Idol'

The tenth season of "American Idol" opened a new chapter with new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. Lee has already appeared in the current season and met with the new judges. "I think the judges are doing great. They are very supportive. Very positive. I think there will be a different feel if Simon was there for sure but I'm happy with the judges I have," Lee said.

As 'American Idol' is based on fans' votes, judges' critics are very important as it also affect fans' evaluation. Asked whose comments helped him the most, Lee said: "I think on the show, when the judges say something to you, you can't take them as 100% correct even. But I think I'm probably my hardest critic for sure. But, out of the judges it's Simon. Because he's gonna be blunt and honest with you and will say what he thinks. He knows what he's talking about," Lee told Yahoo! OMG! Philippines.

Lee thrills Manila

In his concerts, Lee performed songs from the album, such as "Beautiful Like You," "Sweet Serendipity," "Hallelujah," and the title track, "Live It Up," among others. After Lee's finale, there was a fireworks display, which surprised him.

Fans ranging from kids to parents also lined up in Venice Piazza and Eastwood City to have their albums signed by Lee himself. "He's amazing. We love him since his AI days. He always approaches the audience," young fans Sharmilah Singh and Jamira Magcale said about their idol. Lee thanked his fans who watched his show. "You guys are the best. I just wanna play here all night. I can really feel the love," Lee said to his screaming audiences.

Lee Dewyze's "Live It Up" tour is presented by Megaworld in cooperation with Sony Music, Eastwood City, Venice Piazza, Richmonde Hotel, Business World, Herworld.com, FOX, Star World and Magic89.9.

"I love you guys. This is one of the coolest things I've ever done. Thanks for making it awesome," Lee said as he bid his goodbye to his fans.