The theme was old blue eyes himself, Frank Sinatra; the mentor was Harry Connick, Jr. The Idols had some huge shoes to fill, especially with Frank’s daughters Nancy and Tina in the audience. To pump it up even more, Harry brought several musicians from his own band and played the piano himself to accompany the Idols. No pressure.

Aaron Kelly

Up first was Aaron singing one of Frank’s best songs, “Fly Me To The Moon.” The song was way too big for Aaron and it totally swallowed him up. The song was too old for him and needed someone with life experience to make it real. It just wasn’t believable for me. Randy had been worried about how Aaron would fare being so young but thought he did a good job. Ellen thought the piano was a little pitchy and she couldn’t believe she didn’t hear any country. Ellen thought he showed beautiful vocals. Kara didn’t think it was as strong as last week though she did predict he’d be back next week. She told him he needed to fill the stage more. Simon agreed with Kara and added that Frank was the King of Cool. Simon said if Frank was a lion, Aaron was a mouse but that people would like Aaron because he tried hard.

Casey James

Casey was up next with “Blue Skies.” He really seemed to enjoy himself and he jived with the song but it was not the best song choice for him. The judges were really hard on Casey which doesn’t bode well for tomorrow’s elimination. I really hope he’s not the one to go but I am afraid for him. Randy called it his worst performance ever. Ellen didn’t seem to know what to say. For the first time she was lost for words but finally came up with, “It felt very stiff.” Kara told him he sounded like a lamb, ba-a-a-a, with too much vibrato. Simon said, “This is really uncomfortable.” I don’t think Simon wanted to be so critical but couldn’t help himself this time. He said, “You weren’t fantastic… you came over a bit embarrassed.” I think the problem for Casey was that he didn’t have his guitar which is an integral part of his performance. I think he’s losing confidence with the judge’s consistently giving him bad critique even when he does well.

Crystal Bowersox

Crystal strolled out in an evening gown, totally out of character for her but in theme. She sang “Summer Wind” which I’d never heard before. Crystal said she had a deep connection to the lyrics of this song. I’m afraid she’s falling into a black hole attempting to sing songs that send messages to her boyfriend. She isn’t doing nearly as well with that plan. She sang the song well and she did it better than Aaron or Casey but I just didn’t connect as I usually do with her. Randy called it one of her more subdued performances and said it was “sleepy.” Ellen talked about all the different sides that Crystal has shown and said she was really impressive. Kara liked her phrasing. Simon thought it was indulgent and said that she’d now had two “okay weeks.” He advised her that she needed to be in it to win it and that it’s not about her anymore (presuming this trend of her singing to her boyfriend). If she doesn’t get back to her roots it could cost her the big win. She’s got the talent to blow the others away but it isn’t happening right now. She’s one of my faves.

Michael Lynche

Big Mike came out dressed for the part in a suit, tie and hat. He’s lasted several weeks past the Judge’s Save. I couldn’t help but wonder tonight if the judges had regrets last week when Siobhan got voted off. Did they wish they hadn’t used up their save? Or has Mike redeemed himself? Mike sang “The Way You Look Tonight” and he owned the song. It wasn’t my favorite version of that song but he topped Crystal and I predict he’s definitely safe this week. Randy called it an unbelievable vocal adding, “Eyes on Mike! He’s in it to win it!” Ellen commented that Mike appeared to be the most comfortable on stage of the five remaining Idols and said that he had lots of charisma. Kara said he’d found the drama in the song. Simon said that the first three performances were okay but that Mike was fantastic and that it all just clicked. “Well done!”

Lee Dewyze

Lee closed it out with “That’s Life.” Harry said of Lee, “He looks like a new and improved version of me!” I expected Lee to blow me away this week and while he did better than some of the others I was a bit disappointed. One thing he needs to do and this could cost him big, he needs to look into the camera and show the world his eyes. They sparkle when he looks into the camera but he rarely does, either playing to the audience or closing his eyes. Time later to play for audiences, Lee, right now you need to play for the voters. I didn’t think it was a good song choice and he didn’t wow me the way I was anticipating. Randy however, loved it, and thought he stayed true to his rocker self. Ellen said she was distracted by Harry’s organ but made up for it with a huge compliment for Lee. She said if this was the last night of performances he would have won the whole thing. Kara asked him, “Do you think you can win? You need to believe you can win this thing.” Simon thought he showed confidence and personality and called it the best performance of the night by far. He must have felt a lot of support from Harry because Lee hugged Harry and then it went to the playbacks for voting.

Michael and Lee are most likely safe putting Crystal, Aaron and Casey fighting to stay in. I hate to say it because he’s grown so much but I think Aaron is the weakest link right now. America will probably send one of my fave’s home, though, as Aaron seems to have a pretty strong fan base. I sure would hate to see Casey or Crystal go.

Tags: aaron, aaron kelly, american idol, bowersox, casey, casey james, cowell, crystal bowersox, degeneres, dewyze, ellen, ellen degeneres, frank sinatra, harry connick, kara dioguardi, lee dewyze, lynche, michael lynche, nancy sinatra, ryan, ryan seacrest, seacrest, season 9, simon, simon cowell

Category: American Idol 2010