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Was there ever any doubt who should be in “idol” finale?
It was pretty clear early in the season who deserved to be in the finale. Tonight, any doubts should be erased.
Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze deserve the chance to duke it out for the “American Idol” Season 9 crown.
Ohioan Crystal — who has drawn comparisons to Melissa Etheridge, Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin — has been the frontrunner from day one. From the Chicago auditions to Hollywood week and ever since, Crystal has stood out from the rest not only for her powerful vocals and unique look and style, but for the fact that she knows what kind of artist she is and has always stayed true to that (even with a few challenging themes for her in the later weeks of the competition such as country). Crystal is someone you want to see win.
Paint salesman Lee (who also came from the Chicago auditions) gets the most improved award this season. Lee didn’t get much exposure early in the season (likely because he is very reserved), but from week to week he has showcased an amazing radio voice (sort of like a cross between Dave Matthews and Rob Thomas) and has grown from shy and uncomfortable into a true performer and artist. Lee is the underdog and the type of person you want to see win the crown.
I have been a huge Crystal fan from the beginning, but Lee has really grown on me, too.
It’s pretty clear who the judges want to see in the finale. Will America agree?
Here’s the rundown of tonight’s six performances.
Round One: Contestant’s pick
Casey James
Song choice: “OK, it’s alright with me” by Eric Hutchinson
Judges comments: Randy said that song was just “all right” with him (ha!) and that Casey needed to do something more unique. Ellen said she wished he would have brought something much bigger tonight. Kara said it’s hard to pick a song that not everyone knows and when you pick something that’s a first listen, you can’t make it your own. Simon said the problem is that on arguably his biggest night, he did something that will leave no lasting impact with others.
Overall impression: The judges were 100 percent right. This performance was very mediocre, actually pretty boring, when he should have come out fighting for a spot in the finale.
Grade: C
Crystal Bowersox
Song choice: “Come to My Window” by Melissa Etheridge
Judges comments: Randy said it’s that time in the competition to see who’s going to blow it out of the box. He didn’t like the arrangement, but loved the vocal and said it was a good song choice. Ellen said Melissa would be very proud. Kara said it was a good vocal but that she hopes Crystal still has a “moment” tonight. Simon said it wasn’t the most stunning version of the song, but Crystal has not compromised herself as an artist and did what was right for her.
Overall impression: How could you not love Crystal (and I’m not saying that because she’s from Ohio)? It was not amazing, but it was very enjoyable. I thought the harmonica really put the Crystal stamp on this song. Great song choice.
Grade: A-
Lee Dewyze
Song choice: “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Judges comments: Randy said a brilliant song choice and that he sounded amazing and that Lee’s in it to win it. Ellen blabbered some weird animal metaphor that I didn’t follow, but I think she was trying to say that Lee has grown so much from the start of the competition and now seems at ease and confident on stage. Kara said Round One goes to Lee. Simon said the song choice was absolutely on the money and that he crushed the other two.
Overall impression: Lee showed why he deserves a spot in the finale. He picked a perfect song, sang it well and connected to the song and the audience. Lee really has been the dark horse all season. He got zero exposure during auditions and Hollywood Week, when we got to know many of the other Top 24. He’s been consistent and really gone on to win fans based on vocal talent and a growing comfort and confidence as a performer.
Grade: A
Round One goes to Lee. Crystal was a very close second (only because Lee really connected with the song and the audience), but Lee’s performance was a bit more captivating.
Round Two: Judges pick
Casey James
Song choice: “Daughters” by John Mayer (selected by Randy and Kara)
Judges comments: Randy said it fit like a glove and that Casey should continue in the singer-songwriter direction. Ellen said mothers and daughters will be voting for Casey. Kara said he showed a sensitive/vulnerable side and that he did a good job. Simon said it was a much better song choice than the first but it didn’t give a big vocal moment. He sounded good, but it didn’t have the “wow” factor.
Overall impression: Unless Casey wins the ladies’ vote, it should be farewell Casey. He was solid tonight, but didn’t do enough to earn a spot in the finale. Competition is tough. Good vocals and good looks aren’t enough to win the “Idol” crown. But Casey will definitely have a career.
Grade: B
Crystal Bowersox
Song choice: “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney (Ellen’s choice)
Judges comments: Randy said great song and great vocals and that she’s also in it to win it. Ellen said she couldn’t have asked for more. Kara said she showed parts of her voice they had never heard and took a huge risk with no instrument that really paid off. Simon said he was surprised by the song choice but now he gets it and she proved she has soul (were there every any doubts?).
Overall impression: That one gave me chills. She is amazing. She definitely had her moment. Crystal is already a star.
Grade: A+
Lee Dewyze
Song choice: “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen (Simon’s choice)
Judges comments: Randy said he’d been waiting all season to see who’d throw down the gauntlet. “This was your biggest moment and was unbelievable.” Ellen said that performance was stunning. Kara said Lee is what the show is all about … someone who has an epic moment and that he just owned the entire night. Simon said he’s very proud of Lee and that with that performance he proved he’s a fantastic singer.
Overall impression: Oooh, I got chills from that one too. I thought it would be hard to top Crystal’s McCartney, but I say this was right there. The audience was captivated.
Grade: A+
Round Two: A toss-up between Crystal and Lee.
What did you think of tonight’s performers and their performances throughout the season?
Will Lee give Crystal a run for her money?
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Comments
By snob
May 19, 2010 4:01 PM | Link to this
So glad to NOT to be reading Squirrleygirl’s dumb comments (so far). Sue must be out singing with “the guy” that used to sing with Ricky Nelson….like we all care about that! By the way-Lee & Chrystal=excellent. Casey=good, but not the winner.
By TR
May 19, 2010 8:22 AM | Link to this
I have been a Crystal and Lee fan from the very beginning, so I am thrilled that they have made it this far. At this point, I don’t care which one wins because I think they will both end up with record deals and I can’t wait to buy their CDs!! Lee was AMAZING last night and I loved both song choices. Crystal also did really well, but she really excelled on the McCartney song.
By agent
May 19, 2010 8:08 AM | Link to this
OK, Chrystal & Lee for sure, but Casey has done well for himself.I think that Chrystal should win based on always solid/consistent singing, but Lee has been set up to win by the judges and the production of his tunes last night.Either way-they will both have future success.
By MacPaddy
May 19, 2010 7:01 AM | Link to this
A Roots Rockers Showdown - whodathunk? Or wished for it! I’m starting to like Crystal’s voice better but saying she looks “unique” is a joke - remember Jason from a previous season? White people in dreads is so OVER and ugly! It’s still favored among the homeless because it doesn’t require washing. Lee still has open potential and could do more/better. But is Lee really the Darkhorse? How many seasons have begun with the judges [Simon] annointing an early favorite only to have the people pick a Darkhorse? Last season especially. This season has been surreal with pop singers like Avril and Miley trying to mentor Roots Rockers. AI has lost it’s mission.
By MacPaddy
May 19, 2010 6:58 AM | Link to this
A Roots Rockers Showdown - whodathunk? Or wished for it! I’m starting to like Crystal’s voice better but saying she looks “unique” is a joke - remember Jason from a previous season? White people in dreads is so OVER and ugly! It’s still favored among the homeless because it doesn’t require washing. Lee still has open potential and could do more/better. But is Lee really the Darkhorse? How many seasons have begun with the judges [Simon] annointing an early favorite only to have the people pick a Darkhorse? Last season especially. This season has been surreal with pop singers like Avril and Miley trying to mentor Roots Rockers. AI has lost it’s mission.