Brett Michaels Casey James American Idol_20100527075952_JPG

Brett Michaels and Idol finalist Casey James perform "Every Rose has Its Thorn" during the "American Idol" finale at the Nokia Theatre on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 in Los Angeles. (FOX)

Brett Michaels Casey James American Idol_20100527075952_JPG

Brett Michaels and Idol finalist Casey James perform "Every Rose has Its Thorn" during the "American Idol" finale at the Nokia Theatre on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 in Los Angeles. (FOX)

  • More Idol News
American Idol Goes to St. Louis
American Idol Goes to St. Louis

Thursday night's episode of "American Idol" took viewers to …

'American Idol' Portland Auditions: Hipsters and Pop Stars
Idol Auditions: Hipsters and Pop Stars

If you thought Portland's rock scene wasn't a breeding group …

American Idol Auditions Go Down in Texas
American Idol Goes Down to Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas. It must be true: …

'American Idol' Highlights: Magic Cyclops and Gaga Wannabe
American Idol Highlight: Magic Cyclops

Maybe it's the altitude. Viewers who tuned into Wednesday …

'American Idol' Auditions Continue in San Diego
'Idol' Auditions Continue in San Diego

Fans got an extra dose of "American Idol" Sunday night after …

Story of Paul McDonald's Rhinestone Jacket
Paul McDonald's Rhinestone Jacket

Paul McDonald is climbing the ranks of American Idol stardom. …

Casey Abrams, Idol's Jazz Man
Casey Abrams, Idol's Jazz Man

Casey Abrams hopes to continue to bring jazz to American Idol's…

Jacob Lusk Brings Idol Soul
Jacob Lusk Brings Idol Soul

In his own words on his original Twitter page, Jacob Lusk is …

James Durbin, Idol's Heavy Metal All-Star
James Durbin, Idol's Heavy Metal Star

This year's American Idol screaming sensation is James Durbin, …

Scott McCreery, Idol's Country Favorite
Scott McCreery, Idol's Country Favorite

Every year, American Idol produces one or two stand-out country…

  • Marketplace

Bret Michaels' Surprise 'American Idol' Performance

Updated: Thursday, 27 May 2010, 9:42 AM EDT
Published : Thursday, 27 May 2010, 9:40 AM EDT

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - As paint clerk Lee DeWyze beat Crystal Bowersox to win "American Idol"'s ninth season, he had to share the limelight with one tough rocker.

Bret Michaels, former frontman of glam metal band Poison, was one of the surprise performers on Wednesday evening's Idol finale. He shared the stage with top-three Idol finalist Casey James as they sang a duet of Poison's hit song "Every Rose Has Its Thorn."

The performance was a bit of a rose for Michaels who was hospitalized in April with a brain hemorrhage and rushed back last week because of what's been called a " warning stroke ."

"I needed to be here and do this because it's been two months since I played," he said to MTV News backstage at the Nokia Theatre shortly after performing.

Michaels said he only told his doctors about the finale of "Celebrity Apprentice," on which he was crowned the victor on Sunday. He said Wednesday that he is still feeling a lot of pain, but "except for a little hitch … my left side from the … stroke, I feel amazing."

He said he planned to perform on Friday in Biloxi, Miss., and continue to just do a few shows at a time. He will likely have heart surgery in the fall to repair a recently diagnosed hole in his heart.

Yahoo! News reported that the Idol finale featured performers Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson and Joe Cocker. Other guest performers were Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees and Alanis Morissette.

Michaels is keeping up he active schedule and is scheduled to appear Thursday evening on the " Lopez Tonight " show with host George Lopez.

Watch Michaels and James perform "Every Rose Has Its Thorn.":

  • Marketplace
Advertisement
  • Latest News
  • Suggested Search
  • Similar Stories