Last week the judges went out of their way to heap praise upon Lee and make sure that he made it to the Finale. Heck, they went on so much that I was starting to believe that they wanted him to win over Crystal. I was brought back to reality tonight. Crystal cemented her eventual win by winning the coin toss and choosing to go last (smart girl).
Round 1: In this round each contestant was allowed to choose their favorite song from the competition and give it another whirl. Lee chose "The Boxer" and did a better job with it this time than he did originally. It was consistent with very few bad notes and he seemed more confident. Unfortunately for him, he is up against Crystal who reprised her performance of "Me and Bobby McGee" which was wonderful the first time around and only got better. Winner: Crystal
Round 2: In round 2, the producer Simon Fuller chose the songs that they would sing. Simon did Lee a huge favor with his choice of song. While I would not have chosen "Everybody Hurts" for Lee, it was a much better song then "Black Velvet". Lee is no Michael Stipe but it was much better than Crystal's breathy, nervous rendition of Alannah Myles. Winner: Lee
Round 3: The coronation song round threw me. Cover songs as their first singles? Who picked them out? There is no way that Lee wanted to end his Idol career with "Beautiful Day" and it showed. Not very good. Crystal knocked her Patty Griffin/Susan Boyle cover, "Up to the Mountain" out of the park. It cemented her Season 9 victory.
The results show is going to be 2 hours and 5 minutes long. Completely not necessary. I am not interested in watching any of the old season 9 contestants perform (except maybe Siobhan and Casey). It is kind of sad considering how much I usually enjoy this show but I can't wait for this season to end. There is talk of massive changes to the show next season. They need to do something drastic or this show is over (especially if X Factor is a hit). Until next season...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Top 3 - The Execution of Casey James
This is it! Only 1 more week to go before we can finally say goodbye to this season forever. It can't come quickly enough for me. This will go down in Idol history as one of the most disappointing seasons yet (right up there with Season 6). Here we go...
Casey: ("Okay is Alright With Me") I will admit that Casey did not pick a thrilling song but I thought he did a good job with it. The judges obviously got the memo to throw Casey under the bus. From the rush between his "chat" with Ryan to his performance (he was still digging the guitar pick out of his pocket when the music started) to the slaying that he received from the judges, they made it clear that they still want a Lee/Crystal finale.
Crystal: ("Come To My Window") In theory this should have been a great song for Crystal. It started with unneccesary use of the harmonica and the changed arrangement didn't do it any favors either. None of that matters, of course, because the judges worked hard to make sure that we know she deserves to be in the finale.
Lee: ("Simple Man") This was the perfect song for Lee because it doesn't require a vast vocal range and fits his scratchy voice. Lee won round 1.
Now for the judges picks...
Casey: ("Daughters") The judges cursed Casey with this song. There is no opportunity to better this song or to change it up in any way. It is a slow, dragging song that is just not made for this kind of competition. Good job, Kara and Randy. You flipped the switch on the death of Casey James with American Idol. The least you could have done was give the guy a decent song to go out on before he met the bus for the last time.
Crystal: ("Maybe I'm Amazed") The judges hooked Crystal up with this song. This was the best pick by far (Go Ellen!). This solidified what we have known all season -- Crystal will be in the finale and she will win (or this season was a complete waste of time).
Lee: ("Hallelujah") I spent all last season calling out the powers that be for pimping Screech Lambert so I must be fair... Lee got the pimp treatment tonight. A chorus? Come on! His performance was okay overall but the first chorus was full of wonky notes and Jason Castro did this much better two seasons ago. We didn't hear any of this, of course, because that wouldn't fit into the plan. Pack your bags, Casey!
The Best
Lee (Simple Man)
Crystal (Maybe I'm Amazed)
The Worst
Casey (Daughters)
Crystal (Come To My Window)
Casey: ("Okay is Alright With Me") I will admit that Casey did not pick a thrilling song but I thought he did a good job with it. The judges obviously got the memo to throw Casey under the bus. From the rush between his "chat" with Ryan to his performance (he was still digging the guitar pick out of his pocket when the music started) to the slaying that he received from the judges, they made it clear that they still want a Lee/Crystal finale.
Crystal: ("Come To My Window") In theory this should have been a great song for Crystal. It started with unneccesary use of the harmonica and the changed arrangement didn't do it any favors either. None of that matters, of course, because the judges worked hard to make sure that we know she deserves to be in the finale.
Lee: ("Simple Man") This was the perfect song for Lee because it doesn't require a vast vocal range and fits his scratchy voice. Lee won round 1.
Now for the judges picks...
Casey: ("Daughters") The judges cursed Casey with this song. There is no opportunity to better this song or to change it up in any way. It is a slow, dragging song that is just not made for this kind of competition. Good job, Kara and Randy. You flipped the switch on the death of Casey James with American Idol. The least you could have done was give the guy a decent song to go out on before he met the bus for the last time.
Crystal: ("Maybe I'm Amazed") The judges hooked Crystal up with this song. This was the best pick by far (Go Ellen!). This solidified what we have known all season -- Crystal will be in the finale and she will win (or this season was a complete waste of time).
Lee: ("Hallelujah") I spent all last season calling out the powers that be for pimping Screech Lambert so I must be fair... Lee got the pimp treatment tonight. A chorus? Come on! His performance was okay overall but the first chorus was full of wonky notes and Jason Castro did this much better two seasons ago. We didn't hear any of this, of course, because that wouldn't fit into the plan. Pack your bags, Casey!
The Best
Lee (Simple Man)
Crystal (Maybe I'm Amazed)
The Worst
Casey (Daughters)
Crystal (Come To My Window)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Top 4 - Movie Songs and Duets
I decided to take a page from Jamie Foxx and rate each performance based on artist/contestant. The show was not bad overall but it was kind of pointless since we have already been told that there will be a Crystal/Lee finale and Mike will be in the top 3. Bye Casey. It's been nice knowing you.
Lee DeWyze: ("Kiss From A Rose") Why in the world would he pick this song? I love Lee but he is not exactly known for his expansive vocal range. Everything but the chorus was a hot mess. This performance: Contestant
Ego Mike: ("Will You Be There") The ego is so big that Mike thinks he can pull of Michael Jackson? Puleeze! Mike said that his goal is to make the top 3. Well, Mike, my goal and ultimate birthday wish is that you go home like you should have weeks ago. Simon, I know you are a pimp that will do anything for money but for some crazy reason I expect better from you than pimping this cheesy, lip licking douche bag with mediocre at best vocals. Ugh! As always: Contestant that should not have made it this far!
Lee & Crystal: ("Falling Slowly") This was awesome! They are so good together. Crystal makes Lee so much better that they should consider forming a duo and recording together. This was just as good as Kris Allen's version just a little different. I can't wait to download this! Together: Artists.
Casey James: ("Mrs. Robinson") I am not a fan of the contestants being placed among the Swaybots (and Casey seemed unnerved by it as well). This was one of the best solo performances of the night not that it mattered beacause the judges had predetermined that Ego must make the top 3 so Casey has to go. This is called throwing someone under the bus, boys and girls. I will download this as well. Tonight: Artist
Crystal: ("I'm Alright") The other good solo performance of the night. This was not my favorite Crystal performance for the entire season but it was really solid. I disagree with Simon that Crystal is back in the game...she was never out of the game, Simon. Tonight: Artist
Casey/Ego: (Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?) I firmly believe that Ego picked this song and Casey deserves bonus points for getting stuck with this loser. Casey played a mean guitar for this and his vocals were pretty good as well except for a few bum notes. Casey: Artist, Ego: Contestant
The Best
Casey - solo
Lee/Crystal - Duet
The Worst
Lee - solo
Ego - solo
The Rest
Crystal - solo
Casey/Ego - duet
I need a miracle people! Let's all think positive thoughts that Ego will go home and Casey will make it to the top 3. Help me out here! :)
Lee DeWyze: ("Kiss From A Rose") Why in the world would he pick this song? I love Lee but he is not exactly known for his expansive vocal range. Everything but the chorus was a hot mess. This performance: Contestant
Ego Mike: ("Will You Be There") The ego is so big that Mike thinks he can pull of Michael Jackson? Puleeze! Mike said that his goal is to make the top 3. Well, Mike, my goal and ultimate birthday wish is that you go home like you should have weeks ago. Simon, I know you are a pimp that will do anything for money but for some crazy reason I expect better from you than pimping this cheesy, lip licking douche bag with mediocre at best vocals. Ugh! As always: Contestant that should not have made it this far!
Lee & Crystal: ("Falling Slowly") This was awesome! They are so good together. Crystal makes Lee so much better that they should consider forming a duo and recording together. This was just as good as Kris Allen's version just a little different. I can't wait to download this! Together: Artists.
Casey James: ("Mrs. Robinson") I am not a fan of the contestants being placed among the Swaybots (and Casey seemed unnerved by it as well). This was one of the best solo performances of the night not that it mattered beacause the judges had predetermined that Ego must make the top 3 so Casey has to go. This is called throwing someone under the bus, boys and girls. I will download this as well. Tonight: Artist
Crystal: ("I'm Alright") The other good solo performance of the night. This was not my favorite Crystal performance for the entire season but it was really solid. I disagree with Simon that Crystal is back in the game...she was never out of the game, Simon. Tonight: Artist
Casey/Ego: (Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?) I firmly believe that Ego picked this song and Casey deserves bonus points for getting stuck with this loser. Casey played a mean guitar for this and his vocals were pretty good as well except for a few bum notes. Casey: Artist, Ego: Contestant
The Best
Casey - solo
Lee/Crystal - Duet
The Worst
Lee - solo
Ego - solo
The Rest
Crystal - solo
Casey/Ego - duet
I need a miracle people! Let's all think positive thoughts that Ego will go home and Casey will make it to the top 3. Help me out here! :)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Top 5 - Frank Sinatra Week
While I felt that Harry Connick Jr. did a good job with the contestants this week and seemed to offer more than most mentors, I don't understand how the judges can spend the entire season criticizing some of the contestants for sounding old-fashioned or not changing a song to make it their own and then force them to sing 50 year old songs that are virtually impossible to change. The theme helped some contestants and hurt others (a lot).
Aaron: ("Fly Me To The Moon") Okay, Aaron can't really live up to Frank but then, it's really not fair to expect him to. It was a little slow in the beginning and there were some bad notes at the end but it wasn't horrible. He had a pretty decent makeover and he will hopefully be the recipient of some of Turban's votes.
Casey: ("Blue Skies") Kara, Kara, Kara. It is called the goat. Get it right! The infamous goat made its comeback (it was killing me!) and it could really hurt Casey this week (though I think he is over it and ready to go home). I personally hope that Big Ego Mike takes a walk instead but Casey really took a dive this week.
Crystal: ("Summer Wind") It started a little soft but she nailed it and looked beautiful while doing it. I am not sure what the judges were drinking but this was not a so-so performance at best. Last week was heinous and this week was good, Simon. Get it right!
The Ego: ("The Way You Look Tonight") He who should have gone home weeks ago trotted out the cheesy hand gestures again this week along with lip licking (almost as bad as Archuleta) and the worlds smallest hat on the worlds biggest melon head. I predicted that he would get a tongue bath from the judges before he sung his first note and they lived up to my expectations. He was originally the VFTW pick for this week (they dumped him tonight for Casey) so I hope the Worsters will put Casey over the top and this hack will hit the road!
Lee: ("That's Life") During the funny video package, Harry urged Lee to practice saying some of the words so that they will come across in the performance. I like Lee but he does have a tendency to mumble. Harry got through to him because he didn't mumble tonight and this was one of my favorite performances by him.
The Best
Lee
Crystal
The Rest
Aaron
The Worst
Casey
Mike
Aaron: ("Fly Me To The Moon") Okay, Aaron can't really live up to Frank but then, it's really not fair to expect him to. It was a little slow in the beginning and there were some bad notes at the end but it wasn't horrible. He had a pretty decent makeover and he will hopefully be the recipient of some of Turban's votes.
Casey: ("Blue Skies") Kara, Kara, Kara. It is called the goat. Get it right! The infamous goat made its comeback (it was killing me!) and it could really hurt Casey this week (though I think he is over it and ready to go home). I personally hope that Big Ego Mike takes a walk instead but Casey really took a dive this week.
Crystal: ("Summer Wind") It started a little soft but she nailed it and looked beautiful while doing it. I am not sure what the judges were drinking but this was not a so-so performance at best. Last week was heinous and this week was good, Simon. Get it right!
The Ego: ("The Way You Look Tonight") He who should have gone home weeks ago trotted out the cheesy hand gestures again this week along with lip licking (almost as bad as Archuleta) and the worlds smallest hat on the worlds biggest melon head. I predicted that he would get a tongue bath from the judges before he sung his first note and they lived up to my expectations. He was originally the VFTW pick for this week (they dumped him tonight for Casey) so I hope the Worsters will put Casey over the top and this hack will hit the road!
Lee: ("That's Life") During the funny video package, Harry urged Lee to practice saying some of the words so that they will come across in the performance. I like Lee but he does have a tendency to mumble. Harry got through to him because he didn't mumble tonight and this was one of my favorite performances by him.
The Best
Lee
Crystal
The Rest
Aaron
The Worst
Casey
Mike
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