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*My dress rehearsal spy said everyone was so much better in rehearsal (she was also at the live show). She says, “nerves got to them, big time.”

Sadly, tonight was pretty much charisma-free, except for a few flashes from Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze and Michael Lynche. Big Mike seemed most comfortable singing big band songs, while Casey James was hopelessly out of his element.

Aaron Kelly gave his typical cute-kid-at-a-high-school-assembly performance and will probably get a zillion votes as a result. The kids did not bring the swing to Sinatra. I would love to know what Harry Connick really thought of those performances–and Frank Sinatra’s daughters sitting in the audience, too.

Live blog, videos and photos after the jump…

Tonight, the kids sing selections from the Sinatra songbook. Harry Connick Jr. is on hand to mentor. He will also take the stage tonight as the contestants perform his arrangements. If we can handle the filler (Only 5 performances tonight!) it could be a great night of music…

Only 5 remain, and they’re all standing on the stairs as Ryan Seacrest makes his way down. Harry Connick Jr. is at the bottom, and he gets to say, “This is American Idol!”

Ryan introduces the judges who are already seated. The Top 5 take the stage. They’re dressed for the occasion. Crystal is on Big Mike’s arm.

Harry’s video package rolls. Frank Sinatra is the original American Idol. Harry says Frank was the pinnacle of interpreting songs. Harry says he’s writing “supportive arrangements”. Harry introduces the band. He’ll be playing piano. Harry calls the contestants “great” and “humble”.  – VIDEO

Nancy and Tina Sinatra in the house! – They give Simon Cowell, a huge Sinatra fan, one of Frank’s monogrammed hankies.

Aaron Kelly – “Fly me to the Moon” – Wait, why does Harry call Aaron Big Mike? I guess that was a joke. He’s giving Aaron technical advice I’m not sure he understands. This isn’t starting off well. It’s strained. The phrasing is terrible. The kid is out of his depth totally. Please voters, make the madness stop. PLEASE. This is not good. So dull. The kid is such an amateur in every sense of the word. TOO YOUNG to be here. Randy says, “Dude you did a really good job.” SERIOUSLY? Ellen says, “I thought the piano was a little pitchy…I was worried, I can’t believe I didn’t hear any country, beautiful vocals.” Kara says, “Not strong compared to last week. I think you’ll be here again, but you need to learn charisma, you still need to get there. You are so close.” Simon says, “I’m with Kara on this one, Frank was the king of cool, if he was a lion, you were just a mouse, no conviction…the vocals at the end were a bit corny, but people like you after you perform, I’m going to give you that.” – 1-866-436-5701 — 1-866-436-5706 – VIDEO

Casey James – “Blue Skies” – Sit down with Ryan:  One of Casey’s friends called him with a gig. The friend had no idea he was on Idol! Casey is a Harry fan! Harry appreciates Casey’s blusey goove. Hm. This is very strange. I really am pulling for Casey, but I don’t think this is working for him. He’s straining on the high notes, and he looks completely uncomfortable up there out of his element. Wow. Yikes. Oh Casey, I think you’re going home. Randy says, “This was your worst performance, you were out of your element. It just didn’t work.” Ellen says, “That felt very stiff to me. I didn’t feel like you were cool or effortless. I agree with Randy.” Kara says, “It took you a while to warm up. At least you held some notes. But the bad thing is that you sound like a lamb ‘bahhhh” your vibrato is out of control” OMG she didn’t! Simon says, “This is really uncomfortable. You weren’t fantastic. I thought you came over a bit embarrassed and a bit uncomfortable. The good news is that you have a booking for next week.” Ouch! Harry says he sang it better in rehearsal. “You killed it about 2 hours ago.” – 1-866-436-5702 – 1-866-436-5707 – VIDEO

Tonight is not going well… Sir Anthony Hopkins is in the house.

Crystal Bowersox – “Summer Wind” – Harry says he felt Crystal’s connection to the song. “There’s nothing I need to tell you,” says Harry. Crystal looks beautiful. OMG Crystal can sing anything. She’s sensational. I LOVE the beginning of this song. (One of my fav Sinatra songs). There are a couple of weird things in the middle, though, and the band drowns her out a bit, but her phrasing is really good. Randy says, “It was a great arrangement, but it was a little sleepy for me.” Ellen says, “It felt like you were swallowing some words, it got better in the second half.” Ellen is impressed with Crystal’s versatility. Kara says, “I kind of liked it. I liked your phrasing. It’s a big thing this week.” Simon says, “I love this song, it felt a little bit indulgent, the second half was a lot better, not one of your strongest performances. Now it’s about being in it to win it.” Hm. I actually liked the beginning better. I thought the band overpowered her. – “I don’t feel like I should be singing really big notes, just because I’m on American Idol,” says Crystal. Simon says, “I’m giving you this advice to help you.” Eep. 1-866-436-5703 – 1-866-436-5708 – VIDEO

Mike Lynche – “The Way You Look Tonight” – Sit down with Ryan: Mike talks about his band back in New York. This is one of Harry’s favorite songs. This is a really good vocal. Absolutely the best of the night. Mike is swinging–he looks comfortable, he’s totally feeling this song. He takes advantage of Connick’s arrangement. Randy says, “Unbelievable arrangement, Unbelievable vocal, Mike is in it to win it!” Ellen says, “You seem to have the most comfort on stage, you look the part, very smooth, a lot of charisma” Kara says, “You find the drama in the song, you took us on a journey, you didn’t lose yourself in the song.” Simon says, “This has been a tricky night. The first 3 performances have been OK. With you, that’s all changed. I loved that I felt that you listened, and everyone worked together. It all just clicked. Well done”. Yep. Mike clicked and worked with the band, like another instrument. He got it. 1-866-436-5704 – 1-866-436-5709 – VIDEO

Lee DeWyze – “That’s Life” – Harry and his  wife like Lee a lot. Harry jokes around with Lee, making faces behind his back.  Lee still needs to work on his pitch. And Lee, Frank would call you out on your diction! But, the phrasing here is really good, and Lee is giving the song some swagger. I see some confidence. For someone completely out of his element, he’s doing really well. Randy says, “You know what? Another great arrangement. You stayed your rocker self. I loved it.” Ellen says, “At first I was distracted by Harry’s organ. [Ha ha] If this was the last night of performances, you would have just won this whole thing.” Kara asks Lee: “Do you think you can win?” Yes says, Lee. Kara tells him to go home and write “I can win” 10o times, because she believes he can. Simon says, “Harry you’ve been incredible tonight, Harry brought out your personality and confidence. By far the best performance of the night.” I don’t know. Compared to the great performances of past seasons, it was just a’ight, you know? We are grading on a curve here…1-866-436-5705 – 1-866-436-5710 – VIDEO

Lee could totally win this thing.