American Idol Judge Simon Cowell Challenges Contestant to Sing ‘Hallelujah,’ and he Rocks IT

Lee DeWyze was working as a paint salesman after being expelled from high school, and tried out for the show just because his good friend, Vincent Ferrara, convinced him to.
At his audition, where he sang Bill Withers’ classic song “Ain’t No Sunshine,” he received the golden ticket to Hollywood, guaranteeing him a spot in the competition. But that wasn’t the only stop.
Lee made it to the Top 10 on the show, but took a while to catch on with fans. His rough-sounding voice didn’t resonate with the audience like other artists did, but he didn’t give up.
During the coaches’ choice week, judge Simon Cowell chose Lee’s performance song, Leonard Cohen’s classic “Hallelujah.” And once he sang it, everyone knew they were staring at a winner.
His smooth, soulful vocals make the classic song sound completely new. His passion is palpable as he sings with a full choir behind him.