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Wednesday, May 26, 2010
‘Another Idol’ upset: Dewyze beats Bowersox for Season 9 crown
Another upset!
Singer-songwriter Lee Dewyze, the 24-year-old paint salesman from Mt. Prospect, Ill., took home the “American Idol” Season 9 crown.
What??? I really thought Ohioan Crystal Bowersox had this one, especially after last night’s performances. Man …
Of course, Crystal deserved to win based on music talent alone. But we all know “American Idol” is about more than just who has the best voice.
If Crystal had to lose, I’m glad it was at least to the second best and certainly the most-improved. It’s hard not to be happy for Lee … this will completely change his life. You can tell how much this victory meant to him. He was the one contestant throughout the season who just seemed so happy and honored to be on stage. Not surprisingly, Lee was stunned and very emotional after the announcement.
Bowersox, 24, of Elliston near Toledo, the dreadlocked mom, known to many as Mama Sox, was the frontrunner from day one. Her captivating soulful, rock sound draws inspiration from some of music’s most powerful female artists including Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt and Melissa Etheridge.
But in the end, Lee’s a more commercial artist (he really does have a perfect radio voice), and that’s probably how he edged out Crystal. It would be interesting to see how the votes broke down and how close it was.
I’m sad for Ohio tonight. I was really hoping Ohio would get its first Idol, but I have no doubt Crystal will still have tremendous success. She really has an incredible talent.
I guess Lee needed this win more than Crystal … Crystal is a superstar with or without the “Idol” crown.
Besides, let’s just look at last season as proof. Who’s bigger: winner Kris Allen or runner-up Adam Lambert? Winner Ruben Studdard or runner-up Clay Aiken (well, maybe not now, but at least at the time)?
Here are some highlights from the remaining two hours:
So long Simon
Most of the show was devoted to Simon’s farewell.
I can’t imagine “American Idol” without Simon. Why even bother trying? He’s what made the show. Love him or hate him, he was always the voice of reason — and nine times out of 10 he was right on. Without him, here’s what we can expect week after week from the other judges: “It was just all right from” or “I wanted more” or “you didn’t connect with the meaning of the song.”
I think the only thing that can save “Idol” next season is a big gimmick, like maybe bringing back Idols past for a second chance in honor of Season 10. Imagine Sanjaya competing against Tim Urban for who gets to stick around longest without even deserving to be there at all.
I have a feeling Season 10 will be the last.
Paula Abdul returned to the show to help say goodbye to Simon with a roast. She assured America that the show will go on without Simon. The love child joke gives me the creeps almost as much as her hot pink dress. But it was nice to see her back even if she’s still crazy as can be.
A tribute video featuring the Idol judges, even Paula, sharing their favorite memories: From laughing in contestants’ faces, to slurping loudly during rehearsals, to abrupt cut-offs to auditions to classic Simon quotes such as “You’re not going to Hollywood, get out” to “It sounded like cats jumping off the Empire State building.”
Comedian Dane Cook performed a musical roast of Simon featuring his best quotes. It wasn’t really that funny, until some of the freaky people he insulted through the years came out on stage, including my favorite from Season 8, the most annoying Tatiana.
Another celebrity who wished him the best: Ricky Gervais (hmmm, possible token British guy replacement?)
Idol duets
Alice Cooper performed his classic hit “School’s Out” with Orianthe and the Top 12 Idols dressed as school children. That performance was slightly creepy, but that’s what we want from Alice Cooper anyway.
Siobhan Magnus and Aaron Kelly sang “How Deep is Your Love?” with the Bee Gees. I did not like the way Barry Gibb was looking at Siobhan.
Michael “Big Mike” Lynche sang “Takin’ it to the Streets” with Michael McDonald.
Ladies Lacey Brown, Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Paige Miles, Siobhan Magnus and Crystal Bowersox sang a Christina Aguilera medley including “Beautiful” and “Fighter.” They were later joined by Christina herself (interesting hair and wardrobe choice by the way), there to plug her new album. It’s so nice to hear some real vocals, especially after hearing some of the early-season rejects like Lacey butcher notes on live TV.
The guys, Lee Dewyse, Casey James, Tim Urban, Michael Lynche, Aaron Kelly and Andrew Garcia sang Hall and Oates hits including “Maneater.” The duo performed “You Make My Dreams.”
Crystal Bowersox performed Alanis Morrisette’s “Ironic,” much to the delight of Toledo fans watching from the Huntington Center. Morrisette performed her breakout hit “You Oughta Know” with Crystal, a bit censored. That was the best duet of the night by a mile.
Casey James teamed up with Bret Michaels on “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn.” Shouldn’t that man still be home recovering from all of his health scares?
Lee Dewyze and Chicago (ha! how appropriate) performed a medley of hits, including “If You Leave Me,” also to the delight of Mt. Prospect fans.
The Top 10 performed “Again” with Janet Jackson. She then performed “Nothing” solo. She sounded eerily like Michael Jackson on that song. There were moments I was wondering if she was lip synching. Thankfully, no wardrobe malfunctions. One of the best moments of the show was Miss Janet’s “Nasty Boys” performance. Still love that song.
Crystal and Lee sang “With A Little Help From My Friends” with the legendary Joe Cocker. Another great moment.
This two-hour episode was so much better than “Idol Gives Back.” That was excruciating.
Idols from the past
Reigning American Idol Kris Allen performed “The Truth.” And Season 4 winner and country superstar Carrie Underwood performed “Undo It.”
American Idol winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks (probably the worst Idol ever), Jordin Sparks and Kris Allen (the only one missing was David Cook) returned to perform together on stage — and were joined by tons of other contestants from throughout the last nine seasons. It’s nice to see Justin Guarini’s hair hasn’t changed a bit.
Really, there was no better sendoff for Simon than to see all the careers he launched sing together on one stage.
And last but not least …
Somehow we all knew he’d be back for an encore tonight. Gen. Larry Platt from the Atlanta auditions performed “Pants on the Ground,” which prompted a Facebook, Twitter and YouTube craze during the auditions, complete with a hip-hop dance crew. I preferred the original version … until William Hung joined him. Um, that was awesome!
Final thoughts on Season 9, my fellow “Idol” fans?
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