American Idol 9 Top 3 – Performance Recap

2 minutes!!

Three minutes, thank goodness.

oh geez.. i realized, fourth to the last episode and no more simey next year… hhmmm

Man I hate when we don’t have complete spoilers!

Idol used to do THREE songs for the Top 3: contestant’s choice, judge’s choice & a random hat pick.

This season is all about cheating us when it comes to cutting performances and ignoring contestants.

good luck!!

ha ha casey don’t let ryan win!

Casey is too funny. LOL

I’m watching DWTS instead. j/k

Does anyone have a link for Idol stream?

Casey first huh..

Never heard of this song Casey’s singing, I don’t think.

ug, why is casey going first? but i have no idea what song that is. thanks for explaining why you picked it, man.

Tickets are going fast, yeah right Ryan.

casey first!!

Tickets are going fast? Really Seacrest? Huh…promoters are really worried about this year’s tour…ticket sales are abysmal.

here http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hightyme-television

I’ve never heard this song either.

What is he singing and by whom.

What’s Casey singing?

Mistake Casey…picking a song that most people (me) have not heard of. But he being himself…good for him. And he’s cute. He’s got my shallow vote!

Here’s the stream:

http://www.tvpc.com/Channel.php?ChannelID=1730

Has anybody ever heard this song before???

Oh nooooooo. bwahahahhahah GO GOAT!!!

bad choice casey, honestly…

Mmmm…so they are starting this year with the personal picks, right?

yikes…casey better hope that his judges pick goes better than that…he sounded off and it’s an obscure song…so far it’s looking like I’m gonna get my Lee/Crystal finale….

Ive always wanted to do my hair like Casey, so jealous of his hair. Oh and he just sucked it right now.

I agree with them

“safe” and “easy” defines this season. no one has any damn fight.
re: simon… so is “daughters” the delicious dessert? idk, man, idk.

If you haven’t heard the song, check out Eric Hutchinson – Sounds Like This. One of the best albums I’ve ever heard.

they are so gonna throw him under the bus. wait for it

Anybody know the name of the song and who did it?

As Simon would say, “what was that”, is that the best he can come up with. That song represents what’s wrong with this season, very lackluster.

why are they starting with the contestants’ choices instead of the judges’? is that so Lee can end the night with Hallelujah?

Never heard of that song before. Just kind of left me feeling flat.

Thanks HeyHoLetsGo!

What’s Casey singing?

“It’s Alright with Me” by somebody or other.

Wow that was…… eh. Poor Casey. He needed a better choice than that. Boring and flat. At least he showed of his range for a second?

Im not sure I get why the judges are so hard on Casey. I think he sounded very good on the first song.
Im not even a Casey fan

I’ve never heard it either. It’s pretty obvious Casey doesn’t watch the show

They don’t have to throw him under the bus, he just stepped out in front of it.

Poor Casey. But that was not good.

Aw, poor guy. He’s tearing up, too.

I don’t agree that you can’t have a moment with a song that people have never heard before, because artists do it with their original music all the time

Crystal is next.

LOL, of course Casey is first. Love how the guitar tech had to race off stage : P

Haha that the last lyric is something like “I’m already gone.”

Casey proves that while this bunch is talented, but they have no sense of what a showstopper it.

I thought that was a truly dull song pick. Maybe he gave up / wants to go home?

Casey’s Eric Hutchinson tune may be obscure, but it’s a killer choice for him – upbeat and a little unusual, but still a little vocally challenging. But, from your comments it doesn’t sound like he made it work.

And….Casey throws himself under the bus.

Now I’m totally sure that Crystal is a lock for the top two. Middle spot? Yup. Lee as Pimp? Yup.

Lee has the pimp spot. ugh. they’re really afraid, aren’t they?

I didn’t see any bus there. It honestly was an underwhelming performance.

LOL, I love how they gave Lee the pimp spot again.

Boring Casey.. now you need a Kris Allen Heartless to get through!

oh ding, yeah that was alright, not big. but i hope he does well on daughters.

i actually really liked casey…that song is awesome and i love the tone of his voice

yeah but it was quite boring…

I actually LOVE the fact that I’ve never heard the song before, not complaining about that. It was just a bad song for this competition.

I am also live blogging it here: http://inghinyero.com/watch-american-idol-9-live-stream-online-free-live-blogging-final-3-performances/

You can watch it online live stream: http://onlinefullepisodes.blogspot.com

THANKS!

Modern song choices PLEASE!!!!!!

Worst season ever

I FLOVE homecoming visits!!!!!!

Arghhh I’m gonna miss Simon sooo much

Wow, not only does Lee have the pimp spot, but they also switched the judges choice to the second performance!

This is what could be called “fabricated moment”.

I think Casey was ok but nothing spectacular.

I was really hoping to like Casey’s pick even though I wasn’t familiar with the song but sadly I didn’t.

aakash988:
05/18/2010 at 8:09 pm
LOL, I love how they gave Lee the pimp spot again.

LOL, i dont want to point it out, but dang.. they really like lee.

Modern song choices PLEASE!!!!!!

Can’t get much more modern than Eric Hutchinson.

well that wasn’t a very interesting performance. maybe Casey is content with finishing Top 3 so he won’t have to deal with the whole runner-up/winner stuff. More freedom to do what he wants to and all that.

I’m totally unsurprised Lee got the pimp spot. And I already am sure the judges will slobber all over him as long as his performacne isn’t an absolute trainwreck

Crystal comments: “Now we have a show! But you should have done better.”

Lee comments: “Now we have a competition! You just showed both of them how it’s done! Not since Bruce Springsteen has an artist like you appreared!”

Taking bets, here.

YES! Who said it? Someone called it. Great, great song.

Crystal’s choice-Come To My Window-Melissa Etheridge

Did it really matter what Casey did? The bus was ready to roll, lol.

omg great choice crystal!

I didn’t see any bus either. In fact, I think Simon gave the best critique and still offered hope for Casey’s next song.

is crystal a smoker?

Crystal with a very predictable choice

Lee has the pimp spot. ugh. they’re really afraid, aren’t they?

Crystal can’t get the spot since she had it last week. Lee was screwed over by order last week by going first with his solo and duet. I called Crystal doing Melissa with harmonica

Hey, I called it earlier! Shouty though

i liiiike

Hehe, Come to my Window was an easy guess from the magazine spoilers, wasn’t it? She had to perform some Melissa Etheridge at some point.

BTW, she sounds great!

Absolute proof of my point that these so called “judges” are as musicaly ignorant as any group I’ve ever encountered. If it ain’t a top 40 piece of pablum for the ignorant masses, they’re lost.

Casey knows the bus had his name on it, so why try to kareoke some piece of shit pop song….

Crystal, shout and sing another boring ass song…Zzzz…………

Lee in pimp spot as usual.

She’s screaming the song, plus pitchy.

Wow, she sounds shouty.

Bleh choice from Crystal. Done to death on Idol, way too unsurprisingly in the center of her wheelhouse. Good thing she has the killer Ellen pick later.

Why is she screaming at me?

I can picture it now:

Lee: *insert flatness throughout the entire performance of Hallelujah*

Simon: That was the best performance of the song I have ever heard in my life.

Honestly, if Crystal doesn’t win, I’m gonna have to slice someone.

Crystal so owns the night… and this competition (comparatively speaking). And I liked how she counted her blessings… one by one.

I wish Crystal would look up more at the audience. Seems to be singing with her eyes closed. Was just okay for me. Nothing special.

Don’t kill me, but Crystal is just going on “ok” with me. And I like her and I LOVE Melissa…

She sounded a bit off to me. Good but off…

soild job, crystal. I love her wail.

Did it really matter what Casey did? The bus was ready to roll, lol.

True, but he really didn’t help himself IMO. Hope his next performance is better.

I guessed Melissa Etheridge for Crystal, and then I immediately thought of this song.

Started rough but got really nice One of my faves from her.

i didn’t like crystal

I’m very, very underwhelmed by Crystal’s song – the choice, the arrangement, and the vocal are all disappointing to me.

That was sung well, but I was still bored

Ok, coulda done without the harmonica.

Man was that harmonica unnecessary! And it just hid her face. Bad idea.

Performance was way too shouty for me.

Crystal sang it well, but mehh that was just aight.

I like crystal but that was underwhelming and she should have lost the harmonica

i dont think casey every compromised himself as an artist either…even though they tried to make him.

You can’t compromise yourself as a artist, if you don’t step outside your comfort zone. It get’s boring after a while.

meh..

I liked the vocal overall but I could have done without the harmonica. She’s getting my votes anyway.

I think she is saving herself a little. In fact, I think they all are going to -

I’m starting to understand why they are doing contestant’s choice first. First 2 of 3 were a whiff. Hopefully, the judge’s picks are better.

Well, this is the Crystal that my biased ears love, so I’m agreeing with Mr. Cowell so far!

Lee going for Skynard!!! Holy crap, now I’m more interested

Lee is performing a Skynard tune? Wow

YESSSSS!!!!!!!! I called it!!!!!! He’s singing “Simple Man” Hope he has a moment!!!

I didn’t think she was that good, it was probably a good song for her, but it was off somehow, her voice and arrangement were off.

I really don’t see a bus right now… but Lee’s up next. The Pimpmobile may be on the other side of the break.

But he’s totally doing Simple Man. I actually kind of hate how predictable Lee/Crystal are this round.

I like Crystal but it was just ok for me again. Sorta how I have felt the last 3 weeks with her. Frustrated.

Why do they have to say something positive if AS SOON as they said something bad?!?!

So they respect her choice and comfort zone, calling her honest, because that’s who she wants to be, yet when Casey does it he’s only scorned?!?! What. the. Man. What The.

This kinda shit pisses me off.

Lee: *insert flatness throughout the entire performance of Hallelujah*

Simon: That was the best performance of the song I have ever heard in my life.

Honestly, if Crystal doesn’t win, I’m gonna have to slice someone.

hahaha. agreed!

i’ll accept any pimping for crystal esp. now! cause already seeing that they will all say to lee.. that it was the best evah! oh well, we’ll see.

Surprise, the judges are talking out of both sides of their mouths. *rolling eyes* It wasn’t OK for Casey to sing a song in his comfort zone…a song that would show who he is. But, praise Crystal for doing just that.

So WTF was the difference beyween what Casey did and Crystal?!?!

She’s done the SAME shit ALL damned season and never gets called on it….

I agree with Randy that the arrangement wasn’t great. And she was shouty. But she is still my fav. By far the most consistent all season.

ETA: I think there is a big diff between the song Casey sang (which few would know) and the one done by Crystal which is very well known. It is who she is, but it also paying the game smarter. I think the judges want to see that, as it shows you want to win.

I think it was Randy last year who said, just because you like a song, doesn’t mean should sing it. I love Melissa, and if you are going to sing one of her songs, then your going have to put some passion into it or it end up sounding blah, and it was.

That was not good from shouty Crystal. She is soooo overpimped and gets away with so much. Guess it’s because she’s the only female.

Lee has an opportunity to wrap this competition up. He’s got great song choices.

I actually think Kim Caldwell did better on that song than Crystal

I liked Crystal’s take on it, not loved but quite liked it.
For Casey, although i kind of agree with them, it was only ‘the song is not big enough’ .. i find it crap when they don’t adress the performance itself. At least Simon commented on it.

I like Lee’s song choices better than Crystal and Casey, but not his pitchy vocals.

Not impressed with Casey or Crystal tonight. Even though we haven’t even seen Lee yet, I predict Casey goes home tomorrow–unless he gets the “he’s cute” vote. I still predict Lee for the win and have since the top 12.
This year is so disappointing on the whole though.

Have to say though, that even though I didn’t like Siobahn’s (sp. ?)singing or stage prescence, her Idolatry interview was awesome. I really like her personality–she’s hilarious.

So WTF was the difference beyween what Casey did and Crystal?!?!

Not much to me. So Crystal sang a song in her comfort zone and they praised her for it. I’ve watched this show every season and wish I had a dollar for every time they criticized contestants for doing that very thing. Judges need to stay true to themselves and stop grading on a curve.

Don’t ever let Lee speak. Really, don’t. Because he sounds stupid.

Lee talks too much

This is another predictable pick

lee jus sing and shut up!

please, please, please pull this off.

Lee talks too much

Dang, Casey had a chance to break out the blues but instead chose the song that he felt represented himself the best. Sure wish it had been another one, with a little “wow” to it. Feelin’ sad.

This song suits Lee. However, I only like the parts when he doesn’t push the notes.

Best song choice of the night for me.

However, still no moments.

OK, somebody punch Lee in the throat for fucking up a good song….that sucked!!

And now the tongue bath from the morons….

He needs Adam to mentor him on talking… hey but this is great! Great performance

what’s up with te yellow lighting? oh sh*t… here comes the bes evah..

So far Lee is definitely the best of the night! If he knocks it out with hallelujah, he’s got this wrapped up!

why is Lee shouting? just sing the lyrics, don’t shout at me. And again, he can’t stay on-key. That was ok, but again, didn’t have a moment with it

Lee blew Simple Man away!!! He really did good tonight and I have not been inspired before this. That was a moment. He blew it out of the park. Yeah, round one goes to Lee!!

ok, now watch the pimping.ewwwwwwwwwwww

Nothing to brag on, but it’s better than the other two, but that’s not saying much. God, I miss season 8.

I don’t know…he just is so off pitch.

Just went to the bathroom…was that Daughtry on again?

Eh. Lee just ok for me again too. Didnt like the song choice on that one either.

Oh Randy please shut up. It was better than last week, but it wasn’t that good.

I would have probably liked this more if I hadn’t been listening to the Shinedown version all day, which pwns Lee’s. But that was 10x better than most of what he does.

Ha ha, and here comes the Pimpmobile! Am I the only one that thinks Lee winning Idol would be really really bad for Idol (and please don’t bash me, guys, I do like him, and I LOVE his studios. And I LOVE David Cook and Kris Allen. I just think that three WGWG’s winning in a row, fueled by females mass-texting, sends a horrible image out about Idol. Plus, Kris and Dave were a lot more deserving of the title.)

Lee seems to have grown the most over this competition. He seems more confident.

okay, declaring the winner now.. omg..

I will say that Lee had the best performance of the 3. But he still bores the crap out of me

I think Lee was best so far.

Ouch, Lee, that hurt my ears.

I actually liked Casey the best this first round. What does that say?

Oh, and stop pimping judges. It was not even remotely all that.

I hate this damn show. Maybe this crap is what I needed to let go.

STOP TALKING>>>>

Thought Lee did great, and it was a song I never heard before and still liked it, unlike what they said to Casey

Lee is an interviewer’s nightmare (mine too)

Round 1 goes to Lee. Why am I not surprised.

Lee deserves the win. Wish Casey had done blues.

Honestly could these three be any duller?

Ugh, pimping Lee. I’m feeling so let down by this season as a whole. To have this be the final three and have it sound like it has so far is so disappointing.

I will say that Lee had the best performance of the 3. But he still bores the crap out of me.

All three of them bore me to tears, quite frankly!

Lee is a home town boy so I want him to make final 2 and he easily will. He wins the round. the bar wasn’t high though, and it was still just “good”, not great. And I was happy to see him move his feet, even if it was just once and only a yard or so.

Love Lee’s voice. Great song! I’d buy his album. Feeling ‘cougar-y’ like I did with DC.
Oh please, Kara–don’t steal Simon’s lines.

Yes pimp pimp pimp!!!!!!!

YES LEE

Lee could have crushed the other two with a tooth pick.

Has there been even just 1 “moment” this year from anyone?

Maybe I need to listen to that again, but he sounded like he was shouting off key. Maybe I’ll watch again?

He didn’t crush anybody. Shut up Simon.

OMG! I totally called it! Heh.

Okay, next round, Crystal will get: “I think you might have challenged Lee there.”

The judges are overpimping Lee — AGAIN. That performance wasn’t great by any stretch of the imagination.

Better than Casey and Crystal. Happy he picked it. Didn’t have a moment, but i’m proud. GO LEE!!!!!

pimp, pimp, pimpmobile! I don’t need anyone to tell me who won the round. The judges gave the night to Archie but Cookie was soooo much better to me. Don’t need them to tell me how to vote or think.

yup yup. this is adam level of pimping. goood!!! he is so gonna loose.
Simon is an idiot.

iDOL has become Pathetic.

First round for all 3 – just Ok. Darn it!

That was great stuff by Lee. I agree, he wins this round not even close.

Even when giving high praise simon just doesn’t seem to have his heart in it. It’s like simons mojo is completely gone

I never thought I would say that I miss Danny and Kris at this moment. This is totally a shark jumping moment for me.

OMG!!! Lee did not crush round one! How did the judges not here the off key singing, though not as bad admittingly as in the past.

Maybe I need to listen to that again, but he sounded like he was shouting off key. Maybe I’ll watch again?

He didn’t crush anybody. Shut up Simon.

You heard right. He was shouting off key. I thought in the beginning it had the potential to be good but I soon got disappointed.

This Lee pimping is nauseating to me.

Umm, JUST NO Lee! Simple man is one of my favorite songs ever, and that was not good for me! That would have been a perfect song for Casey, however, I think he could have really pulled that one off!

The FugLee hate will be on full display after that BJ from the Group of Idiots…..

Maybe I need to listen to that again, but he sounded like he was shouting off key. Maybe I’ll watch again?

Don’t subject yourself to it again!! You’re right. Shouty and off-key.

Crystal will get: “I think you might have challenged Lee there.”

of course she will. predictible.

That was incredible gah.

ALthough I agree they are over complimenting Lee, he was the best of the 3 but not by much. i don’t think any of them did great or had any star quality. That is what is missing so much from this years bunch is “Star Quality”.

LOL, and there’s the tongue bath for Lee. This show is so predictable.

Lee was better than usual, but brilliant… no. Geez what a pimping! But the pimping is not over enthusiastic either

The 18 year old in my house who has never seen Idol this year just said Lee was AMAZING. This is from someone who has never liked anyone from Idol before. He’s going to really connect with the younger people.

As a Crystal fan, I can admit that Lee won round 1.

The “crushing” comment might be a little harsh though.

Lee conquered the first round handily – and this is coming from a major hater of him. Great choice, great arrangement, one of his stronger vocals (though, dude still can barely hold a tune without yelling). Meanwhile, Casey did the most boring possible version of that very fun song, and Crystal outright sucked on something we all know.

Doesn’t matter. It will be Lee vs. Crystal. They will make it look like a contest. It isn’t.

Casey sucked: boring & out of tune. Mike should’ve been there instead. Crystal was “OK” – I agree it was the arrangement, not song choice that tripped her up. Lee didn’t suck for a change. Smart song choice. Crystal *should* win but Lee *will* win. My fear is a Casey/Lee finale. Yuck.

I know I complained about them only doing 2 songs instead of 3 but after hearing “Round 1″ I’ll admit 2 is more than enough suffering.

This looks like it will be another Taylor Hicks year if Lee wins. Oh well, it is just so sad. There is only one great singer and that is Chrystal. She has been consistant throughout this thing. Lee will NEVER be my American Idol! NEVER NEVEER NEVER!!!!!

Thank you Lee for finally giving us a good performance tonight. I know Crystal and Casey can do better than that though (both of them have, almost every night this season), so maybe they’ll come back in the second half.

Come on, Casey, since this may be your last time on the Idol stage, give us a pretty lead guitar, I know you can.
Lee picked a good song–Casey could have sung it much better, with that Southern sound.
Crystal, can’t wait to hear “Maybe I’m Amazed”. Bring it, girl!

Lee was the best of the first round but I dunno there´s no spark on him. He is no Cookie that´s for sure. I was rooting for Crystal or Casey to bring it but I guess not. Oh well.
Now I hope Crystal and Casey blow everyone away next round and Lee fails with Hallelujah. So not gonna happen.
Lee is the winner of season 9 for sure.

i’m not even alee fan but that was good man!! lee was the best of the first 3!

How are these people going to pull off a tour with performances like this. They would have to pay people to come to the concerts and give them no-doze.

Daughters is my least favorite JM song.

Come on, grab that killer instinct and pour your goddamn heart out. Not that hard, right?

Ellen seems so over being a judge.

Druzilla couldn’t agree with you more. Mike should have been there. A Casey and Chrystal finale would be more interesting. But, Lee will continue to get the pity votes with his stiff butt!!!! YUK!!! I can’t stand Lee and I am so sick I could puke!!!!

I’m happy to say I have never heard this piece of crapola before.

I am also live blogging it here: http://inghinyero.com/watch-american-idol-9-live-stream-online-free-live-blogging-final-3-performances/

You can watch it online live stream: http://onlinefullepisodes.blogspot.com

THANKS!

I have always hated this JM song…Hard to sing I think

Why is he so tentative, just sing the song.

Didn’t we used to get 3 songs at this point?

What’s wrong with Casey tonight? It sounds like his nose is stuffed. Too boring and went nowhere.

This song is literally putting me to sleep, like a lullaby.

I prefer the original version of this song.

On the close up, he looked like he was gonna cry. Idk why. Poor guy, you are so much better than this.

This is awful.. I feel sorry for him. Except, I don’t think he wants to win.

Man, what a snooze. Is this a secret sabotage? He has nothing unique about his voice. They should have picked something that played up the rough edge he had with jealous guy.

Bridgette, I think they will be much more in their element on tour. They usually sound a lot better and more relaxed when they are surrounded by thousands of fans that are there to hear them, rather than a few judges who pick everything apart.

Casey – It’s another one of those weeks where Casey get’s slammed and it’s not nearly as bad as the slamming he got. Not great, but not horrible. A bit too boring, though.

Crystal – Hmm. The beginning sounds like Me & Bobby McGee. Crystal has had better, yes. By her standards, quite underwhelming. She still NEEDS to win. NEEDS. NEEDS!. I will totally become Claymate 3.0 if she doesn’t win.

Rickey’s version of Lee’s isn’t working…. HURRY UP! I need to give it a fair opinion and not just “Lee sucks, the judges praise him, he needs to get the hell out of here”, which is what I think every time he has a pitchy as hell performance. Which is a lot of the time.

i didn’t like it! it was boring again!!!

They always say he’s playing it safe. Why didn’t they give him a song out of his comfort zone like Donna Summer! ha ha

Bleh at Kara saying your audience is women and girls to Casey – that is the main audience for ALL of them.

I thought it was better than I thought it would be. It was pretty. One of his better performances.

Oh the lack of enthusiasm. Ugh.

Casey just made me sleepy…and I finally heard the goat vibrato, lol

shaddap kara

Hated this choice for Casey. Sigh. Poor Casey, I guess he sees the writing on the wall.

Shut up Kara!!

He sounded very tentative on that…

Heh- Simon called Kara and Randy on song choice. Heh.

i agree with Simon. lame song choices.

Oh my goodness. These judges are nuts.

I liked Casey on that song. Hate the song…its my least favorite Mayer song.
They are set to boot Casey tonight…poor guy, (altho not that I think he should go any further either)

Simon’s being a bit unfair. Casey composed an entirely new set of notes there for the bridge without even telling the pianist, so why accuse him of not changing it up?

SO much better than his first performance though.

THEN WHY DID YOU PICK A SONG WITHOUT THE ‘WOW’ FACTOR?????????

Stupid. Casey really should have picked a better song for the first song.

They should have given Casey “Steamroller” by James Taylor.

Casey is a very likable guy.

Kara lambasted Kris for not doing anything original with “Apologize” but she defended Casey for the same exact thing. Alrighty then.

Did he just get the bus heading his way? Or is he ok?

So here we go. lee at the end shouting hallelujah. So obvious.

Bleh at Kara saying your audience is women and girls to Casey

He, women and girls like Ellen and me would gladly disagree with her statement.

I just don’t get it! I watched Casey’s homecoming performances and was just wowed, why can’t he bring it on the show? And I am so sick of the sexist remarks towards him! If I were him I would get a lawyer and sue for defamation of character!! (j/k…I think)

I’d like to thank the tornado that cut my power just long enough to save me from the OTT Lee tonguebath. The red light of pimpage, the 360 camera angel, the unwarranted praise…hee hee. Oh Idol. I actually liked Casey and Crystal better- at least I didn’t wince at the vocal.

P.S. Yes I said tornado. Not a super destructive one, but fun times!

MaryS-NJ:
05/18/2010 at 8:35 pm
Bridgette, I think they will be much more in their element on tour. They usually sound a lot better and more relaxed when they are surrounded by thousands of fans that are there to hear them, rather than a few judges who pick everything apart.

No disrespect, but these people will be lucky if they have hundreds, let alone thousands who would want to listen to this. These kids had all season to have a moment, and they haven’t hit a home run yet. To draw people into the summer concerts, people have to have a reason to come. That’s the responsibility of the contestants to deliver good performances, and they consistently haven’t delivered.

I hope they like Lee as a winner. He’ll need about 3000 hours of media training to get him through an interview.

Casey seems to have given up

why they didn’t gave him a jam song wtf!!! he was sooo boring …. othing compared with “jelous guy”…

poor casey, well anyway i wasn’t rooting for him

Lee so far has been consistent; consistently out of tune at least one time in every performance.

Didn’t we used to get 3 songs at this point?

That was back when there were only 3 judges. I’m getting nostalgic again for those days. The contestants were exhausted and voices shot, but somehow still managed to pull out some truly amazing performances. They also did more group songs on results night back then. It really showed who was strong and in it to win it.

He was amamzing on Gravity and Blue Skies in his HT visit. I like him. This a strange night. They are all off a bit. Nerves, I’m sure!

sunchick at least your tornado provided some excitement!

What a horrible choice for Casey! That was boring but that’s because the song itself was boring. What did they think he would be able to do with that snoozefest?

I’d like to thank the tornado that cut my power just long enough to save me from the OTT Lee pimpage. The red light of pimpage, the 360 camera angel, the unwarranted praise…hee hee. Oh Idol. I actually liked Casey and Crystal better- at least I didn’t wince at the vocal.

You still didn’t deserve the tornado. Glad you were spared the Lee lovefest though. Hope you are ok.

Even though Lee was “sorta” off pitch, at least he’s kind of interesting, as is Crystal. I personally don’t find any qualities in Casey that seem to fit an “American Idol”. But that’s just me. : D

Alright Crystal, I love this song. Make it better.

It’s particularly hilarious they told him to cut an album of this. Seriously? Do they want him to end up a checker at the Piggly Wiggly?

He’s my theory on why the judge’s pick is last. Maybe they thought Lee will have a moment with Simon’s pick. I seriously doubt it because it’s been done before, one earlier in the season.

Loved Casey’s “Daughters” as much as possible for that treacly song. A nice, understated performance that was just as grounded as “Jealous Guy.” Definitely the best so far.

Tonight has been so anti-climatic. last year we got a bunch of strong performances on Top 3 tonight with personality, stage presence, etc. This year? Not so much. Boring boring boring.

Casey was better on the 2nd song than the 1st one, but so mellow, almost sleepy. I really think he simply doesn’t care about winning

I loved Daughters. And, yes Casey, I am the mother/girl who will be buying your songs. I’ll be voting for you tonight.

Please don’t butcher one of my favorite McCartney songs…

Now I admittedly want Casey to go home tonight, but I do kind of feel bad for him…the judges are almost cruel to him. I didn’t think he did a great job, but it wasn’t as bad as they made it out to be.

I agree Lizland! I want to hear their voices, not judges arguing.

“Maybe I’m a man”!!!!!

WOW, Crystal is doing so good.

I loved Casey’s performance of Daughters. I think Kara is mislead, though. I know a lot of guys that are fans of Casey. Problem is, a lot of guys don’t vote.

Mercy me, another dead song. What does she have on, hair is terrible and now the screeching.

“Simon thought the guitar solo was limp” Give me a break!! Wow, it is obvious that Simon doesn’t want Casey to be in the Finale. Why even have Casey in the final 3!! GOOD GRIEF!! The judges need to pimp Lee because he stinks as a performer. At least Casey can play the guitar and perform on the stage. What kind of tickets will Lee sell for a concert? I know ask Taylor Hicks!

Haha — Crystal didn’t flip the lyrics to fit the gender

Goat seems defeated.

Why are you shouting at me Crystal!!!???

She´s shouting at me again!

Yay!!! She kept the lyrics untouched! I love a girl who has the courage to sing a man’s song like it is.

OK I used to just not like Crystal-she rubbed me the wrong way. Still does but her singing tonight is really bad. Not good at all.

Okay, video of Lee’s performance is up on Rickey.

Lee – Hmm, this actually IS better than Casey and Crystal’s, and he didn’t biff any really big notes like he’s done a lot previously. This actually IS pretty good. I dunno, but I’m not hearing the out-of-tuneness I usually hear. And it’s not good just because the other two weren’t all that, it’s actually….. GOOD.

Is she just repeating the same lyric over and over? Is that the way it was written??

Crystal sounds like she’s shouting.

Loved Crystal’s – awesome!

she didn’t change the gender! odd. But that was a-fricking-mazing.

Why the hell is Crystal SHOUTING at me!?!

Again, she sang that song with her eyes closed most of the time. That drives me nuts. Hard to connect with your audience when you’re not looking at them. Laughing when someone says not playing guitar is a big risk for someone.

Much better the 2nd time around.

Awww Ellen’s smiling because she knows she did a great pick!!! Love both of these girls.

I just turned it on and Crystal’s killing “Maybe I’m Amazed” in a bad way. Horrible shouting. No shock that the judges love it.

Not looking forward to seeing Casey get thrown under the bus.

Oh shut up Randy with your “in it to win it,” I’m going to throw up.

Oh God, these judges are so fake and it’s so obvious.

Her voice sounded shot. But not too horrible.

Why does Crystal shout all the damn time lately? Every damn song and does not get called out on it?

Yea, Simon was surprised…. at least it was better than “Hallelujah”

Kara — that wasn’t really all that risky. And Crystal shouted her way through much of the song. Again, it was an ok performance, no more.

Once again, I called it.

oh Simon i felt the same way when i heard what you’ve picked for Lee.

No disrespect, but these people will be lucky if they have hundreds, let alone thousands who would want to listen to this. These kids had all season to have a moment, and they haven’t hit a home run yet. To draw people into the summer concerts, people have to have a reason to come. That’s the responsibility of the contestants to deliver good performances, and they consistently haven’t delivered.

Well, I’m one of those ‘hundreds’ who bought a ticket. *shrug* I actually like this group… sue me.

I’m sad. Disappointed in Casey’s choice because I know what he’s capable of. He could have laid down some swampy blues, gotten excoriated by Simon but gone out in a blaze of glory. I actually love Eric Hutchinson but that song is way too obscure to make an impact at this point. It was a strategic mistake, and sadly it will probably be what sends him packing (well figuratively, since they’re all staying in town to rehearse for finale after this).

Casey’s still my pony in this race and I’m still voting for him tonight but I won’t be surprised if he goes tomorrow. Damn.

No I don’t want to see her in the finale.

will:
05/18/2010 at 8:44 pm
Is she just repeating the same lyric over and over? Is that the way it was written??

Yes.

Crystal = shouting and pimping.

omg… she looks gorgeous… that was a remarcable take on it and this is the reason she should win the whole thing. period.

Crystal sounded great. Good Janice meets Paul there. My favorite so far. Lee got the softball for judges song choices. The song is so strong, even Tim Urban sounded good with it. It’s like the anti-penguin. Plus Simon picked his song so clearly he is the favorite.

Still, the over pimping seems considerably less than last year, so I’m happy about that. This year it seems more out of desperation for how boring the season is.

I think she just needs a little vocal rest. But WAY better.

Is anyone buying what the judge’s are selling?

Crystal started out so well, when she was singing softly in the beginning, but then the song went completely off the rails. Honestly, I started to wince at all her shouting. She is getting bad singing advice from Lee.

Get ready for the Lee toungebath and somebody declaring him the winner.

The song itself is shouty. She showed passion.

nice job crystal.

Wow…. That’s some kind of fire from Crystal i haven’t seen from here all season. At least not that type. She was a bit shouty at times though, but it worked.

shouty

i don’t think i can take the disgusting Lee overpimping from Simon one more time. you all know it’s comming.

Poor Crystal – as soon as this pick was announced I was afraid she would blow her voice out doing the studio version and have nothing left for the show, and that seems to have been the case. It’s a shame, because it was on the verge of being a major idol moment, but her voice just sounds SO tired.

The song itself is shouty. She showed passion.

Basically. That’s the way the original is sung… he shouts part of the song.

My own pick for why the judges’ pick was last:

At least 2 of the 3 singers (we’ve yet to hear Lee’s 2nd performance) were MILES better on the Judges’ song than their own. Last year it was the other way around.

Get ready for the Lee toungebath and somebody declaring him the winner.

I’m ready cause I know it’s coming. Where is a puke bag when you need it?

How can we vote Kara off? Please…there must be a way.
If next year is as bad as this year, and Simon is gone, too, I predict the end of Idol.

Loved Crystal this time around.

I agree – far less pimping favorites this year. Last year was ridiculous!

If Glee wasn’t on next, I would change the channel. DNW Lee singing “Hallelujah”

I dont get all the shouty comments. Sioban shouted and screamed. Crystal is singing the lyrics with emphasis like it was meant to be sung. She is tune and that was a great performance. Best song choice of the night by far.

IMO, Lee did win round 1. I enjoyed his performance.

Ahhh Crystal you Amaze me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are going to have to bring in some major stars to save this finale, these kids are not going to pull any good ratings. The critics will chew them up and spit them out

She reminds me so much of Kelly Clarkson – Kelly also had to learn not to blow out her voice.

If this were anyone else, or any other season, they would have said Crystal was pitchy

Whether you like Crystal or not, the gal can sing… and she has sung consistently throughout the season. I agree that Casey and Lee will sound better during tour. Lee definitely getting pimped tonight. Sorry, liked Jason’s version much, much, much better!

I thought round one went to Lee,I really liked it alot.So far Crystal wins round 2. Feel so bad for Casey,the judges are really showing who there favorites are. I thought Casey sang the second one pretty good. Alot better then what the judges are saying.I so wish that Casey could have pulled a Kris.I think he just gave up.

NPH will be on tonight’s Glee? Can’t wait!

Well, Simon just demonstrated X Factor judging when he criticized Kara and Randy for their song choice.

I love Jem’s version of “Maybe I’m Amazed.” I don’t think Crystal came anywhere close. I can’t believe someone has to win. This is so difficult. If the judges keep pimping Lee, people are going to rush to vote against him. I wish Casey had pulled a Kris, but unfortunately, he didn’t.

There was an onine poll asking if only one judge could remain, who should it be? Kara was winning by a landslide! Go figure!

Oh Simon, come on. He hasn’t even sung yet! Ugh!

he’s gonna be out of tune

Simon is sweating yikes

He’s in the douche hat! You know I don’t like Lee because I don’t believe he’s actually as “aw shucks” as he pretends.

I LOVE that song, just not sure if keeping it “Maybe I’m a man” worked. Bothered me, from a woman. Think she sang it well, though.

Lee’s voice really suits this song.

I dont get all the shouty comments. Sioban shouted and screamed. Crystal is singing the lyrics with emphasis like it was meant to be sung. She is tune and that was a great performance. Best song choice of the night by far.

Shouting seems to be the favorite criticism of contestants that one doesn’t like, regardless of their actual performance. People did it last year too. And you know, rock singers never shout in their songs…oh wait…

On another note – wow, what an overblown arrangement for Hallelujah. I don’t feel that fits the intent of the song at all. Lee did ok, but man, talk about trying to artificially manufacture a moment.

Ewww no no no Lee.

Casey – Okay, maybe I’m just pissed or something tonight, because I normally wouldn’t be hit by things like this. But Randy, I’m not a damn woman, I’m a straight guy. And I actually liked this. So yeah, Randy, you can go….. eat cake and gain a bunch of weight again.

Crystal – Crystal can shout at me all she wants as long as her singing is freaking great. Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration because she was pretty OTT here. But still, it was pretty good. I really really really really hope she is in the finale and that she wins.

Oh God, a choir!

Wow. Choir Of Pimpage. LOL

Oh sure, let the backup singers carry him. Oh lord in heaven.

Yikes, this is bad.

I think if the judges listen to the performance on tv they’ll realize how bad Crystal really was.

I love Casey however I think it’s best for him to go home tomorrow and I think he agrees. I also like Lee a lot and think he deserves the praise.

lol he gets the choir too? he sounds good though

I’m sorry, but this chior is so freaking cheesy. and the arrangement is overdone. but lee sounds really really good. this isn’t a “moment”.

Ug. and the Pimpmobile comes again. Lee was ruined by the arrangement. He was. I’m sorry.

Rub, what are you talking about! “Lee so far has been consistent; consistently out of tune at least one time in every performance.” Well, I guess you are right. He has been consistently stiff on stage, songs have always sounded the same, continues to lack any variety, is lifeless and boring!!! Yep, he is consistent. But, not the best vocalist or performer at all. Get ready for the next Taylor Hicks everybody!!!

Angelic lighting, strings, chorus. Gee I wonder who’s getting special treatment tonight? Now I really really hope Lee doesn’t win, this is outrageous!

Have to say that I’m really liking Lee’s performance. Think he definitely won the night for me. And he’s in tears just overwhelmed.

lee sound good…i would have kept it simpler and not had all those singers come out

bwahahahah. You just like the money Simon, just admit it. Lee is worse than Tim. yayay!!!

This is cracking me up. He’s gonna get the Standing O.

Tonight was just awright for me. Darn, I wanted some big moments for these kids. Lee? Not good to my ears. He plowed through it imo. Let the pimping begin though! Shut up Lee! Don’t pull a Gokey! LOL!

Do. Not. Like. This Hallelujah is way too showy and not simple and striped down Jason style. Yuck.

he did it
OUT OF TUNE!!! YES. AGAIN
HE’S BEEN CONSISTENT

Lee just owned this entire night! He was fantastic on Hallelujah!!

Wow, this might be the first time on the idol stage with that many backup singers/a choir, right?

Give me Jason Castro…NOW!!!!!

He stayed in key! Good for him.

That felt like the X-Factor cheesed up version of the song though. LOL

Okay, I’m not all about the glory notes. I promise. But has Lee held a note more than 2 seconds the entire season? I like a little variety.

But this was fine. The song is mag, so it’s hard to screw up.

After that performance, I don’t see how Lee can be beat. It was awesome.

Can anyone really sing this song poorly? I dont think so. Having said that I thought Lee did uh-maaaazing with it. His best performance to date…nice job Lee. I hate seeing Simon gloat but it was pretty damn good.

You still didn’t deserve the tornado. Glad you were spared the Lee lovefest though. Hope you are ok.

It seems to have passed. I’m calling it the twister of mercy because I had a pillow in my hand poised to toss it at the teevee judges. Thank gawd it didn’t come during Lost.

BTW, I kinda love Crystal belting “Maybe I’m a man!” That’s awesome. Oh man, this treatment of Hallelujah is HORRENDOUS. HATED IT. Cheese to the nth degree, and I’m not even holding it against Lee because it seems very X Factor-ish. Whose idea was that, hmmm? So wrong.

Dear Simon,
I officially hate you.
Love,
Jeff Buckley and Leonard Cohen

Annnnd….I’m outta here.

ETA: Jinx tinawina.

Seriously, the FugLee hate is on high right now….that was fuckin horrible….

of course

Oh mercy, this has been a show of epic blah.

While I’m a Crystal fan and will be voting for her tonight I think Lee did a great job on that.

lIKE, OH MAN………….GAHHHHHHHHHH.

That was so dramatic. I thought Lee sounded good but the rest was so cheesy.

I thought Lee was really good.

It was nice, but not my favorite version of the song.

LeeSox finale for me please!

Lee is just hopelessly uncharismatic. It was NOT “unbelievable” Randy.

Jason had MUCH more of a “moment” on that song with none of the bells and whistles.

Out of tune, too overdone with the arrangement, choir was there in an attempt to disguise his out of tune issues. Tongue bath for sure…ugh…

STOP TALKING. Dude, you had no choice.

Lee, you ARE what this show is all about…PIMPING.

Basically, couldn’t agree with you more Rub. It is sooo obvious they want Lee to win. But, I think I am seeing something now. They want someone they can maniuplate and perform at Disney concerts. If this is the case, then Lee is the next American Idol. Maybe the person who wins now, really isn’t a true winner anymore. Mmmmm…..

goodluck on the real world lee.

LOL – as if Simon would ever text with an exclamation point, “Hi, Lee, it’s Simon!”

Lee sang this really well – I think that is the best part of his voice.

It felt very X Factor when Lee received the pimp lighting and pimp choir.

Randy has really been pulling the enthusiastic “Lee you are the winner, tonight” Sooo annoying.

I have decided it wasn’t a moment though.

The only moments this season were in Hollywood week for me:
Didi – Terrified
Andrew – Straight Up

I really liked Lee’s version, better than Jason’s even

Can anyone really sing this song poorly?

Yes. Tim Urban sucked any form of life out of that song.

Why do Ryan ask him questions, he can’t give a short answer.

Lee should just stand there and smile…no talking please!

Tim had far more soul, and I don’t even like Tim!

Oh man, that was so bad. This is like comedy now, especially watching the judges slobber all over Lee for that cheesy, horrible arrangement with the choir (the choir!!) behind him. Tonight’s been an unbelievable episode of Idol for sure.

ETA: I actually liked Casey the best, but not enough to vote for him.

Re: Lee – Thinking of the butler in Arthur to Liza. “Try not to speak.”

Like, ya know, like, ya know, like, ya know

Ok so we have: biggest moment, stunning, this is what the show is all about, and fantastic singer (bwahahah) who needs a break (with cd’s on i-tunes and walmarkt). ok, but i’m not deaf. this was horrible

I haven’t heard anything but the last 2 performances so far but loved Lee’s. I think he’s been more consistently good than anyone else this season. I guess I’m immune to the pitch problems others see. I really like him and could see buying his cd. Oh and he’s no Taylor Hicks thank heavens.

I’m sure if any of the other contestants wanted back up singers like that, all they had to do was ask. They also can make their own choices as it relates to lighting, entrances, etc. If Crystal or Casey wanted to do something like that, they could have. But chose not to. Don’t think the lighting or back up singers were “pimping” Lee. Each contestant can make these choices.

lee ftw honestly!

Tim had far more soul

agreed! he was REALLY better than Lee on this song

Wow, this might be the first time on the idol stage with that many backup singers/a choir, right?

Nope, “Believe” w/Fantasia and Diana had a huge choir. It’s the first time during the regular competition and not the finale though.

Even with the light fest, the chorus and all the pimping… Lee didn’t have a moment. Don’t force a moment when it’s not there.
With a lot less, Jason Castro did a lot more.

I can’t believe I wasted one hour of my life listening to this. All three of them were disappointing. If they didn’t want to give their best performances, they should have never gotten up on stage.

That was NOT a moment!!!!!!

I can’t believe an American Idol, with all its heritage, its one that has been consistently out of tune. Even Halleluyah

Maybe you’re listening out of tune.

That was actually a very good vocal for him. I just thought he had a Kris Allen “Heartless” moment. Niceee

I loved Simple Man and absolutely hated Hallelujah. I hated both of Casey’s songs. I liked Crystal’s 1st song and liked her 2nd as well.

Lee is trending #1 worldwide right now. Tons of positive comments. MOMENTUM!

That felt like the X-Factor cheesed up version of the song though.

You nailed it. Even Paul Potts’ operatic performances would end with sparklers flaring behind him, just too much, IMO. Gosh, why did he have the horns blaring in the arrangement? Would have much preferred just Lee and simpler arrangement. I liked what Lee did with it, but way, way, way OTT version.

I have no doubt that Lee made those choices (glad he didn’t bring out the bag pipes again).

I’m so jealous of Lee. Wow.
I wish that Kris got even 1/10th of the judges love for Lee just now. WOW. And Kara’s comment about the show thing whatever. I’m mad now. Dang it.

And I don’t even care who wins this year, but that was so blatant pimping from Ryan, the producer, all the judges. I wonder how Crystal felt now.

I would not vote for any of them…even if I could. I MISS ADAM…AND COOKIE…AND KRIS

not as good as jason castros

That was HORRIBLE. That could have been pulled right off a 1970′s variety show, complete with cheesy, overwrought arrangement. Choir? Strings? WTF — radio would never touch this version of that song in a zillion years. The vocal — when it wasn’t being drowned out, was ok. But the arrangement? Yeesh

And Lee is the “heart of the show”? Seriously? I just threw up in my mouth. I’m so sick of the pimping. He isn’t that good. He is NOT going to sell millions of CDs.

I loved Lee!!! Everything about both performances!!

Oh give it to him, already. Where did the “nice person” stuff figure in?

I’m telling you, the guy is a douche in a raspberry beret. I spent a long time in Hollywood, and there is NO way he isn’t the douchiest douche to ever douche.

I still like Jason’s version better and I’m not a huge fan of his.

VOTING FOR CASEY!!!!!

If Lee did it acoustic-wise everybody would be saying he copied from Jason Castro (or even call it Timmie-like). It really is a lose-lose for Lee. Give the kid a break, he did well.

I don’t hate Lee, but I just don’t get it. I don’t understand it at all. He’s a nice guy, but the best? He can sing well to people? Tonight was his personal best, but THIS guy deserves to win? I have never been so confused in my life.

And there’s NPH, finally a star performer on Fox tonight!

Maybe you’re listening out of tune.

Hee …….. I watched for the first time tonight (other than the night Adam mentored) and have to ask just what the hell all the fuss is about with Crystal? She has zero personality and the vocals tonight were not good. Casey is a sweetheart but I do think he is out of his league. I think he’ll do well on tour. That said, Lee totally blew me away. Just love that gravelly voice of his……and he seems totally genuine to me. Crystal seems put on or something……can’t quite put my finger on it.

Lee will be lucky to end up as Daughtry’s beard roadie…

I’m sure if any of the other contestants wanted back up singers like that, all they had to do was ask. They also can make their own choices as it relates to lighting, entrances, etc. If Crystal or Casey wanted to do something like that, they could have. But chose not to.

Good for Crystal and Casey! Cuz that was ridiculous and lame.

bean99, you need to get your ears checked!!! There is no way Lee sings on pitch. What kind of singers do you listen to? There is no way Lee could touch Jason Castro. AND OH YES LEE IS THE NEXT TAYLOR HICKS IF HE WINS. Likeable, yes, good performer on stage NO!!! If Lee wins it will be another DUD year for American Idol. But, they can’t have an Adam Lambert every year.

That was actually a very good vocal for him. I just thought he had a Kris Allen “Heartless” moment. Niceee

Really? I mean really? Liked Lee’s first performance much better. Sighing like Ellen *Anyways…*

Lee – Honestly? It was good. EFF MY LIFE. I didn’t hear any severe pitch problems, but ergh.

I hate to say it, but he won the night.

Simon, I hate you.
Kara, SHUT THE FRACK UP AND LEARN HOW TO CONDENSE A STATEMENT. KISS = KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID. Otherwise I think you’re great, but still, don’t be a damn know-it-all.
Ellen, I just can’t hate you, I don’t know why, but I just find you lovable and even if you aren’t the best judge you always make me smile .
Randy, I. AM. A. STRAIGHT. GUY. I don’t normally feel bad about liking womanly things, but for some reason, a nerve was hit here. Maybe I am pissed and I need to relax.

bean99, you need to get your ears checked!!! There is no way Lee sings on pitch.

He wasn’t that off tonight. At least not compared to most other weeks.

But that growly “HAH” in the Hallelujah? That can go to hell, he shouldn’t have done that. Kinda put me off.

1. Lee
2. Crystal
3. Casey

Casey should be going home. Crystal/Lee finale. Well, this is what I wanted from these two, even if I do unleash the fury on Lee a lot of the time. Of course, if Lee wins, I’m gonna regret wanting that finale.

ok, people on twitter really loved it! WTF?

if lee wins, what would be his ranking on “best singer” for idol winners?

I am also live blogging it here: http://inghinyero.com/watch-american-idol-9-live-stream-online-free-live-blogging-final-3-performances/

You can watch it online live stream: NOW GLEE! http://onlinefullepisodes.blogspot.com

THANKS!

That was actually a very good vocal for him. I just thought he had a Kris Allen “Heartless” moment. Niceee

The differece is that Heartless was Kris’ own choice.
Lee’s song was Simon’s choice where he sang it at the end with the producer change the order of the songs so that the judges’ choice is at the end.

I WAY prefer Jason Castro’s “Hallelujah”. Lee’s was bombastic.

None of them have the charisma and personality to be the next American Idol. Its like they’ve run out of talent over the time span that American Idol has been on television. I guess those three are the best they can do right now. O well, I might not vote today.

i think it was rather good but not by any stretch ‘unbelievable’. Lee bores me in fact.
..i so miss season 8

Overall,a decent show
contestants choice
Casey- Bad
Crystal-good-ISH…
lee-good
Judges choice
Casey-great
Crystal-good-greatish
Lee-AWESOME!!!!!

Now,I really think Lee will win.Too bad I already picked Crystal in the pool as the winner.The homecomings were great.I’m gonna miss Simon soooo much (and of course,ho’s accent).My whole family hates Casey.I wish he’d leave but i don’t think he will.I have no idea who’s going home tomorrow

Hee …….. I watched for the first time tonight (other than the night Adam mentored) and have to ask just what the hell all the fuss is about with Crystal? She has zero personality and the vocals tonight were not good. Casey is a sweetheart but I do think he is out of his league. I think he’ll do well on tour. That said, Lee totally blew me away. Just love that gravelly voice of his……and he seems totally genuine to me. Crystal seems put on or something……can’t quite put my finger on it.

I 100% agree with this.

The reason why Simon is pulling so hard for Lee is that Lee embodies the whole myth of Idol/X Factor that Simon loves so much, that is, the myth of the poor waitress (Kelly, Leona) or in this case, paint sales dude being able to go “on a journey” and be a star. When in reality, they have all been musos and on the edges of the “biz” for years. Yawn, sigh.

Man, did they pull out all the stops for Lee or what? The song, the smoke, the drums, the choir, and the closing pimp spot all helped cover for Lee’s mediocrity as a singer and performer. Way to manufacture drama. And why not? It is a TV reality show and they need to provide some punch somehow. In a field of lukewarm contestants, Lee’s as good as any of them. Shrug.

Honestly, none of them had a “moment” tonight. What a disappointing Top 3 show. None of them deserve the American Idol title.

tinawina:
05/18/2010 at 9:03 pm

I don’t hate Lee, but I just don’t get it. I don’t understand it at all. He’s a nice guy, but the best? He can sing well to people? Tonight was his personal best, but THIS guy deserves to win? I have never been so confused in my life.

Oh and Crystal who has shouted her way through every song for weeks now and has been off key/pitch much of the time lately doesn’t deserve to win either. Casey was better tonight than Crystal. Does he deserve to win? The vote tonight is about tonight. If you think of each performance then no one on that stage this year deserved to win.

You know, I think AI realized they didn’t know what to do with Crystal. They saw her barrelling to the win – they see the numbers. And she talks back. They no likey. They saw themselves with a potential female Taylor Hicks so they pulled out all the Dewyze stops and now we’ve got the 3rd WGWG winner headed our way. Crystal is really the one that got bussed.

People criticized Kris last year for not being able to speak well but he got better & better with each interview after the show was over. I’m never that impressed with much any of them have to say or how they say it when they’re on the spot on stage–with the exception of DC & Adam who both speak very well.
Besides, it’s a singing competition, not a debating competition.

On another note, I can tell this season is extremely unpopular because during the last two seasons it was harder than hell to get in here to comment during the show. I’ve had no problems this year. Maybe MJ has some statistics and/or a different explanation.

I’m so tempted to vote for Casey right now because the sickening slobbering over a mediocre talent like Lee makes me sick

Find myself feeling a bit sad tonight because honestly, I don’t care who moves onto the final 2 or who wins. Have no investment in this show for the first time in 9 seasons and haven’t even voted.

I have no idea who’s going home tomorrow

Really luv?! This is one week where ALL of us are getting 24 points!

NO BUSY SIGNALS. Wow, it’s top 3 night. Jason was spectacular with Hallelujah, Lee wasn’t terrible, but just ok. Tonight was Idol Lite.

Eek. Moods seem intense.

HOPING FOR CRYSTAL!

if lee wins, what would be his ranking on “best singer” for idol winners?

This comment reminded me of Ryan and Simon’s chat about Kris. The question doesn’t bother me at all this season. But I remember last season, my reaction was Grrrrr.

None of them have the charisma and personality to be the next American Idol.

I disagree. We’ve had winners in the past who I think have no charisma or personality. It’s all subjective.

I haven’t had much interest in this season of AI, but that all changed tonight with Lee. I thought he was fantastic. I haven’t cared to vote all season, but tonight I’m voting for Lee.

Crystal’s second song was overpraised. She really wasn’t that good. However, it looks like Casey will be the one going home.

It’s obvious who the judges want to go home, Casey! But, Lee should go home and never sing on the stage again. He is a nice guys, but best in the bars where he doesn’t have to do interviews or perform on stage. They can make money and stars out of Chrystal and Casey. Both have raw talent, can play instruments, can sing well and perform on the stage!!! But, Lee just doesn’t cut the mustard. Frankly, I think he would do even worse than Taylor Hicks. Because at least Taylor seemed more confident on the stage. By now Lee should connect more as a performer, but he just never really improved. He smiled more, but that is about it. I would not pay one red penny to see him in concert alone.

Mediocre ending to a mediocre season.

nyanyanie

If Lee wins, IMO he would easily be the worst singer. Everyone else who has won can actually stay on key singing live. He also would have the least stage presence and charisma of any winner ever.

Of course, YMMV

Rayni, you could be right. But that was absolutely craptastic tonight. So you give Lee the no fail song, the choir, the freakin’ archangels, assure everyone that he’s an AMAZING HUMAN BEING!!! and the bestest singer in the world – and a lonely paint salesman!! But actually, he’s released two CDs.

I mean. Ugh. I had no particular feelings about Lee’s music, and I still don’t. I wouldn’t go near his CDs.

Likeable, yes, good performer on stage NO!!! If Lee wins it will be another DUD year for American Idol. But, they can’t have an Adam Lambert every year.

Well, that’s good to know, anyhow.

I don’t understand why the spoilers from People rehearsals didn’t seem to add up much to Casey’s performance, though it did for Lee’s. In the rehearsals, they said Casey did a more uptempo song for his choice and was very bluesy!! Did he change his mind last minute??? And also, they said a piano was wheeled in for his other song…I DIDN’T SEE NO piano!!!

Oh and Crystal who has shouted her way through every song for weeks now and has been off key/pitch much of the time lately deserves to win?

LOL. So is this where the fanwars start? Yikes.

Lets just say Crystal was not there. Would Lee deserve to win?

He has been out of tune for most of his idol run. His ITunes stuff is good, but on stage not so much. I don’t get why he is a good enough vocalist to win.

Lee did well for Lee. He’s been inconsistant and out of tune so often throughout the year though. He might have Simon and the spot lights and the choice to thank for being there next week though.

Crystal was good, as usual, but much better on the second song. There just isn’t enough time in 90 seconds to work in the harmonica. It comes off as awkward. She’s been consistent and good all season and should win. I expect Lee will be the winner though.

Casey bombed tonight.

Crystal was amazing! I think Crystal and Lee will be in the final 2.
I also think Lee is winning this thing.

I don’t get the Lee/Taylor comparison at all. Unless we’re talking about sales. Say what you will about Taylor but he had great stage presence. Lee fades into the woodwork.

Muzic2luv:
05/18/2010 at 9:11 pm

if lee wins, what would be his ranking on “best singer” for idol winners?

This comment reminded me of Ryan and Simon’s chat about Kris. The question doesn’t bother me at all this season. But I remember last season, my reaction was Grrrrr.

i thought that conversation was very mean, i don’t get why simon bashed kris for that, now he’s pimping lee. maybe he’s hearing something different.

I am not a fan of Lee but I can understand why AI wants him to win. He is the most commercial of the two and he will sell records.
Crystal and Casey not so much. They will have a niche market that is more limited. Lee is the mass appeal audience they want so he should win.
Crystal winning will definitely be a female Taylor HIcks. They won´t know what to do with her. JMHO.
I prefer Tim and Jason´s softer versions of Hallelujah rather than Lee´s but that´s just me.

Quick review after watching on live stream. It’s always different when I watch it on TV afterwards.

Who owned the night? Lee with Hallelujah. He sang it really well. He had some pitch issues with Simple Man in the chorus but very good song choice.

I don’t think Crystal did very well tonight on either of her songs. I too got confused by the lyrics on I’m Amazed and I thought she shouted a lot of it.

Very disappointing song choice by Casey, very lacking in humpff and all that jazz. I thought he did really well with Daughters. Randy & Kara sickened me tonight with their comments for him (when you leave the show; your fans are girls & women).

Lee is definitely a lock for the Finale and I’m pretty sure with the judges comments tonight that they want him to win the whole enchilada.

ETA:

Overall who I am a fan of? Casey
Which CD will I buy? Lee & Casey (hope like hell he gets a record deal)
Who I think deserves to win? Crystal

Talk about a weird season.

I don’t understand why the spoilers from People rehearsals didn’t seem to add up much to Casey’s performance, though it did for Lee’s. In the rehearsals, they said Casey did a more uptempo song for his choice and was very bluesy!! Did he change his mind last minute??? And also, they said a piano was wheeled in for his other song…I DIDN’T SEE NO piano!!!

I was confused about the personal pick because it didn’t match the spoiler. There was a piano for Daughters, though.

This is bad… the show with the final two could be downright embarassing…

If Casey’s lucky, he WILL be going home tomorrow night…that way he won’t be always known as the ‘winner’ of the WORST season of Idol ever…..

I still say, he’ll be the only one to still be in the industry a year from now….

The OTT pimping for Lee is annoying. I’m voting for Crystal and Casey. One Casey for every three Crystal. For a half an hour. LOL.

Honestly, the over-the-top pimping is really ruining the shows for me. I’m not a fan of Lee’s by any means, but I can admit that last performance was the best of the night, with a huge assist from Simon’s coaching. Then the judges *coughKaracough* had to send me back to disliking Lee by saying stuff like “you are the heart and soul of this season” and “fucken epic”. I thought Crystal’s vocal was fantastic as well, but of course, it was nowhere near as orgasmic for Kara as Hallelujah.

alaadam:
05/18/2010 at 9:00 pm
Lee is trending #1 worldwide right now. Tons of positive comments. MOMENTUM!

It’s a great freaking day to be a Lee Fan!!! YAY! Lee totally owned the night!

YankeeFan08:
05/18/2010 at 9:11 pm
“None of them have the charisma and personality to be the next American Idol.

I disagree. We’ve had winners in the past who I think have no charisma or personality. It’s all subjective.

I haven’t had much interest in this season of AI, but that all changed tonight with Lee. I thought he was fantastic. I haven’t cared to vote all season, but tonight I’m voting for Lee.”

I agree with you 100 percent Yankeefan. I picked Lee way back when he first made top 12. On MJ’s Idol pool. Lee proved tonight that I was right! He has gotten better and better. Why did they show him receiving his text from Simon on the plane and not at the AT&T store like the rest? He had a big crowd there.

Lee I am so proud of you and no matter what happens you are my American Idol!

chearts77:
05/18/2010 at 9:15 pm
I don’t understand why the spoilers from People rehearsals didn’t seem to add up much to Casey’s performance, though it did for Lee’s. In the rehearsals, they said Casey did a more uptempo song for his choice and was very bluesy!! Did he change his mind last minute??? And also, they said a piano was wheeled in for his other song…I DIDN’T SEE NO piano!!!

I was confused about the personal pick because it didn’t match the spoiler. There was a piano for Daughters, though.

There was?? Oh crap, my bad…But it does sound odd about Casey’s spoiler doesn’t it???? And oh it makes me so mad that they always give him the first spot!!!!

girlygirl:
05/18/2010 at 9:12 pm
nyanyanie

If Lee wins, IMO he would easily be the worst singer. Everyone else who has won can actually stay on keuy singing live. He also would have the least stage presence and charisma of any winner ever.

Of course, YMMV

i totally agree. and also, it is not about being the nice guy.

Me too jammasta :=) I think everyone sees AI just didn’t have the best in the Finals this year. The voting system really stinks too. There is no way Mike Lynch should have been voted off!! I don’t care who wins either and have not voted. It seems the person who is the best singer doesn’t win anyway. It is just a popularity contest and it is getting old to watch someone like Lee who is soooo lacking as a performer get so much pimping. I want to see Casey and Chrystal in the final. But, I wouldn’t be surprised if Chrystal gets the boot because she is the best singer/performer right now. And that is not the one wins AI anymore. Those days are long gone.

Nostradamas:
05/18/2010 at 9:16 pm

If Casey’s lucky, he WILL be going home tomorrow night…that way he won’t be always known as the ‘winner’ of the WORST season of Idol ever…..

I still say, he’ll be the only one to still be in the industry a year from now….

Nostradamas, with your screenname I think we should take your prediction very seriously!

LOL, Nastradamas, who knows. Have you been right with your “predictions” in the past? Casey is a musician. I respect him for that.

The people I am voting for are

Mama Sox

Lee

Comments:

I got some busy signals!! YEAH! First time this season for them.

Mama Sox: Song: Come through my window! YEAH WOOOO! And Maybe I’m Amazed. WOOOOOOOOOOOW! That was fantastic!!! Thank you Ellen!!!

Lee: Song Simple Man. AWESOME! Hallelujah. THAT WAS FANTASTIC!!!!!! He sang it so much better than Jason Castro! Lee and Mama Sox are both IN IT TO WIN IT BABY!

Lots of people on twitter voting for Casey because of the stupid, undeserved pimping of Lee…

If I had to choose between the three, Lee won easily. Casey was totally lost and Crystal, what the hell was her problem today and the last three weeks. It was hers to win or lose and she has handed it over to Lee on a silver platter. For some reason, a lot of people are going crazy over Lee on twitter. I think they picked up on the fact that he wants it more than the other two. No he’s not the best singer, but he’s at least trying. He doesn’t want to go back to the paint store.

I so wanted a girl to win this year. Mediocre semifinal-lots of overpraising-no tour for me this year. Just no star power at all. Pretty good recording voice from these guys but not enough charisma or stage presence to make me want to see them in person.
Lee will win with the judges telling the American public he crushed the competition-which isn’t saying much this year.
David Cook,Kris and Lee are interchangeable for me in style so I guess that’s why I wanted something different this year. Looks like I’m not going to get it.

girlygirl:
05/18/2010 at 9:21 pm
Lots of people on twitter voting for Casey because of the stupid, undeserved pimping of Lee…

Girlygirl – I would too! LOL…only that i AM voting for Casey because i know for a fact he is a GREAT musician and true blues artist..

Lots of people on twitter voting for Casey because of the stupid, undeserved pimping of Lee…

We might end up with a Casey/Lee Finale then. I hope not, but then again I don’t think it matters at this point. WGuyWG for the win! LOL

His ITunes stuff is good, but on stage not so much.

The same could be said about Taylor Swift–and it has been–but look how successful she is.

That arrangement of Hallelujah was all sorts of bad. It sucked the soul from the song (not to mention the lights of pimpage). He did a serviceable job of singing it. They ALL did a serviceable job of singing tonight. The only “moments” were manufactured to make us believe that it happened.

If Casey doesn’t go home tomorrow night, then it’s a joke. He was dull and boring tonight and felt like he didn’t even try. Though the second song wasn’t all his fault.

People who are saying that Lee is the next Taylor Hicks.. Taylor’s style of music never rly appealed to people after idol. It’s not like he has the cute thing going for him. Lee can record well. When people are saying he can’t sing in tune, doesn’t show in the studio. He has the best recordings out of everyone, along with Crystal. I strongly believe he’ll sell well after idol. He’s no Daughtry, but he’s also no Taylor Hicks.

Ross, bite me! How is that good to know. Sorry, dude but Adam Lambert was one of the if not the best performer on the American Idol stage. The fact that he is out performing Kris Allen says it all!!! And I compare Lee to Taylor Hicks because he will not sell records or concert tickets!!! There I said it! Taylor Hicks definitely had stage presence which Lee doesn’t have and so Lee will actually do worse!!!!!

MJ I see in your recap you also point out that Crystal was singing the same lyric over and over in MIA, just as I had commented. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard the original, but it SOUNDED like she forgot the words. Even if she didn’t, it’s just sounded very strange.

Lee is trouncing the competition over at Dial Idol!!! I know it’s still early, but he is already green!

Lee was pretty freaking awesome tonight and I’m so happy for him, You go boy!

Casey, I still love his guitar playing more than his singing.

Crystal was great tonight too, I loved her take on Maybe I’m Amazed.

I so wanted a girl to win this year. Mediocre semifinal-lots of overpraising-no tour for me this year. Just no star power at all. Pretty good recording voice from these guys but not enough charisma or stage presence to make me want to see them in person.
Lee will win with the judges telling the American public he crushed the competition-which isn’t saying much this year.
David Cook,Kris and Lee are interchangeable for me in style so I guess that’s why I wanted something different this year. Looks like I’m not going to get it.

I wanted a girl to win too! I agree with your entire statement!

Lee will win and just muddy the waters. Oh well.

and Crystal, what the hell was her problem today and the last three weeks

Crystal has a kid she would have to leave for long periods of time if she wins. I don’t think she wants to win.

Lots of people on twitter voting for Casey because of the stupid, undeserved pimping of Lee…

i wish they were voting for Crystal, she has a better chance than Casey

Okay–all three contestants picked a song for themselves that they’d sung 100 times before so they’d only have to learn one song. I respect the rationale but it didn’t work as well for Casey and Crystal as it did for Lee. (And it’s just another reason why Kris Allen is so excellent. He learned two songs this week last year, played instruments on both of them, and doing Heartless won the whole thing for him.)

AI so, so, so wants Lee. That chorus? The lighting? Reminded me of David Cook singing I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing–with that orchestra surrounding him while the other two just sang a song and that’s it. (No offense to David Cook–he’s great–but the show royally pimped him that week.) I wonder why they want Lee so much. He’s good, but it’s been ages since they had a girl win it, and Crystal is excellent.

I don’t get the worst singer comments about Lee but then I made a lot of those last season about Kris so I guess it’s fair, lol. I really like Lee’s voice and have no problems with his performance skills either. I think he’d be a better winner than 2 or 3 of the seasons. I also really like Casey and am happy he made it this far but think he’s not in it anymore and his relaxed performances back in DFW show it. He’s another one I’m interested in seeing what he does after the season ends.

I just wish Didi and others like Alex and Lilly had lasted longer but other than that think this season has been pretty good. I’m pretty happy to have 2 of my favorites in the f3.

Lee is no Taylor Hicks. He can’t come close to Taylor. LOL. I’m not even a Taylor fan, but he knew how to entertain. Lee does not and he’s off key more than he’s on key. I feel bad for the kid because he’s headed for a huge fall. He doesn’t show me any musicality, which he’ll need if he’s going to last beyond a first album.

Don’t the judges have to “pimp” someone… they can’t just say everyone’s horrible. And since they have to pick one Lee is an easy choice because:
a) he’s likable
b) Appeals to a much larger audience than casey or crystal
c) Casey or Crystal would never be played on the radio

Lots of people on twitter voting for Casey because of the stupid, undeserved pimping of Lee…

They should be voting for Crystal instead, lol, Lee’s already showing safe on DI, who knows that could change.

The same could be said about Taylor Swift–and it has been–but look how successful she is.

Sure. I’m not one of the people saying Lee is Taylor Hicks. I think he could do well selling some records. I already said I will probably check out his stuff when it drops. I think he has potential as a recording artist, and I like the way his voice sounds on the ITunes recordings. I felt the same way about Casey.

I am talking about Idol the contest. You know, for good vocalists. LOL. Maybe the best technical singer doesn’t always win, but they’ve all been at least good at singing live. And Lee is not, at least not consistantly. I like Taylor Swift, but I wouldn’t want her to win Idol either.

Nine seasons. Last few years have been hoping it will get better instead of worse(I used to REALLY love this show before they started sending the good SINGERS home before top 6???))…FIRST season with NO investment AT ALL in who wins!…The final 3 are just boring to me. I just don’t care anymore. The winner will be only the best of the worst. I have to find a new weekly past time from January to May for the future cause AI ain’t doing it for me no more. Anybody feeling me?????????

AI so, so, so wants Lee. That chorus? The lighting? Reminded me of David Cook singing I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing–with that orchestra surrounding him while the other two just sang a song and that’s it. (No offense to David Cook–he’s great–but the show royally pimped him that week.) I wonder why they want Lee so much.

That’s what I’ve been wondering for the past few weeks! Why did they change horses? hmmmm

When did Cook sing DWMAT? Was it final 3 night? If so- he was pimped and Lee was pimped. What’s the difference?

There is no way Cook is interchangeable with Lee or Kris or anyone for that matter! Them there are fightin’ words! Lol! Just kidding! Cook has incredible range and vocals, and is brilliant in song interpretation!

I would agree with this. I think Lee will put out the same type of album though.

There is no way Cook is interchangeable with Lee or Kris or anyone for that matter! Them there are fightin’ words! Lol! Just kidding! Cook has incredible range and vocals, and is brilliant in song interpretation! It doesn’t matter because he already won! And so has Kris!

Crystal has a kid she would have to leave for long periods of time if she wins. I don’t think she wants to win.

I don’t think it’s that. At the beginning of Maybe I’m Amazed she sounded really scared–by the middle she was amazing tho, I thought. And for the past few weeks she’s sounded that way. The beginning of Summer Wind–almost paralyzed with fear for the first 10 seconds.

One more thing, I agree with whomever said Tim had way more soul on that song that Lee. It was a different version but that song suits better softer versions and voices like Tim´s and Jason´s.

In any case let me just say: Congrats Lee in advance! you just won American Idol 9! THank Simon and the pimping lights!

I always get a smile on my face reading all the psychic predictions here.

I don’t think Lee is anything like Taylor Hicks. I so hated that guy (well not really), but I thought he was terribly boring. Lee has way more personality to me. Plus Lee is kind of nice looking. He should smile more though.

I have to find a new weekly past time from January to May for the future cause AI ain’t doing it for me no more. Anybody feeling me?????????

Yes!!! Hmmm, maybe we can start a book club or something.

IMO TPTB (including Simon) really liked Lee’s story arc — sort of ordinary guy working in a paint store, needs a shot. Too bad TPTB didn’t find something they liked in Casey’s story, b/c there is certainly a lot there.

When Jason sang “Hallelujah” I believed him. He also had the good sense to choose his own arrangement. I didn’t believe Lee at all. I’m sure Simon is seeing Susan Boyle dollar signs, but whatever. He doesn’t care about music, does he?

I want to know who did Lee’s arrangement. Because I don’t believe those musical ideas came out of his head.

Lee has a better chance than Taylor of being played on the radio because Taylor’s style didn’t really fit any radio format. But Taylor is a far far far better performer than Lee. Taylor had a lot of stage presence. Lee basically has none.

In any case let me just say: Congrats Lee in advance! you just won American Idol 9! THank Simon and the pimping lights!

That could easily cause the opposite outcome. I still think any of them could win.

I’ve actually had the privilege of listening to David Cook live. Lee and Kris are incomparrible to him in every way.

Cook>Kris>Lee

I still think Lee’s pretty good though, just not as good as the other two.

Lee is no Taylor Hicks. He can’t come close to Taylor. LOL. I’m not even a Taylor fan, but he knew how to entertain. Lee does not and he’s off key more than he’s on key. I feel bad for the kid because he’s headed for a huge fall. He doesn’t show me any musicality, which he’ll need if he’s going to last beyond a first album.

For someone who had 40,000 for his homecoming concert and sold out in 9 minutes, I think he’ll be fine.

savgal

TPTB conveniently overlooked the part of Lee’s story that had him already signed to a label with 2 albums in release. The whole paint salesman thing is only part of the guy’s backstory — because of that, it comes off as a little disingenuous

Sure there’s people who wanted a girl to win, but no one is going to hand the crown over to someone who’s giving a half-ass performance. She’s not even trying and Lee for all of faults really wants this and people can see he cares. She needs to drop the attitude and either kick ass next week or go back home to Toledo. If she wants to be the nest generation Melissa Ethridge then she needs to get at least a tenth of that woman’s passion and drive. Melissa is a cancer survivor who threw down a kick ass performance standing in front her peers and the American public, proudly bald at the Grammys and gave the youngsters a lesson in what it means to be a rock star. Crystal needs to ask herself if she wants this and if she is ready to hard like the rest of the Idols from previous seasons did to become successful.

Whatever the performers have on stage with them–lighting, back-up singers, musicians, etc. is all up to them. It has nothing to do with being pimped. They can “stage” themselves however they choose. Don’t fault Lee for utilizing the resources.

Honestly, I don’t get how people don’t think Lee is pitchy. Well, maybe not tonight, because I think he did really well. I don’t get the judges’ OTT praise….. Also, his “You know” thing bugs the **** out of me. Seriously, every time he does it I want to punch something really hard. Please, for your sake and for my sanity (which has been really tested by this season), get out of this habit!

But seriously, Lee does have a good recording voice. Not a good live performer, but I do love his recording voice. He’ll be good on the radio. I hope he doesn’t win, but I’ll (try to) learn to accept it…. (though, to be honest, it could be the most painful win for me because he really isn’t a great live singer….)

TPTB conveniently overlooked the part of Lee’s story that had him already signed to a label with 2 albums in release. The whole paint salesman thing is only part of the guy’s backstory — because of that, it comes off as a little disingenuous

And this is something new for AI?

Lee has zippo stage presence and charisma. Good luck idol trying to market boring.

Well, Lee took the night. Casey’s first song was so elementary I wondered if he really wanted to win and I’m still having doubts about that. Crystal is no Melissa: the second song was better by far, but there was nothing really there for her, either.. Lee seemed pretty much in tune and sounded good. Hallelujah elicited a predictable response, but was totally lacking soul. If it was a moment, it was a passionless one. Still, his vocals were winners. I ended up wondering about both Casey and Crystal, thinking Casey will be content to come in third and Crystal will be content if she comes in second. Only Lee seems to want the crown; the others are ditching it.

When Jason sang “Hallelujah” I believed him. He also had the good sense to choose his own arrangement.

No disrespect to Jason, who I love, but his arrangement was the Jeff Buckley version, straight up.

I loved Lee’s “Hallelujah.” It was more Cohen than Buckley, which was fine since we’ve seen the Buckley version before. I really thought he had a moment.

Well you know how mediocre a night’s been when Lee’s the best. All Lee proved to me tonight is that he is indeed a 3rd rate David Cook. I didn’t like his screamed Simple Man. Right song choice, not a good interpretation, David Cook would’ve been better. And I am not a David Cook fan based on his album. The blatant manufacturing of a “moment” with Hallelujah was a big turnoff too and it gave me the uncomfortable feeling of Lee already being under TPTB’s thumb. Simon was selling this hard. Again I’d have rather heard David Cook singing it.

But congratulations on winning S9 of AI Lee. It’s not good for the AI franchise but he’s the right winner for this disappointment of a season. If he and David Cook both release albums this fall the most interesting thing is how they distinguish one from the other.

Crystal was a little screamy on Maybe I’m Amazed and the Come To My Window performance was awkward. Too bad. I still love her voice.

Casey didn’t bring what I was hoping which was a smarter, more defining song selection. I don’t feel bad about him being voted off tomorrow. I wish he’d made himself more attractive to labels with his song choices. I hope he’s better on tour.

Poster above said—-
“Whatever the performers have on stage with them–lighting, back-up singers, musicians, etc. is all up to them. It has nothing to do with being pimped. They can “stage” themselves however they choose. Don’t fault Lee for utilizing the resources.”

…if true, that even makes it even worse for me! He pimped his own self to make him sound better than he is…:)

Round ONE:

Casey chose an Eric Hutchinson song! *squee* I love his album Sounds Like This! Great choice for Casey personally, but not a good Idol song. He did a great job with it and I LOVE him even more for picking a hutchead song. Problem is it’s not familiar enough to the Idol audience. Bummer. You should have plugged in and ripped, Casey. Was it just me, or did Casey look surprised to be going first? He barely got his guitar pick out of his pocket in time. Of course, the judges tear him a new one (but they would have done that whatever he sang).

I thought the arrangement of Come To My Window for Crystal wasn’t good, and man did she push too hard. She sounded really rough, and for me (for you) the harmonica didn’t fit at all. The judges loved her, though (but they would have done that whatever she sang).

Lee does Simple Man. Once again he has pitch issues but at least he put some oomph into it. I just don’t care for Lee, but he did a’ight with it. The judges LURVE him (but they would have done that whatever he sang).

Round TWO:

Casey does a great job and puts a bit of himself into Daughters. Thanks, judges, for picking a sleeper of a song. Who does he have to blow to get better lighting, btw? Randy’s comment is telling, “You should do stuff like this in your career.” Basically implying Casey’s gone tomorrow. Sadly, he’s probably right.

Crystal didn’t sound great on Maybe I’m Amazed either. Are she and Casey fighting over who gets to go home tomorrow? Are her chords blown from her hometown visit? She just repeats the same line over and over. It was really screamy, too, and I say that as a fan of Crystal’s. The judges give her a tongue bath, though.

OMG, if I never hear Hallelujah again it will be too soon. Maybe it was my feed, but it seemed the choir/singers drowned Lee out at times, and the band totally washed him out at the end. Meh. The judges love it and crown him the winner already. He wasn’t awful, but that song is a moment in itself no matter who sings it. Had either Crystal or Casey had it, they would have had the moment. Was the choir Simon’s idea?

For me, this wasn’t a great night all around. Everyone seems to be predicting Casey will go home, which he probably will. *sad face* Now I just have to wait for my time to vote.

Taylor Hicks was only a good performer if you liked him. I found him unbearably cheezy and not a good singer. What he did do was play the game extremely well as did David Cook. I don’t know if Lee is playing the game but he’s been pretty good all season imo. I’m not hearing the pitchy comments or criticisms from my friends that I hear on the blog. They like him and hope he beats Crystal.

Comparing DC, Kris, and Lee makes no sense to me and rating them is too subjective.

Whatever the performers have on stage with them–lighting, back-up singers, musicians, etc. is all up to them. It has nothing to do with being pimped. They can “stage” themselves however they choose. Don’t fault Lee for utilizing the resources.

THIS! Thank you for saying this!

When did being desperate become a criteria for being the winner? I’m sure they all want to win. Well, maybe not. They might be wise not to want to win after they see how it all works.

tinawina, when people spend money on concert tickets, they want to be entertained. When people purchase records, they want something they can play more than once. Do you really think you could sit through a Lee concert or listen to his songs over and over again. Well, I couldn’t and I wouldn’t. I want to see a good performance on the stage. I want to feel like the person is actually happy to be on the stage. Not stifff and singing off key!!! I want to buy a record that doesn’t sound like everything else I have heard a million times. And that is what Lee is to me. Boring, NOTHING SPECIAL, AND DEFINITELY LACKS ANY STAGE PRESENCE!!! Do you get it now???

All tonight proved is that none of these are likely to do anything once they are off the show. Good luck trying to market Lee in a field that already has dozens of bands out there that have his exact style — with lead singers who can actually stay on key and much bigger fanbases than Lee’s. He’s likely going to get lost in a sea of 2nd rate Nickelback wannabes

Whatever the performers have on stage with them–lighting, back-up singers, musicians, etc. is all up to them. It has nothing to do with being pimped. They can “stage” themselves however they choose. Don’t fault Lee for utilizing the resources.

I don’t fault Lee for using the resources. I fault him for using the resources to create a cheesy, bombastic, overblown spectacle which in no way shows he has any ability to understand and arrange a song. Though if Cirque du Soleil needs a stage manager, maybe he can help…

Whatever the performers have on stage with them–lighting, back-up singers, musicians, etc. is all up to them. It has nothing to do with being pimped. They can “stage” themselves however they choose. Don’t fault Lee for utilizing the resources.

I’m not quite buying that. I don’t think he would have had the big choir if Simon hadn’t demanded it. I think the arrangement was all pretty much Simon’s doing. JMO

Well, I think Crystal is in danger of not making the finals. She wasn’t that good, and the casual voters would not pick up the phone for her, but might feel a little sorry for Casey. Her body of work up until now has been excellent. But people who haven’t been watching that much or haven’t picked a horse in the race won’t care. It might have been the worst time to have an off night.

somehow, i wanna say sorry to danny gokey for being negative to him last season, i just didn’t like the pimping on your part.. now i realized you actually deserved it cause you sing on key most of the time (i’ll even forgive u on the scream on).

I don’t like how they said to Casey….”as you leave the show.” He just got Syesha’d. I hate that when they do that so blatantly. On relistening, Casey killed “Daughters.” Dude can’t help that he is so pretty, but make no mistake, he’s got talent! Is anyone getting any busy signals?

Maybe next week the Casey fans will vote for Crystal? They seem to have a lot more in common (more bluesy, can sing on key, etc). Plus, if Kara writes the coronation song, Lee won’t be able to sing it.

No argument from me tonight… pimping or not, Lee was the best one tonight. I expected so much from Crystal so I am a little bit disappointed. But I am still a fan of hers ! That should be a great Lee-Crystal finale next week !

Casey is trending worldwide too. No crystal.

No busy signals here.

Kirsten:
05/18/2010 at 9:45 pm
Plus, if Kara writes the coronation song, Lee won’t be able to sing it.

LMAO kirsten! omg, im excited to hear the new coronation song.. they will never end!

Maybe next week the Casey fans will vote for Crystal? They seem to have a lot more in common (more bluesy, can sing on key, etc). Plus, if Kara writes the coronation song, Lee won’t be able to sing it

I don’t think so but then I like Lee. This is actually the first time I’m not splitting the votes between them.

Comparing DC, Kris, and Lee makes no sense to me

The reason I’m comparing DC and Lee is that tonight Lee sang the post-grunge rock style that David Cook has and seeing as Simon’s thumbprint was all over that Hallelujah performance I think that’s where he’s seeing Lee’s album too.

Plus, if Kara writes the coronation song, Lee won’t be able to sing it.

Haha. Except this year the coronation song’s being written FOR Lee!

Whatever the performers have on stage with them–lighting, back-up singers, musicians, etc. is all up to them. It has nothing to do with being pimped. They can “stage” themselves however they choose. Don’t fault Lee for utilizing the resources.

I don’t believe that Lee requested a chorus of 8 singers in black to back him up. Just like I don’t believe for a minute that David Cook asked to have those strings put on the stage around him on his top 3 night. The show wanted a dramatic final perf on top 3 night, and they put the one they want to win in the spotlight.

Well, I’m no conspiracy theorist… until maybe now…

I’m not a fan this season. BUT, so tonight the bus came rollin’ again for Casey. Duh. So I throw a few text votes at him. No response (cuz I really don’t care alot.) Check my phone after a half hour or so. Finally a response: “Your vote for Casey was received… (obligatory marketing bs but NO, this is a one time message, vote as much as you like…)” So, having had this same shit last week and the week before when voting for several folks, who had the usual KEEP VOTING message to the confirmation, I threw a vote to Crystal, who I adore of course. Yep, the usual… “This is your one time confirmation, blah, blah, vote as often as you like until voting closes, blah, blah…

So, I get the whole pimping and OTT adulation on the show to manip votes. But using the response message to text voters too? That seems remarkable to me.

Anywho, Lee was finally on key tonight, so I’m convinced he was lip synching since he’s NEVER done it before. It’ll be Crystal and Lee, but it should be Crystal and Casey.

Just a casual viewer’s views…

I don’t like how they said to Casey….”as you leave the show.” He just got Syesha’d.

Haha, well they’re ALL “leaving the show” after next week, I really don’t think that’s what Kara meant, but maybe she intentionally slipped in that subliminal message….

From the ‘meh’ to the ‘suck’. I’m sorry I watched.

Geez, that isn’t how Hallelula is supposed to be done, with a big choir. It’s not that kind of “hallelula” for gods sake. It’s a dark, moody, emotional song. Did Simon ever listen to the lyrics? to Leonard Cohen singing it? the guy that wrote it?

What a cheesy American Idol spectacle that last song was. And the pimping was so blatant tonight, more so than ever before. Crystal was smart, she picked songs where she could shout (and she did shout too much) because that’s what the judges reward. Same with Lee.

True, Casey’s first song wasn’t a good choice for tonight, but he sang it well (and personally I liked it, I like his understated, happy, easy-going self) but the judges couldn’t say even one nice thing to him. Like the others, his vocals were good, and he also hasn’t compromised this season. He’s been true to himself. But they can’t give him credit for anything. If it had been Lee, they would have said, “it wasn’t the best song choice but the vocals were good and you haven’t compromised this season, and you’re still great and everyone still loves you.”

I hope people aren’t totally gullible to get sucked in by that sh*t.

Is anyone getting any busy signals?

Not here

I’m done voting. Split for Crystal 4-1 and Casey. I just don’t want to see her gone because she’s female. Gah. I just can’t get into Lee and his lack of vocals.

Have you seen Dial Idol? Wow.

nyanyanie, so true! I agree towards the end Danny was 1 million times better than Lee could ever hope to be. But, this year America voted off some of the best singers too early. Mike Lynch was outstanding and a singer/performer on the stage. How can you pick Lee over him. And Lee really seems like a nice guy. But, give me a break!! He needs to performe on the stage more and then come back. Also, take some voice lessons to learn to stay on key. When you are in the studio, they can do edits, retakes, sound mixing, etc… And make you sound like a million bucks!! But, when you are on the stage you better sing on key!!!! You better look like you want to be there!!!! You better sell concert tickets!!!! Or the producers and promoters will ditch you fast!!!!

alaadam:
05/18/2010 at 9:46 pm
Casey is trending worldwide too. No crystal.

Sure Casey is trending, they want to do everything to keep Crystal out of the final two and I don’t blame them. She’s the most talented out of that bunch, but gave the least in her performance. I hope Casey makes it. Crystal had her chance, but she blew it.

I don’t believe that Lee requested a chorus of 8 singers in black to back him up. Just like I don’t believe for a minute that David Cook asked to have those strings put on the stage around him on his top 3 night. The show wanted a dramatic final perf on top 3 night, and they put the one they want to win in the spotlight.

Yep. Like I said, what’s the difference?

I didn’t like the first song performed by any of them, but loved all of their second songs. Lee’s Hallelujah was pretty wonderful. I’ve liked him best from the beginning and think he deserves the praise he’s getting. I expect he’ll win over Crystal.

As for Lee’s ‘aw shucks’ attitude that people are commenting on, I totally buy it. Let’s face it: the contestants can never win. If they appear confident, it’s mistaken for arrogance and construed as “I have it in the bag”. When they’re humble, they’re either accused of lacking confidence or it being put on. IMO, what we see of Lee is genuine.

Maybe next week the Casey fans will vote for Crystal? They seem to have a lot more in common (more bluesy, can sing on key, etc). Plus, if Kara writes the coronation song, Lee won’t be able to sing it.

Yes, if Casey doesn’t make it, my votes shift to Crystal. I know a lot of Casey fans that have Crystal as their #2.

Have you seen Dial Idol? Wow.

Yep, I have. lol

WHat is Dial Idol saying?

They didn’t give Casey anything to work with for a moment. I also noticed the switch up having judges’ choice last. I suppose they didn’t want another “Heartless” moment happening. Paula and Simon were scrambling last year. But, this year everything fell into place perfectly for Simon. Simple Man is a favorite of mine and my son’s. I called him to watch Lee perform it. He didn’t like it at all. I thought it was okay. Hallelujah had Simon’s stink all over it. He just can’t let go of those big cheesy finishes. I think the backup singers threw Lee off for a time, but he got it back. The smoke, the singers, the brass section, was not good. It was a moment, it was big, but was it as good as the judges said? It was okay for me.

The minute I heard Casey’s song title, I told my daughter Randy or one of the judges was going to say just that — It was just alright with me. When Randy said it, my daughter laughed her butt off. Nothing like handing them the ammunition. Simon couldn’t even control himself. Who was he laughing at? I thought that was pretty rude. But, we are talking about Simon here. I try to give him the benefit of the doubt, but maybe he really is a dick.

Oh, Crystal. What can I say? The power notes just aren’t her thing, as far as, my ears are concerned. It does strain her beautiful vocals. She went big because she had no choice. How was Crystal suppose to change up the gender? I think it would have been like Syesha Mercardo’s Me & Mrs. Jones moment. Just doesn’t work at all.

Same script as last year. The overpimping didn’t work then. Will it work now? Or does Simon really want Crystal to win and this is just reverse psychology? I’m not invested, but my heart did go out to Casey. I think the audience was stunned silent by the judges’ critiques of Casey. You could hear a pin drop. It was amazing. No boos, no cheers. I think the audience couldn’t believe the obvious bussing. It gets a little old. Simon Cowell has worn out his welcome as far as I’m concerned.

tinawina, when people spend money on concert tickets, they want to be entertained. When people purchase records, they want something they can play more than once. Do you really think you could sit through a Lee concert or listen to his songs over and over again. Well, I couldn’t and I wouldn’t. I want to see a good performance on the stage. I want to feel like the person is actually happy to be on the stage. Not stifff and singing off key!!! I want to buy a record that doesn’t sound like everything else I have heard a million times. And that is what Lee is to me. Boring, NOTHING SPECIAL, AND DEFINITELY LACKS ANY STAGE PRESENCE!!! Do you get it now???

Well, I think the most important thing is can you sell a song in the studio, because that is what people hear the most (Hello, Taylor Swift! How ya doin’ Rhianna!) and I think Lee is capable of doing that. If he gets good songs that suit him he can move units IMO. I think the rest comes in when you try to build longevity… and I agree, without fantastic songs, I don’t know if Lee will sustain any success unless he steps it up in all the other areas.

Lexus, you definitely have a point. But, a good personality doesn’t sell concert tickets or records. Lee may be humble, but he will be eating humble pie with his career. His musical career will go nowhere. He is not Matt Gerard, not even Danny Gokey, no Kris Allen and certainly no ADAM LAMBERT!! So, he will be another Taylor Hicks. He will not sell many tickets, or records. But, he will always be remembered as a nice/humble guy. People will forget him. Because he is is nothing special and lacks star quality.

I’m telling you, the guy is a douche in a raspberry beret. I spent a long time in Hollywood, and there is NO way he isn’t the douchiest douche to ever douche.

This kills me — you know this how? Because he wears a red skull cap? Wow, I wish I had that level of ‘vision’.

As for Lee’s ‘aw shucks’ attitude that people are commenting on, I totally buy it. Let’s face it: the contestants can never win. If they appear confident, it’s mistaken for arrogance and construed as “I have it in the bag”. When they’re humble, they’re either accused of lacking confidence or it being put on. IMO, what we see of Lee is genuine.

I 100% agree that Lee is genuine. I like the guy, I really do. Which is why tonight actually made me uncomfortable for him because of how manipulated the situation around him was. I really think he became a vessel for TPTB’s agenda tonight. They’re determined to sell his story and sell him, and I think it’s because they’re desperate to save the season and justify why he’s way ahead in the votes. But I think the post AI realities are going to be harsh for him and I almost wish they weren’t setting him up like they are now because it’s more for their sake than his.

alaadam:
05/18/2010 at 9:56 pm
WHat is Dial Idol saying?

That a WGuyWG is going to win again this year…and it isn’t Casey. LOL

I’m not expert at doing a screencap so here is the alternative.

http://www.dialidol.com/asp/predictions/predictions.asp

I miss Lilly!

aaaand you’re banned

Ryan said there would be performances by Justin Bieber & Travis Garland but what about Will Young? Wouldn’t Will Young be on to sing the boot song live?

Ryan said there would be performances by Justin Bieber & Travis Garland but what about Will Young? Wouldn’t Will Young be on to sing the boot song live?

If we get a Will Young performance, it will probably be next week.

Simon hadn’t demanded it. I think the arrangement was all pretty much Simon’s doing. JMO

I’ll go along with that–I’m sure Simon did have a hand in it. But the others all had the same resources at their disposal–and supposedly, help from Kara & Randy (if you could call it help). And, each week they’ve all had the resources at their disposal, not just this week.
Unfortunately for Crystal & Casey, when they don’t just stand & play the guitar and instead move around the stage empty handed, they are awkward and it seems to throw them off, making their performances crappy. They have both stopped being themselves and it shows.

Geez Louise! I thought that was the best performance show of the season!!! Three exclamations for that! I ranged from really, really liking to really, really loving all the performances. I do feel Crystal has strained her voice a tad, but that didn’t stop me from getting ye olde chills from her. As well as Lee. And Casey.

Did I mention I enjoyed the show?

I didn’t hate anyone. I didn’t love anyone. I could see where some would think Lee had a better night than Crystal.

Even S6 where I had no favorites at all, I still could relate to the show. But not this season. I’m pretty sure the TPTB want Lee to win. Usually the favorite gets something extra, strings, gospel chorus something. And Lee is demolishing the others on Dialidol so it def worked.

Lee is kind of the stepson of Cook and Kris so I guess him winning makes some sense. The same people that voted for them must be also voting for him.

Simon likes to suck the soul from songs. See Boyle, Susan. So yeah, he probably had a hand in the production of Lee’s manufactured moment. Ahem.

jlc:
Unfortunately for Crystal & Casey, when they don’t just stand & play the guitar and instead move around the stage empty handed, they are awkward and it seems to throw them off, making their performances crappy. They have both stopped being themselves and it shows.

This! So much this!

Every time Casey rips on the electric guitar, they call him jam band. They usually compliment Crystal’s vocals, but they don’t like it when she goes rootsy. Casey and Crystal and both rootsy in their backgrounds, and that doesn’t always play well on Idol. Lee has been the easiest for them to shape this season, and maybe that’s why they love him? Crystal and Casey seem really content to do their own thing.

Well, I think I might finally be done with Idol. I have been waiting around all year waiting for people to finally starting to get feisty about this season and now that they are, I am already over it. I’m completely and utterly bored with the whole routine on TV and online. I’m gonna hang around long enough to see what happens with Crystal, but a whole big chuck of my psyche has lost my love for this show. Blech.

Just as well, I got a dissertation to write next year. I need to find a new method of avoidance. Heh.

No mercy tonight peeps. I’m banning you if your break my rules.

Many, many problems getting through on Crystal’s lines, all 3 of them, here in northwest Ohio. Seems that for the first half hour, the cell phone service was almost knocked out.

As for DialIdol – Lee is out quite a bit in front, but it’s seemed that the raw votes are a better picture of who’s going home this season. Casey is far behind on there. And actually, Crystal is winning the raw votes on DialIdol by a good bit – she has quite a few busy signals (not quite as many as Lee) and a LOT of votes already.

Crystal fans, keep up the voting!

Go leeeeeeee. I loved that version of Hallelujah….no need for it to be dark and moody if that is what the writer intended it to be..One can interpret it any way you feel it… and I felt it! loved the choir, the lights, the voice, lovedddddddd it. Leeeee for the WIN..

I want to buy a record that doesn’t sound like everything else I have heard a million times. And that is what Lee is to me. Boring, NOTHING SPECIAL, AND DEFINITELY LACKS ANY STAGE PRESENCE!!! Do you get it now???

She probably does, what with the capital letters and all. But your opinion is just that – your opinion. Shouting it really loud doesn’t make it more important than anyone else’s.

Predictions about post-Idol stardom are almost always wrong. I remember everyone saying Bo would outsell Carrie and then last year the claims that Adam Lambert would be a huge superstar. The truth is that we don’t know.

What does seem clear is that Lee has been the most popular contestant for some time – hence the judges switching their allegiance from Crystal to him – and that now, according to Dial Idol, he’s way out in front.

So, he’ll be the one they market and only time will tell how it all works out.

Rhianna can move like nobody’s business and she has stage presense.

From what the other commentors are saying about live performances being the most important thing, she should be a dancer then because on stage she sounds bad.

I disagree with what most have said about Lee on here as well. Hes not off key nearly as much as everyone makes it sound and I really like the way he shifts the timbre in his voice. His performances have been good for me.

I also feel like idol is rough for Casey though. I really like his style and performances but Idol will rip him up because hes not over the top, but more of a bluesy rock type. He should do just fine after idol but im pretty impressed he made it this far knowing the general Idol audience (and girls are certainly not the only ones who like him).

Thing is about dialidol at this moment – the show has yet to air in Texas. Things just may tighten up!

As we know, as far as Top 40 music goes, the engineers are the ones making magic in the studio, rarely the artist. But the real money is in the touring (and merchandising). I’d think Idol producers would want someone who could both sell the units and sell seats. Maybe they’re thinking 1 out of 2 ain’t bad cause really none of these 3 is likely to do gangbusters on both counts. They’re building a frenzy around Lee, but let’s see how far that really goes (ie Taylor). Face it, they chose very chill kids in hopes they’d get some fire going and the most they succeeded in doing is getting a little spark here and there. It’s a fitting end to an era for Idol – either they’re going to come back new and improved or not come back at all. This season was mostly a snoozefest to me and I hated to see that happening. The producers had to create some kind of excitement on that stage tonight, so they threw it all in for Lee. I’m sure they’ll get what they want, cause it seems to be working. People think Lee was on fire, when really it was mostly smoke and mirrors.

How was Crystal suppose to change up the gender?

“Maybe I’m a girl”? OK, maybe not, but it sounded WEIRD for her to keep repeating “maybe I’m a man” over and over and over again. Was Ellen trying to make a statement about gender roles by choosing that song for Crystal?

I’m afraid Crystal might be going home tomorrow. On Dialidol, there’s only 4.0 separating her and Casey (and casey is 3rd) but it’s not counting the text messages

Lee is no Taylor Hicks. He can’t come close to Taylor. LOL. I’m not even a Taylor fan, but he knew how to entertain.

I just rewatched AI rewind of season 5 recently, and Taylor gave one cheesetastic performance after another. I cetainly was NOT entertained. I’m happy that Lee is “no Taylor Hicks”. I wouldn’t want him to be.

I love Jem’s rendition of “Maybe I’m Amazed,” and she changes “man” to “girl” and it works beautifully…

American Idol is a popularity contest now. The best show was when Kelly Clarkson won. It was a singing competition and it has changed. The voting system is horrible too. It just feeds into the opportunity to discriminate against others. People are not voting for the best singer, they are voting for who they like best and fits their agenda.

Funny, but when we don’t like people the majority cast their votes for, it’s a popularity contest, it’s discriminatory, the voting practices suck. When they vote for who we like, they’re voting for the best singer, they have wonderful taste, and we suddenly don’t seem to care about the voting practices.

Texas is aired same time as east coast

Mtlfan:
05/18/2010 at 10:12 pm
I’m afraid Crystal might be going home tomorrow. On Dialidol, there’s only 4.0 separating her and Casey (and casey is 3rd) but it’s not counting the text messages

See what I said above about the raw votes. And she has seemed in the past to do well on the west coast as well, and of course they don’t vote for another couple hours. Just keep voting for her!

Overall who I am a fan of? Casey
Which CD will I buy? Lee & Casey (hope like hell he gets a record deal)
Who I think deserves to win? Crystal

Talk about a weird season.

I absolutely get this comment — it sums up what has indeed been an odd season. Goes along with what MJ said earlier about this being the first year she felt it really was anybody’s game.

I def found Crystal singing “Maybe, I a man” very weird. I’m surprised she didn’t change it up to make it more personal. But I get the feeling she likes to do it her way. Which may be one reason why the pimping has moved to Lee. They don’t really want a winner that’s a pain in the ass. One was enough.

Lee was epic! He put it all out there and gave me chills. He owned it tonight. I’m soooooooooooooooooo happy for him!!

I thought Crystal and Casey were great too… Lee just kills me.

Wow..I’m in LA and I think I will watch something else tonight…sounds like a yawn fest!!!

3DoorsDownFan:
05/18/2010 at 10:15 pm

Texas is aired same time as east coast

Oi. This blows the drama.

I just rewatched AI rewind (season 5)recenlty, and Taylor gave one cheesetastic performance after another. I cetainly was NOT entertained. I’m happy that Lee is “no Taylor Hicks”. I wouldn’t want him to be.

Fair enough. I’d pay to see Taylor perform over Lee any day. He was cheesy, so there’s that. Taylor’s “In the Ghetto” had my phone ringing off the hook because it seemed so insincere.

movin2thabeet: People think Lee was on fire, when really it was mostly smoke and mirrors.

Absolutely. I thought we were going to see doves flying out from the ceiling at the end.

But I get the feeling she likes to do it her way. Which may be one reason why the pimping has moved to Lee. They don’t really want a winner that’s a pain in the ass. One was enough.

Yep. I said the same thing earlier. TPTB smell another hard to handle Taylor Hicks winner.

I would like to see Casey stay around and make Top 2. He is the one I like the best. But I don’t know if he will make Top 2. I think that
Lee could end up winning this year.

I wonder if the AI producers are unhappy there aren’t any more mentoring opportunities this season. Because if there were I bet they’d make Lee a mentor

Additionally, they saw one of their best voted off (Mike Lynch) and maybe realize the best doesn’t win

Mike Lynch being “the best” is a matter of opinion. I, for one, could not wait to see him go and was sorely disappointed when the judges saved him. Yes, he can sing (and sounded great on Letterman last night) but, in MY opinion, he’s “old” & boring. Singers with his style are a dime a dozen. I also couldn’t stand his egotistical demeanor. And Crystal appealed to me at first, but she hasn’t been able to sustain that appeal for me. IMO, she has NOT given stellar performances every time. None of them have. But for me (for you, for me) she also has a bit of an attitude I don’t like.
Yes, people do vote for who they like best and for the singing they like the best. It’s all a matter of opinion. Yours is one, mine is another.

LEE YOU ROCKED IT TONIGHT!!! I KNEW YOU WOULD!!! IM A TRUE BELEEVER. SEE YOU IN THE FINALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It’s one thing to be something different on the show – like Cook and Adam. But in fact those guys are quite professional in their approach. They understand how the game is played. Then you have people like Taylor and I think Crystal. They’re not really going to play the game. I don’t think Crystal has so many more fans that the judges calling it for Lee won’t give him the win.

I got in quite a few votes for Casey. Then, all of a sudden, I couldn’t get thru anymore. The recording kept saying “Thank you for HOLDING for Contestant #1. Now I can’t get thru for the past 20 minutes.

Was the voting just for one hour? I was out of town and got home just after the voting started, so I don’t know how long the voting period was. Missed all of tonight’s performances, so I will have to catch them here at MJ’s.

See what I said above about the raw votes. And she has seemed in the past to do well on the west coast as well, and of course they don’t vote for another couple hours. Just keep voting for her!

mozart4898, i wish i could vote for her but i’m in Canada.
I would like someone to give her some votes for me

I don’t know if Lee wins if he will end up being treated like Taylor Hicks. Because I think that TPTB at Idol really are rooting for Lee and legitimately think he is talented. And I think there might be a decent/a good amount of people who feel the same way and who would buy his music. If he puts out decent enough music, Lee might be able to do fine, in the music business.

jpfan, I think Taylor played everyone…. not just the game. I don’t think Crystal is in his league in terms of strategy.

Ceddies:
05/18/2010 at 10:24 pm
I got in quite a few votes for Casey. Then, all of a sudden, I couldn’t get thru anymore. The recording kept saying “Thank you for HOLDING for Contestant #1. Now I can’t get thru for the past 20 minutes.

Casey’s also lines 04 and 07. Voting is for two hours.

dewyzefan08:

I’m happy your guy did so great tonight! He’s winning me over.

I hate to be mean but the S8 winner has only sold 300K albums. So all any of them have to do this season is equal or better that. It’s not like winning Idol means you sell a million albums anymore.

I think Taylor was probably very hard to deal with. For sure, he refused to record the album while on the Idol tour. I don’t think they want another stubborn winner – which Crystal could possibly be.

I’m not sure what happened, but I think I actually found Casey the least objectionable out of that whole mess? He left virtually no impression on me at all, but at least he didn’t make my ears bleed or ruin one of my favorite songs.

I guess Crystal’s voice is going because there were some baad notes in both songs. She just seemed like she wasn’t quite there.

Lee. Hmm, well, Lynyrd Skynyrd does not compute with me but I guess he sounded OK. I don’t even have any words for how much I hated Simon Cowell’s version of Hallelujah. I don’t even know how Lee sounded because I was screaming “There’s no blaring horns and choir in Hallelujah!” at my Tv. Lee should have stuck up for that poor song. What little I did hear of Lee behind all the trumpets sounded like bad phrasing and some weird and pointless melodic choices. I actually preferred Timmeh’s version.

ross:
05/18/2010 at 10:14 pm
American Idol is a popularity contest now. The best show was when Kelly Clarkson won. It was a singing competition and it has changed. The voting system is horrible too. It just feeds into the opportunity to discriminate against others. People are not voting for the best singer, they are voting for who they like best and fits their agenda.

Funny, but when we don’t like people the majority cast their votes for, it’s a popularity contest, it’s discriminatory, the voting practices suck. When they vote for who we like, they’re voting for the best singer, they have wonderful taste, and we suddenly don’t seem to care about the voting practices.

Amen!

I guess I don’t care about sales. I just hope my faves get careers. I love Jason’s album more than Archie’s and Cook’s. I think Allison’s is way better than both Kris and Adam’s. I hope that they can keep making music and get paid for it. LOL.

MamaSox = Janis Joplin + Paul McCartney… Love the performance!

@pj, I totally agree, and regardless of who wins, I think Crystal will be mildly popular, so we’ll get a couple albums out of her. It just irritates me that America brought someone so mediocre this far. Just more proof of how downhill music is going when singers don’t have to sing.

OK, let’s try it this way. I am glad Lee followed the song in the version of its creator Leonard Cohen instead of Jeff Buckley (who’s version is overdone.) Wow Lee, just wow.

I really feel like Simon’s words to Lee was a pathetic attempt to save this sorry ass season. I think he really believed Lee could do a better job than Jason Castro with that song because Jason was not considerered the best singer his season. Unfortunately, with the back up singers he still fell short IMO. Jason’s rendition was beautiful because of it’s simplicity.

God i cannot wait for this season to be over. What a waste.

Enjoying all the *love* tonight. I gotta say Crystal looked incredible for her ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’. Good grief, Hot MamaSox. She is stunning. Those boots!!

And although, heaven forbid we find these boys attractive, they were styled very well for their closing performances. Lee’s haircut w/ white striped shirt. Hot. Casey in purple. Also hot. I respond to the less is more on the guys.

And preemptively, Adam’s style is stunning too.

Ok, this season really blows and tomorrow night they are going to try to wow me with Travis Garland and Will Young? Who the freck are they???

Second to last boot show and this is what they come up with?

and Crystal, what the hell was her problem today and the last three weeks

Seems like around top 4 the contestants either hit a wall from the exhaustion and pressure (Jason) or else they manage to push through and flip on the switch needed to get through to the confetti round (Kris). Crystal seems to have hit the wall a little bit ago — I imagine missing the kid only compounds the problem for a mom. On top of that, the tapes of her homecoming really showed how strained her vocals were getting. Gotta learn how to take care of those cords.

Haven’t watched the show yet, but I had hoped Casey would be able to push through and deliver a great bluesy performance to offset Daughters. Oh well. Seems like Lee was the one able to capitalize on the trip home and the momentum. Go Lee!

nevermind

Mtlfan okay just for you I’m voting for Crystal for the next hour or so!

Ok, this season really blows and tomorrow night they are going to try to wow me with Travis Garland and Will Young? Who the freck are they???

Don’t forget you probably have the “pants on the ground” guy to look forward to on the finale!

I’m on the west coast so I haven’t seen the performances yet. Here’s hoping they sound good on my TV.

Lee finally won me over tonight. After I’ve spent the whole season not liking him. Darn you, Lee DeWy