American Idol 9 - Top 3

Here we are again with another American Idol recap. It's really getting down to the wire now, with only three contestants left! I'm always amazed when we get to this point in the season because it always seems to go by so quick. And this year is no exception. Man, what are us Idol fanatics going to do once the show ends next week? Ah well, it's like this every year. At least the weather is nice enough outside now that we'll be able to spend it out there more than watching TV in the summer. At least that's my plans. Anyways, regarding last night's Idol performance episode. I think we all know how big of a disappointment season nine has been overall. Don't really need to emphasize it anymore than it already has been. So heading into Top 3 night, I wasn't all that enthusiastic about the night - not like in prior seasons. I think it's been pretty clear for awhile that we'll end up with a Crystal and Lee finale. The only way Casey has a slim chance is if the other two completely flounder with their songs and Casey absolutely nails his songs. Let's find out exactly what happened last night ...

CONTESTANTS' SONG CHOICES:

Casey James - "Okay It's Alright With Me" by Eric Hutchinson : Interesting song choice from Casey because it's pretty obscure and relatively unknown. This could either work in his favor or completely bomb. Did you notice he almost had a near disastrous moment when he forgot his guitar pick in his pocket and had to quickly fish it out before the song took off on him? Nice save there. My initial reaction to his performance was that it was just okay. I was definitely not jumping up and down about it as I listened to it. I kind of compare it to Lite FM music - nothing big or fancy, but easy listening. The song certainly didn't have a lot of range to it and Casey did fine with it vocally. But as I said, it's not a big, dynamic song and at this stage of the game, it needed to be a better song choice.

Crystal Bowersox - "Come to My Window" by Melissa Etheridge : When I first heard that Crystal picked this song to perform last night, I thought this could really be huge for her. It's a great song and you'd think it would fit her perfectly. Well, it kind of fell flat for me. I honestly don't think she did enough with the song to make it her own. The song kind of started rather awkwardly (after the harmonica solo) when it almost seemed like she was whispering. I'd agree with the judges comments about the arrangement being off because it was. Not as great of an arrangement as it could've been. And she was really straining on those high notes in the song, especially during the chorus of the song. So for me, it wasn't as great of a performance from Crystal as I was expecting.

Lee Dewyze - "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd : Now Lee picked the best song for himself out of all of the contestants on the night. It suited his style and you could tell he had a great time with it. I can't say I'm all that familiar with the original but it sounds as if Lee made it current and it could be a hit on today's radio. He is really beginning to own the stage now, as his confidence is there and he realizes he belongs there. I really think that visit home within the week did him some good. It goes to show what kind of impact he is having to those people watching at home. When you look back on the show in previous years and the kind of performances the contestants have at this stage of the game - this is the kind of performance Lee needed to have and he did exactly right by it.

JUDGES' SONG CHOICES:

Casey James - "Daughters" by John Mayer: Here we have the laugh-out-loud moment when Randy Jackson says "as Casey James leaves the show" when commenting why he and Kara chose the song for Casey. Nice, real nice Randy - as if Casey has no chance (well, he really doesn't). It was a real nice performance from Casey and it suited him quite well. He certainly didn't have a moment with it, as it's not one of those songs that'll wow a person. But he did a competent job with it, changed it up just enough to make it his own, and vocally it was quite good. I read or heard a comment during the week that Casey is probably the best guitarist that Idol has ever seen (contestant-wise) and we may not ever see someone that talented again, and that's true. He certainly knows how to wield out a guitar, that is for sure.

Crystal Bowersox - "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney : Coming into this performance from Crystal, I was wondering how'd she do with it and what she'd do to make it her own. She stepped out of her comfort zone a bit (even though we've seen her do that on occasion this season) by not playing her guitar and even performing from different spots on the Idol stage. I must say, this is the kind of performance that Crystal needed, especially on this night. I loved that she was able to show off the range in her voice. Wow, those high notes - who knew she could sing those? I really liked how she controlled the performance, from singing all out to dialing it back when it was appropriate. She is a true musician and is definitely deserving to be on that Idol stage next week in the finale.

Lee Dewyze - "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen : Oh my goodness, where do I begin. First off, the song choice by Simon. As we've seen earlier this season when Tim Urban performed it, it's one of those songs that can allow anyone to have a moment. As further proof, look at Jason Castro in season seven. It's got a great, haunting message to it and you can't go wrong with that. Secondly, the set-up by the Idol Powers-That-Be to bring in a choir and orchestra during the performance. An incredible effect but honestly, was it needed? Thirdly, Lee's vocal. It was awesome. He really excelled with the song and it suited him nicely. So taking that all into consideration, whether you want to call it over-pimping from the producers or what have you, I thought it was a nice moment for Lee. I actually got caught up into it all when I first watched it. But I can see why people would be turned off by all of the choreography going on within the performance. Lee's vocal shined on its own.

Top 3 Performance Rankings:
1.) Lee Dewyze
2.) Crystal Bowersox
3.) Casey James

Going Home: This really is a no-brainer this week, and after picking him to leave for awhile now, I honestly think I have a good shot at getting it right this week (whataya know!). Casey James' Idol journey ends tonight. Nice job on getting this far, Casey.