Showdown for the Crown American Idol 2010

May 25, 2010

May 25

It’s down to the wire with the last two American Idols battling it out for the crown. Before the night even began I was rooting for Crystal. She’s so unique. Lee is a great singer but he isn’t different. I made the mistake of reading what others are saying around the ‘net and it got me kinda riled. General consensus is that the judges are pushing for a Lee win. Simon even predicted it and made a point of saying how Lee is what the show is all about, the little guy who needs a break. Ditto for Crystal or didn’t anybody notice? She also came from total obscurity needing a break. Win or not, both can probably bank on a career at this point so I shouldn’t be so invested in the actual winner. Tonight’s show began with me slanted toward Crystal.

When she came out Ryan asked how she was feeling. Crystal answered, “This is a lot of people!” The cameras followed Crystal and Lee as they walked the aisles toward the stage, connecting with the crowds as they went. For Crystal, they showed every flaw on her journey: dropping the microphone and not being able to find the spot she was supposed to stand in. Either Lee’s journey was smooth sailing or they chose to show only the smooth moments, because he glided thru the crowds. Were they attempting to steer us away from Crystal? I’d never been so cynical as I was tonight. In the end it didn’t matter. Their singing said it all and if an effort was made to steer the ship toward a specific star, the rudder must have broken because the ship didn’t head in that direction.

Each contestant sang three songs: their own choice, the Executive Producer’s choice, and the song they will release if they win.

Lee Dewyze

Lee’s choice was “The Boxer” by Simon and Garfunkle. This was one of his all time best performances and he got a vote from me. My girl was going to really need to send it home to beat this. Randy called it a great way to start the night but told Lee he needed to pick it up and get more energy going. Ellen said, “I couldn’t be prouder if I’d birthed you myself.” Kara agreed with Randy, and Simon said he expected a lot more passion and excitement on such a big night. He compared it to a kiss on the cheek when he wanted a kiss on the lips.

Lee’s second song was “Everybody Hurts”. I’m not familiar with the song so it was harder to get into. I noticed that the song had a choir and I’d never given much thought to that until reading on the ‘net where people claimed they used the choir to bolster a contestant. Was this another nudge for Lee? If it was, it didn’t work for him because Randy called it pitchy. Ellen noticed he was off a couple times. Kara liked that he was emotionally accessible but said it wasn’t a perfect vocal. Simon thought it was a brilliant song choice for Lee but that he’d gone off melody in some parts. Simon attributed it to nerves and told Lee that his last performance needed to be a 10 out of 10.

The last of Lee’s songs was “Beautiful Day.” It didn’t really move me and it didn’t feel like a 10 out of 10. Randy said he ended with the Lee we remembered. Ellen said he was fully present for that song and she was proud of him. Kara thought he got swallowed up but added that he’d grown the most on this show and had one of the most commercial voices. Simon repeated what he’d said prior to the show. He said this competition was designed for someone who needs a break and he genuinely wished the best for Lee. Ryan called him a “class act.”

Crystal Bowersox

Crystal chose the song “Bobby McGee” which was a great choice to remind us what we loved about her. A well known, highly popular song and an excellent way to start. Crystal came back to her roots and her core audience. She made me smile and though there was a moment where she screamed a bit, overall it was aweseome. Randy hoped she’d make a record like that. Ellen thought she was compelling on stage and called it “stunning.” Kara said she had fire in her belly and Simon said this was Crystal back at her best.

Her next song was “Black Velvet”, another well known, popular song and she sang it with more soul than the original. Crystal’s was a bluesy version. While there were a couple of pitchy moments I thought she knocked it out of the ballpark. By the producers choosing this song for her, they actually gave her a fighting chance to beat Simon’s prediction. Randy said that Mama Sox is in it to win it. Ellen felt like she was at a Cher concert with the changes in wardrobe. She said it was fantastic and gave Crystal a standing ovation. Kara said that tonight was the night to give it your all and Crystal did that. Simon said he was almost allergic to that song as he’d heard it so many times at auditions, but that Crystal took that song and absolutely nailed it. Simon added with emphasis, “I’m really impressed.”

Crystal’s first two songs were home runs. Her third song was “Up To The Mountain.” I have no idea how it was supposed to sound but Crystal sang it with a bluesy gospelly sort of sound. The song itself wasn’t my favorite but she aced it. Randy said this is what the show is all about and called it one of the greatest performances on this show. He called it “incredible.” Ellen said Crystal was unique and in a league of her own, adding that there was no artist like her right now and that her voice was clear. Ellen said, “If you make an album, I’ll buy it. If you go on tour, I’ll follow you. If you make a salad, I’ll eat it.” Ellen said we were witnessing the rise of her career. Kara said she’d finally let all the walls down and that she’d really blossomed. She called it “amazing.” Simon joined the lovefest and said it was by far the best performance of the night. He called it “outstanding.” The judges may have been on the Lee train up until now but they jumped ship tonight and were all riding the Crystal Cruiser.

Ryan hinted at the many surprises that would be on the show tomorrow for Simon’s farewell. Simon has been the cornerstone of the judging panel for nine seasons and it’s hard to imagine American Idol without Simon. They showed flashes of the other Idols of this season and I was reminded of Lilly Scott, one of my favorites of the Idols who didn’t make it into the top ten. I really hope to hear her commercially. I really liked her sound. I don’t know if she made it far enough in to actually catch a break but I sure do hope so!