'Idol' DeWyze: 'Kris Allen is cool guy'

American Idol champ Lee DeWyze has described last season's winner Kris Allen as a "really cool guy".

The 24-year-old from Illinois - who scooped the ninth season title last week - told OK that he spoke to Allen about the "experience" of the show backstage at the finale.

"He was telling me what it was kind of going to be like coming up. He's a really cool guy. I talked to a lot of the past Idols since I've been off and they've all been supportive and [said], 'Just do your thing, be proud of yourself'," he explained.

He continued to say that it is inevitable that he will be compared to past winners such as Allen and David Cook, but insisted that they are "all different artists" and have "different sounds".

When asked how his album will be different, he replied: "It's not a matter of trying to make it different. I'm just going to do what I like to do and it’s going to come out my way.

"I listened to both their albums. They're both really good. It's inspiring to see that these guys have gone through this and put out successful albums. I only hope to have the same."

DeWyze previously said that it is a "trend" among former Idol finalists that they are all "genuine" people and that it is inspiring to see their success.