It's Too Late For 1 American Idol Contestant

Tonight could be an interesting night on American Idol, because there has been an overwhelming general consensus about the contestant leaving tonight, and that can be where Producer Nigel Lythgoe can be a bit more creative, and insert some drama. But you never know for sure until it happens



Crusty tells us that a big group of fans will be disappointed their favorite is going home. The judges have their moment, with the focus on Steven. And they announce their guests tonight, Bruno Mars and Crystal Bowersox.



They have a segment on the Royal Wedding, with far too many bad British accents flying. This leads to a medley of Carole King songs, with hits like Go Away Little Girl, One Fine Day and It's Too Late, among others. After a commercial break, we get to see the Ford Music video, in which the Idols sing Our House by Madness.



The runner up from last year, Crystal Bowersox, comes out to sing her fantastic song, Ridin' With The Radio, from her debut album Farmer's Daughter.



There are questions for the Idols, and Casey is first, saying he would duet with Oscar Peterson because, well, would we expect any differently? Jacob discovered the range in his voice when he was 6 or 7, via a park ranger. Lauren said the hardest part of being an Idol is missing her friends or family, especially in the South. Scotty answered a question I couldn't understand, either Crusty's asking it, or Scotty answering it. James has been in several bands, including one with Casey, Stefano, and Paul. Haley says her favorite past Idols were Adam Lambert, Siobhan Magnus, and, of course, Kelly Clarkson. Ryan atttempts to make a Taylor Hicks joke, which seems overly petty to me.

Haley is up first, and Jimmy Iovine says she has the best voice, but her indecision as an artist might cause her to go home. After the vote, she is safe. Scotty is up next, and Jimmy says he has a subtlety that might be overlooked. We don't get an answer on him, but Crusty asks him to have a seat. Lauren is up next, and Iovine talks about her insecurities, but he thinks she is in the game for the long haul. Casey is next, and after the judge's lovefest, Iovine talks about the angry growl Casey uses every week, and that the family dog doesn't vote... But Iovine thinks he will be safe. Casey is also on hold for the results, and we take a break.

James is up first, and following the recap, Jimmy Iovine finds him believable not with heavy metal, but with Pop/Rock. And he is safe. Finally, we have Jacob and his recap, and Iovine takes a shot at the wardrobe choice, and thinks he is not safe. Crusty calls Scotty, Casey and Lauren to join Jacob, only to send Lauren to safety. As we go to a commercial break, I realize he never really mentions if this is the bottom 3 or not, so I don't know what this means. Only that we will find out who is leaving after a performance by Bruno Mars.

When we return, we get to hear Bruno singing The Lazy Song. I find the reggae beat used to be a bit overly cute, but then remember no one is voting no anyway, and just sit back to enjoy. It's not like he is singing live tonight... Come on, you know they tape some of them in advance, using multiple takes, right? You didn't? Whoops...



So we are back, hopefully learning the fate of Jacob, Casey and Scotty. This, I can assure you, is live. However, I will admit I am distracted by the commercial that says he sometimes goes commando. I wake up to hear that Jacob is safe! Going home tonight, we find out Casey Abrams is heading home, and there is no judges save to help him. Scotty is safe. There is a recap of his stay on Idol, and his plan to single-handedly bring Jazz back. Crusty reminds us that Casey is what talent looks like. I manage to roll my eyes as Casey starts singing I Put A Spell On You. He runs around, kissing ladies and young girls. And the contestants.

AI9 Final: Taking it to the Nokia

Originally written for Rickey.Org.

Crystal Bowersox versus Lee DeWyze, the night has arrived, and not without the accordant fanfare. Fox has been putting the Idols to work, including singing 'Take Me Out To The Ballgame' to be used on their broadcast. They did all this, as well as rehearse three songs, a contestant favorite from the season, producer Simon Fuller's choice, and a 'magic rainbow' single to be used as a coronation song, although the one last year written by Kara was dropped so fast you'd think it was on fire, not even being performed for the duration of the tour.

While Simon was making the rounds, he let everyone know he thought Lee was going to win, although Simon's track record has not been without missteps - picking David Archuleta and Adam Lambert in the last two years, not to mention his obvious disdain for Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks. With three out of the last four predictions being incorrect, one could easily discount him, or think he was due for a correct answer.

The show starts off with a series of mug shots of Idol hopefuls, coming to rest on those of Lee and Crystal. We cut to the judges reactions to their performances, and then to Crusty on a dark stage, before the lights come up to reveal the Nokia audience, with 7,000 people in the audience cheering away. He points out they are both 24 years of age, both auditioned in Chicago, and both want to win.

When introducing the judges, Crusty also points out it is Simon's last week on the show, which brings out strong support and a sly smile from Simon. He then introduces Lee and Crystal, who enter from the back of the audience, touching hands as they go. Crystal, who looks fantastic, is carrying a microphone, which is knocked out of her hand along the way. Lee doesn't seem to have one, unless he wisely tucked it in a pocket. They make it to the stage, and Crusty asks their thoughts, and both notice the large crowd. A coin was tossed following the last results show to determine the order of singing.

We then find out Lee is singing first. He returned to the week of Idol Gives Back for his inspirational song, Simon & Garfunkel's The Boxer. His performances is similar to the first, although the mix seemed a bit off, and he was being overpowered by the orchestra. Randy thought it lacked energy and life, while Ellen thought it was better than the first time. Simon points out it lacked passion,

Crystal returned to the Top 11, and Billboard Number 1's to sing Me and Bobby McGee, the Janis Joplin favorite. She is killing it, again. In great voice, and in top form. The judges are loving it, all clearly loving her performance.

Yay, a commercial for the GaGa episode of GLEE!

Simon Fuller picked Everybody Hurts, the anthemic song written and performed by R.E.M. Originally released in 1993, Michael Stipe's aching delivery is still etched in the minds of many. This one just barely makes it in the the twenty year window. Once again, it is Lee and his guitar center stage, with the orchestra in the shadows. The choir joins him at the end, and we see it is a beautiful song. Randy mentions some pitchy moments, and Randy points out it was too bad he pulls back rather than deliver the emotion, while Kara thinks he is so emotionally available. Simon thinks it all nerves, and wants a big performance for the final song.

Fuller decided Crystal should sing Black Velvet, sung most famously by Canadian Alannah Myles in 1989. Really, Mr. Fuller, couldn't pick a song from the last twenty years? Crystal starts at the top of the staircase and just nails the song, and looks gorgeous doing it. The judges love it, and Simon is very impressed. Crystal is clearly in the zone tonight, and is taking no prisoners.

Lee's original single is Beautiful Day, the U2 song. For the most part, he was being swallowed alive by the song. Randy struggles to come up with the positive, and mentions the big notes in the chorus. Ellen talks about him taking in the energy of the crowd. Kara points out he was drowning in the song, but he has grown so much. And he has the most commercial voice. Simon says some nice things about him personally, but ignores the performance. That says a lot.

Crystal's original single is Up to the Mountain, a song by Patty Griffin. Crystal is on a stool center stage, just a girl with a guitar, and starts the song alone. After a bit, the choir sneaks out, backing her nicely. She is working the heck out of the song, pouring it with rich emotion. That was exquisite. Randy thought it was incredible. Ellen thinks she is so, so good. Kara thought she blossomed, and was amazing. Crystal interrupts and to offer Simon her thoughts and wish him her best, and he answered with it being the performance of the night, and it was outstanding.
Crusty introduces the recap, and then brings out Will Young, singing Leave Right Now, live on the stage. He sings it beautifully.

Well, I thought Crystal won this night going away. Lee seemed to have suffered with his nerves, and swallowed his performance, while Crystal let it go and gave it to the audience. She pretty much mopped the floor with him. However, did Crystal win the season? I guess that is up to the voters!

American Idol Finals Tonight

Tonight is the final performance episode of American Idol Season 9. The final two, singer/songwriter Crystal Bowersox and rocker Lee DeWyze, will take to the stage at the Nokia Theater and sing for the title. It is also the final chance for Simon Cowell to critique the contestants, before he returns with the US version of X-Factor.

What would I like to see this evening? I'd love to see a performance that brings me outta my chair and away from my keyboard to my feet to cheer. That is what one always hopes for, sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. Since both are more guitar/rock influenced performers, I would hope we could get at least one killer song, sorta like delivered in the following clip, the amazing Wes Carr. In 2008, he took to the stage and delivered a performance that took control of the stage and the camera, lighting up the bright stage with an explosion of talent, energy, confidence and swagger.



It is performances like this that makes me order CDs from these kids, and I can tell you I ordered my Wes Carr album, The Way The World Looks, from Australia, and we will see if Lee or Crystal can convince me to do the same for them.

AI9 Ladies Race Toward The Finals

With four more hitting the road last week, we are down to the final 16 on American Idol. Most seem to have shook off the nerves that were so problematic that first week, but one can only assume it is not really getting any easier for them. Only two-thirds of the contestants remain, and four more will be leaving this week before the finals begin, and lucrative tour slots are sewn up.

In his book Inside The Music, Canadian Idol winner Theo Tams (@theotamsmusic) talked about how quickly bonds were made in the pressure cooker of Idol, friendships that would last far beyond the experience. He stated, 'Over the course of the competition, I realized that Canadian Idol was going to be so much more than a singing competition for me.' That is what the current 16 are going thru, all to leave one standing in a matter of a couple of months, like Theo was over a year ago. With eight ladies remaining, and only six make it to the finals with a chance to make the tour. The pressure is on, and only performing at your best will make it relent.



Crusty comes out to tell us about the night, Ladies Night, and add some additional tension to the situation. Simon reiterates the high states of the night, adding to the pressure. Katie Stevens starts the night singing Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway, the first single from the album of the same name. Wow, there are a few tough notes on this one, but she is coming alive on the chorus. The bottom end of the song is tough for her. Randy was not impressed. Ellen thought she fell short. Simon tried to be polite, but not positive. Rough start for Katie.

Siobhan Magnus chose to sing House of the Rising Sun, the 1964 hit from The Animals. She is taking it on a more blues route rather than rock. She can certainly sing, and makes it look effortless. There were some glorious moments in that performance. Randy loves her, and Ellen thinks she is spectacular. Kara loved it, Simon, not so much. Kara backtracks, and can't figure out what artist she is - Kara, she is Siobhan. And we go straight to Lacey Brown singing The Story, Brandi Carlise's 2007 single. She is exuding quirk. Both Randy and Ellen think it her best to date, and Kara agrees. Simon thought it was good, but perhaps forgettable. As there are a couple of other quirky girls to come, Simon might be right.

After a commercial break, including a GLEE tease, we get Katelyn Epperly singing Carol King's I Feel The Earth Move. There are a couple of weak notes, and times when she seems to fall a touch behind the music. She seems far less connected than she was last week. Randy was not impressed, nor was Ellen. Kara felt it was uninspired, and Simon agrees. But both Randy and Simon compliment her hair.

After another break, Didi Benami brings her guitar to sing Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac. She slows it down a bit, but is doing well, and captures the quirky texture of the song well. She was really good. Randy liked it, but was not bowled over. Ellen really liked it. Kara thought it was one of the best of the season so far. Simon thought it was a great moment, and the best of the night.

Paige Miles sings Charlie Chaplin's Smile, opening with a lovely voice and just a piano. On the second verse, they add some percussion and a smooth jazz feel. I liked it. Randy didn't at all. Neither did Ellen. Kara thinks it was all wrong. Simon agrees, and predicts it is the end of the line for Paige.

Breaking out some Tracey Chapman, Crystal Bowersox sings Give Me One Reason, one of my favorite Tracey songs. And Crystal is bringing it home. She is in great voice, and felling the song to the fullest. It sounds personal and current. Outstanding. The judges, rightfully so, are loving this. And Simon declares her the one to beat this season.

Another break, and Lilly Scott breaks out the Patsy Cline. She sings I Fall To Pieces, a trademark song of the great singer. Lilly brings her trademark quirk, and so much confidence. I think she was really good. She updated the song, and made it current. Randy, Ellen and Kara really like it, but Simon isn't so sure, and thought it risky.

Crystal had the standout performance, and Siobhan and Lilly were also good. Didi stepped it up tonight. That leaves, for me, four singers with two slots open. Katie, Lacey, Paige and Katelyn are most liking vying for the last spots in the Top 12 for the ladies, and it is tough to say what will happen. And what if there is a surprise? Could Simon be right, and singing Patsy Cline has put Lilly in danger? We won't know until Thursday night.