Crystal Bowersox won the night, but will she win the crown?
- *Check out post-Idol interviews with Ryan Seacrest HERE featuring Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Crystal Bowersox & Lee DeWyze.
- Also, MTV’s Jim Cantiello, Gil Kaufaman and I predict tonight’s winner HERE.
- Check out my AOL recap of last night’s show HERE.
In a perfect world, Crystal would be waltzing off with the crown. But, if Dial Idol is correct–and it has been since the website debuted in Season 4–Lee DeWyze will win American Idol.
If Lee does win tonight, it will be because, at this point, nothing could derail the momentum he had coming into the final. He had been gaining steam for weeks before the final. Although the judges had been overpraising some of his performances, Lee DID improve over the course of the competition. The “improvement arc” resonates with viewers, I think, more than an artist like Crystal, who comes into the competition fully formed.
Also, Crystal’s best performances were early in the competition. She had a lull mid-competition, only to come roaring back for the final, but it may have been too little too late. Then there’s the matter of her personality, which has sometimes seemed a little chill and aloof. Talking back to the judges reveals a woman with a strong mind–an admirable thing. But in Idol world, humility is key to attracting fans.
The lip piercings, dreads and hippie look could also be a turn-off for some Idol fans. Lee DeWyze is the everyday guy–humble, aspirational, relatable–an everyman who resonates with the Average Joe.
So, while on first blush I thought Crystal had seized the crown after her triumphant performances last night. I think, in the end. Lee DeWyze will win American Idol.
ETA: One last detail I forgot: Guys seem to be at a distinct advantage with the current Idol demo…
The LA Times Buzzmeter is mostly gunning for Crystal HERE. Also, Crystal tops the USA Today Idol Meter HERE.
What do you think? Who will win American Idol?
