I don't have a lot of time to write today, so I will give brief comments on the performances from last night and make the all important prediction on who will win season nine of American Idol. For me and a lot of America, I felt Crystal performed the best. She picked the better of the two contestants' choice songs in "Me and Bobby McGee," which she absolutely nailed the first time out and did another masterful job with again. I guess I'm not all that thrilled when the contestants have to perform a song they've already done earlier in the season because you're not getting that same "moment" you first did, no matter how great the performance was. Nonetheless, Crystal's choice was much more energetic, fun, and it was right in her wheelhouse. Don't get me wrong, I love "The Boxer," but I felt Lee could've picked something a bit more upbeat for such an important night. He's had good performances recently and the momentum going his way, I'm sure he could've reprized something from then with a little more flair.
As for the producer's choice songs, I actually liked Lee's song better than Crystal's. Lee was pitchy in spots - I think he was quite nervous for being in such a huge venue. And I was a bit worried for him when the song started because the judges were harping on him for his first song choice and "Everybody Hurts" started out similar (even though he didn't pick this one). However, the tempo picked up and he used his rock growl to really make it great to listen to. As for Crystal and "Black Velvet," I'm just not a fan of that song. She did pretty decent with it and made a few changes to make it her own. But she struggled hitting the high notes and sounded strained at times. I think the moving around on the stage threw her off a bit. However, it wasn't her worst performance.
And last but not least, the winner's song which in the past was an original composition about magic rainbows or moving mountains, etc, etc. I actually miss the trainwreck that were those kinds of songs. Anyways, Crystal picked the far superior cover song. Does it sound good on today's contemporary radio? Probably not. But she was really in the moment with that song. I thought she was about to get emotional towards the end but remained strong. She was absolutely superb and last night was definitely for her. As for Lee, I felt the song was too big for him. It just didn't seem to fit his style and the music tended to drown him out. At least when he records songs in the studio, he sounds great no matter what the song. And if he wins, I think he'll sound great with this song.
MY PREDICTION: Now, who should win this season of American Idol? Crystal Bowersox should. She's been the most consistent performer on this competition since day one. And she performed the best last night. She's got a unique style and performs in a way that you don't really see in today's contemporary world. However, I don't feel she connects with America enough, particularly with the younger generation. So, with that being said ... who will win this season of American Idol? Lee Dewyze. He's improved week after week since the beginning and has gained incredible momentum to grasp the title. He still goes off pitch from time to time, but I think he will continue to become more and more comfortable singing in front of large audiences - the summer tour will do him well. And Lee is a genuinely nice guy who seems humbled by the whole American Idol experience. That, and he's got a huge fan base who I'm sure voted like crazy last night. Even though I would've like to seen a woman win this year in this heavily touted "the season of the women," and we're getting another guitar playing male for a winner, I think Lee is going to make a fine American Idol and he fits more into today's contemporary mold.
So that's it, American Idol is officially over for the season! Simon Cowell leaves after tonight and who knows who'll be judging next year. There's a rumor that the whole panel might be overhauled. I am hoping to write a recap of the finale in a few days after everything has sunk in, so be sure to check for that. Enjoy tonight's two-hour finale if you can!
1 comment:
Just like the Adam/Kris finale last year, who was the best performer and vocalist..didn't win.
I guess the reprise of an earlier song they did , is because they don't really have time to prepare for something altogether new...but , I too, would like to see them do something new every time.
I was really glad to see the kids get to perform with all the 'stars' that had to be the coolest thing for them. Got to see acts I have wondered where they went to and how they were doing. To see the Gibb brothers was amazing. I think the best thing was to see Bret Michaels up and at'em.(I read he didn't tell his docs or family he was going to perform last night) I also heard he will take some time off tour to have some heart surgery done( a hole in his heard ) . Casey had to be over the moon to be able to perform with him. The Paula farewell to Simon was uncomfortable..there also was too much corny in a lot of the 'goodbye Simon' ..she isn't the best public speaker/deliverer of lines. Janet Jackson.....holey moley. Christina Aguilera..I heard she cancelled her tour , because she needed more time to prepare..I also heard someone say it was slow ticket sales. No matter, the girl can sing. Alice Cooper, Chicago, Alannis Morrisette, Joe Cocker....am sure a lot of the kids in the audiences wondered who the heck they were...
I did hear Ryan say that the finalists were only seperated by 2 percent in the votes....so it WAS closer than I thought it might be....maybe we are ready for a new female 'voice' in our music listening...I know I am. B.
Post a Comment