Exclusive: Lee DeWyze Talks Ellen DeGeneres' American Idol Departure

Billboard.com Exclusive, by Monica Herrera, N.Y.

Lee DeWyze was the first "American Idol" winner to have been judged by Ellen DeGeneres, and now he's most certainly the last, after the talk show host and funnywoman announced her departure from the show last week. In a statement to Billboard.com, DeWyze says he was "privileged" to have been judged by DeGeneres during her lone season with the show.

"I feel very privileged to have been a part of 'American Idol' while Ellen was there," says DeWyze, who edged out Crystal Bowersox for the season nine "Idol" crown in May. "She represented the voice of the viewers and genuinely wanted to see each of us succeed. That's what I love about Ellen, she has a huge heart."

"I valued her opinion each and every week, and can not thank her enough for her support throughout last season," DeWyze adds. "I wish her the best."

Since DeGeneres announced her exit, everyone from Steven Tyler to Jennifer Lopez has been rumored as a replacement "Idol" judge. While Fox has remained tightlipped throughout the speculation, Tyler has confirmed that he was contacted by the network and that his deal is a "work in progress."

DeWyze is currently on the road with his fellow top 10 finalists for the American Idols Live! tour, which wraps at the end of the month, and recording his debut album.

Randy Jackson says no Adam Lambert or Kris Allen clones on next American Idol

There won't be anyone quite like Adam Lambert on the next season of "American Idol."

Easygoing "Idol" judge Randy Jackson told reporters during a Friday teleconference that he expected to see clones of the over-the-top eighth season runner-up or even croony champion Kris Allen show up to audition for the Fox talent competition's ninth season, which premieres Tuesday (8 p.m. EST), but there were none to be found this time around.

"Usually, whoever comes in first or second, that next season of auditions, you have a lot of those kinds of people," he said. "It's almost like a signal to everyone at home that was like them that now it's time to try out for 'American Idol.' It didn't happen like that this time. We got a very interesting, unique cast that's only unique to this season nine."

Jackson, who serves on the judging panel with Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and newcomer Ellen DeGeneres, said audition cities Dallas and Atlanta offered singers with the most starpower while Orlando, Fla., was "really strange" in terms of finding talent. He also said he was on the lookout for female crooners because the past two winners have been male.

"I think there's some really talented girls that showed up this time," he said.