OK. The Final Power List:
1. Lee DeWyze
2. Crystal Bowersox.
As of right this minute, I believe Lee DeWyze has the edge.
Lee’s performance last week of “Hallelujah”, manufactured or not, impressed a lot of people. (Both performances last week were good–“Simple Man” in particular). Crystal was decent last week, but didn’t have a spectacular moment. And in fact, Crystals best moments are already a few weeks behind her.
Viewers love voting for someone who appears to be in it to win it. Lee really really really really wants to win. He’s got fire in the belly, and that’s obvious.
Crystal has been outspoken–she talks back to the judges. She seems ambivalent about the entire Idol process. Not that she wouldn’t like to win–just that she’d be OK with coming in second. Idol viewers hate contestants who appear to have a ‘tude. Lee is more palatable.
The judges seem to be on Lee’s side–Simon in particular. Both Simon, Kara and Randy have declared a Lee DeWyze win in recent interviews. Of course, the judges have been wrong in the past. But the judges have been consistently pimping Lee over the past few weeks–over-praising performances (except for the obvious clunker, “Kiss for a Rose”) and highlighting his “everyman” background.
Lee is a White Guy With Guitar. The current Idol demo–lot’s of middle-aged women and their kids–loves the WGWG.
Having said ALL that. If Crystal has a big moment, and Lee falters, I think Crystal could take the crown. They are both talented artists, but I think Crystal is a better performer and has had, overall, a better season.
I’m on Team Bowersox and will be voting for her as much as I can tonight. But, I don’t expect her to win.
ETA: Commenters make a good point: Casey’s votes will go to Crystal. Depends on how many are out there voting.
