AIIX recap, Finalists x 3 (05/18/10)

Did you catch that motion? That was me doing the 2 handed chicken dance wave, saying “buh bye” to Big Mike.

Usually this is a big night, as they normally show the contestants in their home towns. But since it’s only an hour show and the producer doesn’t know how to keep it on time, they showed very little of the hometown stuff. And none for poor Lee. I guess they might not love him in Mount Prospect, IL, but the country sure loves him.

Per usual, the contestant sings a song of his choice and the judges pick a song for him. It’ll be short and sweet this week.

01 – Casey, OK, It’s Alright With Me (Eric Hutchinson)
What annoyed me the most about this song (more than I didn’t know this song, nor the artist) was the fact that Casey went with the pastel flower shirt under a cobalt blazer. Really? Didn’t know this song at all. Randy didn’t think it quite worked. Ellen wished he’d have brought it. Kara thought it is hard to pick a song that not everybody knows. Simon thought it would have no lasting effect on the audience. Casey wasn’t horrible tonight, but he definitely missed his opportunity to shine tonight.

02 – Crystal, Come To My Window (Melissa Etheridge)
I’m torn on the harmonica for Crystal. I think it sounds cool, but the fact that she plays it with that neck brace thing just reminds me of Joan Cusack’s character on “Sixteen Candles” and the part of the movie where she’s trying to (unsuccessfully) get a drink of water from the fountain. I thought this song really represented Crystal well. Folksy, but it did pale a bit in comparison to the original. Randy didn’t love the arrangement, but loved the vocals. Ellen thought it was in her comfort zone and thought Melissa would be proud. Kara thought she got a little lost in the arrangement. Simon didn’t think it was a stunning version of the song, but admired her for not compromising who she is as an artist. I think Crystal’s been better, but she was way better than Casey.

03 – Lee, Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
I don’t know that much about Lynyrd Skynyrd, but I do remember a scene in Beavis and Butthead when there’s a guy in the audience of a concert that always yells, “play some Skynyrd, man.” Great song choice for Lee, although I might have thought maybe some Hootie and the Blowfish for him? Randy thought it was a great song choice too. Ellen complimented him for taking the competition seriously. Kara thought this song showed us everything that he’s got and gave round one to Lee. Simon thought the song choice was absolutely on the money and thought he crushed the other 2. Lee really has come into his own in the competition. I really dig his voice. I think he may win the whole thing.

04 – Casey, Daughters (John Mayer)
This was chosen by Randy and Kara for Casey. I like this song, but not the arrangement that Casey did. I thought he sounded a bit breathy on this and also got goaty on me again. Although my wife Kristin said that anything he sings will sound like a goat. Good point. Randy thought it fit him like a glove. Ellen thought it was beautiful. Kara thought it showed his more artistic side. Simon thought it was a lazy arrangement (finally someone with some sense!). If you go by tonight’s performances, Casey should go. Like I said before, he wasn’t horrible, but he didn’t help himself out either.

05 – Crystal, Maybe I’m Amazed (Paul McCartney)
Ellen chose this for Crystal and it worked out for both of them. Crystal went home to Elleston, OH, which is by Toledo (not Cleveland or Columbus; I mistakenly assumed she was from a town outside C-Bus). This song was a bit odd because she didn’t change the genders of the lyrics. I guess, rhythmically, it may have made it awkward. But she sure sounded soulful, and not folksy on this one. Which wasn’t a bad thing. And she sang without an instrument. Maybe since she used 2 on the first song, you can only average 1 instrument per song? Randy thought it was a great song. She had great vocals and she’s in it to win it. Ellen said, “you did it.” Kara thought she showed parts of her voice we’ve never heard. Simon said that she’s got soul and that maybe (not maybe!) she’ll be thanking Ellen for putting her in the final. Crystal should make the finals and it would be quite an interesting finale with her and Lee. Those 2 were definitely the strongest throughout the season.

06 – Lee, Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
Simon picked this out for Lee. The one thing that stood out for me was that they didn’t show anything for Lee in his hometown. He just showed us the song on his phone from the airplane. I wonder what happened that they wouldn’t show a little footage? We’ve heard this song before (Jason Castro did a nice version, but Tim Urban massacred it earlier this season), but not like Lee sings it tonight. My wife Kristin thought this was the best performance of the season so far. Lee should cruise to the finals. Randy called it unbelievable. Ellen called it stunning. Kara thought he owned the entire night. Simon was very proud of him. Lee’s kind of the sign of the times for American Idol. He’s been very good this year, but he’s not flawless. He’s always had a great tone to his voice, but he never hits ALL the notes. He was a dark horse at first, but now might be the frontrunner. If Lee wins, it may be the point where AI “jumps the shark.” Although some may argue that Kris Allen winning already did that. Lee should be safe tomorrow.

Finalists: Lee, Crystal

Off: Casey