'American Idol' tour brings DeWyze back home

For the first time in months, Lee DeWyze will return home on Saturday, Aug. 28.

There will be a few people waiting for him. As in, thousands ready to cheer him on at the United Center when he takes the stage with the "American Idol" tour.

"It's been crazy," the "Idol" winner said by phone last week, a few hours before performing in Anaheim, Calif. "I haven't seen my family or friends since I won. I can't wait to come home."

Home is Mount Prospect, where fans have eagerly followed the laid-back singer's rise from paint store clerk to nationally known musician. They came out in droves in May for his hometown "American Idol" visit, lining the streets of Mount Prospect and filling Arlington Park to hear him sing.

After winning "Idol" on May 26, DeWyze and the other top contestants embarked on a hectic nationwide tour that began July 1. During an average week, the group plays four concerts in four different towns.

The "Idol" tour, which features the top 10 singers, was originally scheduled to end Sept. 16 in Portland, Maine. But eight shows were cut so now it wraps up Aug. 31 in Indianapolis.

Though the United Center concert will be one of the tour's final stops, DeWyze won't have a lot of time to visit since he has another concert the following night in Toledo, Ohio.

After that, the self-taught DeWyze will probably tour the country again this fall or winter to promote his album, scheduled to be released Nov. 16 by 19 Recordings/RCA records.

The "Idol" concert is a group effort, featuring each finalist singing two or three songs in addition to some group performances. Count on DeWyze singing the songs that made him famous on "Idol," including "Hallelujah" "Beautiful Day" and maybe a few Kings of Leon songs.

Don't count on hearing him belt out Shania Twain songs. DeWyze said his least favorite performance on "Idol" was his rendition of Twain's "You're Still the One."

Some of DeWyze's closest friends will be in the crowd singing along, including Vincent Ferrara. The two met in 2001 when they both worked at an Arlington Heights Jewel grocery store.

"Sometimes people ask for my autograph," Ferrara said. "It's a little weird."

Another friend, Brian Friedopfer, said despite the fame, DeWyze is still pretty much the same guy from Mount Prospect.

"I remember backstage after the show in Milwaukee, he asked me 'So, was I any good?'" Friedopfer said.

As a kid, DeWyze attended St, James Catholic School in Arlington Heights. High school was a bit rough. He was kicked out of Prospect High School, reportedly for fighting in defense of a friend, and later attended Forest View Alternative School. He never graduated. Starting at age 15, DeWyze worked on and off at Mount Prospect Paints on Northwest Highway.

Despite his troubles in school, DeWyze's parents say they always knew their son would find his way. They didn't think he'd be touring the country at 24 years old, but both said they were confident he'd turn his life around.

"Lee always had a plan," said Lee Sr., who still lives in Mount Prospect with his wife, Kathy. "He told me he was going to take this singing thing as far as he could go. When he made it to the top 25 on 'Idol,' he wasn't coming home, no matter what happened."

Still, DeWyze assures local fans that he values his suburban roots.

"When I came home and played at the track, I will never forget those fans from Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights," said DeWyze. "I'll probably live in L.A. for a while, but I'll always have a place in Chicago and the suburbs. I won't forget where I came from."

"American Idol" tourWhen: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28Where: United Center, 1901 W. Madison, ChicagoTickets: $39.50 to $75; www.ticketmaster.comFalse13392000The "American Idol" tour brings Mount Prospect native Lee DeWyze back to Chicago.Courtesy Steve GalliFalse <div class="infoBox"><h1>More Coverage</h1><div class="infoBoxContent"><div class="infoArea"><h2>Stories</h2><ul class="links"><li><a href="/story/?id=403662">Lee DeWyze's parents not moving to Hollywood anytime soon <span class="date">[08/27/10]</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div>