Usher says Yeah!

Okay, I know, I know, this is a lame season. The contestants aren't bringing it. The judges aren't bringing it. Well let me tell you something. I am still excited for this episode and so is Usher -- did you see his swagger going to meet the contestants? R&B Soul has always been popular, so hopefully the contestants bring it -- come on -- pump it up!

Siobhan kicks off the night. "Through the Fire" Taking on Chaka Khan. Usher told her to tone down her style, he should have warned her to tone down the screaming. I do not think this song matches her style at all. Yikes, she keeps cracking. And she brought nothing new to it - it is the same old arrangement. There is the scream - much more in key, but she kept it so boring. Kara said it was an off night and she is entitled to it - what about having to bring it every time? Simon was not easy on her either. Why is she saying this is a challenge or a risk? OK

Casey -- "Hold On I'm Coming" He gets to show off his blues edge. Usher says he's got swagger. Casey can't help but smile on the stage. This is a great sound for him. Umm he makes John Mayer face when he plays guitar sometimes. I love that while he is singing strong it doesn't sound like screaming but he doesn't pick songs with much range. Ellen was not digging the song and thought it was safe, I agree. Kara backed me up on the range issue. I should be a judge on this show. Simon loved it. Wow. That will help him stand out from the crowd. VOTE.

Like the post-performance reactions - new touch.

Mike -- "Ready For Love" by India Arie. Usher tells him to play to the camera. So funny. I like that he picks contemporary songs. Weird placement on the runway behind the judges. Nice quiet delivery. He is clear on the kind of artist he is. Oh god the sway bots ruined the moment. Mike understands range and building an emotional moment. Well done. Kara gushed. Simon is now taking him seriously because he had a moment and was believable instead of a showman. I agree. VOTE.

Didi -- "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" She started crying with Usher. She is worried she will cry on stage. I love her voice. It modernizes the song. Feels a little rushed though and strange. She got angry with it. A little weird, let's see what the judges think. Flat for Randy. Ellen boos it. Kara thinks it was overdone. Surprise, Kara is comparing her to her audition -- where is the singer songwriter? Simon thinks she has lost her way. This girl is broken, broken. Ryan tried to have her spill why the song makes her cry (assuming it is for her dead friend). She doesn't want to do it. Good for her. VOTE to save her.

Tim - singing Anita Baker? Uh oh. Terrible terrible terrible. That was so bad. Alex Lambert got voted out for this loser? Yuck. He is such a dork. Randy sang better than him, Ellen hated it. Kara said he took the soul out of it. Tim laughed at Kara and Simon thinks it makes no difference what the judges think. I don't like this guy. BUH BYE

Please let this get better!

Andrew -- "Forever" At least it is current! A Chris Brown song. Usher told him to stop analyzing. Andrew is turning it into an acoustic version -- pull it off, Andrew, please! It got me bopping and made the song fresh. He has a sweet voice. The orchestra is in the audience. The arrangement is a little spotty, but it is fresh. Will the judges like it? Randy thought it was dope. Ellen likes his smile but made a dumb dentist joke. Kara thought it was a giant leap. Simon thought it was miles better but Andrew is boring and needs to work on his personality. Ryan brought up Straight Up again. His Mama went nutso on Simon and yelled into Ryan's vest. VOTE

Katie -- "Chain of Fools" Usher is all about connecting -- he has given every contestant the same advice. How about telling them how to sing! This girl has guts to take this on. She couldn't give it that spark because her voice is so flat, it doesn't' have dynamics. Okay performance, not nearly as bad as Tim, so she may scrape by. Randy liked her vocals. Ellen liked her Snooki poof but thought she sounded old. Kara thought she found where she belonged. Simon was mad that Randy compared her to Christina Aguilera. They like to recycle commentary. Simon thinks she is country and is still fighting Kara on this. OK but fine if she goes BUH BYE.

Lee -- I've been waiting all night for you. I love how he listens to the judges. "Treat Her Like a Lady" I love his eagerness. Loved it from the first note. The running guitar with her rock vocals. First energetic performance of the night. He looks relaxed. Made me smile. Randy said UNBELIEVABLE. Ellen said best performance of he night. Kara said it was amazing. Simon said, "I want you tonight to go home, watch the show back and understand that this was the night your life may have changed forever." Ahh Simon - such a great line!!!! So excited for Lee. This made up for everything before. VOTE VOTE VOTE this is the most genuine guy this show has ever seen.

I'm excited for the Tom Cruise / Cameron Diaz movie.

Crystal -- switched it up to the piano. That was the big surprise. "Midnight Train to Georgia"
So funny because if anyone else did this, I would immediately think it would be a boring redo, but with Crystal, I am looking forward to it. Glad she got up from the piano because it made her look down and lose herself in her fingers. She stood up and brought the big notes and her big voice. I wish she had not spent the beginning behind that piano, it didn't give us enough of her. But she is so strong that she can take that risk. Simon told her to not worry about changing it up so much which I think is good advice. VOTE

Aaron with R&B Soul. I'm scared. "Ain't No Sunshine" Yikes, Kris Allen blew this away last season. Scared for Aaron. Put on a suit or something. I just don't believe him at this. He sounds like the Jonas Brothers. No this didn't cut it for me. But he can sing so I'll give him an OK.

My order best to worst.

LEE LEE LEE LEE (can I say it again?)
Crystal
Casey
Andrew
Mike
Siobhan
Didi (I am really rooting for her!)
Aaron
Katie
Tim

TIm MUST GO HOME IMMEDIATELY. Nervous for Didi though.

Must make a few other notes -- loving LOST this season as well as Parenthood and Life Unexpected two new shows. Both are so great, really really great. Are you watching them?

I have more to say (of course), but tonight I must wind down.

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions...