Was He "DeWyze" Choice?

Well, that was quite the star-studded, two-hour, ho-holds-barred, tour-de-force, music celebration of a finale, wasn't it? Imagine ... Alice Cooper, the Bee Gees, and Michael McDonald in just the first half-hour! Was last year's finale this jam-packed with music legends? If so, I'm sorry I missed it. Between them, Hall & Oates, Chicago, and Joe Cocker, last night's array of talent was not only fantastic to watch, but I can only hope that it exposed "Idol"'s young audience to some of the genuine classics of rock and pop music ... and that the kids in the audience liked what they heard and might explore it more.

My favorite performance was probably Siobhan and Aaron teaming up with the brothers Gibb ... oh, the way those two "Idol" Top-Twelvers started it off with that delicious harmony was likely the single most blissful "Idol" moment I experienced all season! Somebody needs to sign both Siobhan and Aaron to record contracts, like, NOW. And I also dearly loved the big farewell to Simon, in which a whole darn stageful of "Idol" alumni sang lovingly to him! All the "Idol" winners (except David Cook, who had a charity event going on that night), and over a dozen runners-up and other finalists ... so much fun to see them all again! (And gosh, has Ruben been shedding the pounds or what ... lookin' good, Rube!!)

There was no shortage of surprises during the show, with a parade of the most outrageous auditioners in the show's history -- some of which, like Renaldo ("We're Brothers Forever") Lapuz, we were fine with seeing again ... and others, like the beyond-obnoxious Ian Benardo, who resoundingly proved, as the producers hurriedly cut to commercial, why he never should have been invited. And what would a celebration like this be without General Larry ("Pants On The Ground") Platt? I have to say, he's still got the moves for a guy his age! And, of course, they couldn't very well have left out William Hung, now could they? And of course, the highlight that beats them all was the too-sweet appearance of former judge Paula Abdul.

Now, as for the results ... I'm not in the least bit surprised that Lee won the title, but I am a little disappointed. (Of course, I might have said I was disappointed even if Crystal had won, but I suspect not.) The main reason is that we've now got three "Idol" winners in a row who are prone to blurring together in the eyes of everyone except the show's devotees: they're all generic-looking, white rock-pop boys with indistinct, good-but-not-great voices. Adding Crystal to the list of winners would at least have shaken the mix up a bit. But I'm not worried, and I know she'll do quite well regardless ... and she must know, too, 'cause she wasn't fazed a bit by hearing Ryan crow out Lee's name after opening the envelope.

As I said previously, Crystal is unique enough that she's already got a following, just like Adam last year. And if the track record of many previous "Idol" runners-up and finalists is any indication -- not only have Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken enjoyed more success than the guys who snatched the title out of their grasps, but just look at Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, and Kellie Pickler -- Crystal has very little to worry about, aside from the implicit obligation of rewarding her fan camp with a great debut album later this year ... something else that I'm not very worried about her pulling off. Of course, it can be a double-edged sword: plenty of "Idol" winners have had clunky careers at best: Kris Allen and Taylor Hicks saw just mediocre sales of their debut albums ... and what's Justin Guarini been up to lately...?

All in all, it was a bumpy ride of a season that came to an adequately satisfying if bittersweet end. It was a bit of a struggle for me to stay tuned in -- and for many others too, I suspect, from what I've heard about the decline not just in viewers but also in votes ... notice how Edward Boddington (or, as I like to think of him, "Mr. Personality") didn't mention how many votes were tallied in the final round? I also found it curious how they avoided "final thoughts" from the judges ... although I'm sure the main reason they skipped that was 'cause they were running short on time, I can't help but think it was also because the judges would have had trouble heaping praise on this lackluster season.

I tell ya, though, Simon Fuller and company will have to find an unbelievably tremendous successor to Simon Cowell if they hope to get the viewers (myself included) even thinking about tuning in next season. Of course I'll keep an eye on the happenings on that front, but I'm not holding out a whole lot of hope. Godspeed, Simon ... we're all going to miss you terribly.

Random thought: for some reason, all morning I've had this vision in my head of Lee doing "Big Yellow Taxi" on solo acoustic guitar ... wouldn't that have been a completely awesome performance?!? Oh well, a missed opportunity.

American Idol 2010 - The Final Conflict!

This is it, blah blah blah ... the final showdown, yadda yadda ... not that I'm not at least a little excited. Although, frankly, I really don't care who wins this season, 'cause I've come to like them both quite a lot. I'm sure it could go either way, really, probably more so than last year, though maybe not quite as much as Season 7. One thing's for sure, though: I'm imposing a moratorium on my web browsing tomorrow night, 'cause as you might recall I inadvertently found out the winner last year a couple of hours before he was announced ... though I was kind-of asking for it, having gone to Wikipedia's Idol Series Winners page. (You'd think that Wikipedia would block updates on time-sensitive stuff like this until after all U.S. time zones have viewed the program ... but, whatever.) Anyway, in a USA Today article I read this afternoon, the writer said that although who'd win it is very much up in the air, who'd stand to have more to gain from a win was without question: Lee, because Crystal's already got that "built-in" audience who will buy her albums regardless, kind of like Adam was good to go no matter whether he won or not. So anyway, now that the first commercial break is done with and we're finally getting on with the show, here we go.

Lee ("The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkel) -- A repeat performance, and far as I can recall it was better than the last time he sang it. I wonder, are the contestants encouraged or even required to do repeat performances in the finale? If not, I'm puzzled as to why they do so. Why not give them something new to sing? But anyway, I agree with the judges ... good, but he needs to bring more passion than that in the finale.

Crystal ("Me and Bobby McGee" by Roger Miller) -- Yay! This is why Crystal is in the final round! I've said before that I probably wasn't going to buy her album, but I've been reconsidering lately ... and if she keeps bringing the performances tonight like this here, then I'm sold for sure. It looks like round one goes to Crystal!

Lee ("Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.) -- Definitely better than round one, and I wonder why he hasn't done that song before ... seems right up his alley in my opinion. I'm not sure about the choir (one or two backing singers is one thing, but I always balk a bit at the presence of a whole chorus), but I liked his performance ... not perfect, but more than good enough for me. But will it be good enough for the voters...?

Crystal ("Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles) -- Hmmm ... I don't know about y'all, but it felt to me like she got a little carried away in places, and sort-of got lost in the arrangement. She gave it her all, but there's something to be said for holding back a bit. On the other hand, she does seem to be showing a lot more passion in her performances than Lee.... Compare her passion to Lee's artistry, and I'd have to call this round a draw.

Lee ("Beautiful Day" by U2) -- Interesting that the artists' prospective singles aren't original songs ... maybe it has to do with the bad reviews they got of last year's winner's song. Anyway ... hmmm ... a good performance -- and I like the song, both the original and Norwegian/World Idol Kurt Nilsen's cover of it, but for some reason Lee just doesn't seem to be giving his performances nearly the energy that Crystal is. Still, though, a good performance for what it is, and he deserves to be here in the finale tonight.

Crystal ("Up To The Mountain" by Patty Griffin) -- Wow ... just, wow! Far as I'm concerned, we're looking at the American Idol right here. Strictly in terms of stage presence and quality of performance (I guess that kind-of takes care of most aspects, doesn't it?), Crystal absolutely takes the competition tonight. But then, I thought Adam did last year, so who knows what's gonna happen, right?

HEY! It's Will Young!! Right there on stage, on American TV!! Yes, I knew it was his song we were hearing each week as contestants left, but I didn't think we'd see him on the show! And he's got an album coming out here in America! It's about damn time, 'cause he's had four freakin' albums in the UK, which are all really good! ...What the heck? It's just eight tracks? Can't they be bothered to put more songs on the damn disc, especially since it's essentially a "greatest hits"? Sheesh, that's the American record companies for you ... stingy bastards. But I digress....

Who do I think is gonna win it? As I said, it really could go either way, and I'm definitely staying offline tomorrow night (look for my reaction post sometime Wednesday). Who should win it is definitely Crystal, but I have a feeling the votes for Lee will be overpowering. I really would like to see a woman win it for the first time in three years, though. But then, Lee would benefit more from the notoriety of the title. Yeah, I think it'll go to Lee.

Down To The Wire

Well, thankfully this season of "Idol" is shaping up more-or-less as I expected it would. Casey James, as resoundingly meh as he was, put up a good fight but has been bid goodbye ... best of luck to him. The hopefuls most certainly weren't eliminated in the order I envisioned they would be (or in the order they should have been), but in the long run we've got the showdown on tap next week that I was hoping for: Lee versus Crystal. Who's gonna win? I'm starting to think that Lee has the slight edge in terms of enthusiastic fans, but we can't underestimate the "girl power" that may be quietly rallying behind Crystal to give her the momentum to push through. Goodness knows we've had unexpected come-from-behind victories before, most notably just one year ago, when we all thought Adam was going to walk away with it. So, let's tune in next week, shall we?

American Idol 2010 - The Top 3

I might be repeating myself here, but if Casey doesn't go home this week I'll be miffed. I'm rather surprised he's gotten this far, quite frankly. I don't have anything against him personally ... I just think that as an artist he's rather boring and hasn't really evolved much at all, at least not nearly as much as the others. But he does have two chances to sway me instead of just one, so you never know what's going to happen. Here goes....

Contestants' choice:

Casey ("OK, It's Alright With Me" by Eric Hutchinson) -- I like the song choice, and except for a bum note or two, he sang it competently. The trouble is, competent isn't good enough ... like Ellen said, tonight is the night that the contestants need to bring it, and Casey didn't ... yet. And sorry, Kara, but your comment that he should have sung a more popular song is crap.

Crystal ("Come To My Window" by Melissa Etheridge) -- Hmmm ... again, a great song choice ... but maybe I was expecting too much from her performance. If anything had been learned from Casey's feedback, Crystal should have rocked the stage more. The harmonica arrangement was a bit iffy, too ... but I love Crystal just as much as I ever have.

Lee ("Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd) -- He changed it up with an unconventional song choice, which I like ... but strictly in terms of singing on key I have to say he wasn't all that great. Performance-wise, though, he pretty-much made up for it, just like the judges said. And hey, when Simon gives you a positive critique, you know you did something right.

And those silly twits who scream "WE LOVE YOU, LEE!!" need to just flat-out shut the hell up. No, girls, you don't "love" Lee, one of the many reasons being that you friggin' interrupt him while he's trying to speak. Seriously, the ushers in that auditorium need to be armed with gags to muffle these goofy little twerps' mouths. Sigh ... yet another reason I'll be happy to let go of "Idol" after next week.

Judges' choice:

Casey ("Daughters" by John Mayer) -- Hey, I just heard this song this evening! Fancy that! As for Casey ... it was pretty good, I'll give him that ... though it almost felt like he was trying to do a John Mayer impersonation. I have to say, this was almost too obvious a song choice, especially since Kara all but admitted that it was specifically for his target audience: the ladies.

Crystal ("Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney) -- Well, the song choice earns points with me, 'cause I've always liked that song. And boy, did she nail it!! Even though I'd be more inclined to buy Lee's album than Crystal's, I've still kind-of been hoping that she'll win, even if it's just because it's been three years since a woman has been crowned Idol ... and I think she's just gone a step closer to putting it in the bag!

Lee ("Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen) -- Why did Simon choose one of the most over-done "Idol" songs for Lee? Maybe to see if he could make it memorable, that'd be my only guess. The result: he did! I think they might have gone a bit over-the-top with the choir at the end of the song, though, but otherwise it was fantastic! That pretty-much puts the nail in Casey's proverbial coffin.

Who I think should and will be eliminated: Like I need to say it? Buh-bye, Casey.

We've Lost Our Teddy Bear

Well, the only reason I'm not sorely disappointed that Michael Lynche was eliminated last night is because Casey actually performed well this week ... though I don't know if I'd necessarily say he did better than Michael. Michael has been consistently great, far more so than Casey, who in my book has been not as consistent, and mostly just okay. I won't comment further on that because I'd just be re-hashing the stuff I've already said.

But how can you not feel heartbroken at Big Mike's departure while watching the clip reel at the end of the show? There's something about a hulking bruiser like Mike holding a tiny newborn baby that just makes you all warm and fuzzy inside, isn't there? And talk about an adorable little baby girl! Anyway, I know we haven't seen the last of Michael, and that he'll be a popular recording artist. See you soon, Big Mike!

American Idol 2010 -- The Top 4

Okay, bring on the movie songs. I can't really say much more, 'cause you've all read my post from last Wednesday unequivocally saying that "American Idol" is kind-of just there for me now. Could that change between now and the showdown May 25? Maybe, but I won't hold my breath. Here goes nothin'....

Lee ("Kiss From a Rose" by Seal) -- It may or may not be a secret that Lee has pretty-much grown to be my favorite of the remaining Idol hopefuls, and his performance of this song reinforces that. Maybe he could have done more with it as Randy said, but Ellen and Kara have a point: he's still great.

Michael ("Will You Be There" by Michael Jackson) -- Hmmm ... he started out a little shaky (was trying to sing in too low a register, I think), but it ended well. Not his best performance, but very good. The way he was all but saying "please give me votes so I can get into the Top Three" could end up coming back to bite him in the ass, though.

Duet: Crystal & Lee ("Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová) -- This may have been the best performance of the night so far ... a nice little song, sung by what I have a feeling will be the Top Two, and Randy's right ... it could and should be a hit! If the producers know what's good for them, they'll record it together and it will appear on one of their albums.

Casey ("Mrs. Robinson" by Simon & Garfunkel) -- Okay, I have to say I enjoyed that performance ... the first of Casey's that I've liked for several weeks now. The only bad thing about it is that I'm thinking it'll push Big Mike out of the running. Okay, there are two bad things about it: the dopey banter amongst the judges -- they need to drop it and get on with the show.

Crystal ("I'm Alright" by Kenny Loggins) -- Once again, they saved the best for last! I'm kind-of wondering why they don't just cancel the rest of the season and give Crystal the title right now. I'd have to do some research to see who was the furthest outnumbered finalist, gender-wise, to come from behind and win, but it'd be funny if Crystal were it, wouldn't it?

Duet: Casey & Michael ("Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" by Bryan Adams) -- Another fine duet! These guys harmonize well, and the guitar playing was wonderful. I think I might like the first duet better, but they were both fantastic!

My most favorite performance of the night: Crystal.

My least favorite performance of the night: Gosh, I hate to say it ... Michael.

Who I think should be eliminated: Michael (and yes, I still hate to say it).

Who I think will be eliminated: Michael.

Okay, I guess I did get into the show a bit tonight as it went on ... maybe the rest of the season won't be as laborious as I fear.

That's The Straw...

Am I disappointed with last night's results? Of course. Am I surprised? Not really. All things considered, this is actually about the point at which I'd imagined for awhile now that Aaron Kelly would leave the competition. He's never quite had the raw talent, natural charm, or stage presence of David Archuleta, so I never had the feeling he'd win or be the runner-up, but he was definitely a talented young singer who undoubtedly belonged firmly in the Top 12.

But the problem here is that all things were not considered -- specifically, this week's performances. After Casey James sang with all the snap of a stale, soggy Saltine cracker, he should have gotten the boot, or at least been in the bottom two. Compare that to Aaron's solid performance ... not his best, I'll admit, but still miles ahead of Casey. Not to mention the fact that Aaron has demonstrated more potential for growth than Casey, whose performances over the course of the show have, for me, all been blurring together.

Add to that the fact that Big Mike actually ended up being the second-lowest vote-getter, and you have my official announcement that this season of "American Idol" will be my last as a viewer. I've invested a lot of time and emotion in this season already, so I'm going to see it through, but I'm just getting tired of how flighty and flaky the audience seems to have gotten this year. (Or have they always been this way and it's just taken me two years to notice?) All the wrong people have been voted off the show at all the wrong times -- Lilly, Alex and Siobhan way too soon ... and Casey and Tim not nearly soon enough.

So, for what it's worth -- and I tell ya, it ain't much anymore -- I'll trudge ahead into the final three weeks of "American Idol" Season 9. Who do you think are going to be the Top Two? Right now I'm seeing Crystal and Lee for the finale ... but, of course, as we all know, that could change. Hell, with my luck Casey will somehow make it to the end.

American Idol 2010 -- The Top 5

Enough of the newcomers like Adam Lambert and the young 'uns like Miley Cyrus ... now we're talking a mentor: Harry Connick, Jr.! And the theme is "songs of Frank Sinatra". This doesn't bode well for Casey, if you ask me ... but then I'm also worried about how some (well, actually, most) of the others will do this week. Let's see how things go....

Oh, interesting ... I didn't realize that Connick had ever scored a movie, let alone "When Harry Met Sally". And I also didn't know that it's only been about 12 years since Sinatra died. Funny....

Aaron ("Fly Me To The Moon") -- Very nice! He should have gotten off that "country-ish" pose -- the leaning on a straight leg while bouncing on a bended leg thing -- that he usually takes on the stage, and his vocal was a tiny bit shaky at the very beginning, but otherwise a really nice showing. Oh, and I like his hair like that, too...!

Casey ("Blue Skies") -- See? Told ya. I was totally unimpressed with this one ... more than a few off-key notes. Why are y'all booing so much at the judges? Can't you see that they're telling the truth? Sorry, Casey, I wasn't feeling it at all. But I've got a terrible feeling he'll be back next week anyway.

Crystal ("Summer Wind") -- Wow, I liked it more than I thought I would! We've seen her rock enough (maybe a little too much), so it's always refreshing to see the softer side of 'Sox. (Hey, I just made that up!) Very nicely done, I thought, and I can't imagine that she's in any danger of getting the boot this week.

Michael ("The Way You Look Tonight") -- Fantastic! It's one of my favorite old standards, and Big Mike did it justice ten times over!! Of all the Top Five, I had the most faith in him that he'd do well in Sinatra week, and my faith was well-placed. Bravo, Michael!!

Lee ("That's Life") -- Hmmm ... I wasn't a big fan of the arrangement -- it seemed a bit awkward in places and made it sound like Lee was off-tempo -- but I loved his vocals, and that's what the competition is all about! I was particularly afraid for him this week, but he just buried those fears!

My most favorite performances of the night: Michael and Lee.

My least favorite performances of the night: Casey and Aaron (hey, there were just three others to choose from, y'know).

Who I think should be eliminated: Casey.

Who I think will be eliminated: Aaron ... perish the thought ... I mean it, please perish the thought.

In Memoriam: Will Owsley

I just received a shocking bit of news from a friend. Alabama-based musician Will Owsley, power-pop singer-songwriter, engineer and producer, as well as session and touring guitarist for artists such as Amy Grant, Shania Twain, and Faith Hill, died yesterday of an apparent suicide. Very few people, especially people who read this blog, are likely to have ever heard of Owsley outside of my occasional mention of him here, but he was a fantastic musician, deserving of far more recognition than he received.

Following the one-and-only album with his first band, The Semantics (released only in Japan even though it was a Nashville-based group), he released his self-titled debut album in 1999, which is one of my favorites. If you haven't checked this album out I urge you to do so, especially if you like anything remotely of a power-pop bent, from The Beatles all the way through to recent practitioners of the genre like The Click Five.

Here's an excellent article I found on the web, written by someone who was clearly a devoted fan. I must admit I wasn't very fond of his last album, 2004's "The Hard Way" ... but now I'll forever wonder what he might have recorded next....