Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Season nine hasn’t exactly given American Idol lots to boast about.

But at least there’s this: The stage is set for a memorable Idol finale.

No shocking eliminations down the home stretch. At least none that had lasting impact.

And that was true again Wednesday night, when Idol voters got it right.

Casey James is heading back to Cool, Texas.

Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze will square off next week for the season nine crown.

Who’s going to be favored?

It’s tough to tell.

There’s little doubt Crystal has been the most consistent performer over the course of the season. She’s been a favorite since the minute she belted
out “Natural Woman” in the opening round of Hollywood Week.

But early favorites — think David Archuleta and Adam Lambert — haven’t won the competition lately, instead finishing second behind contestants who win over the audience over the course of the season.

That’s where Lee DeWyze comes in. Seemingly scared of the Idol stage when the finals began, he finished both of Tuesday’s performances with a
crowd-pleasing flourish.

There was little doubt he outperformed Crystal that evening, perhaps for the first time this season.

In the process, he seems to have won over the judges.

And, to think, last summer, these two contestants were side-by-side in line at the Chicago auditions, just hoping for a ticket to Idol’s Hollywood
round.

Yep, say what you will about Idol season nine. The final, at least, should be fun.