American Idol Top 3 Judges’ Choice Songs Revealed

The only good song is the one Ellen chose for Crystal… That is the best Paul’s song and she could do SO MANY things with it. Rock it, make it quieter… I think it could be a moment..

Kara’s pick for Casey is only going to make people remember more and more on the cougar stuff. She shouldn’t have picked for him, especially a John Mayer song about girls…

And WTF Simon?? Does he want Lee to lose? This song was already performed this year and I’m not sure it goes well on his voice…

I think Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer would’ve been a better pick for Casey. He sang it during his audition, but with his guitar he could’ve done an excellent job with the solo’s and the vocals.

I wonder which version of Hallelujah Lee is singing. He doesn’t have the clear voice for the Buckley version.

I completely agree with you. The best song is Ellen’s pick for Crystal, the worst is Simon’s song choice for Lee. But let us just see what will happen next week.

I get the distinct impression that Simon Cowell is now trying to throw Lee under the bus. “Daughters” is a very smart pick for Casey, and “Maybe I’m Amazed” for Crystal… I agree with MJ; she could have a moment with it. (P.S. MJ – you put ‘Baby’ instead of ‘Maybe’ in the opening block quote)

But not only is “Hallelujah” nowhere close to Lee’s style of music (lyrically or in genre), it’s over-played, and yeah – been done already this season, so WTF Cowell? Did he suddenly develop Alzheimer’s and forget Tim Urban performed it? Does he want a ‘better’ version to come out of Season 9? I mean, unless Lee does some kind of David Cook-esque/Kris Allen-esque TOTAL rearrangement of the song into a kind of rock-opera ballad, I see this ending terribly.

Then again, this could also get sympathy votes for Lee for a completely stupid song choice that Lee had no control over.

Oh my God, it feels like Simon wants Lee to fail. Really. Hallelujah? Seriously? I’m sure Lee won’t have a moment with it. Actually, it can all turn out not really good. And about the other song choices for the Top 3 night? Is it just contestant’s choice without any theme and mentor?

Can’t wait to hear Crystal sing “Baby I’m a man, I’m a lonely man who’s in the middle of something…that he doesn’t really understand.” LOL. It’s a great song – I’m sure she’ll switch it up fine.

I love Hallelujah, but why a song someone else already did this season? Talk about a direct comparison to that, let alone Jason 2 years ago.

I don’t know that John Mayer song. I only have one of his CDs and I don’t listen to it often…So, no expectations as to whether or not he is true to the song. On the other hand, I usually don’t enjoy performances as much if I don’t know the song…

I think that “Daughters” could have fit Lee. When he was singing “Falling Slowly”, I heard a little of a John Mayer sound in his voice. I think this song could have fit him.

But I am interested in seeing what Casey does with the song, even though he has to be careful to make sure it doesn’t come over as a “sleepy” performance. He’s got to do enough with it, so that doesn’t happen.

I think that Simon’s choice for Lee was as Simon likes to say a bit “lazy”. That song has already been done this year by Tim. Lee shouldn’t have to sing that song again.

I think something from the Dave Matthews Band, or the Counting Crows would have fit Lee better because IMO a lot of the time, he sounds like Dave Matthews/Adam Duritz.

There are other song choices that would have worked better for Lee as well. Lee might have been better off if Randy had chosen his song instead of Simon. Because Randy knows more about the type of artists who have a similar sound to Lee.

A good amount of people might end up liking what Crystal does with “Maybe I’m Amazed. And she does get to change things up from last week, when she did a more upbeat song.

Simon – LOL (It’s the only one of the songs I know, and it’s terrible for Lee)
Casey – Well, it’s Randy’s turn to choose the winner, right?
Crystal – ….or will Ellen take that honor from Randy? Hopefully.

I also think that the judges choice won’t affect the voting. Their personal pick is always the song that decides whether they are going through or not (Kris Allen’s Apologize was also way out of his league).

Well this might ruin my plans on having Lee sing Simple Man for his own choice. I wanted him to sing that with just his guitar. But now he’ll do this with just his guitar so there’s no point on doing two slowish songs with just acoustic. Thank you Simon for ruining that moment dream i had since i heard him sing Simple Man on Youtube.

jammasta:
05/14/2010 at 12:47 pm
Simon – LOL (It’s the only one of the songs I know, and it’s terrible for Lee)
Casey – Well, it’s Randy’s turn to choose the winner, right?
Crystal – ….or will Ellen take that honor from Randy? Hopefully.

Randy Picked Carrie’s “Man I feel like a Woman”

Does Simon Cowell own publishing rights to “Hallelujah”?

He does, doesn’t he? Isn’t he one of the parties who wrangled the rights to it away from Leonard Cohen?

Whaaat? I said it yesterday that Lee is the GK of this season and it’s true. He’s going home.

The judges choice matters a lot. Kris’ apologize wasn’t bad ? It’s a song you can’t change up so much because it already has a great melody. His problem which to me wasn’t a problem was that he did nothing to it. H just sang it straight with some minor twists.

Lee’s voice and Haleluyah? No! Bus don park.

Crystal’s pick = I hope she really sings it with feeling. It could be a moment if she emphasizes the phrasing.

Casey’s pick = I hate that song, and I think it isn’t even right for his voice. ick.

For Lee, I posted some of this in headlines, so I’ll post it here:

Simon’s pick is not about sabotage, it actually reveals his “favoritism” for Lee.

Simon has spent the last few seasons picking for his faves. Lee is Simon’s fave this season – probably because Simon thinks he will sell the most – so I’m not surprised he picked for Lee.

Also, Hallelujah is a favorite song for Simon, and one he has some financial stakes in. He made it the coronation song for the X Factor UK winner from 2 years ago (Alexandra). He loves to recycle his favorite songs across series, so no shocker he would be this unoriginal again :p

(Another example of his recycling: He picked “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” for both David Cook and Leona Lewis. Some Cook fans still think Simon was trying to sabotage Cook with that pick rather than realizing Simon is just really limited in his song choice and recycles his old faves)

I also think that the judges choice won’t affect the voting. Their personal pick is always the song that decides whether they are going through or not (Kris Allen’s Apologize was also way out of his league).

I don’t agree with this. Last year Paula picked a totally unknown and dated song for Danny (“Dance Little Sisters”?? By Trent D’Arby??) and Randy/Kara picked a current song for Kris with “Apologize” which he performed respectably (didn’t recreate it, but it sounded good), and I think the judges’ picks negatively impacted Danny and positively impacted Kris, although Kris did have a big moment with “Heartless.”

I actually think that Casey’s song will be great for him – he’s singing about the young ladies who turn into mature ladies, right? And he gets the opportunity to have a moment again with his guitar playing, with a more current song, so he could actually have the best song choice in terms of getting votes. I think Crystal has the ability to have a moment with her song choice, as does Lee, but if Lee doesn’t sing on pitch and does his constipated shouty thing, it won’t sound good on this song.

Randy Picked Carrie’s “Man I feel like a Woman”

What does that mean? >_>.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the pattern went Randy-Simon-Simon-Randy-Randy-Simon-Simon-Randy (with Kara).

they should’ve picked an Amos Lee song for Casey….

(Another example of his recycling: He picked “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” for both David Cook and Leona Lewis. Some Cook fans still think Simon was trying to sabotage Cook with that pick rather than realizing Simon is just really limited in his song choice and recycles his old faves)

I totally agree. Simon Cowell is about making money and, as he’s demonstrated over the years, he is completely clueless as to the meanings of songs. This is guy who picked an irreverent song written by an observant Jew as a “Christmas single” for X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke, and had no idea what “Mrs. Robinson” was about. (Of course, apparently nobody else does either, since it was routinely described as a “cougar anthem” in the press. Uh, no; it’s exactly the opposite!)

And don’t even get me started on Simon’s opinions on “bird songs.”

The dude may be rich but he is incredibly obtuse and ignorant when it comes to complexity or subtlty. He probably thinks Lee’s singing “Hallelujah” will get him the “Christian vote.” And he’s probably right! (Unless, of course, it’s sung in the Key of Lee.)

To retread what I posted in the Lee thread:

Simon’s just handed Lee a rather horriffic catch-22. People are either going to hate him for stepping on Castro’s turf, or if he tries to change it up they’re going to hate him for “ruining the song”. No matter how good Lee does with the song, even if he has his biggest moment of the season, people are going to hate him for it.

What an evil evil song choice.

When Simon’s pick for David came out the same exact comments were said over and over “OMG hes throwing him under the bus”,”hes sabotaging him”. Hardly the case. I don’t think its a terrible choice and going out of his comfort zone may not be a bad thing for Lee, and its not like you need a huge voice to do it well.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the pattern went Randy-Simon-Simon-Randy-Randy-Simon-Simon-Randy (with Kara).

Ah yes, but don’t forget that for the first time ever on Idol, this year we have The Ellen Factor….

ETA:

Casey should be good to go, I think.

LOL, I love the double-meaning of that phrase. He’ll probably sing it fine (be good to go) and be kicked off (be good to go) :)

Hallelujiah could sound pretty with the tone of Lee’s voice. But talk about a tough song to sing for a guy who has problems with pitch! WTF? But if he can pull of staying in tune, Lee could do really well with that.

Crystal’s song is pretty, but on the Idol stage it could easily beg “sleepy” and “boring” comments from the judges. She has to bring a lot of emotion to it or she’s toast IMO.

Casey should be good to go, I think.

they should’ve picked an Amos Lee song for Casey….

That would have been a good way to sabotage Casey. Amos Lee has a beautiful falsetto. I don’t think that’s Casey strongsuit. John Mayer is much more compatible vocally and, obviously, guitar-wise. Casey can pretty much do a straight cover. He’ll be panned by the judges either way for “not doing anything with it,” so he has nothing to lose, and he may pick up a lot of votes. The casual viewer at home likely still loves popular covers.

I don’t agree with this. Last year Paula picked a totally unknown and dated song for Danny (“Dance Little Sisters”?? By Trent D’Arby??) and Randy/Kara picked a current song for Kris with “Apologize” which he performed respectably (didn’t recreate it, but it sounded good), and I think the judges’ picks negatively impacted Danny and positively impacted Kris, although Kris did have a big moment with “Heartless.”

I don’t think that was why Danny was voted off. I think Adam and Kris got the votes from the Allison fans, because it was Kradison all season long. And Kris saved his ass with Heartless of course.

I’m looking forward to the personal picks. I wonder if the songs of Kings of Leon are cleared for AI. I wanna Lee performing Use Somebody in his own arrangement.

Well instead of Kris fans, this week we can have Jason’s fans in an uproar. Seriously, Simon – WTF? First of all, Hallelujah wouldn’t be a good choice for Lee even if it had never been sung on Idol before. But given that Jason had a “moment” with it 2 years ago and then Tim already performed it (badly, IMO) this season, I really don’t understand this choice.

Daughters is probably my least favorite John Mayer song ever. Sappy sappy sappy. There are so many other Mayer songs that Casey could do.

I love Maybe I’m Amazed — it’s probably my favorite solo McCartney song. I think Crystal will do a great job with this.

BIG potential advantage for Crystal here…

Have we heard yet what the contestants have picked for themselves?

I normally like the judge’s picks. This year, I only really like Ellen’s choice for Crystal. Maybe she is the voice of the people after all…

Read my full commentary on each of the picks here.

The dude may be rich but he is incredibly obtuse and ignorant when it comes to complexity or subtlty. He probably thinks Lee’s singing “Hallelujah” will get him the “Christian vote.” And he’s probably right! (Unless, of course, it’s sung in the Key of Lee.)

Hey, now. He could still get the tone-deaf Christians…. Especially the ones who don’t listen to the lyrics. Of course, I seldom understand lyrics that Lee is singing anyway, so I guess that latter part won’t be a problem.

When Simon’s pick for David came out the same exact comments were said over and over “OMG hes throwing him under the bus”,”hes sabotaging him”. Hardly the case. I don’t think its a terrible choice and going out of his comfort zone may not be a bad thing for Lee, and its not like you need a huge voice to do it well.

The problem isn’t going outside of his comfort zone. The problem is that it’s a song that’s already had an iconic performance 2 years ago, and one that’s venerated by a large number of people.

If it was just the first of these, he could change it up and be praised for it. If it was just the second of these, he could do a straight cover and be praised for it. But the two of them together seems like disaster.

The problem is that it’s a song that’s already had an iconic performance 2 years ago, and one that’s venerated by a large number of people.

I liked Jason’s performance of the song, but iconic?? I don’t think Simon’s worried about comparisons to Jason Castro and I think that Lee could have a moment with the song. Unlikely, but it could happen.

I love Crystal’s choice. Definitely the best of the three.

Casey thrown under the bus.

Lee’s isn’t so bad. At least people respond to the song. I think most people like any person’s rendition because the song is so good. Same thing with Crystal’s. If people relate to the song, then they’ll like it better.

Again, poor Casey.

I think that’s a good song for Casey. Daughters is a nice song and he could have a good moment with it. It fits him, his style, his voice, I hope he does well. Actually, all three songs are great. But Lee’s… well, it’s really not new, not on AI not even this season. I’m sure Simon wants Lee to have a big moment with it, we’ll see what happens.

I’d like to understand how “Daughters” screams “throwing under the bus”. I really don’t see it. Last year people were saying the same about the song picked for Kris and we saw that wasn’t the case.

Forget Jason Castro and Tim Urban for a moment. 80 million people watched Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris do an outstanding version of that song during Hope for Haiti four months ago. I’d say it’s a good bet that some of them were AI fans.

Regardless of one’s feelings for Lee DeWyze, I’m pretty sure nobody is arguing that he’s a vocalist on par with those two gentlemen.

I hope they can all pull it out. If not, I hope their own choices make up for it.

I think most people like any person’s rendition because the song is so good.

Hallelujah is a gem of a song but it’s been so overdone. Hope for Haiti, Winter Olympics (k.d. lang), and now two different contestants in the same dang AI season.

So looking forward to Simon’s departure from AI. Buh-bye and I won’t be watching you on your X show.

The problem is that it’s a song that’s already had an iconic performance 2 years ago, and one that’s venerated by a large number of people.

I liked Jason’s performance of the song, but iconic?? I don’t think Simon’s worried about comparisons to Jason Castro and I think that Lee could have a moment with the song. Unlikely, but it could happen.

Yeah I tend to agree with CindyM on this one. Again, many people who watch this show are casual viewers that probably won’t remember Jason Castro, let alone the song he sang 2 years ago. I think Lee’s biggest problem is that the song may be difficult for him to sing but I’m interested in hearing him give it a try.

I dislike Crystal’s song. It’s old. I don’t like the melody.

Casey’s song is fine. At least it’s from this decade.

Another problem for Lee is that Hallelujah is probably one of the most covered songs of the past few years. It’s hard to take a song that has been covered that many times and find a really unique spin to make it your own. Not to mention that Jason’s version was so popular, he put in on his current album!

Simon totally lacks a clue about this stuff. But if he owns the publishing rights, then I understand this choice.

I bet Cowell doesn’t even remember Jason Castro. He’s even said that he has a hard time remembering contestants. And that was 2 FULL years ago. Even though Jason sang it twice. Anywho, if DeWyze sings in the Key of Lee, his fans will be happy. Pitchiness doesn’t seem to bother his fans. It’s the casual viewers who might wonder though? “Hallelujah” was recently performed on the Hope for Haiti broadcast, too. Rather than the Buckley version he could opt for the Cohen one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJTiXoMCppw

Am glad Casey did not get the a penguin song.

I do think Crystal will kill on that song.

I am very glad they let Ellen pick a song for someone. I knew she would make a smart choice. On top of it it’s for Crystal, my favorite! all kinds of YAY from me for that. GO Crystal!
I think Simon’s choice for Lee was a LAZY choice, we should vote Simon off. Oh wait he’s leaving – GOOD!

I liked Jason’s performance of the song, but iconic?? I don’t think Simon’s worried about comparisons to Jason Castro and I think that Lee could have a moment with the song. Unlikely, but it could happen.

The Jazson Castro comparison probably won’t be too harsh. It helps that it’s Simon’s choice and not his. Still, never good to have a comparison that could blow up in your face. Plus, Tim Urban actually had a passable performance. If Lee blows it (and considering his issues with pitch, it’s not beyond the pale), he will have been outperformed on a song by Tim Urban, which would be instant grounds for disqualification.

Oh, and Ellen’s choice… actually, that was a great choice. Stronger, IMO, than either Simon’s and Kara/Randy’s (a John Mayer song? Blah, people, blah). It even redeemed some of my issues I’ve had with her all season. Well, at least a little bit.

I really do think songs that people know and are famous usually resonate with people better. Lee has a huge fan base and they are going to love him singing this song. So will some casual fans. If he puts his heart into it he can’t go wrong. Gee. Tim even moved me this year with his take on it.

Casey’s is by far the worst choice. Many people won’t know it. It is bye week for Casey.

I think that’s a good song for Casey. Daughters is a nice song and he could have a good moment with it. It fits him, his style, his voice, I hope he does well.

I agree “Daughters” really isn’t a bad song at all. It’s Mayer’s performance of it that’s crappy, IMO. It could work well for Casey.

More and more I believe that Simon Cowell’s fame and fortune was earned by pure luck. That man hasn’t a clue about popular music.

Great song choice for Casey and Crystal but Lee LOL – he will butcher that song – he cannot stay in tune and that is so out of his range, wow maybe the judges are now sending Lee under that damn bus?

I’m pretty pleased with these choices. I want Lee voted off, as I cannot support a singer who cannot sing in tune. Ever. On any song.

Hallelujah was covered brilliantly by Timberlake on the Hope for Haiti telethon, which pretty much every music lover saw. Jason Castro did it fairly well for AI, Tim Urban didn’t butcher it just this season, and kd Lang covered it at the Olympic closing ceremony. No way is pitch-impaired Lee going to compare favorably with any of those versions, much less the Tim Buckley version. It’s practically blasphemy to think he’ll do this song justice. And that’s not even mentioning the necessary ingredient of emotion this song requires. Lee couldn’t show emotion if you held a gun to his head.

Crystal is going to kill on Amazed and I think Casey can really shine on the Mayer song. Win-win-win as far as I am concerned.

Another problem for Lee is that Hallelujah is probably one of the most covered songs of the past few years. It’s hard to take a song that has been covered that many times and find a really unique spin to make it your own.

Does it really matter though? To me, the only thing that matters is that Lee sings it well. People will judge Lee for Lee depending on his performance.

I find it odd that when Crystal and Lee sang Falling Slowly it was great. Then it didn’t matter if a past idol had a “moment” with it or covered it before. Crystal is really getting passes here because she has covered sooooo many tunes that has been covered on Idol before and by contestants that has had “moments”.

Anyway, Personally, I think all 3 choices fit the particular contestants. Crystal will sound the same as she always does. That song isn’t really a reach for her, so she will definitely bore me if I’m home to watch AI next Tuesday. Lee should have a better shot at staying on key with his, and Casey should do great with his song between his guitar playing and the type of song he was given.

Meh. I’m not excited about these 3. They’re so predictable.
I can already hear the Acoustic Idol, without great vocals.

Lee has the best song-it gets votes on its own. Simon knows it.
Crystal will be shouty on that song.
Casey-not a good choice. Boring.

Simon does own the publishing rights to “Hallelujah” and he makes a ton of money on the royalties. I think this is a very self-serving song pick.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1097666/Cowellelujah-Simon-rides-waves-earns–250-000-day-doing—thanks-Hallelujah-rights.html

I’m pleased with Ellen’s choice for Crystal. It could have been a disaster.

Jason and Tim did well with that song and they’re not exactly people I think about when I think of AI singers that didn’t have pitch problems. They didn’t have big voices and they did well, so I think Lee can do something good too, because the song really is that great. I wish he’d sing it all on pitch for once in this competition, especially if he’s making the finale, but maybe that’s asking too much.

many people who watch this show are casual viewers that probably won’t remember Jason Castro, let alone the song he sang 2 years ago.

Hell, I already forgot that T. Urban sang the song this season. Doesn’t really matter who did the song last, or when the song was most recently done, all that matters is if it is done well. The vast majority of viewers have pretty low expectations for this group, so as long as they don’t vomit on themselves and/or pass out, I am sure their performances will be just a mediocre as we have seen all season.

I think Simon is trying to help Lee with Hallelujah (but I’m not sure it will work out that way). Lee does not have much range – both vocally and emotionally. Hallelujah is such a perfect composition in both music and lyrics that the song practically sings itself. (Which is why Tim Urban sounded OK singing it.) I think he is handing him a foolproof selection. Of course, the flip side of that is that it will be just about impossible for Lee to really distinguish himself with the song; he can’t top the great versions that have come before. So he will do OK, but will need to pull out all the stops with his second song if he wants to convince new voters to send him to the finale. (Very similar to the situation Kris was in last year.)

At least this year, like last, there is only one chance for the Final Three to be screwed by TPTB’s choices. Their own choice is influenced by whatever they get handed, to keep some variety in the mix. When they had to sing a Producers Choice as well, it increased the negative odds considerably. The experience and ability it takes to rise above those is what I am not at all sure is present here. And some – Like “Happy Feet”, and a song about Little Sisters, are a true albatross.

Crystal doesn’t need her Happy Feet/Penguin tee shirt any more- that’s a workable choice from Ellen, as the ‘Voice of the Audience’. What I can’t decide is who she ought to loan it to – Casey, or Lee.

The obvious choice for Casey was something from Bob Seger like Old Time Rock n Roll. Something current would be Country Blues by Ryan Bingham.

Crystal is really getting passes here because she has covered sooooo many tunes that has been covered on Idol before and by contestants that has had “moments”.

I’m curious about this statement. Exactly which songs has Crystal covered in her solos that were done better by previous Idols? I can’t think of one.

And if anyone sounds the same on every song it’s Lee. Crystal is the only one who tried to rearrange the theme songs and still stay within the designated themes.

“The vast majority of viewers have pretty low expectations for this group, so as long as they don’t vomit on themselves and/or pass out, I am sure their performances will be just a mediocre as we have seen all season.

True. Vomiting and passing out seem to be the bar for this season. Heh

Maybe I’m Amazed for Crystal? Yuck, love the song but not looking forward to her version.

I’m not impressed by the other two judges picks either.

The best pick of the three for me is Daughters for Casey and I am shocked to say that as I was very afraid of what bone they would throw to him. I don’t like the song at all that was selected for Crystal and I can’t imagine Lee singing the Happy Feet Song.

Hallelujah for Lee? Really Simon. I think he was Lee to have a moment, maybe maybe not. I dunno, I really liked Tim´s version. For me that was Tim´s song this season. Even though Lee has powerful vocals I don´t think that song is suited to his raspy tone. But I might be wrong. Whatever Lee does with it Simon is going to praise him because well, he chose it for him.
I think Tim´s voice suits perfectly that song but not Lee´s. Oh well we will see.

The judges picks really say a lot about how they think about the contestants IMO. Ellen’s pick is because she’s a fan so she picked a song she’d like to hear Crystal sing and that she could do something with. Kara and Randy are thinking about the album and they looked at the most mainstream popular person who fits Casey’s style and picked his most mainstream popular song that will appeal to what they think is his fanbase. Simon’s a guy who’s thinking about sales so he picked a popular song that sells itself because people already love it plus it’ll make him some dough.

IMO nobody’s being thrown under the bus. But like MJ‘s saying the only pick with the potential for a “moment” is Ellen’s for Crystal because she can change it up and being a female singing a song originally done by a man the comparisons won’t be as obvious. Since pitch problems haven’t hurt Lee’s popularity this season I think the bigger challenge for him will be having the intensity that Hallelujah needs. I don’t think he’s had that really connected emotionally intense performance yet. Too, I’m over Hallelujah covers unless they’re amazing and I don’t think Lee is capable of amazing. With Casey his challenge is distinguishing his version from John Mayer’s. If he doesn’t they’ll say he was lazy.

simon simon simon… *shakes head*

Dont know the other two songs though…

Lee does not have much range – both vocally and emotionally. Hallelujah is such a perfect composition in both music and lyrics that the song practically sings itself.

I agree and disagree. Its a powerful song, no doubt, and it is hard to hate. But there are some tricky notes in there. It’s subtle with the note changes. I hope Lee can handle it.

LOL, I think Lee is kind of getting a softball. Hallelujah is not a hard song to sing – it isn’t rangey at all and because of the song’s innate phrasing you can sing it more staccato with less drawn out notes, or you can really hold the notes out forever – whichever works better for your voice – and it still sounds like it has a lot feeling. I think he’ll easily sound good on it unless he pushes too hard.

I think Casey got the worst pick, because that song goes nowhere musically for me – it feels one note and the lyrics are not great.

I think Crystal’s could wind up being beautiful.

I don’t think Simon it trying to thow Lee under the bus, Jim Cantiello said that MTV recieved a big publicity package for Lee, he thought this was strange. My radio station, which is owned by the network the broadcasts AI in Canada is playing Lee’s the Boxer. This is very unusual. They have never done this for contestants while they’re still competing, not Adam, not Kris or David.

The choice of Hallelujah is wierd though. Tim sang this season, and Justim Timberlake’s version for the Haiti telethon waas released as a single. I think Simon is very unoriginal. I didn’t think Lee could pull it off because of his raspy vocals but I found this version of BonJovi and it sounds good. Lee will really have to put emotion into the song though, don’t know if he’s capable of that, we’ll have to wait and see.

Bonjovi singing Hallelujah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34nrWcUglVg

My thoughts:

1) Casey and “Daughters”: The problem with “Daughters,” unlike “Maybe I’m Amazed” or “Hallelujah,” is that it doesn’t build to anything. That doesn’t work so well on Idol. Not that it’s a bad song, just not a good Idol song. It just may end up being pretty boring. Here’s hoping Casey picks something a little “bigger” for his solo choice.

2) Lee and “Hallelujah”: I think “Hallelujah” is such a good song that the song alone will get votes for Lee. It also builds and is forgiving when it comes to pitch issues. I don’t think viewers will care so much about Jason Castro’s version. Not that he’s not good, but that was two seasons ago and we may not be talking about the same voting pool. I DO think that if Lee can’t top Tim’s version he may be in trouble. And it may actually be hard for him to top Tim. Tim generally had decent pitch, unlike Lee. And Tim was really sweet and SO SINCERE and likeable when he sang that song. I can see viewers from this season thinking that if Lee can’t top someone who went out in 7th place that he doesn’t deserve their vote.

3) Crystal and “Maybe I’m Amazed”: This is a great song. Looking forward to what Crystal does with it. I’m not sure if it’s too well known and too attached to Paul McCartney for her to have a moment. Sometimes the really well known songs aren’t the best ones to sing. This will be interesting.

My problem with Lee and Casey is that they bring the emotion of a Garfield paperweight to everything they sing. They hit the notes at times, but they don’t convey anything but “is this over yet?” with the lyrics. I think it’s because they don’t seem to care about the dynamics of music at all. I think I noted that Falling Slowly was sung at exactly the same volume and intensity by Lee – all the way through it! Ugh. Poor Crystal.

So – Hallelujah should be a knee-slapper. Even Tim could bring SOMETHING to it, even if it was a misinterpreted love of Jesus.

Have never heard Casey’s song, but I have no doubt that it is designed to get him gone.

Hallelujah is a gem of a song but it’s been so overdone. Hope for Haiti, Winter Olympics (k.d. lang), and now two different contestants in the same dang AI season.

And, everytime someone has sang Hallelujah on TV this year, they have been a trending topic on twitter and had people talking about them. I think it is a perfect choice from Simon who definitely wants Casey gone.

BTW, my favorite version of Hallelujah is by Allison Crowe. Beautiful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIMOdVXAPJ0

Really, Simon? Really?? What are you thinking, exactly??

Well, I think that Ellen made up a little for a season of poor judging by picking a decent song for Crystal. I think she could do something with it, but if I were picking I would have selected:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rfC1-gbofU
(Every Little Thing (He) Does is Magic – Shawn Colvin arrangement of Police cover)

At any rate, the trap for the other two are as follows:

Lee- Hallelujah has been covered by everyone. No mater what the arrangement, I believe that the public is kind of sick of this song. Lee will have to be better than good for people to vote for him. As it is, I believe that he’s pulling from the same voting pool as Casey, so there is real risk in doing this song for Lee.

Casey- Daughters is a slow and sleepy song that sounds a lot like Casey as is. The trap here is to do absolutely nothing with the song and have an utterly bland performance. Casey has a tendency to ‘phone it in’ when he’s faced with songs that are too comfortable for him.

The real trap here is for Lee. Casey and Lee have a similar voting pool and it could go either way based on these song choices. Lee’s fighting with the public’s weariness of this retread, while Casey is faced with a slow, little known song. Bottom line for me is Crystal is safe based on this and one of the boys goes home… flip a coin.

I don’t think there is any bussing with Lee regarding this choice either but I wouldn’t have picked this one for him. I think of all 3, I agree with mj. Ellen’s choice for Crystal is the best pick. She could have a real moment with this. If you forget that Jason has performed the song on AI, the fact Timmy has done the song this season already, I think that’s one of the reason why I can’t see why he picked this choice for Lee.

As far as Daughter’s for Casey, I actually like the song. I’m not sure if it fits Casey. I could be wrong though. :)

I think Casey can do fine with Daughters. It appeals to a female audience, especially the moms. He has 2 other songs to be creative, this is the one that will tug at the heartstrings.

I agree and disagree. Its a powerful song, no doubt, and it is hard to hate. But there are some tricky notes in there. It’s subtle with the note changes.

Tinawina – this song even comes with directions – and that’s for one of the ‘tricky notes’ part:

“It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth,
The minor fall and the major lift….”

But executing that phrase, (in the musical sense of the word) requires one to actually hit the notes. So the multiple times it’s been performed. and Simon (who likely isn’t even aware/remembering those) having a financial interest do matter – but not so much as they might, if Lee can just hit the actual notes, and give some kind of emotion. IMO. As everyone has noted – the Bar is pretty much at ground level this year.

He has 2 other songs to be creative, this is the one that will tug at the heartstrings.

Are they performing 3 songs each? I thought it was just 2: contestant’s choice and judge’s choice. What’s that about the bar being really low this year :P

Tinawina – this song even comes with directions – and that’s for one of the ‘tricky notes’ part:

LMAO at the song coming with directions! But you are right, it does!

You know the scary part? After Lee butchered Kiss From A Rose, he said he was satisfied with his performance. He thought it was good. Either he didn’t watch it back, or he didn’t hear how far off he went. Or both. That does NOT bode well for him singing this song.

Are they performing 3 songs each? I thought it was just 2: contestant’s choice and judge’s choice. What’s that about the bar being really low this year

Are you serious? Only 2 songs this year? What the hell??? LOL

Are you serious? Only 2 songs this year? What the hell??? LOL

For realz :P I only read this in 1 place but it’s a place I trust ;)

http://mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-9-top-4-results-recap.htm

Next week the Top 3 will sing 2 songs–a song the judges choose for them and a tune they pick for themselves. Traditionally, the contestants find out their judges pick during their hometown visit.

Usually at this stage, the contestant picks a song, a judge’s pick, and a producers pick. If only 2 for each, then wow. lol

ETA: Thanks windmills.

windmills, I am officially disgusted. Next week just let the final 2 sing the coronation song and that’s it? Wouldn’t want them to have to work too hard for the crown, after all. :(

I know right, i saw they were only doing 2 each and was a bit wth about it…

Are you serious? Only 2 songs this year? What the hell??? LOL

I didn’t follow last year, so I just went to What Not to Sing to check – maybe it’s a function of the Four Judges – but there were only two songs per contestant for Final Three last year as well. We all can see the judge’s chatter takes precedence over the music, anyway.

Makes the Contestant’s choice sort of pivotal – if they have to overcome a deluded no-option song.

They only did two songs for Top 3 last year as well, so I wasn’t expecting more. Having them do three songs on Homecoming week has usually struck me as poor planning anyway. People want to hear them in full voice on Top 2, not beaten down. But the top 2 should do three songs next week.

Note I said should.

there were only two songs per contestant for Final Three last year as well.

This is definitely the case – they really cut back on the songs in Season 8 (especially when compared to S7 where you did 2 songs by yourself starting in Top 5), and Season 9 is following the same pattern (with bonus even fewer group sings!)

Next week just let the final 2 sing the coronation song and that’s it?

The final 2 last year did sing 3 songs:
Reprise of song already sung
Producer’s choice
Coronation catastrophe of the year

Simon is so bored with the whole season that he forgot that Tim did it way back. Not a good choice of song from him since it’s been done this season. I am looking forward to the recording though.

Usually at this stage, the contestant picks a song, a judge’s pick, and a producers pick. If only 2 for each, then wow. lol

Really? I thought it was contestant’s choice and judge’s choice for Top 3, and contestant’s choice, producer’s choice and coronation song for finale. Did they used to do 3 songs each at Top 3? Maybe when they added the 4th judge they cut it to 2 due to overruns?

Last season the Top 3 sang 2 songs each. I think that was the only time they haven’t done 3 songs each?

Really? I thought it was contestant’s choice and judge’s choice for Top 3, and contestant’s choice, producer’s choice and coronation song for finale. Did they used to do 3 songs each at Top 3? Maybe when they added the 4th judge they cut it to 2 due to overruns?

I know they sang 3 songs on TOP 3 night in season 7, but it was too much, in my opinion.

Did they used to do 3 songs each at Top 3? Maybe when they added the 4th judge they cut it to 2 due to overruns?

They did, as recently as Season7 – and they also did two songs each starting at Top 5….no duets.

And yeah – the extra judge meant the judges need more time to talk – and they take priority.

Unless Lee absolutely massacres the song, Simon will praise him. He’s ignored Lee’s propensity to sing in the Key of Lee all season. There are so many versions of Hallelujah around that he’s unlikely to label whatever he does karaoke. So Lee is going to have be worse than just “meh” for Simon to really zing him.

“Maybe I’m Amazed” is one of Paul McCartney’s best songs off his first solo album — maybe one of his best solo songs, period. {{shudders at memory of “Band On the Run”}} I think it does offer Crystal a potential “moment.”

I don’t know “Daughters,” but whatever it is, it’s got to be better than “Happy Feet,” so Casey’s already ahead of the bus.

As far as the top 2 last year, they went back to the season 6 formula where they both sang the same song as far as the coronation drek goes. With season 7, both David’s got to choose a song each from the short list of songs that the public voted on for the coronation song and of course the winner had to sing magic rainbow. heh

I know they sang 3 songs on TOP 3 night in season 7, but it was too much, in my opinion.

Thank you. Glad to know I hadn’t completely lost my mind. heh

They did 2 last year? I remember them cutting stuff for the yakety yak judges but I guess I blanked on that. Pshaw.

The final 2 last year did sing 3 songs:
Reprise of song already sung
Producer’s choice
Coronation catastrophe of the year

I know, I was just kidding. :)

They got rid of the 3rd song last year because of the extra huge time allotment needed for the 4th judge.

The thing with giving Hallelujah to Lee, unless he sings it off-key, it’s the SONG that gets the moment, really. It’s just that good of a song. A singer has to ruin it to lose the moment. If Lee goes pitchy all over the place on it, I hope the judges call him on it.

Daughters is one of the more annoying John Mayer songs, but I think Casey can do a great job on it. I’m sure Crystal will do great, but will it be a “moment”? I hate the concept of a “moment” LOL. Try to hard and you’ll never have one! It has to just happen.

Mayer’s guitar in Daughters sounds simplistic. I’m hoping Casey will use his guitar skills to embellish that a bit. Crystal should do really well with Maybe I’m Amazed, but if I relate it to her singing about her boyfriend….well, he’s not too amazing and does need to “man up” as she says. But with her style/vocals, she should do well. Lee…Hallelujah…what??? It’ll be a moment or a disaster. There’s not too much middle ground in performing that one. Too many comparisons to other singers can be made. What were they thinking? Oh well, guess we’ll find out soon.

For those who aren’t familiar with them:

Daughters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2AzaOQllBQ

Maybe I’m Amazed (awesome song btw)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm2YyVZBL8U

Hooray for Ellen for being the only one capable of picking a decent song! Great choice…Crystal will rock its sox. pun completely intended.

Have they ever repeated a song twice in a season? Poor Tim.

I haven’t had time to read the whole thread, but I am NOT onboard the love train for Ellen’s pick. Really Ellen? Have you forgotten we already had a Lennon-McCartney night this season?? I mean seriously, I am SO sick of these musical ruts this show is stuck in. And it keeps Crystal in HER rut of songs from the Sixties and Seventies. At least Kara’s pick was written in this century! I won’t even comment on Simon’s choice, I’m sure everything that could be said about that has already been said.

tinawina: I know, I was just kidding. :)

I knew that – it’s just that you gave me the perfect reason to post the Top 2 song lineup. ;)

Hmm, I wonder what the producer’s picks will be this year. Hope it isn’t a themed pick like the pretentious social justice them from last year and instead they pick songs because they actually suit the contestants!

Actually, it’s not a bad song choice for Lee…if he sings it with enough emotion like “The Boxer” he should be good. And he will probably go last since he was first this past week {Kiss from a Rose}…..

They did 2 last year? I remember them cutting stuff for the yakety yak judges but I guess I blanked on that. Pshaw.

I’d forgotten too :) I was about to make a joke about how it’d be too taxing on the S9 F2 to learn a brand new coronation song so maybe they’d just have them reprise their 1 favorite performance of the season and have Kara sing the coronation song :P

I’m definitely not too enthused about any of the song pics this year. I agree that picking hallelujah for lee seems a bit odd. However, I remember last year when Kara and Randy picked apologize for Kris and he didn’t change it up at all and they all gave him shit about it. Then Simon got into an argument with them about how they should have helped him/told him what they wanted done with the song. So what I’m thinking is that Simon will probably be working with Lee hands on. At least I’d assume so since he worked on One with Adam last year.

so maybe they’d just have them reprise their 1 favorite performance of the season and have Kara sing the coronation song

I think that might make for some good tv. :P

Structurally and melodically, Ellen’s pick and Simon’s pick are very good songs, even if they are not ‘current’. Kara and Randy’s? Not so much…leaving room for an arranger, perhaps – to try to do something with the material.

But I’m curious – I only saw this mentioned once – far back on this thread – what is the consensus on how to handle the decidedly male POV for Crystal? It’s repeated twice in the middle of the song – ought she to change the gender, or leave it alone?

Maybe I’m a man,
maybe I’m a lonely man
who’s in the middle of something
that he doesn’t really understand.

Maybe I’m a man,
maybe you’re the only woman
who could ever help me.
Baby, won’t you help me understand?

??

incipit

No reason why Crystal can’t simply flip the gender in those verses

Incipit that’s hilarious. The only way to fix it is if she sings “Maybe I’m a girl.” “Woman” doesn’t scan.

Pam, thanks for posting that “Daughters” link. I am one who wasn’t familiar with that song. I think Casey could do okay with that one…not being smacked down by song choice at least.

Incipit that’s hilarious. The only way to fix it is if she sings “Maybe I’m a girl.” “Woman” doesn’t scan.

Exactly. Extra awkward syllable. And ‘girl’ doesn’t flow with ‘understand’ – but if it’s being flipped – at least that’s a choice. Although changing the lyrics for gender purposes always brings out positive/negative comment.

Can I just put in a wish for judges who actually know something about different types of music, lyrics, keys, and metaphors? Too much? Yeah, I thought so.

Yes fianlly mjsbigblog works – I was going into withdrawl ;)

I am *shocked* Simon didn’t pick Crystal’s song.

OK, I listened to the Daughters song, and it is one I’ve heard before. I actually think Casey can do this well. All he has to do is add some extra emphasis, appropriate pauses, close his eyes & not smile. It could be another “jealous guy” for him.

Incipit that’s hilarious. The only way to fix it is if she sings “Maybe I’m a girl.” “Woman” doesn’t scan.

Oh, sure, she can do it. “Maybe I’m a lass.” “Maybe I’m a maid.” “Maybe I’m a broad.”

There are multiple ways to go here.

Ok- I don’t even watch this season, but I saw the headline- and since I’m a huge Paul McCartney fan- I wanna say that “Maybe I’m Amazed” is Paul’s absolute best post-Beatles song IMO, and if she sings it well- no one will be able to touch her (Not meaning she’ll necessarily win, because we know that the best doesn’t always win
;-) )

Go Ellen for awesome song choice!

As was pointed out in CB’s homecoming thread, Jem did a version featuring “maybe I’m a girl.”

There have been far more obnoxious gender-flips in the history of recorded music, IMO.

Is it overly cynical to notice that, in the week where the largest block of undecided voters up for grabs are the supporters of Big Daddy Mike, Kara and Randy made sure to pick a song about parenthood for Casey?

As was pointed out in CB’s homecoming thread, Jem did a version featuring “maybe I’m a girl.”

There have been far more obnoxious gender-flips in the history of recorded music, IMO.

Yeah, I know. I was joking. I actually don’t mind gender flips at all, so it was actually *only* a joke. … Makes no sense to me in the least that the gender of a song is some kind of sacred thing. In most cases, the emotions that songs express aren’t really gender specific, in my opinion.

Is it overly cynical to notice that, in the week where the largest block of undecided voters up for grabs are the supporters of Big Daddy Mike, Kara and Randy made sure to pick a song about parenthood for Casey?

I don’t know that it’s possible to be overly cynical about this show, but it is possible to give them credit for too much forethought – not their strong suit. Maybe they asked an intern.

“Daughters” is one of my least favorite John Mayer songs. I’m sure Casey will do a fine job of it. Maybe they were thinking that since John Mayer is known for his guitar playing, that this would fit Casey’s persona. If they want to really bus Casey, they should have chosen John’s “Stop This Train”. The guitar is a little more challenging than “Daughters” and the lyrics are perfect for the contestant you want to leave, LOL. “stop this train, I want to get off and go home again”

calimari:
05/14/2010 at 4:15 pm

OK, I listened to the Daughters song, and it is one I’ve heard before. I actually think Casey can do this well. All he has to do is add some extra emphasis, appropriate pauses, close his eyes & not smile. It could be another “jealous guy” for him.

I believe it will be a moment for Casey. Contrary to some, I do not like the song chosen for Crystal. I was concerned about the bone that would be thrown to Casey, but I believe he got the best of the lot.

But I’m curious – I only saw this mentioned once – far back on this thread – what is the consensus on how to handle the decidedly male POV for Crystal? It’s repeated twice in the middle of the song – ought she to change the gender, or leave it alone?

No reason that she can’t leave it alone. It’s not her song; it’s Sir Paul’s material. She can sing the song as written and rock it. There are more important things to get across than reconciling the gender references. Especially when changing them rips the rhythm and rhyme scheme of the lyric – which is the part of the song that really sticks with you.

hallelujah by leonard cohen is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. loenard cohen’s deep voice should be a good fit for lee’s raspy tone.

wow, ellen definitely picked the best song.. simon, seriously? hallelujah? you really don’t care anymore do yah? kara and randy’s pick? better than simon… i like john mayers music even if i recently found out that he is a douche…

I hope all the judges work with them this week. Then I have more hope for Casey.

Crystal should have a moment unless she goes overboard and starts shouting. She really doesn’t need to do much with it. And most people are older voters so her staying in the groove of singing older songs has worked well for her so far. I wouldn’t worry about shaking anything up with her.

I’m beginning to think Lee will have the bigger moment. Hallelujah is one of the most moving and best songs around. If he’s in pitch, then he’ll have THE moment of the season so far. It’s soo hard to not like it. He’ll have the pretty eyes and the serious look going, etc. And you know Simon will work with him.

<’s deep voice should be a good fit for lee’s raspy tone

Out of tune doesn’t work well IMO. I love the song though. I think it is too much for Lee. Kara and Randy had the best pick and that is most surprising for me. IMO

Geez, I usually hate Mayer, but this song is one of the few exceptions. It rings so true (maybe more for me, since I’m a parent)and boy, those lyrics really hug at your heart. Plus, Casey loves Mayer (he just performed “Gravity” today at one of his mini-concerts!), so I think he’ll pull out all the stops.

Poor Lee fans must be shaking in their boots right now with that abysmal song choice. Sorry, but people are voting for that song more than they are Lee. It’s actually quite dastardly of Simon to choose it, because it shows just how low he’s willing to go to get Lee into the finale. I see right through that whole thing.

As for Crystal’s song choice, I think she could KILL it (in a good way), or, she may risk losing the nuances it requires. The high points of the song, she’ll nail for sure. It’s probably obvious, but I want to see a Casey/Crystal finale.

Casey wants to do bluesy country rock music. Crystal and Lee were given songs like they would do after Idol. The least they could have done was to give Casey that. He could have at least separated himself from the other two artistically.

Jem did an amazing cover of “Maybe I’m Amazed” and the gender was flipped pretty nicely: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUw9LTCtR0g (and yes, it’s from the OC.)

I can actually see Crystal doing this version.

Ovenmitt:It rings so true (maybe more for me, since I’m a parent)and boy, those lyrics really hug at your heart. Plus, Casey loves Mayer (he just performed “Gravity” today at one of his mini-concerts!), so I think he’ll pull out all the stops.

Hey Ovenmitt! :) I think you are right on and can hardly wait! It is MOMENT time again for Casey. Didn’t he do a Mayer tune in Hollywood week? Sounds like right up his alley and I think it is a great choice…as far as judges picking. I much prefer this pick than what the other two got.

Claudette-
You really think Lee would do “Hallelujah” on his own accord? I don’t see him picking songs with such emotional heft, but that’s just me. Why do you think John Mayer is such a poor fit for Casey? Casey actually likes his music, and has said he wants to make a record with country, blues, rock and pop influences. Far as I can tell, all that’s missing from John Mayer’s music is the country aspect.

I’m not crazy about any of the picks. I used to like “Hallelujah,” but now I’m getting sick of it. Simon is the judge who always prefaces his remarks with: “Of all the thousands of songs you could have picked…” So, why couldn’t he come up with a song that hasn’t been done to death?

Kara & Randy gave Casey a yawn-inducing song in “Daughters.” He’ll get criticized for not “doing something new” with it when the song just doesn’t allow for much change up. Kara did that to Kris last year when she chose “Apologize.” Seriously, how was he supposed to reinvent that one?

Crystal will do fine with the Sir Paul track, but I would rather hear her cover Bowie, Annie Lennox, or Springsteen. I don’t know if they could clear the rights, but I would love to hear a Crystalized version of “Thunder Road.”

JW-
Casey’s audition song was Mayer, “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”. As I mentioned upthread, he also just performed “Gravity” today at one of his homecoming concerts. I think it’s safe to say that the man digs on some John Mayer. I’m LOLing at the people who are trying to say “Daughters” is a poor choice. Um, it’s actually a fantastic choice. Randy and, yes, Kara, really like and understand Casey. Kara has given him crap, but hers ws the only positive critique to Casey last week. And Randy appreciates his musicianship. Why would they pick a song that he would do badly? It wouldn’t reflect well on them (duh!).

wow. i’m almost speechless. Well Casey can pull Kris Allen. Simon will give him the stupid song choice comments, so it depends what he will sing next. Lee can pull Gokey, he will be overpraised by Simon and also for his second song, people will be pissed and send him home. I like this idea. Go Crystal!!!

Hallelujah? That’s Jason’s song, as far as AI goes!

I do love the song Daughters as it really speaks to me as the daughter of 2 pretty lousy parents and the mother of my 3 amazing girls. I am looking forward to this one as I am emotionally connected to this song and I am hoping this will bring Casey a finish in the #2 spot.

Fab choice for Crystal. Certainly this is a classic right up MamaSox’s alley. No doubt she will do it justice.

I also appreciate that 2 out of 3 these songs have yet to be sung on the Idol stage. But, Hallelujah? Ugh…. Simey, could you be any more over this show?

Like the choice for Casey best, even though I love the Paul McCartney song. But i wonder if it will be enough for Crystal. Lee’s song is seriously unimaginative, but he’ll still be in final. Casey has to wow to even have a chance, but i agree that he could be a country John Mayer (but less douche-y). Absolutely same fan demographic.

Hollywood week I Don’t Need No Doctor….Mayer…that is what I was talking about. Casey did perform and it would be great to hear him do it again.

OvenMitt:
05/14/2010 at 5:05 pm

JW-
Casey’s audition song was Mayer, “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”. As I mentioned upthread, he also just performed “Gravity” today at one of his homecoming concerts. I think it’s safe to say that the man digs on some John Mayer. I’m LOLing at the people who are trying to say “Daughters” is a poor choice. Um, it’s actually a fantastic choice. Randy and, yes, Kara, really like and understand Casey. Kara has given him crap, but hers ws the only positive critique to Casey last week. And Randy appreciates his musicianship. Why would they pick a song that he would do badly? It wouldn’t reflect well on them (duh!).

I was talking about Hollywood Week and I Don’t Need No Doctor that Casey did…Mayer. I agree with you and think this is an awesome pick for him. Better than the other two. I love the song for Lee but think it is too big for him and with his tendency to be off key…nuf said. I don’t like the choice for Crystal at all.

The best part of Ellen’s choice for Crystal is that she can slow it down like Jem, or keep it sped up and rocking depending on what her other choice is. Casey and Lee’s songs are slow songs, so they need to switch songs if there other one is a slow ballad.

cwg509:
05/14/2010 at 5:09 pm

I am not sure Lee will be in the final. I think the jury is still out on WHO will be in the top two. It has not been a run-away for any of them and as close as it is and some just now tuning in and missing all of the drama and not knowing our bias :), there may be a twist and some may be surprised.

Casey and slow song, so he need to switch songs if there other one is a slow ballad.

Agree and that is why I mentioned the Mayer I Don’t Need No Doctor that he did in Hollywood week.

It’s really confusing to me that Simon would pick Hallelujah. My guess is that either TPTB chose it for him, thinking it was a good idea, or Simon is throwing Lee under the bus. I have too much faith in Simon’s musical knowledge to believe that he thinks that song is a good idea.

Throw Lee under the bus? SHOCK.

I have seen a lot of comments saying that if Lee stays in pitch he can have a moment with his judges choice. How pathetic is it that we have someone in the top three that you have to hope that he stays in tune this week? Someone in the top three should always be somewhat in tune and sadly that is just not the case with Lee and even his big fans know that. wow

Oh great Crystal butchering yet another McCartney song. Folk singing or shouting and McCartney/Beatles do not mix.

i love how mj’s using the term “moment”

i don’t remember it being used in previous seasons

it looks like idol is growing on mj; lol!

sumidol:
05/14/2010 at 5:21 pm

I have seen a lot of comments saying that if Lee stays in pitch he can have a moment with his judges choice. How pathetic is it that we have someone in the top three that you have to hope that he stays in tune this week? Someone in the top three should always be somewhat in tune and sadly that is just not the case with Lee and even his big fans know that. wow

Yep…and the judges still pimp him…even when they tell him he is out of tune.

adamland:
05/14/2010 at 5:24 pm

Oh great Crystal butchering yet another McCartney song. Folk singing and McCartney/Beatles do not mix.

My thoughts exactly. I think this is a bad pick for her and I don’t like the song either.

<

blockquote>iFly55:

05/14/2010 at 5:25 pm

i love how mj’s using the term “moment”

i don’t remember it being used in previous seasons

it looks like idol is growing on mj; lol!

:) I am waiting for the CASEY MOMENT. He is due.

I think Casey will do very well with Daughters. He will probably put is own Casey guitar twist on it to make it his. Simon’s pick for Lee makes me scratch my head. Wasn’t he the one telling the contestants last week that there are “1,000′s of songs to choose from”, yet he gives Lee an overdone one? I have to LOL. Ellen’s pick for Crystal is actually good. I’m sure she will “crystalize” it. Honestly, I do not like McCartney’s version. To me, he’s too screamish for my liking so I’m hoping Crystal takes it down a notch or two.

Oh great Crystal butchering yet another McCartney song. Folk singing or shouting and McCartney/Beatles do not mix.

LOL. what?!?!? Paul McCartney shouts throughout the whole song!! Have you even ever heard Maybe I’m Amazed?

To me, he’s too screamish for my liking so I’m hoping Crystal takes it down a notch or two.

She will either totally folk song it to death or shout her way thru it like she has been for the last 2 weeks and has NOT been called on it by the judges. That is B.S.

chearts77:
05/14/2010 at 5:28 pm

I think Casey will do very well with Daughters. He will probably put is own Casey guitar twist on it to make it his. Simon’s pick for Lee makes me scratch my head. Wasn’t he the one telling the contestants last week that there are “1,000’s of songs to choose from”, yet he gives Lee an overdone one? I have to LOL. Ellen’s pick for Crystal is actually good. I’m sure she will “crystalize” it. Honestly, I do not like McCartney’s version. To me, he’s too screamish for my liking so I’m hoping Crystal takes it down a notch or two.

We miss you at the Casey Homecoming thread. :) Typical Simon…no surprise there really. I thought Casey did a superior vocal to Lennon with Jealous Guy. Sounded like two different songs for me. I don’t see Crystal with this song at all and I don’t know…as Kara or Randy would say, Dawg.

LOL. what?!?!? Paul McCartney shouts throughout the whole song!! Have you even ever heard Maybe I’m Amazed?

Yes I have, live by the way. I haven’t lived under a rock you know. I know every McCartney/Beatle song out there.

LOL. what?!?!? Paul McCartney shouts throughout the whole song!! Have you even ever heard Maybe I’m Amazed?

I have and I don’t like it and I don’t like it for Crystal. Screaming through it is right.

Yes I have, live by the way.

Good. So you heard him shout. Which makes your statement about shouting and McCartney not going together even more comical.

madnessinmotion-Your welcome. :)

JW-I agree with you about the top 2 not necessarily being locked in. Top 3 is when things, historically speaking, have gotten really interesting over the past several seasons. This particular performance show can really make the results show look really interesting.

Season 7 was an exception when you consider Syesha was given the Happy Feet song. lol

She will either totally folk song it to death or shout her way thru it like she has been for the last 2 weeks and has NOT been called on it by the judges. That is B.S.

YEP! :(

gangreen29:
05/14/2010 at 5:33 pm

Yes I have, live by the way.

Good. So you heard him shout. Which makes your statement about shouting and McCartney not going together even more comical.

Really, you are so astute.

Pam:
05/14/2010 at 5:34 pm

madnessinmotion

-Your welcome. :)

JW-I agree with you about the top 2 not necessarily being locked in. Top 3 is when things, historically speaking, have gotten really interesting over the past several seasons. This particular performance show can really make the results show look really interesting.

Season 7 was an exception when you consider Syesha was given the Happy Feet song. lol

Kris had been written off last year at this time to the best of my recollection. We know how that went down.

And Ellen De-Generate intimating on her show that Crystal would win and Lee would be in the finale….too much for me. Backlash IMO.

I rushed to the AI website to complete the survey and grade the judges. How bout that for a change! I hope they all get the boot as AI is going South and a new attitude and freshness is needed. Now, let’s not get another geography lesson going here about the South. :)

Maybe they’ve finally come to the realization that Casey has a pretty darn dedicated fanbase, cause I can’t think of any reason for Simon to pick that song for Lee. Even though I have my favorites, I was hoping all the contestants get good songs & do well so we can have ourselves a real competition.

You know what I mean? Haha :D

Kris had been written off last year at this time to the best of my recollection. We know how that went down.

I think Kris had been written off prior to the top 4, but Danny’s implosion meant he was a pretty good bet for the final even going into top 3 week after Allison’s elimination.

We miss you at the Casey Homecoming thread.

Awww…thanks. :) I’ve been busy today with errands. I pop in and out here. Like right now I have to go. I’ll be back later, though. :D

Paul McCartney singing Maybe I’m amazed live:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWrGSa-Asdk

Mariam94:
05/14/2010 at 5:40 pm

Maybe they’ve finally come to the realization that Casey has a pretty darn dedicated fanbase, cause I can’t think of any reason for Simon to pick that song for Lee. Even though I have my favorites, I was hoping all the contestants get good songs & do well so we can have ourselves a real competition.

You know what I mean? Haha :D

So, how do you feel about the song choice by Simon? CASEY does have a dedicated fan base. He is the best. The fat lady ain’t sung yet. ‘all. :)

Well, the nice thing about these homecoming threads are seeing all the fans of the top 3 start to come out of the woodwork.

The real winner of next week will be the person who hasn’t lost their voice due to homecoming week! :)

So, how do you feel about the song choice by Simon?

Simon put his pocketbook above his contestant.

c

hearts77:
05/14/2010 at 5:43 pm

We miss you at the Casey Homecoming thread.

Awww…thanks. :) I’ve been busy today with errands. I pop in and out here. Like right now I have to go. I’ll be back later, though. :D

I have to sign off now too but will catch up with you at the Casey Homecoming thread later. :)

kcostell:
05/14/2010 at 5:45 pm

So, how do you feel about the song choice by Simon?

Simon put his pocketbook above his contestant.

Greyhound? :)

Baby, I’ll be amazed if Casey makes it into the top two. As a singer, he’s a terrific guitar player. Seems like a nice dude, though. I’m sure he’ll have some kind of career, although third place has not been a trad

Ellen just sees the vote totals, IMO. That’s kind of what happens. They get behind the winning pony.

So, how do you feel about the song choice by Simon?

Wasn’t what I was expecting, that’s for sure. They’ve been telling Lee to be more of a rocker the whole season & now that they finally get to pick his song, they pick “Hallejuh”? For real?

All I can conclude from this whole scenario is:

IMO, Lee is there for the ratings, not post-Idol. Crystal is a niche artist who can make the occasional crossover hit. And Casey will make a killing when he goes country.

Let’s limp this season along to the finish, already!

I love Ellen’s choice. Simon…really? Randy/Kara…two heads are definitely not better than one in this case.

They should have had Lee sing David Cook’s “Lie”. Although he could never sing it as well, it would be a nice tribute to David and it would keep Lee relevant. How is Hallelujah going to help him? It’s not something that he would sing and it’s been covered a bagillion times on Idol and beyond.

songsungblue:
05/14/2010 at 5:58 pm

Baby, I’ll be amazed if Casey makes it into the top two. As a singer, he’s a terrific guitar player. Seems like a nice dude, though. I’m sure he’ll have some kind of career, although third place has not been a trad

Ellen just sees the vote totals, IMO. That’s kind of what happens. They get behind the winning pony.

We had this discussion last night. I don’t think the judges see the vote totals. Or that is what I have read anyway. Ellen just has her favs and it is obvious from the pimping and lack of critiquing. JMO.

Kris had been written off at this juncture last year too. And we know how that reading tea leaves worked out for him. :) Could be a repeat this year. This one is too close to call as there has never been a clear winner and I think most would agree to some degree. :0

Recap from another thread about CASEY’s vocals.

My friend said Casey came out and rocked the hell out of the place. She said his range is unbelievable and he is singing & perfoming a million times better than he does on idol. Singing Heaven! He sounds amazing. My friend said he sounds absolutely gorgeous live and there was no vibrato. She is very shocked. She has always loved his voice but he has been holding back on Idol. He also sang a blues song with his mom not sure what though. She said Casey’s falsetto was amazingly beautiful and that he was holding notes that were unbelievable and singing a million times better than he has on idol.Can you say Matt syndrome? He said he wanted to hug everyone and is extremely sweet!

So they gave him a hat,cowboy boots, and key to the city and something else but not sure what. She said there were about 3000 people there. So sad that the weather sucked for him.

I like Casey, I’d like a Crystal and Casey finale.

I feel like Simon’s choice is so unimaginative. I wanted a song we hadn’t heard done before. I don’t know the John Mayer song so can’t comment on that but I like that it hasn’t been done on Idol before, at least to my knowledge. I like Ellen’s song choice the best but I do love that song.

OvenMitt:
05/14/2010 at 4:48 pm
Geez, I usually hate Mayer, but this song is one of the few exceptions. It rings so true (maybe more for me, since I’m a parent)and boy, those lyrics really hug at your heart.

Wow, I must have a really cynical heart then, because that song just points to all the ways that John Mayer is emotionally deaf to everyone else’s circumstances except to those that serve his own.

Wow, I must have a really cynical heart then, because that song just points to all the ways that John Mayer is emotionally deaf to everyone else’s circumstances except to those that serve his own.

Yeah…it just doesn’t mix with calling Jessica Simpson “sexual napalm” and talking about his racist penis. Manwhore/douche alert! He’s so talented but I’m with you on this one.

Laury:
05/14/2010 at 7:05 pm

I like Casey, I’d like a Crystal and Casey finale.

Me too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J5OiQSEfKU

Casey seemed pleased with his song choice.

Reminder:

NO Fingerwagging! I’m going to start putting people in moderation. Really tempted…

I think Lee should strip that song down into something that barely sounds like the original. Why not? It is worn out. Time to shake things up a bit… I hope.

I think Lee should strip that song down into something that barely sounds like the original.

That would be great, but Lee has yet to demonstrate that he has the musical chops to pull off this Cook-Allen trick. The Boxer, Kiss from a Rose, The Letter… they’ve all been fairly straight covers. So far his major creative stretch has been marching a bagpiper down the stairs behind Hey Jude.

I love the choice for Casey, because I think it fits his voice and style wonderfully well. I hope he can connect to it emotionally, though.

I feel as if Lee got sandbagged. That song? His range? I dunno.

I’m disappointed in the choice for Crystal. I hope she can pick it up a little, change it around to something more lively. Doesn’t seem like a good choice for her voice, but she’s probably good enough to prove me wrong.

Hallelujah? Really? I listened to the samples from Lee’s album and he’s way better than he has been on AI. In fact in his softer moments HE sounds a bit like John Mayer. I wouldn’t have given him a John Mayer song for Top 3 week, but I sure as heck wouldn’t have given Mayer to Casey… what were they thinking? How about Eddie Vedder for Casey or something on the deep blues end. Ellen was the only one to pick a great song and is Crystal’s fortunate to get to sing it.

I don’t think you can really mess up Hallelujah. I think it will work well for Lee because he hasn’t tackled a song with much emotional depth – it might give him a chance to show a side that he hasn’t shown before. His version isn’t going to be anything like Jason’s or Tim’s (thank God) so I’m looking forward to it. (After watching this show for 9 years, I don’t expect Simon to make an interesting song choice. I think he knows maybe 12 songs)

I’m not a fan of Daughters, maybe because I’m not a sentimental person and the lyrics in the chorus sound like a greeting card to me. Maybe it’s because I don’t buy it coming from a douche. I don’t know. If Casey is a fan of Mayer, he should do well with it and maybe make Kara cry.

I love Maybe, I’m Amazed, maybe because it sounds more like a Lennon song than a Paul song, lol. I can’t wait to hear Crystal sing it.

Are they doing two or three songs this week?

Isn’t it interesting how we all see these songs so differently? I think it is a great fit for Casey, don’t think Happy Feet works for Lee as he is prone to be so out of tune and it is a pretty big song (and I love it), and I don’t like the song at all that Crystal will sing and don’t look forward to the shouting or the folksy way I anticipate it will be sung. No matter what the judges would have chosen, we wouldn’t have like it. :)

Isn’t he just the sweetest thing? So warm. Think ahead to how naturally & genuinely he can interact with fans once he is finished with the show.

The qualities seen in him here are something no amount of pimping by judges could ever get for other contestants.

These comments from a friend of mine upon seeing the video of Casey interacting.

Maybe I’m Amazed – One of my favorite Paul Mc songs, quite emotional as he still dedicates it to Linda. Could be a challenge to cover and bring something new to it. Very curious to see what we get from Crystal, she hasn’t failed me so far.

Daughters – NOT one of my favorite Mayer songs, if they wanted Casey to win he’d get “Slow Dancing”, “Gravity” or “Don’t Need no Doctor”, or even better, Stevie Ray’s “Pride and Joy”.

Hallelujah – not a virtuoso singer’s song (see L.Cohen). The melody doesn’t do much, there’s not a hooky chorus. It’s all about interpreting the lyrics and phrasing. Unless Lee knows it well, I foresee him swallowing lyrics, breathing in the wrong spots and chopping off the lines (all things he does when he’s not in his comfort zone). So I see it as a minefield for Lee.

That being said, if Lee stares right at Simon and sings “You don’t really care for music, DO YOU??” I’ll vote for him 2000 times Tuesday night.

Wow, lack of creativity much Simon?

I don’t smell sabotage – I guess Mr. Cowell wants to say goodbye to idol by choosing his favorite song for his favorite contestant. And we already know that it doesn’t matter how he performs it, Simon will love it. Heck they loved Tim’s Hallelujah, and they always love everything Lee does.

I really like Ellen’s choice for Crystal – not an obvious choice but definitely has potential to work.

Daughters is the kind of song that Casey pulls of. I can already see him sitting in a stool, acoustic guitar, blue light and girly hearts melting everywhere.

I don’t think you can really mess up Hallelujah.

Tim’s version was soulless.

If Lee goes last, which he probably will since he was first last week, and he does well with his song, it will be great. The song has been overdone, but the emotions behind it are the key…he did emotionally well with The Boxer, so…..Not too thrilled with Casey’s song, can’t do too much with it…I think Crystal has the best one.

Maybe they’ve finally come to the realization that Casey has a pretty darn dedicated fanbase, cause I can’t think of any reason for Simon to pick that song for Lee

Maybe because he likes the song? Simon doesn’t always make the smartest choices but Simon does what Simon wants. He has a trend of picking songs he loves for contestants. IMO if he was going to screw Lee over he could have done a lot worse that picking this. Its a beautiful song lots of people know and IF Lee knocks it out of the park it could be big for him, hardly some Happy Feet mess. I didnt think much would happen with The Boxer yet the judges loved it.

I’m probably in the minority thinking no one got any real trainwreck songs.

Tim´s version was very heartfelt sweet and emotional IMO. I loved it. But that´s just me I guess. Tim doesn´t have a powerful voice but when he is feeling the song he delivers it in a sweet way.

I think Lee will do just fine because you know Simon chose it and he is definitely going to be praised. I don´t know why Lee fans worry so much. He will be in the finale with Crystal for sure. That´s a given.

“Daughters” is a lovely song. Casey will have to let really loose and show tenderness and a certain urgency underlying the lyrics. It’s a good choice for him. I hope he picks up a very bluesy song for his own choice,
“Maybe, I’m amazed” .. it’s such a good song. I think Crystal might have a moment with. I wasn’t very fond of her song choices so far, so i’m expecting to be liking this.
I’m not sure Lee was very happy with his song. Totally unoriginal and done too much Simon.. no likey

I love Maybe, I’m Amazed, maybe because it sounds more like a Lennon song than a Paul song, lol

LOL, I couldn’t agree more!

Any speculation on contestants choices? I’d love to hear one of the following from Crystal

Miranda Lambert Dead Flowers
Dixie Chicks Easy Silence
Patty Griffin Let Him Fly
Patty Griffin When it Don’t Come Easy
10,000 Maniacs There Are the Days
Cat Stevens Peace Train
Tracy Chapman Fast Car
John Prine Angel From Montgomery
Bruce Springsteen Human Touch (I think would be great for Lee too)
Indigo Girls Closer to Fine

The Paul McCartney song dates back to 1976 according to the YouTube clip. I don’t remember it and I’m not that impressed by it but Paul did sing it in a slightly raspy style (not with his voice breaking as he unfortunately does now due to his age) which does make me think it would work for Crystal or Lee but that Crystal would be able to perhaps put some emotion into as she is trying to get her baby daddy to commit. Maybe he will propose to her for real on the spot :) (just kidding)

I like the H. song for Lee but am scratching my head at Daughters for Casey. I don’t see Casey in that vein at all. I would like to see Casey sing something more bluesey/country/even Will Neslon-ish. But that’s just IMHO.

oops. My last post was meant for another thread. Sorry. 8:47.

“Don’t Need no Doctor”,

CASEY sang this at Hollywood week and I am hoping this will be his choice this week.

Ok I love the song Hallelujah but for Lee? Really Simon? Completely the wrong song for him and he’s not good at song arrangement so I think it’ll be a tranwreck. Great song pucks for Crystal and Casey though. Simon just doesn’t care anymore does he?

Daughters is the kind of song that Casey pulls of. I can already see him sitting in a stool, acoustic guitar, blue light and girly hearts melting everywhere.

My vision exactly. I like the song and think it is a good choice for Casey. Not fond of the other choices though.

revcat:
Crystal would be able to perhaps put some emotion into as she is trying to get her baby daddy to commit

Crystal’s boyfriend isn’t her baby’s daddy. Just sayin’.

Simon’s pick for Lee makes me scratch my head. Wasn’t he the one telling the contestants last week that there are “1,000’s of songs to choose from”, yet he gives Lee an overdone one? I have to LOL.

I so agree- SONG CHOICE Simon [ fail]. I like the choices for the other two. I think Daughters is perfect for Casey as he’ll be able to show some emotion & Crystal should be able to make Baby I’m Amazed – her own.
It’ll be interesting to see what other songs they are singing as well!

gangreen29:
05/14/2010 at 9:15 pm

Any speculation on contestants choices? I’d love to hear one of the following from Crystal

10,000 Maniacs There Are the Days

Would love to hear These Are the Days sung by Crystal. Any of 10000 maniacs or Natalie Merchant songs would be good choices for her I think.

Any speculation on contestants choices?

Do they have to sing one they have already performed this season, or is it a choice of any for them?

He will be in the finale with Crystal for sure. That´s a given.

I’m not so sure that it is a given. It is too close to call IMO. Who would have thunk at this juncture last year that Kris would be the American Idol winner? It had already been called for Danny and
Adam. Surprise, surprise and I would not be surprise to see another twist this go around.

Crystal’s boyfriend isn’t her baby’s daddy. Just sayin’.

I wonder how many people realize that? I bet the general public doesn’t know. Hmm.

Anyway, the original song was old but it was a song covered fairly recently on The OC (TC show and soundtrack), as noted upthread. It should have some cross-generational appeal.

I wonder what else Crystal will do? What would help is if she took a very modern song on and covered it in her style. Or she could save that for top 2, provided she makes it that far.

I don’t think anyone has been bussed with these choices though Lee’s is tricky for him. They all have a shot to pull these off well.

Any speculation on contestants choices? I’d love to hear one of the following from Crystal

Miranda Lambert Dead Flowers
Dixie Chicks Easy Silence
Patty Griffin Let Him Fly
Patty Griffin When it Don’t Come Easy
10,000 Maniacs There Are the Days
Cat Stevens Peace Train
Tracy Chapman Fast Car
John Prine Angel From Montgomery
Bruce Springsteen Human Touch (I think would be great for Lee too)
Indigo Girls Closer to Fine

Those are such great choices!! I could hear Lee do a couple of these too.

IMO only, while I think Crystal is the best singer and Lee is the most fun to watch, I believe that Casey has the most chance of a real music career of all the Season 9 Idols. Granted his singing range is limited, but many of the CW male singers have limited range, too. They do their twang thing, look good, strum their guitars and get away with it and make lots of money – and have a career. I can’t see either Lee or Crystal having anything but a limited time in the lime-leight should either of them win this year.

Simon LOL, this is a beautifull song from Leonard Cohen and Jeff Buckley turned it into a masterpiece. Jsson Castro did great with it and his performance at the AI7 finale what outstanding and even Tim Urban was not that bad. Song choice is important and a great song even sung only half decent can get you votes for casual viewers. It will be a hit and miss for Lee. Keep it in tune and put some feelings in it you win, out of tune and no expression and you are out as most of the people that will watch are probably the same people that watched Jason on AI7 and Tim this year.

Let’s see, Casey did a better Jealous Guy than John Lennon did, and Paul McCartney screams through his “version” of Amazed? LOL. Sorry but that just sounds hilarious to me. Those are two great songs that the *original singers and songwriters* did better than anyone else ever can. Those were not “versions,” those were the originals. Those songs came straight from the hearts of John and Paul, from their relationships with the loves of their lives, Yoko and Linda. They weren’t doing a version of a song, they lived those songs. I liked Casey’s version, but to say that it was better than John singing his own song, sorry, don’t get that. And no way did Paul scream all through Amazing. It gets intense in parts, but that’s what’s so cool about it, how it starts soft and then gets intense, how it alternates. Maybe someone is referring to a live version. Well, never mind. But I always saw it as a tender love song.

oceana:
05/14/2010 at 10:03 pm

Let’s see, Casey did a better Jealous Guy than John Lennon did

I stand by this comment. I watched Lennon sing Jealous Guy and he looked distracted and not into the song. Casey, on the other hand, put soul into it. MO. Lennon is a great song writer but he did not deliver vocally on this for me. It is all perception.

I would have gone with ‘Turn the Page’ for Casey.

‘Mr. Jones’ for Lee

some Jewel song for Crystal

I believe that Casey has the most chance of a real music career of all the Season 9 Idols. Granted his singing range is limited, but many of the CW male singers have limited range, too. They do their twang thing, look good, strum their guitars and get away with it and make lots of money – and have a career. I can’t see either Lee or Crystal having anything but a limited time in the lime-leight should either of them win this year.

My sentiments exactly and I have been saying this all along. I don’t think we have heard the extent of his range according to what happened in Texas today. I hope he brings that back to IDOL. :)

I had glad I did not have to make a song choice for any of them. Whew. What a load that would be and no matter what, some would think it wrong, or perfect or whatever. That’s a tough call and I am just glad CASEY got the song he did…it could have really been bad and off the wall for sure.

‘Daughters’….nice sandbag, Kara/Randy Monster. It’s like when Kris got ‘What’s Going On’ and then was told that the song was too ‘lightweight’ for the occasion.
‘Daughters’ is like muscatelle – it don’t sparkle, it don’t bubble, it just kinda lays there. (TM Fred Sanford)

Let’s see, Casey did a better Jealous Guy than John Lennon did, and Paul McCartney screams through his “version” of Amazed?

Well, this is a little off topic but I like Kris Allen’s version of Let It Be (the one that he sang on the Haiti special) better than the original version by the Beatles. He put so much emotion into it, it was spectacular! I bought it from iTunes, first and only song I bought of Kris’s. If Kris can write or find original material that sounds anywhere near this good his career will gather steam for sure.

As for Casey, he is good looking but IMHO is not that charismatic. However I agree with some of the other posters: he could be a hit with the right material.

Lee showed his personality when he sang the duet with Crystal, don’t laugh but I actually got chills! If he can learn to let his personality show like this on a consistent basis he has a shot at a career.

Crystal = niche performer IMHO, solid but smaller career; however, I could be wrong. Depends on whether or not she comes up with her own, stellar and original material. Who knows, it’s a crap shoot!

Let’s see, Casey did a better Jealous Guy than John Lennon did, and Paul McCartney screams through his “version” of Amazed? LOL. Sorry but that just sounds hilarious to me. Those are two great songs that the *original singers and songwriters* did better than anyone else ever can. Those were not “versions,” those were the originals. Those songs came straight from the hearts of John and Paul, from their relationships with the loves of their lives, Yoko and Linda

.

Actually, Lennon wrote that song about his first wife, Cynthia. Which is part of why it’s so poignant.

JW, I appreciate that you’re a big fan of CASEY [and I do honestly think it's lovely] but everything is not perception, IMO. It’s a pet peeve of mine when my writing students will tell me a writer like Carson McCullers “sucks” because they hate A Member of the Wedding. It’s their perception, they say! Well, no. You might not like it, but there ARE some ways to determine quality.

*rant over*

I don’t believe that Casey sang Jealous Guy better than Lennon – maybe Lennon was off that night. But it is HIS song. By the same token, I don’t expect Crystal to top McCartney. Those are icons, bringing decades of pain and growth and understanding to their music. Crystal and Casey are not there yet.

But I want them all to do well on Tuesday. It’s painful when they falter. Ugh. I really hate that. I couldn’t stand Siobhan, but I HATED when she failed. They’re all so young! [Not that I'm very old, but heh. They are kids.]

I haven’t read all the comments, but my favorite version of Jealous Guy is the one done by Bryan Ferry!

I must comment on Simon’s choice for Lee. OMG. This is going to be a trainwreck. Perhaps Casey WILL slide into the top two.

Ellen, good choice. Stop crapping on Ellen, ya’ll. I know she’s a Lee fangirl, but that’s okay.

ETA: songsungblue, I believe in perception in art, even literature. I don’t like Faulkner. I’d rather read Henry Miller or Toni Morrison. That doesn’t make Faulkner any less great. I just don’t dig him. Seems fair to me.

Ellen is my least fave judge. I love her otherwise, but Ellen on AI is just all kinds of wrong!

Perception is reality.

I do not like this top 3. But I’m probably on the Casey team right now.

Back to Lee, I don’t see him having a moment with this song. I don’t see him the musicality, the phasing, the pitch, etc. He’s going to be compared to Buckley, Cohen, and yes, Jason. I think Simon has more faith in him than I do. Maybe Lee will prove me wrong.

I wonder what else Crystal will do? What would help is if she took a very modern song on and covered it in her style. Or she could save that for top 2, provided she makes it that far.

Tinawina, unless TPTB have changed the rules yet again – as they did last year, to make sure that no one could pull a David Cook and sing something entirely new on Top 2 night…This is it.

This is their one last chance to represent to the audience with something they may actually want to sing – no themes, no pretend endless list that’s really not. Just a Contestant’s choice – (that’s cleared for Idol, of course)

This Tuesday night will be their last almost free choice of a different song, so I hope all three of them think long and hard about what they sing after the Judge’s Pick.

On Final 2, it’s Producer’s choice – which mercy knows what that will be, a reprise of a song of their choice from the season, and the Winner’s Coronary for this year. (Unless they change the rules, as already noted)

I really wish them all luck with these Judge’s picks – but more than that – I wish them all great good fortune, good sense and inspiration in choosing their own song.

Shoulda known it was Kara that picked that pile of boredom song “Daughters”. Still trying to cover up for her “Mrs. Robinson” — hope he stays another week.

According to VFTW, Simon owns the publishing rights to Halleluiah. Don’t know if its true or not, but if so, he stands to gain some decent royalties, no?

The song should be retired from AI, along with many others. Why not get some fresh songs on there?

I think Casey has some decent skills on the guitar, today Ive heard some serious licks out of his guitar. Plenty of Chops. There are millions of guitarists out there, I can play just as Kris and Cook, but the kind of licks Casey has shown today, its lead guitar material. Those are a different breed.

I hope he gets to show those skills when doing Daughters this coming Tuesday.

Back to Lee, I don’t see him having a moment with this song. I don’t see him the musicality, the phasing, the pitch, etc. He’s going to be compared to Buckley, Cohen, and yes, Jason. I think Simon has more faith in him than I do.

I think Simon has less faith in the audience than you do. I think Simon thinks the audience is like him and has a memory that reaches back about 15 minutes when it comes to music. He barely remembers anything, so why should anybody else? People tend to think they are the norm. If he remembers Jason performed the song, he probably thinks that only a few obsessives will remember too.

And for the casual viewer, he may not be that far from the truth. Kris Allen performed ANS twice last year, including once in the finale. He even sang it on tour last year. Yet, when Aaron Kelly sang it this year, even some who post here, on Idol blog, didn’t remember Kris had sung it. And that was only last year.

When Jason performed “Hallelujah” on the show, I was STUNNED how many people had never heard of the original or Buckley version. At that time, “Hallelujah” was being used in every second television show. Shortly before Jason had sung it, I’d even read an article ranting about how the song had become so overplayed on television. Yet, Jason’s performance shot the song up iTunes for WEEKS. So, I was wrong to think everybody should have known it. Everybody didn’t.

So, IMO, it doesn’t matter who has sung the song before. It matters how Lee sings it now. Rabid Lee fans will think he sang it the bestest ever even if he pulls a Scream On type performance. He could sing the world’s most perfect version and the Rabid Anti-Lee fans will say it was the worst performance on the Idol stage ever. So, Lee doesn’t have to worry about either of those groups. He needs to worry about Mom and Pop casusal and swing voter. He needs to have a solid performance. Fortunately, “Hallelujah” is a great song so he can let the song do most of the work. If you sing a great song adequately, you will have a good performance. If you sing a great song well, you will have a moment.

I think Casey has so much talent that we just don’t see yet. I really hope Casey and Lee make final two…they seem the most genuinely nice.

A key will be the second song. They don’t want to sound the same. Since I think Casey was severely bussed with Kara’s choice, I hope he picks smartly and let’s go vocally like he did second half of his duet.

Crystal basically got a free ride with Ellen’s choice. It should be simple for her. All three will get recording contracts so I hope they just have fun and just go for it.

Casey and Lee in the final two would be so great!

Casey should just do “Turn The Page” and get it over with, itd be a homer.

For what it’s worth, the whole “Simon controls the rights to Hallelujah” seems not as cut and dried as that Daily Mail article made it out to be. Brian Mansfield over at USAToday’s IdolChatter blog has been doing his best to figure out what exactly the relationship is. It’s a bit long to post here in it’s entirety, but if you go to the *comments* to this blog post and look among the most recommended comments. The key quote:

So, when Simon makes Lee sing “Hallelujah,” it’s not like the money’s not going directly into his pocket. But it is going into the pockets of his — and Simon Fuller’s — backers, so that probably makes them happy.

It’s also not like he’s alone in doing it: John Mayer’s “Daughters” is a Sony/ATV tune, like “Hallelujah,” and I’m 99 percent sure Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed” is, too.

So, IMO, it doesn’t matter who has sung the song before. It matters how Lee sings it now. Rabid Lee fans will think he sang it the bestest ever even if he pulls a Scream On type performance. He could sing the world’s most perfect version and the Rabid Anti-Lee fans will say it was the worst performance on the Idol stage ever. So, Lee doesn’t have to worry about either of those groups. He needs to worry about Mom and Pop casusal and swing voter. He needs to have a solid performance. Fortunately, “Hallelujah” is a great song so he can let the song do most of the work. If you sing a great song adequately, you will have a good performance. If you sing a great song well, you will have a moment.

Excellent point. I guess my reaction to this choice was that I don’t believe Lee can pull off the emotional connection to this song that would make it a moment. This isn’t a song you just sing… there should be some connection to the lyrics. YMMV.

I don’t dislike Lee. I just can’t warm up to him. I’d like to… since he’s a Chicago peep. I hope he proves me wrong.

ETA: I would say the same thing if Casey were given this song. Ahem.

I’m excited for Casey and Crystal. I think they’re both going to do great.

Lee is either going to be good and surprise everyone, or it’s going to be a total trainwreck.

Casey/Crystal finale for me, please. Though, this year it’s too close to call. It’s anybodys game. It has been pretty much since top 6.

I’m not sure about Lee, but I can say this much for Crystal/Casey – I would be ever so slightly weirded out by that finale possibility only because NEITHER of them ever watched Idol before, and said so outright during the show. Casey in particular has acted like he shouldn’t be held to the standards of American Idol v9.0: Post-Cook/Allen edition. Granted Mrs. Robinson was apparently a different take on the song – personally, I didn’t like it in the least, so oh well – but I just find it a little discomforting that there could be a finale between two people who haven’t done their homework on the show, and thus (IMHO) don’t really know what’s at stake.

Also, why is it that songs from Mariah or Xtina are a no-no, if the audience doesn’t compare the different versions? Just because they are pop artists? You can’t touch them? No MC Hammer pun intended.

I agree with MJ completely. Hallelujah is overplayed in Idoldom and Simon is the worst offender. This song has been sung by everyone. He could do it well, but its been done so many times before!!! Crystal is set up to do well here…. though lets be honest. If Lee sings it reasonably well Simon will gush and really, thats all that matters.

FruMiddleton, why do you think Lee watched the show?

I have an idea. We should have an Idol version of Jeopardy and the one who wins will be crowned and get a record contract.

I think they all know what is at stake at this point. They sold their souls to 19 for a reason.

Excellent point. I guess my reaction to this choice was that I don’t believe Lee can pull off the emotional connection to this song that would make it a moment. This isn’t a song you just sing… there should be some connection to the lyrics. YMMV.

I’m not going to disagree with you. Even a great song isn’t going to save you if you sing it badly. If he sings it in the Key of Lee while staring comatosed in fear out at the audience, he’s not going to do well. But the song is a great song so there is the potential for a moment (not all songs can offer that). As others have noted, Simon picks songs he likes and doesn’t seem to be able to really understand the limitations/talents of the people he’s picking for. Plus, of the 8 or 9 songs that Simon seems to be able to remember, this is probably the best fit for Lee. It was either that or SOTR again.

Also, why is it that songs from Mariah or Xtina are a no-no, if the audience doesn’t compare the different versions? Just because they are pop artists? You can’t touch them?

Ah, but you can touch that. They even had a Mariah theme week. The trick is that you have to be in the right place at the right time. If you are cannon fodder, it’s an easy way to run you over with a bus. If they plan on getting rid of you at some point, here is a chink they can put in your armour. The judges can call you an idiot and diss your performance all in one. If you are fodder, singing a Mariah/Xtina/Stevie song is like lying down on the road in front of the exit to a Greyhound terminal.

If you are a CO (and it’s not a scheduled de-pimp week for you) and you sing it reasonably in-key without forgetting the words, they won’t mention Mariah/Xtina/Stevie. They might even praise you.

I have an idea. We should have an Idol version of Jeopardy and the one who wins will be crowned and get a record contract.

Lee: I’ll take “Major Busings” for 200, Ryan.
Ryan: Syesha Mercado
Lee: What is “Home Visit Video”
Ryan: No, I’m sorry that’s not it. Crystal?
Crystal: What is Penguin Song?
Ryan: Exactly
Crystal: “Manufactured Moments” for 600.

Okay,Kirsten. Too funny. I miss Nigel’s faxes, btw. Is Warwick so dumb he can’t fax?

I actually like John Mayer’s “Daughters”. But it seems like a tune that Casey could manage to sing decently in a rather unchallenging way… and isn’t that something all of the judges have been on his case about — that he needs to sing songs that are a little more demanding of him? Soooo wtf? Seems to me that AI just lobbed him a softball. While poor Lee has to sing something that has been done and overdone on the show already (and was a “moment” for a previous season’s contestant). AI threw Lee a curveball. Not sure about Crystal’s song. She may not do as well as people are assuming. McCartney sings it with some high screechy notes LOL… and I don’t think loud high notes are Crystal’s forte. Her inner Joplin better bring those notes down to where she can handle them.

I got back from Arlington Park about two hours ago and would like to say that I have zero worries about Lee doing “Hallelujah.” He promised us it’s going to be “awesome” and after what I saw tonight, I believe him. Wow.

I suspect Lee at the least watched season 7 since he’s a big Cook fan. Even if he just watched 1 season that gives you more knowledge than never watching at all.

Watching Casey’s vids from performing with a blues band Sat afternoon, holy shit that was good. Hope he carries some of that back to Idol on Tuesday.

Watching Casey’s homecoming videos, it’s clear that he is an excellent guitarist, but as a singer? I can’t see what people rave about. He is OK, nice tone and he connects well with the lyrics in some songs, but he sounds strained on high notes, and he doesn’t do anything original.

“Hallelujah” sounds fantastic even if the singer is a dime a dozen mediocre singer. My guess then, is that Simon is going to make sure Lee wins.If Crystal sang that song, I’s say the same thing. It’s almost like being fixed.

springboard:
05/15/2010 at 3:13 am

Watching Casey’s homecoming videos, it’s clear that he is an excellent guitarist, but as a singer? I can’t see what people rave about. He is OK, nice tone and he connects well with the lyrics in some songs, but he sounds strained on high notes, and he doesn’t do anything original.

Neither Bob Dylan (whom I can’t stand) nor Eric Clapton is a good singer but plenty of people love them and buy their music. Casey has a voice meant for blues. To each his own.

Neither are Bob Dylan (whom I can’t stand) nor Eric Clapton but plenty of people love them and buy their music. Casey has a voice meant for blues. To each his own.

They are in a different league, as performers and songwriters.

They are in a different league, as performers and songwriters.

They had to start somewhere, and if they never developed into great singers then what is the problem? They weren’t born writing songs and performing.

I like Casey as a person very much. He seems like a really cool guy, and an awesome guitar player. I even like his voice some, but he reminds me a little of Daughtry, in that he tends to sing from his throat. I’m not talking about the vibrato, just that he sounds like he is straining his voice when he sings some of the higher notes that aren’t falsetto. I’ve voted for him on and off over the season, and was particularly glad to see him make Top 3. I hope he gets signed and is able to make a country/blues album. I think he could make a decent living, even if he never reaches true stardom. I think he could be happy with that. As long as he does well enough to keep making records, and tours, I think we all could be happy with that. Not to take anything away from Casey. I’d love to see him have great success, I’m just thinking of the current state of the music industry, more than Casey’s talent.

They had to start somewhere, and if they never developed into great singers then what is the problem? They weren’t born writing songs and performing.

I think that they were born with exceptional talent, that even developed further later on. Casey has a only a medium talent and a medium voice for a professional performer. Thanks to his guitar skills, hopefully he’ll have a decent career but I can’t see him doing anything more.
He is pleasant enough on the show, he is good looking and also, very importantly, he is bussed, but he is only an OK singer, an OK performer and he hasn’t shown a high level of creativity.

Crystal should do fine with her song. She can change it up if she wants and there really isn’t the same comparision as if she was given a female’s song. Lee will struggle to make the song his own. I loved Jason Castro’s version. Casey needed a better song, and may struggle to get a high emotional level.

Just got here and haven’t read all the posts (sight down yesterday?), but I must say, I actually like Casey’s voice better than Lee’s. When he is in his element, he is good. “Daughters” seems like an okay choice for him, but would be better if more emotional. “Hallelujah” almost seems like a ringer of a song: if Lee can pull it off, it has a lot of appeal.

I don’t think it matters all that much how the performances turn out as far as the judges are concerned because they want a Lee/Crystal f2 so Casey will be dissed no matter how good it is. Ellen will make a joke, Simon will call it boring and a bad song choice, and Randy & Kara will say they picked it so he could show …. and he didn’t.

I just saw the videos. I am totally on Team Casey. And I actually think this season’s top ten are the most talented I have ever seen. They are not projecting well on Idol, but they are just all so gifted! They leave the show and come into full flower; it’s amazing to see!

I would love a Crytal/Casey finale because they are my two favorites, and there would be the added bonus of the judges and producer’s pimping not working once again. Each year they try to manipulate the results, with little success.

Casy may not have the widest range of any vocalist ever on Idol, but most of my favorite singers don’t, and that’s not a requirement to be a successful musician/singer/artist. I just know that I sure did love this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD6vEw2kGWQ&feature=player_embedded

I watched Lennon sing Jealous Guy and he looked distracted and not into the song.

Where did you watch him sing it? Distracted and not into it? It’s a song about his closest relationship, it reveals his deepest insecurities, I believe he was very into it. I hope you will buy the song on itunes and listen again. It’s a vulnerable, tender, delicate song and that’s how he sang it.

I love Casey and loved how he did the song too. But the song came from John’s heart. He sings it very subtly and delicately, maybe you wanted more overt passion in it.

Casey was singing a portion of the song on the Idol stage where the judges want to be “wowed” and where subtlety isn’t greatly appreciated. He put a lot of passion into it as he had to, given the circumstances. John was singing to be recorded, he sang the song with the subtlety it was meant to have. For me, John’s pain and sensitivity are palpable in that song. He’s apologizing to his lover, he’s admitting that he’s an insecure and jealous guy, something nobody likes to reveal to the world.

I am predisposed to hate any “Hallelujah” version that isn’t Jason’s. In my book, he owns it, and it shouldn’t be redone.

@Allison Somewhere Jeff Buckley is weeping.

I think Lee could do well with hallelujah-but not as good as Tim.And don’t even try to compare that to Jason’s or the original…

pj:
I guess my reaction to this choice was that I don’t believe Lee can pull off the emotional connection to this song that would make it a moment. This isn’t a song you just sing… there should be some connection to the lyrics. YMMV.

If Lee can’t pull off the emotional connection the judges will tell us all that he did ad nauseum until people start to believe it.

Just like Simon told us at the beginning Lee had the best voice of all the guys (what?) and now people actually believe it.

I really think Lee can do well with this song. If he can show the emotion he showed with “The Boxer” it will be great. Personally, Lee’s passion and emotion is one of the first things that drew me to him from the beginning of the show. I will definitely be voting Tuesday for the full two hours!

Lee has great instincts so I have no doubt that his arrangement will be amazing. It’s going to be a great performance night.

Watch out for Casey. Southern boys win!

Hate to say it, but Lee seems to have a lot of support. So, it probably doesn’t matter what he sings. The song choice for Chrystal is a good one, but she will have to knock it out of the Box. Singing a popular Beatles tune is really risky business. And Casey, well he is the dark horse and could surpise everyone. If Chrystal gets the boot, Casey would likely get her votes. Many are voting for her because they do not like Lee. I am one of them!!!

@Allison Somewhere Jeff Buckley is weeping.

Lots of people who have done stunning versions are weeping including K.D. Lang.

Just my opinion…

Crystal’s choice song will always sound dated to me regardless of (unless she’ll rap it) but it fits her vibe perfectly. It bodes her well that she has a nice tone, with good phrasing, and seldom sings out of tune. Not a fan of a shouty Crystal, so with this song, it’s gonna be another meeh performance again. Crystal is sounding the same to me week after week. Tbh, can’t even remember any of her songs so I’m not expecting a “moment” from her hereon unless she’ll do a less dated song with more distinct, unique, lovely melody that suits her voice something like Jewel’s “Foolish Games”, maybe?

Casey, alas has the most current song…but sad, a lifeless one. Can’t do much on this song unless he’ll rearrange the whole damn thing. Who knows? Naaah, he’s not a risk-taker so it’s not gonna happen. I guess I’ll stick with the studio recording of “Have You Ever Loved A Woman” for now & pretend Mike’s not there. Lovin’ the goatee vibrato here! Dang, why oh why was this song available during the duet night? It could have been his alone.

I’m a minority here, but Lee’s choice song is a win for me. With too many versions out there, you can’t go wrong with this song. It’s more familiar, both worlds can relate to it. What he needs are good lighting, a stripped down version to make himself stand out, put on a confidence face like he’s showing of late, an ok vocals, and “waalaaah”, a personal “moment”! Afterall, he’s the only one left that hasn’t peak yet.

Patiently waiting for that…”moment”. Where art thou “Idol moment”? Been crying buckets every week, begging for these idol hopefuls to entertain me…but nada! My tear ducts had dried up, can’t squeeze a single drop of tears out of them for the Homecoming next week.

@Allison Somewhere Jeff Buckley is weeping.

Lots of people who have done stunning versions are weeping including K.D. Lang.

K.D. Lang sang the penultimate version (after Buckley’s own, of course) at the opening ceremony of the winter olympics in feb, just a day after the young luger was killed in his practice run. Her rendition just ripped my heart out – I was crying buckets. It’s a travesty (and downright disrespectful) that AI would have that song sung not once but twice by extremely mediocre singers so soon after that tragedy.

Wow, it’s become this meme that “Lee has a great recording voice, and Crystal always sounds the same.”

I don’t believe either. Lee might have an interesting tone, but he sings everything by cranking up to 11 without any variation. HE always sounds the same to me – like he grabbed the mike at Karaoke Tuesdays at Chilis. [And listening to his originals from yesterday, I'm kind of like eh. Nothing to see here, move on.] I don’t like Daughtry, but he makes Chris seem like a virtuoso if you ask me.

As for Crystal sounding the same, how could her gorgeous Summer Wind, People Get Ready and Come Together sound the same? *Throws up hands*

Tbh, can’t even remember any of her songs so I’m not expecting a “moment” from her hereon unless she’ll do a less dated song with more distinct, unique, lovely melody that suits her voice something like Jewel’s “Foolish Games”, maybe?

Yes, yes and yes! Great song choice for Crystal. Her Alanis song was pretty good too. I think she is Jewel 2.0 if she wants to be. At least she can sing on key. :) Ellen’s song choice for her isn’t bad at all. I think she will do fine with it. With the right material she can be marketable.

Simon always seems to choose songs that everyone knows or songs that he loves. Lee’s song choice was lazy. I predict that Lee will break down and cry after the performance and millions of people will vote for him. lol, j/k. I wonder what he will pick for his other song choice? Lee will do pretty well on radio since his voice is radio ready.

Casey’s song choice is boring as hell but what can he do? Are they trying to throw Casey under the bus? Oh well, he can do the best he could with it. He needs to bring it if he has any chance of getting into the finale. It’s a long shot right now.

MamaSox for the win!!! Oh I still miss Siobhan, oops it slipped. :)

I think everyone things the contestant they don’t really like always sounds the same because I’ve heard this said about every contestant.

cassie – ITA. I know I end up feeling that Lee always sounds the same…and well, I don’t like him.

About the picks – I still can’t get over thinking that it seems like they accidentally mixed up the phones for Casey and Lee’s songs. Lee sounds almost exactly like John Mayer to me, and giving Casey “Hallelujah” would be the perfect way to bus him, as I don’t think it’d suit him well at all and there’s the added ability to compare him to others too. Lee really can’t be more in tune than Tim was on “Hallelujah” because Tim was in tune. And I just can’t imagine the sound of his voice on that song – the raspy sound to me just won’t work on that (FYI – I don’t exactly like the term “raspy” to describe a voice, it automatically makes it sound like it’s bad.) I think Casey should do fine with his song – pretty much no longer sustained notes to show the goat vibrato and not a huge range to stress his voice.

I think Crystal’s song could be great. I see her kinda doing “Maybe I’m Amazed” more like the Jem cover but perhaps with a little bit more of the grit heard in the original – sorta a cross of the two. It’ll be a more laid back, quieter song – and then her choice probably will be something more typical Crystal. I’m still holding out a little tiny bit of hope that they’ve got a big surprise for us and the contestants all agreed to do originals for their choice. If they all do it, that would negate the public being turned off by an unfamiliar original song from one of them.

Good choice for Crystal, don’t know Casey’s song, and wtf Simon?? I used to love Hallelujah, gave me chills listening to Jeff and Rufus singing it, found it moving and emotional, just loved it. Now I want to run screaming from the room when it is played. Well at least Simon has moved on from Unchained Melody which was his other playlist choice that was done to death.

I can’t even imagine in my mind how Crystal will sound singing that song, though perhaps I should check out Jem’s version. If I were picking out a song for Crystal, I don’t think that’s where I’d go.

I find it kind of gross and self-serving that Simon has a financial interest in Hallelujah and would assign it to someone. I can picture Lee singing it in a kind of low and hushed manner and succeeding with it. I would rather hear Crystal sing Hallelujah, though, as it’s been done mostly (exclusively?) by guys on AI.

I don’t know about Casey and “Daughters.” Maybe.

Sometimes I wish that for judge’s choice they’d assign everyone the same song. Then we’d see what they’re made of.

Casey’s song choice is boring as hell but what can he do? Are they trying to throw Casey under the bus? Oh well, he can do the best he could with it. He needs to bring it if he has any chance of getting into the finale. It’s a long shot right now.

I’m definitely one who sees the bus comin’ for some of the contestants including Casey, but I don’t think this song choice was an attempt to bus Casey. Casey likes to sing John Mayer and musically it’s a good fit for his voice and style; bluesy pop/folk that can be electrified for a different vibe. After watching Casey’s jam on “Gravity” in his homecoming appearance I think he could do fine with this. The trouble with John Mayer (besides his personality) is that his music is not BIG or likely to create a Moment, at least not in 90 seconds. I would expect Casey to get the Kris Allen treatment – “you didn’t make it your own” unless he manages to completely rearrange it in a day which is how much time all three of them have to rehearse and record.

I would rather hear Crystal sing Hallelujah, though, as it’s been done mostly (exclusively?) by guys on AI.

I would also rather hear Crystal sing “Hallelujah” because I think she would do it justice and it would give her another moment like “People Get Ready”. I think that’s the reason Simon chose that song for Lee – he knows it’s an emotional song and, even if not sung well, will still have a very positive reaction from the audience. Of course the fact that he receives royalties for “Hallelujah” may also have played into his decision to choose it for Lee.

IMO, Simon chose a song for it’s emotional impact instead of choosing one that would be a good fit for Lee’s voice. There’s no question in my mind that he wants Lee to win. He always picks the song for his favorite contestant and he always effusively praises that performance even when it’s not good. However, his chosen one does not always win so Crystal still has a chance as long as her fanbase votes long and hard.

How the heck does he expect Lee to sing the fourth the fifth the minor fall the major lift in tune live?

I expect that Lee would collapse and cry after the show and millions of people would vote for him. lol, j / K, I wonder what is going to take her song of choice than others? Lee makes a pretty good on the radio because his voice is ready.Now radio I want to run screaming from the room where it was.
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