By Maddie Conway
Staff Writer
A member of the Prospect community just might be the next American Idol.
Former Prospect student Lee DeWyze, 23, has been selected by the “American Idol” judges — Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres — as one of the 181 golden ticket contestants lucky enough to make it through the audition process to be in the Top 24.
For his original Chicago audition, DeWyze sang “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers, and after performing in front of the four judges, DeWyze was able to move onto the Hollywood Week round. His audition aired in the “Road to Hollywood” episode of the show.
When in Hollywood, DeWyze performed three times to continue his audition, the last of which was the song “You Found Me” by The Fray. With these performances, DeWyze made it past each of the elimination rounds up to the final verdict in which the judges chose the final 24 contestants that will perform live on TV for America’s votes.
While the girls sang last night,  DeWyze will perform with the other 11 male finalists at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24, during the two-hour show on FOX; votes can be both called in and texted, and the eliminations will be announced on the results show on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m.
To see videos, photos and a Q&A with Lee on americanidol.com, click here.