Idol Chatter & Voice Views

So, Simon thinks Lee DeWyze will win American Idol.

Oh, well, take heart, Crystal fans. He’s been wrong before.

Like two years ago, when he predicted the Idol crown would go to David Archuleta.

David Cook, of course, wound up winning season seven.

And there’s this: Here at The York Dispatch, we have eight avid Idol watchers. Six of the eight think Crystal should win tomorrow night. Go here for that blog.

Now, note the word “should.”

I mean, I’m one of the six. But if pressed for a prediction … I’d have to say the victory will go to Lee.

For one thing, females seem to be at a huge disadvantage on this show in recent years. Blame those young female texting fiends who seem to prefer cute guys to talented girls.

For a second, Lee seems to have momentum on his side.

But a hail-“Hallelujah” performance from Crystal tonight could change all of that.

And each contestant will get three chances to wow us. Keep checking back here for song-by-song grades.

Meanwhile, lots of special features in Idol Chatter this week, including …

* A tribute to Simon: His meanest moments from the last three seasons.

* A look back at all of Crystal’s performances from this season.

* A look back at all of Lee’s performances from this season.

* And tips on how to save American Idol in the post-Simon Cowell era.

Meanwhile, here we go. Six performances left in season nine of American Idol.

Lee will kick things off, performing his choice of songs from the season. And so much for my hope that each contestant would get to perform an original tonight. Sounds like the coronation song is back.

Lee DeWyze: He’ll kick off the night with a reprise of his fine Inspirational Week performance of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer.” Dawg, nothing wrong with that vocal. Loved the song the first time he sang it. Sounded just as good this time to me. But sounds like the judges wanted a little more. Simon called it “a kiss on the cheek” when what he wanted was “a kiss on the lips.” “Well, not from you,” he added quickly. Comment from Simon: A. Performance from Lee: B+ .

Crystal Bowersox: She’ll repeat her performance of “Me and Bobby McGee,” another of my favorites from season nine. Wow. I think Crystal just smoked Lee in round one. She showed incredible range on that song. All she needs is a guitar and that voice. Call her a one-girl rock band. Grade: A.

Now it’s time for songs of Simon Fuller’s choice. These worry me. Because, as last week demonstrated, so much can hinge on song choice. And contestants have no control when it’s someone else picking the songs.

Lee DeWyze: The song choice for him is “Everybody Hurts.” Uh-oh. Lee better pick it up. He’s suffering from some serious pitch problems early in this song. This arrangement / song doesn’t suit his voice nearly as well as “The Boxer.” And his voice isn’t blending with the chorus well at all. If Randy thought that was better than his first song, he’s deaf. For a finals performance, that was a mess. Grade: C .

Crystal Bowersox: Hmm, interesting choice for Crystal — “Black Velvet.” She is going to slay this song. There’s the rocker you’ve been looking for all season, Randy. She just nailed that song. And take that for a glory note, Simon. Crystal has learned something over the course of this season, huh? How to play the Idol glory note game. She’s mopping up the floor with Mr. DeWyze through the first two rounds. I’m adding a minus to the A because it was a little over-the-top. Grade: A- .

Lee DeWyze: Surprise. He’ll be singing U2’s “Beautiful Day.” Uh-oh. Lee’s in trouble again. For one thing, everything going on around him, the arrangement, the backup musicians are swallowing his vocal. These Lee performances are getting worse with each progressive song. I almost hope Crystal sings the same song to see how she handles it. This is supposed to be Lee’s first single if he wins. Perhaps it would grow on me. Right now, it’s not a performance I’d want to hear again. Grade: C .

Crystal Bowersox: Turns out Crystal will sing another cover song, “Up To the Mountain.” Hey, forget everything I just typed about hoping she’d sing the same song as Lee. We just saw an Idol moment, perhaps the best vocal of the entire season nine. And if Kara has any complaints about Crystal’s not feeling what’s she’s singing, I can’t wait to hear her critique of this performance. Turns out the critiques are excellent. Even Kara gave Crystal her due. The one thing we didn’t hear is what Simon should have closed with: Crystal Bowersox just outsang Lee DeWyze and deserves the Idol crown. Grade: A+

Check back in a few for the recap.