American Idol 9 – The Final 2 – RECAP

Biggest development: NO CORONATION SONG!!! The winner will release a cover! And, Jim Cantiello reports that Crystal and Lee chose their own winners singles!

Lee DeWyze, buddy. You CHOKED. Was it the big Nokia theater stage and the massive audience? Having the crown nearly in your grasp? Whatever it was, that swagger he’s been sporting the last couple of weeks all but disappeared.

Crystal Bowersox, on the other hand, totally got her mojo back and then some.  It’s as if she woke up and realized she was competing in a contestant. I can finally say Crystal is in it to win it…

But unfortunately, I don’t think she’s done enough to overcome Lee’s tremendous momentum. And maybe she’s just too off-beat for Idol.  The dreads, the sass, the non-model-like figure, the non-cosmetically-enhanced smile–America may not be digging it.  Argh. That just sucks if it’s true. The girl can blow, and that’s all that matters. Sigh.  I hope to be wrong wrong wrong once again in my prediction. I really do.

Live blog and videos after the JUMP…

Here we go! The last performance episode of the season. Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze face off in the Final 2…

Ryan descends the staircase after the cold opening. Welcome to the Nokia Theater LA Live! TOnight the battle is on. Both came to us from Chicago. Both are 24 years of age. And both came here to win it! Ryan introduces the judges. Simon Cowell’s last week on American Idol!. Ryan introduces them and they make a grand entrance through the audience. The hug rels and friends as they make their way to the stage.

Crystal won the coin toss. She chose to perform second.

The Contestant’s Favorite Song

Lee Dewyze – “The Boxer” by Simon and Garfunkle – Video package features parents talking about his childhood. Lee loved to play baseball. Dad says he became an artist when he began writing songs. I’m not fond of reprises. They never have the same impact as the first time. The arrangement sounds different. Bandzilla is kinda ruining it. Randy says, “Great way to start it off. Dual to the finish. Not sure it was energetic…get more energy going.” Ellen says, “I couldn’t be prouder if I birthed you myself.” She thought the second time was even better. Kara says, “I agree with Randy you’ve got to punch harder…but I love that you were connected to it.” Simon says, “I would expect a lot more passion…that was a kiss on the cheek when I was expecting a kiss on the lips.” I agree with Kara and Randy. That rendition lacked oomph. – 1-866-436-57011-866-436-57031-866-436-5705 – VIDEO

Crystal Bowersox – “Me And Bobby McGhee” by Janis Joplin – Her first gig was at a little coffee shop in the mall. The band is not drowning out Crystal. She’s come out tonight on fire. She’s knocking this one out of the park. Lot’s of passion and energy. I give round one to Crystal. Randy says, “It started a little slow for me…but the end was the Crystal we know and love.” Ellen says, “You are so compelling on stage. Stunning.” Kara says, “I loved it when you first did it. I loved it tonight. You have fire in your belly tonight.” Simon says, “This brought us back to when we first met you…We have a competition tonight.” Simon says she hasn’t been up to par the last few weeks. – 1-866-436-57021-866-436-57041-866-436-5706 – VIDEO

Simon Fuller’s Choice

Lee DeWyze – “Everybody Hurts” by REM – OK. This is more like it. I wondered if Lee could handle this song, but his rock growl is handling it just fine. Well, the first verse, anyway. The bridge was a little mushy, and that big ass gospel choir that came in behind him? TOTALLY UNNECESSARY. Randy, “That was definitely better…started off a little pitchy you pulled it together.” Ellen says, “I felt like you went off a couple of times…you really really got into it, but then you pulled back again.” Kara says, “What makes you great is that you’re emotionally accessible. It wasn’t a perfect vocal, but I like that about you.” She likes that he sings off pitch? Simon says, “That was a brilliant song choice.” (sucking up to Fuller) “You went a little bit off melody tonight. You’re nervous….you’ve got to come out here and give us a 10.” A fatherly pep talk from Simon. Sheesh. I thought the first half of the song was awesome. – VIDEO

Crystal Bowersox – “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles – Ugh. What a sh*tty song choice. This song has been done a zillion times on Idol. Crystal is so much better than this material. But listen! She turns it into a completely different song. She’s turned it into a bluesy jam. She’s wearing a sexy black dress. No guitar. OMG. Tons better than the original. She’s a little off key on the high notes, but I love that she’s completely changed up this crappy song and made it not suck. Amazing. “Mamasox is in it to win it” “That was fantastic.” “Tonight is the night to give it your all, and that’s what you were doing. That’s what tonight is all about.” “I’m almost allergic to that song, I’ve heard it murdered in Idol auditions. But, you took that song and you absolutely nailed it. Really good. Crystal says she’s shaking a little bit. Ryan asks her if she sees the finish line. She says, “It’s up there in the back!” as she points to the back of the room. Crystal won the second round. Uhm. If this keeps up, I’m changing my prediction, peeps. – VIDEO

The Winners Song

Lee DeWyze – “Beautiful Day” by U2 – A cover of a U2 song will be his winner’s single? Really? This is just OK. Some pitch problems. He’s got violins onstage with him. It’s too much stuff. I think they’re trying to make it a big moment, but Lee is getting swallowed up in it. He’s wandering around the stage, completely lost without his guitar. He’s got that deer-in-the headlights look back. Randy says, “It started off a little interesting…by the middle of the song you started getting your groove back.” After asking Lee how he was doing (he seems so overwhelmed) Ellen says, “Watching the process watching you grow…you were fully present for that song.” Ellen managed to say nothing about his performance. Kara is blunt, “I think you got swallowed up a bit in that song. But, you’ve grown the most, you’ve got the most commercial voice. You deserve to be here.” Simon says, “This is my final time judging…this is what this competition was designed for, someone who needs a break, you’ve remained a nice person, and I really wish the best for you.” Also, very little to say about his performance. Lee says the whole thing has been amazing, he wants to do this for the rest of his life. He thanks his fans. – VIDEO

Crystal Bowersox – “Up To the Mountain” by Patti Griffin – She’s going to KILL this. She starts off on a stool, with her guitar. She’s got a choir on either side. And…she’s taking it to f*cking church. Wow. Chills. This is pretty amazing. MONEY NOTE! OMG. She’s killing it. ROUND THREE BELONGS TO CRYSTAL. That was just incredible. Randy says, “This is what this show’s about. An amazing song by an amazing performer.” Ellen says, “I cannot compare you to one contemporary artist. You are in a league of your own.” Kara says, “This was a very important song for you tonight. Tonight all I could see, you were completely emotionally invested in that song. Amazing.” Crystal tells Simon he’s been amazing. She thanks him for his amazing critiques. Simon is smiling, “Crystal, I thought that was by far the best performance and the song of the night. I would like to say, that was outstanding.” And Simon gives his final critique. Crystal says the whole ride began way before the show. She’s grateful for her family and is ready for anything. “Now is the time” Crystal had a moment y’all. And I have to say? She smoked Lee. Smoked him. – VIDEO

Crystal could take this peeps. I think she will.

Will Young sings out, performing the boot song “Leave Right Now” – VIDEO

About mj santilli 34833 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!