Tonight the IDOLS will each be singing one song and then a duet with a fellow contestant.
Right out of the gate, Jamie challenges the IDOLS. He has two shirts with him. One says CONTESTANT. The other says ARTIST. Once the IDOLS perform for Jamie, he’ll give them the shirt he thinks they deserve. In other words, BRING IT!
Lee DeWyze — “Kiss From A Rose” by Seal — Jamie gets in Lee’s face and tells him to bring the emotion. He gets an Artist shirt. Lee does a good job with his song although he really doesn’t change it up. I still want him to open up more. I feel like he is going through the motions, but at least he has a great voice. Randy says, “For me, you did nothing with that song. It was just okay.” Ellen says, “You’re so good and you sang that so well.” Kara says, “It was all over in your register…you got lost a little.” Simon says, “I’m with Randy on this…that was verging on karioke.”
Michael Lynche — “Will You Be There” by Michael Jackson — Michael has some issues with the lyrics and Jamie tells him to let go. He gives Michael the Contestant shirt and Michael refuses. He says he is coming back for the Artist shirt. We’ll see. Michael does a nice job doing Michael Jackson, but it doesn’t wow me. He’s not bad, but Michael Jackson is hard to do…period. I’m mixed on this one. Randy says, “I didn’t love this for you…you’re a R&B dude.” Ellen says, “I think it was a little bit predictable.” Kara says, “I didn’t feel that from you. You played it safe.” Simon says, “I think you could have chosen thousands and thousands of songs…at least you gave it 100%.”
Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox — “Falling Slowly” by The Frames — Watching them sing together makes me realize that this is our finale. They sound phenominal together and Lee sounds so much better here. Randy says, “A great song by two great singers.” Ellen says, “You’re like the new Captain and Tennile.” Kara says, “One of my favorite moments of the entire season.” Simon says, “I would call {that} a fantastic song.”
Casey James — “Mrs. Robinson” by Paul Simon — Jamie tells Casey he needs to seduce him, seduce the audience. He earns an Artist shirt. I like Casey’s voice on this song, but his face is blank. There is no emotion in his eyes. He’s singing, not performing. Randy says, “I thought you sounded cool on it. I don’t know if I was jumping up and down.” Ellen says, “I thought for a minute you were going to go further with it.” Kara says, “For me, this is a good choice.” Simon says, “Personally, I didn’t think the song or the performance had the substance required on this important night for you.”
Crystal Bowersox — “I’m Alright” by Kenny Loggins — Jamie tells her not to get intimidated. She gets an Artist shirt. Crystal reimagines this song from “Caddyshack” and rocks it out. Love her voice. There is a grittiness to it that’s sexy. The judges will love this. Randy says, “You are definitely an artist…at least you tried to switch it up.” Ellen says, “You took that song and made it better.” Kara says, “Artist. Artist. Artist.” Simon says, “After that performance, you, Crystal, are back in the game.”
Casey James and Michael Lynche — “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman” by Bryan Adams — Casey starts singing the song with his eyes closed and keeps them closed for a while. That’s a sign of nervousness. He does okay in his verse. Michael is stronger on this song. His verse sounds great. Together, they harmonize well, but this performance is no Crystal and Lee. Randy says, “Casey…started off rough vocally, but Mike you came in really nice.” Ellen says, “As a matter of fact, yes, I have loved a woman.” The audience roars. Kara says, “The duets tonight were incredible. That was good.” Simon says, “That was really good. Well done.”
Okay, so who is going home. Need I remind you that I am ALWAYS wrong, but I am saying Casey James. I felt like he was weakest tonight, but what the heck do I know. Until tomorrow night…