Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Finally.

We’d gone at least three weeks without a truly memorable performance on American Idol. One that I would rank among this season’s best.

Tuesday night, Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox ended that drought with their performance of “Falling Slowly.”

Hmm, maybe Idol should keep these duets around for future years.

After all, last year, we had Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert delivering a brilliant version of “Slow Ride.”

And last night, I appreciated the duets for another reason. Read on as I recap the top four performance show.

Remember, lots was at stake Tuesday night. The three contestants who advance get to travel home Friday for what will amount to a hero’s welcome.

Best of the bunch: Crystal Bowersox. Again. In addition to that powerful “Falling Slowly” duet with Lee DeWyze, she was the only contestant to deliver much energy on her solo performance. In Ellen’s words, she “crystallized” “I’m Alright” from “Caddyshack.” I’d been waiting for weeks for Crystal to cut lose with something fun and up-tempo. She proved quite capable. Twelve weeks of live shows, and I’m still convinced she’s the only contestant deserving of this year’s Idol crown.

Deserves to go home: Here’s what I mean about the other reason for appreciating the duets. They forced Michael Lynche and Casey James to sing side by side. Hey, Casey can play a mean guitar. He proved it again on “Have You Ever Loved a Woman.” But the song wasn’t special, wasn’t even very good, until Michael started singing. He made the song with his soulful voice.

Please keep him: Voters should keep Big Mike, who’s been in the bottom three on three occasions, over Casey James. In addition to the contrast on the duet, Big Mike poured heart and soul into his solo performance. From Casey, we got a laid-back performance of “Mrs. Robinson” that lacked any spark.

Baffled by the judges: Simon Cowell declared Crystal “back in the game” after she sang “I’m Alright.” What Idol season have you been watching, Mr. Cowell? You’ve discovered one truly amazing singer this season. When Crystal sang “I’m Alright,” you were looking at that individual. Back in the game? If it weren’t for voters’ tendency to go gaga over the guys in this competition at the expense of the talented females, Crystal would be in the driver’s seat.

Best line of the night from the judges: Ellen, after Casey and Michael performed “Have You Ever Loved a Woman”: “As a matter of fact, yes, I have
loved a woman.” Even Simon had to laugh at that.

Prediction for Tuesday: Though he outsang Casey James, Michael Lynche will head home. Remember, Casey was easily the worst a week ago, and he didn’t even land in the bottom two. Michael did.

Song by song grades (blog link here):

Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze: “Falling Slowly” — A
Crystal Bowersox: “I’m Alright” — B+
Michael Lynche: “Will You Be There” — B
Casey James and Michael Lynche: “Have You Ever Loved a Woman” — B
Lee DeWyze: “Kiss From a Rose” — B-
Casey James: “Mrs. Robinson” — C