Following a short parade through downtown Mount Prospect, American Idol finalist Lee DeWyze performed a sold-out concert for about 40,000 fans.

The concert featured speeches from Township High School Distrcit 214 Superintendent David Schuler and Mount Prospect Mayor Irvana Wilks, among others.

"Lee touched and changed people's lives today," Schuler said. "He's a great role model. And remember we have two more weeks left to vote for the next American Idol."

Wilks proclaimed May 14 Lee DeWyze day, and gave him a key to the village made by a local artist.

DeWyze backed away from the microphone a number of times, apparently speechless, and continued to thank the fans for their support.

"You guys had just as much to do with this as me," DeWyze said. "Give yourselves a round of applause."

Before the stage cleared so he could play for the enormous crowd, DeWyze thanked his parents and his family.

"This is the best day of my life, and it's thanks to all of you," DeWyze said.

To see photos from the Mount Prospect parade from earlier in the day, click here.
 

By Bridget Doyle, triblocal.com reporter