For those who place their [url id="http://www.mtv.com/news/topic/american_idol/index.jhtml"]"American Idol"[/url] winner bets based on the wisdom of cantankerous judge Simon Cowell, let it be known that the cagey Brit has placed his odds on late-season favorite Lee DeWyze.

"If you'd asked me five or six weeks ago, 100 percent, I would have said Crystal [Bowersox]," Cowell admitted to his fellow judge, Ellen DeGeneres, when he stopped by her talk show Tuesday (May 25). "But now I've changed my mind. I think Lee's going to win."

Ellen emphasized to her audience that the judges have no say in the outcome but pressed Cowell as to why he thinks DeWyze now has a chance to win this season's "American Idol" crown.

"I think," he emphasized. "But you know what? The last two years, I've got it completely and utterly wrong. I don't think anyone's listening to me anymore. It's just a hunch. There's something about him, the fact that he's worked in a paint shop, he's talented. He hasn't had any real breaks in his life, and this has given him a shot. I like that."

Cowell and DeGeneres also talked about their friendship and how they'll miss working together. "Who knew I'd like you so much?" DeGeneres joked about her pre-"Idol" impressions of Cowell. "[I'm] sad that you're leaving."

"I'm feeling a bit sad now, because we're nearly there [at the end]," Cowell said. "But at the same time, do you remember the last three weeks of school when you couldn't wait to get out? It's a little bit like that."

Are you sad to see Simon leave "Idol"? Do you agree that DeWyze will take home the title? Let us know in the comments!

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