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Tuesday, May 25, 2010
American Idol’s final showdown: Why Ohio just might get this one
Well, this was the moment we faithful “American Idol” viewers had been waiting for … Pants on the Ground Guy, Kara and Simon flirting, Ellen saying crazy things, Ryan Seacrest adding nothing to each and every telecast — none of these Season 9 moments matter anymore.
Thankfully, the two best performers of the season (Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze) made it to the finals and tonight they battled for American Idol supremacy.
The final showdown featured three rounds of competition. First was each contestant’s favorite song from the season, next was executive producer Simon Fuller’s pick and finally, each performed what they would release as their first single should they win the recording contract.
Round One: Contestant’s pick
For his first choice, Lee sang “The Boxer” by Simon and Garfunkel from songs of inspiration week.
What the judges thought: Randy said, “A great way to start it off.” Ellen said that was better than the first time. Kara said he needs to punch harder, but that he chose a meaningful song. Simon said this is the big one and that he’d expect to see more passion and excitement on a night like tonight. He also said that was like a kiss on the cheek when he wanted a kiss on the lips (not literally, of course).
For her first choice, Crystal chose Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee” from Billboard hits week.
What the judges thought: Randy said it started slow but ended with “the Crystal we love.” Ellen said Crystal is so compelling on stage. Kara said she “has fire in her belly” tonight. Simon said this brought him back to the time when the judges fell in love with Crystal and that recent performances had been lacking that.
Round One winner: Crystal, with an amazing vocal and captivating stage presence
Round Two: Producer’s pick
For his second performance, Lee sang “Everybody Hurts” by REM
What the judges thought: Randy said it started pitchy but added his second performance was much better than the first and that the passion really came through. Ellen said he showed passion, but not all the way through the performance. Kara said it wasn’t a perfect vocal, but it was great. Simon thought that was a brilliant choice, but that he went off melody a bit. Simon said a lot is on the line and that he sensed how nervous Lee was and urged Lee to give a 10 out of 10 on his last performance.
For her second performance, Crystal sang “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles
What the judges thought: Randy said “Mama Sox is in it to win it.” Ellen said that was fantastic and gave a standing ovation. Kara said you can tell Crystal wants it tonight. Simon said he’s almost allergic to that song given the number of times he’s heard it throughout auditions through the years but added that Crystal took it and absolutely nailed it.
Round Two winner: Crystal crushed it.
Round Three: The first single they’d release should they win
Lee Dewyze performed “Beautiful Day,” the U2 hit.
What the judges thought: Randy said again it started a little shaky, but by the middle of the song, Lee was in it — the guy with the strong rocker voice. Ellen said watching Lee grow has been great, and she really loved how he was taking it all in … she could see in his eyes how much this night meant to him. Kara said he had some good moments and some not so good moments in that song, but that he has one of the most commercial voices and has grown the most of the contestants this season. Simon said Lee made more effort on that performance and that this is what this competition was designed for … someone who needs a break and worked hard, remained nice throughout the competition and that he genuinely wishes the best for him.
Lee’s parting thought: Lee said this experience has been amazing and that he wants to do this for the rest of his life.
Crystal performed “Up to the Mountain,” originally performed by Patti Griffin
What the judges thought: Randy said this is what the show’s about: an amazing song by an amazing singer. “This was one of your best moments at the perfect time. That was incredible.” Ellen said, “You are in a league of your own and you have a beautiful voice. You are just so good, and I”m happy to be a part of witnessing the rise of your career. Kara said if she’s had one criticism, it’s at times Crystal’s walls are up but that she was completely emotionally invested in that song and that she blossomed with that song. Simon said that was by far the best perfromance and the song of the night and for Simon’s final critique, he simply said: “That was outstanding.”
Parting thought: Crystal thanked her family, her son and said she’s ready for anything.
Our parting thoughts
Crystal showed us tonight why she is music’s next big superstar. Her voice is incredible. But she’s so much more than that. She really already is an artist and no doubt she’ll make some incredible music with the Idol contract or another. Crystal was one of those contestants who impressed from the very beginning. She is captivating and has drawn inspiration from some of music’s greatest performers.
Although he wasn’t at his best tonight, overall Lee is fantastic, and I have really grown to like him this season, for his radio-ready soulful rocker voice and also for being such a likable guy who’s really blossomed on stage. Simon’s right: Lee exemplifies what this competition is all about, and I really hope if he doesn’t pull off the upset, he has a great career.
Despite Crystal outshining on every song tonight, Lee could still win this. Lee is more of a mainstream artist, and the judges really have been rooting for him the past few weeks. Simon even predicted he’d win over Crystal before tonight’s performances. You could tell by the crowd’s cheers that he really has a fan following already.
Could Crystal’s unique music style hurt her chances? Rumors of her not liking the media attention or even threatening to quit (true or not)? The fact that before tonight, the judges seemed to be almost setting up the Lee upset?
I don’t think so. I say, Go Mama Sox. It’s about time Ohio gets an American Idol.
The big question is will America agree. Take our informal poll.
We’ll find out Wednesday at 8 p.m. on FOX in the live 127-minute finale. Wednesday will also mark the departure of Cowell, who announced in January that he was leaving to launch his own talent show “The X-Factor” on Fox in the fall of 2011. No replacement for Cowell has been announced.
TweetGovernor asks Ohioans to vote tonight … for Idol
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland today encouraged all Ohioans to vote for Crystal Bowersox, from a small town called Elliston near Toledo, as she takes the stage in tonight’s “American Idol” finals.
“The entire country has been captivated by Crystal’s voice and musical talents. All Ohioans are proud of Crystal’s accomplishments and we wish her continued success,” Strickland said in an official news release. “Let’s show America that Ohioans support our own. Please join me in voting for Crystal after tonight’s show ends.”
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