One of the many interesting tools offered by the search giant is Google Trends. It allows one to compare the number of searches on various queries. I thought it might be a useful tool for predicting the winner of American Idol tonight. The theory is that web searches reflect interest, which should translate into votes.
Unfortunately, it only has data through May 24th (Monday) at this point, so it doesn’t tell us what the interest was last night, when …
Last night was the finals of American Idol 9, with Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze each performing three songs. The first was the contestant’s choice of a song of theirs from earlier in the season. The second was chosen by American Idol producer Simon Fuller. The third was the song the winner would release.
As a welcome change, the song to be released was not some schmatzy crap written just for the show, as it has been in years past, …
For the Top Three, each contestant performed two songs: one they chose themselves (performed first by each contestant) and one chosen by the judges.
Casey James
Ok, It’s Alright With Me by Eric Hurchinson
Not Casey’s best vocal. He lost the melody briefly several times, and it just never went anywhere. The Wife said it was boring.
I agree.
Crystal Bowersox
Come to My Window by Melissa Etheridge
It almost sounded like Crystal was out of breath all the way …
This week’s theme was Songs from the Movies, with Jamie Foxx mentoring. In addition to their solo performances, each contestant performed a duet with another contestant.
Lee Dewyze
Kiss From A Rose by Seal (from Batman Forever)
Rough night for Lee. Pitchy notes all over, and a big step backwards. The Wife agreed that it wasn’t his week, but at least he hasn’t had a bad week in a while.
Michael Lynche
Will You Be There by Michael Jackson …
The theme for the Top Five was songs of Frank Sinatra. Harry Connick Jr. provided mentoring as well as arranged the songs for the performances.
Aaron Kelly
Fly Me to the Moon
This is a good theme for Aaron, as Frank didn’t really have all that big a voice either. But Blue Eyes could do things with his voice that no one else could.
Unfortunately, there’s no swing in Aaron’s performance. “I don’t think he could swing it if he …
I wasn’t able to watch television Tuesday evening, so the Wife and I watched both the performances and the results show Wednesday evening. One can certainly get through the shows quickly when you skip the commercials, fluff and repetiion.
The theme for the week was songs of Shania Twain.
Lee Dewyze
You’re Still The One
Loved the opening. It was really in a sweet spot of his voice. But why is he doing that John Mayer thing with his mouth, …
In conjunction with Idol Gives Back, the theme was inspiration songs. Unfortunately, I found the performances overall to be mediocre, not inspirational.
Casey James
Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow by Fleetwood Mac
Once again, nothing risky, but a solid performance. The Wife thought he could have given the performance a bit more edge, but that it was good.
I’ve liked a number of Casey’s performances, but we’re getting towards the end. Safe may not cut it. Time to take chances, …
With the judges using their save on Michael Lynche last week, we had nine performances again tonight, and two going home tomorrow. The theme was Elvis Presley, with Adam Lambert mentoring.
I’m on the road this week, so notes might be a bit short.
Crystal Bowersox
Saved
Good song choice, with a nice gospel feel to the arrangement. The Wife loved it, and thought it was one of her favorites from Crystal.
Andrew Garcia
Hound Dog
I’m not sure my …
The theme for the night was entries from the Lennon/McCartney songbook. That certainly left no shortage of songs to choose from.
Aaron Kelly
Long and Winding Road
Pitchy, sleepy performance. The Wife thought it was dull. “His voice doesn’t sound right,” she observed.
Is he hoarse? There has supposedly been a bug going around the AI House.
Overall, it was ok, but a bit boring.
Katie Stevens
Let It Be
Great song, but any time the theme has anything to …