American Idol 2010 | Season 9

The SomethingPitchy crew is still reeling from yesterday's David Archuleta visit, but we're pulling ourselves together enough to bring you an awesome opportunity.

After Archuleta stopped by our podcast for an epic 43-minute interview, the 'Idol' season 7 runner-up signed a copy of his new memoir, 'Chords of Strength.'

Now, we're giving one lucky fan the chance to win that signed copy!

All you have to do to enter is comment on this post with your name and answers to all three questions listed after the jump.

Today, season 7 runner-up David Archuleta paid a special, jam-packed visit to the SomethingPitchy studio to promote his new memoir, 'Chords of Strength.'

Among the many topics discussed in this 43-minute-plus interview: The inspiration behind writing a book, details on his upcoming CD, his thoughts on 'American Idol' season 9 and a look back at some of his most memorable tweets.

When will his next CD hit shelves? And will he go on tour after it's released? Find out by watching our exclusive video interview below, then be sure to post your reactions in the comments section below.

That Lee DeWyze is one chatty dude. Sure, winning 'American Idol' is probably gonna put you in a good mood, but as he gave lengthy, well thought out answers about his past, present and future in a press conference call earlier Friday, one thing became clear: If the 'Idol' producers want to know one thing they should improve upon next season, it's giving viewers the chance to get to know the contestants a little better.

In seasons past, we had a good feel for the contestants' personalities, especially as the Top 12 got smaller and smaller and each singer got more screen time. In season 9, not so much, which is why almost every post-elimination night interview with the contestants this season ended with almost all of them proving to be much savvier, more engaging, more confident and more interesting than they ever appeared to be on the 'Idol' stage.

Food for thought 'Idol' producers ...

Crystal Bowersox, a 24-year-old single mom from Ohio, was the clear front-runner for most of season 9, with such memorable performances as 'People Get Ready' (tear!), 'Me and Bobby McGee' and 'Come to My Window.'

But in the end, she was defeated by another 24-year-old guitarist: Lee DeWyze, a paint salesman from Chicago.

Still, Bowersox made a lasting impression on America, and even though she didn't take home the title on Wednesday, she still feels like a winner.

Earlier today, talented and driven mama talked to the press about her intuition that DeWyze would win the 'Idol' crown, her struggle with diabetes and her break-up with her boyfriend the day of the finale.

It was a long and grueling season, but SomethingPitchy made it all the way to the end to see paint salesman Lee DeWyze be crowned the next 'American Idol.'

Did Lee actually deserve to win? That's just one of many hot-button topics on the table in this final episode of the season. Also up for discussion: Simon's farewell, the return of Paula Abdul and whether season 9 really was 'Idol''s worst season ever.

Watch the video after the jump, then be sure to check back next week for a very special bonus episode of SomethingPitchy, with 'American Idol' runner-up David Archuleta.

Alex Lambert finished in the Top 24 on this season of 'Idol.' Many viewers were shocked by his elimination and felt he'd gone too early -- enough to gain the attention of Simon Fuller, who offered Lambert a spot in the 'If I Can Dream' house.

'IICD,' which airs 24/7 or in segments on Hulu.com, centers around a group of actors, musicians and models living together while honing their crafts and searching for fame.

Lambert, who joined Something Pitchy's podcast last week, guest-blogged about attending the 'Idol' finale and what life has been like for him post-'Idol.'

It's been a month and a half since my run on 'American Idol' ended. Just enough time for me to be able to be there at last night's 'Idol' finale and really enjoy it without feeling too much regret.

A lot of great stars performed last night. A couple of the highlights for me, personally: I really liked Bret Michaels. I thought he was amazing, and his performance with Casey [James] was great. Janet Jackson was super hot, and it was so great to see her perform live. Also, the red carpet was legit! I got to meet a lot of people I've been dying to meet!

Lee DeWyze may have won the season 9 crown last night, but it was departing judge Simon Cowell who ultimately stole the show.

From the beginning, 'Idol' made it clear that the two-hour-plus finale would be all about the notoriously candid judge, who announced at the beginning of this year that season 9 would be his last.

The show kicked off with a few pre-taped segments that chronicled Simon's best, worst and most infamous moments on the show. On tap to honor Simon were fellow-'Idol' cohorts Ryan Seacrest, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres and, yes, even Paula Abdul, who recalled everything from their panel feuds to their staged kiss during a previous finale.

Departing judge Simon Cowell was supposed to be the center of attention in the 'American Idol' season 9 finale. But ironically, it was the former 'American Idol' winners who stole the show during his special farewell tribute segment, which also featured the return of former judge Paula Abdul.

In a true show-stopping moment, winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and Kris Allen took to the stage to sing 'Together We Are One' by Delta Goodrem, during which they were joined by a revolving door of 'Idol' finalists that included everyone from Kimberly Caldwell to Constantine Maroulis and, yes, Justin Guarini.

Noticeably absent, though, was season 7 winner David Cook -- the only 'Idol' winner who did not take part in the group performance. According to Twitter, Cook was attending a charity event for cancer in Kansas City. An official word from Cook's camp has yet to be released.

Check out the clip after the jump.

Who won 'American Idol' season 9? After 17 weeks of 'Idol' performances, Lee DeWyze captured the 'American Idol' crown in the finale over Crystal Bowersox.

Some fans may be mystified that DeWyze took the crown as the next 'Idol,' especially after his performances Tuesday night, where he often sang out of tune, looked uncomfortable onstage and mustered only a negligible amount of energy. Bowersox, on the other hand, did everything right and sounded terrific. And yet, DeWyze garnered the popular vote and emerged victorious.

Watch the reveal after the jump.

Many compete, but each year, only one person can be the winner of 'American Idol.' And in the season 9 finale, past 'American Idol' winners (except David Cook) crowded the stage to pay tribute to departing judge Simon Cowell.

Now, of course, Lee DeWyze joins their ranks as the winner of 'American Idol' season 9. Can't keep track of who won in seasons past? Check out our list of all the 'American Idol' winners from the beginning to now -- from season 1 to season 8, and today.

Tonight, former judge Paula Abdul -- who left the show after last season -- returned to 'Idol' to give departing judge Simon Cowell an official goodbye.

Abdul joked a bit at the beginning, claiming the real reason she didn't return as judge was a surprised pregnancy. "There's a baby backstage with Simon's haircut, and baby, it's your turn to feed him," she quipped to Cowell.

But, she did have a few affection words for the surly British judge. "Look Simon, my darling Simon, I've worked with a lot of people over the years ... but, if I'm being truly honest, none of them holds a candle to you, my friend."

Watch the video after the jump.