Simon Cowell leads Brits taking over American Idol

Cat, now working as a television presenter in Los Angeles looked stunning in a black low-cut halternecked top, and fitted trousers. 

While Michael reprised some of his greatest hits in a storming performance which will no doubt whet the appetite of fans ahead of his 20-date tour of the US.

British invasion: Simon Cowell leads the Brit invasion at the final of his hit show American Idol, as George Michael, Cat Deeley and singer Seal appeared

Star power: George Michael performed with the American Idol finalists in Los Angeles ahead of his US tour

Cowell, who took to the red carpet prior to the show with girlfriend Terri Seymour, saved the best for last as George performed a medley  of at the end of the show featuring himself and the top 12 "Idol" finalists.

The show, which crowned year-old David Cook winner last night is also produced by British television executive Nigel Lythgoe of Pop Idol fame.

Glamour: Television presenter Cat Deeley joined Cowell and George Michael at the season's finale of the hit show

Deeley appeared with the dancers from her reality show So You Think You Can Dance who performed between performances from the final 12 Idol finalists.

She is fast becoming a favourite on US television and has now made Los Angeles her home.

Adding to the British influx was London born singer Seal, who teamed up with third-place finalist Syesha Mercado in a duet of his song 'Waiting for You'.

Former Wham! frontman George starts a 20-city tour on June 17 in San Diego in support of his recently released two-disc CD, Twenty-Five.

Cat Deeley looks chic in a black low-cut top and fitted trousers, while Cowell's girlfriend Terri Seymour showed off her enviable pins in a floral print minidress

Charge of the Brit brigade: American Idol judge Simon Cowell with presenter girlfriend Terri Seymour

Though American Idol viewers were focused on the two young singers both named David - Cook and Archuleta - and the season finale had plenty of appearances from a few older idols.

The top six male singers were teamed up with Bryan Adams, while the top six female contestants were partnered with disco diva Donna Summer.

Cowell and judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson commiserate with loser David Archuleta

The girl's routine featured the Summer singing her new song "Stamp Your Feet" for the first time in front of an audience.

Before host Ryan Seacrest announced finalist David Cook as the next "American Idol," Cowell issued an uncharacteristic apology to the sincere 25-year-old rocker for harsh comments made during Tuesday's final performance show.

Cowell apologised for the remarks he made the night before to the future "Idol" winner which he said were "verging on disrespectful."

"When I went back home and watched it, it wasn't quite so clear cut as we called it," the judge said to the final two.

Winner: David Cook hugs his mother Beth Foraker after being named the new American Idol last night

Cowell congratulated and praised both Cook and runner-up David Archuleta, the smiley 17-year-old crooner from Murray, Utah.

Cowell even revealed that "for the first time ever, I don't really care who wins."

Such comments came as a surprise to many after Cowell heaped huge amounts of praise on Archuleta and said he won the competition by a "knockout."

But clearly Cowell was wrong, as Cook beat Archuleta with 12 million more votes.

Third placed finalist Syesha Mercado, right, and British singer Seal performed the song 'Waiting For You'

"I didn't really know if the apology was warranted," Cook said later.

"I thought what he said was an opinion and nothing more. At no point did I feel disrespected. Yeah, I'm appreciative of the fact that he decided to apologise.

"An apology from Simon is a pretty rare gem."

David Cook, left, and David Archuleta pose with judge Paula Abdul. Cook was the winner with 12 million more votes than 17-year-old Archuleta