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 through the song.
“It’s not a good performance for her,” said the Wife. “Is the harmonica keeping her too far away from the mic?”
“I hate that thing,” she continued. “It’s useless and makes her look like Darth Vader.”
Certainly one of Crystal’s worst performances of the season.
Lee DeWyze
Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd
At least Lee came to perform. The best vocal of the night up to that point, but the bars not very high. “None of the performances have been anything exciting,” said the Wife.
Hopefully, the judge’s picks will be better.
Casey James
Daughters by John Mayer
Much better vocal. I liked it, but didn’t love it. His emotional connection was quite good on this song.
The Wife thought it was boring. “I may fall asleep,” she said.
But then, she hates John Mayer.
Crystal Bowersox
Maybe I’m Amazed by Paul McCartney
Great performance. Showed alot of range with this song.
I found the repetition of the “Maybe I’m a man” line a bit jarring, but I can’t see how you could change the wording and make it work. I think I’ll get over that issue as I listen to the song again.
Lee DeWyze
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
Ok, this song is really overplayed on American Idol. It’s a great song, however.
And with it, Lee wins the night. It was a great performance, and I think I may like Lee’s version better than Jason Castro’s.
I’d rank the performances as follows:
- Lee DeWyze, Hallelujah
- Crystal Bowersox, Maybe I’m Amazed
- Lee DeWyze, Simple Man
- Casey James, Daughters
- Crystal Bowersox, Come to My Window
- Casey James, OK, It’s Alright With Me
Lee easily wins the night, followed by Crystal, with Casey bringing up the rear. I can’t see how Casey doesn’t go home this week.
The two most consistent throughout the season have been Crystal and Lee, and I’m fairly confident they’ll be in the final next week.