Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Normally, it would be time to rank the remaining Idols.

But, hey, with only two left, I decided to ask Idol watchers here at the York Dispatch to weigh in on who they think should win the season nine crown.

For the record, we voted 6-2 in favor of Crystal.

Live blogging from the final performance show begins 8 p.m. tomorrow. Check back and follow along.

Randy Flaum: Over a year ago my granddaughter, wife and I watched Aaron Kelly win the “American Idol Experience” at Walt Disney World and then go on to make a good showing during this year’s show. During the season, as we all cheered for Aaron, there was one contestant, Lee DeWyze, who kept making an impression on me. Lee seems to bring emotion to his performances, which in turn moves the crowd. That’s why I pick him to be this year’s top ‘Dawg,’ as Randy Jackson might say.

Mark Franklin: Two words — Farmer’s Daughter. It’s the name of the first Crystal Bowersox original I heard. Crystal hadn’t even appeared on the show yet. But a list of contestants who had qualified for Hollywood Week hit the Internet. I went searching for their music. And found “Farmer’s Daughter.” And knew then that Idol had found someone special. (You can hear the song here.)

Look, Lee DeWyze is the most improved Idol contestant, largely because he’s overcome his fear of the Idol spotlight. But to suggest he should win on that basis would be to penalize Crystal for showing up more seasoned, more prepared, more confident in her ability, and for being consistently excellent since the live shows started.

And, remember, these contestants aren’t going to leave Idol to sing covers of “The Boxer,” or “Simple Man” or “Hallelujah.” They’ll graduate to performing their own music. Until I hear a Lee DeWyze vocal or original that matches “Farmer’s Daughter,” Crystal gets my vote as most deserving of the Idol crown.

Maryellen Harbold: I think the voters got it right this year, Crystal and Lee in the finals. I think Crystal will be the winner this year, she has the great voice and also needs a break to futher her career. Also Lee has the great voice and the looks to go with it. Best of luck to both of them. Sometimes, it is hard to make a choice.

Larry Hicks: I have this uneasy feeling in my stomach again this year that the most talented singer on American Idol is not going to walk away as the winner. You might recall that last year, everyone knew on the first week that Adam Lambert was easily the most talented performer in the group. It wasn’t even close. Was he a little unusual? You bet. Maybe even a bit weird, what with all the costume and hair changes week after week. But the guy could sing. His talent could not be questioned. He was going to be the winner hands down. Except that he wasn’t the winner. He placed second to Kris Allen, who was talented enough, I guess, but not in Lambert’s league. The talent show had turned into a likability contest.

And I’m getting the same feeling about this year’s Idol show. Crystal Bowersox has been the leader of the pack from Day 1. Easily the best of the bunch. Her performances from week to week were solid and consistent. Several times she was so good she left everyone in her dust. Plus, she has terrific range. There is almost nothing she can’t sing and sing well.

Lee DeWyze, on the other hand, is lucky to have survived many of the first six or eight weeks. His voice is fine within its range, but he doesn’t have much range. I like him. I think he has talent. He certainly did a fine job this week with “Hallelujah,” but that was a song that fell comfortably within his vocal wheelhouse. There were weeks where he sang off key about as often as he sang on key.

Of the two, Bowersox seems more likely to have a long and successful career, though I wouldn’t be too surprised if DeWyze doesn’t do well, too, if he finds his niche.

Bowersox has been my favorite all along, so I have to believe she’ll win. I want her to win. But I wouldn’t be the slightest bit surprised if she doesn’t.

Teresa Hoover: I think Crystal should win because she is very talented and the only contestant to be consistent throughout the whole season. She has a wonderful, singing voice reminiscent of Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge. She was my pick from the very beginning.

Barbara Mundis: Lee DeWyze is my choice for the winner of AI. I like his musical style, his voice and his personality. I think he has been much more open to the judges’ advice than some of the other contestants, which has helped him on a week-by-week basis. He seems to be well-liked by his fellow contestants, guest mentors and the judges. You even see him acknowledge the AI band after performances. I hope he wins.

Patty Plath: I think Crystal Bowersox will win American Idol this year. Crystal has that raspy, soulful voice that reminds me of the late Janis Joplin. Crystal has an “air” about her that is calm, confident and natural all at the same time. She stood out from the rest of the idol contestants throughout the whole season, making you anxious to hear her next song, and she never left you disappointed.

Andrew Shaw: He almost got me, that Lee Dewyze. I had been pulling for Crystal Bowersox all season, due in no small part to our Idol Blogger, Mark, pointing out very, very early on she was one to watch. And her “Natural Woman” during Hollywood week is the kind of stuff that will buy you a few weeks of votes, although she didn’t need the help.

But when Lee did his hometown visit and started believing in himself and realizing the magnitude of what he’s done, you couldn’t help but pull for the guy. He also has pulled out several solid-to-impressive performances, most lately “Hallelujah,” although even Paige Miles would have a tough time screwing that one up. (Don’t try, Paige!)

That wasn’t quite enough for me to change my mind, though. Even though Crystal is very un-American Idol, with her rug, her hair, and her penchant for the harmonica and folk songs, she is still very much what the show is about, regardless of Kara trying to pin that tag on Lee instead. Crystal is a true musician getting recognition for being awesome all along, with nary a putrid performance to be found. She set the bar high right away, unlike Lee, but punishing her for not greatly improving is like punishing Michael Phelps at the next Olympics if he only wins 5 gold medals. She’s consistently excellent.

That’s why Crystal Bowersox should be the American Idol of 2010.