Top 9 Takes on Lennon / McCartney

Nervous, nervous, nervous. Last week showed sparkle, but this season needs sparks. There are great memories of this theme from Season 7 of the Greats as I call them. And this group hasn't shown the most originality. I think Simon actually said it well that some can be original, but changing up the songs can also be tragic. Let's see how it goes and if we can see Ed and Mark in the audience!

Like the bits with the contestants talking about each other. Sweet and clever.

Aaron -- "The Long and Winding Road" He is smart at picking songs that suit his voice style. But he seemed nervous or a bit out of sorts in the beginning. Lacked a wow factor. Sweet but no sparks. The judges felt it got drawn out as well. Simon rolled his eyes at Aaron when he asked why he picked the song. Ed, did you boo Simon? It sounded like him! I'm saying OK for now because I think someone else (or hope someone else whose last name rhymes with turban) will do worse. After watching Tim, I say BUH BYE may be coming Aaron's way.

Katie -- She showed some spunk saying she will go to prom to whoever voted for her most. "Let It Be" Beginning sounds nice. I don't think she has shown this side of her voice. This is a tough song to do because so many people have covered it, but she seems to be bringing some originality to it. Nice tone. Definitely her best performance. I'm not jumping up and down, but she should be happy with that. She showed her soul style so you know it was Katie. Randy thought it was hot. Ellen says she will not be in the bottom 3. Kara is so proud of her for blossoming. Simon thinks she leaned country which is why it was good. Kara then sang her head off demonstrating the soul riffs. Interesting that Ellen does not get in the middle of the confrontations. OK but she should be proud.

Can't wait for Glee. Enough with the word blossoming.

Andrew -- "Can't Buy Me Love" with a twist he says. He is in the Michael Lynch spot behind the judges. Reminds me of a Barenaked Ladies sound. I'm worried that his arrangement maybe made it sound older instead of cooler? He gave it personality though which is what Simon wanted. Randy thought it got corny. Ellen made a funny. Simon thought it was irrelevant. Buh Bye I think for Andrew.

Michael -- Big Mike "Eleanor Rigby" Uh oh, David Cook territory. Look at the military jacket! The soft soul beginning gave it his unique voice. He is starting to really show some musical chops with these arrangements. And his singing is effortless. I really liked it. Kara thought it was FIRE. She saw some of the sparks I was talking about. Well done I say. Simon didn't love it and thought it sounded like a musical. He got booed again. I don't agree with him. Ellen is silent again. Randy says it shows relevance because it has a Glee tinge in its theatricality which is relevant. VOTE

Crystal -- "Come Together" She is taking on Carly Smithson. I totally thought this would be great for her, though. She is cool. But I thought she looked at her guitar too much. Something wasn't connected. She still blows the Mama Sox off of all of the other contestants, her voice is insane, but something was off in the performance. I agree with Ellen that Crystal always sounds unique and makes it her own. Kara thought it was one of her favorite performances of Crystal's. Simon thought it was current and terrific. Okay, maybe I should watch it again. VOTE (of course because she is amazing) Love how much she is enjoying herself too.

Tim -- "All My Lovin'" Okay, I gotta say, he pulled it off. He sounds like Paul McCartney and that was to his advantage. Well sung, not overacted. He did okay. He is still not one of my favorites, but if he had sung like this before, he wouldn't be my least favorite. The judges thought he did well. And Kara and Simon gave him credit for taking their previous criticisms well. Love that Simon pointed said he had no "winjing" Umm what word is that? OKAY

Casey -- The goldilocks hair is out tonight. I do like the ponytail better, but this guy is soooooo good looking. "The Jealous Guy" I don't think I know this song but I'm psyched. I still hear Eddie Vedder in his voice. He is another one who always sounds modern because of his voice. He is a really good guitar player. This is a moment. Wow. I loved that. He finally showed off his voice. I am jealous of any girl who gets to date him. Randy dug it. Ellen thought it was his best performance because he poured himself into the song. Kara loved the vulnerability and depth. Simon said it was the best performance of the night. Very very impressed. ME TOO. VOTE VOTE VOTE

Tomorrow night is Rihanna, Archuleta and someone else. Fingers crossed for Gaspy.

Siobhan -- so glad Lee got the pimp spot! "Across the Universe" Michael Johns took this on and didn't succeed. Please don't be weird. The nasal quality is too strong. She is trying too hard to keep it soft. The drama is killing me. I hate this. And I made a not nice comment in my head about her friends in the audience that I won't write for fear of being too mean. Randy pimped the artistry. Ellen is a fan because she marches to the beat of her own drum. Why are they drinking the kool aid? Kara is as confused by Siobhan as I am by her comments. Simon brought her to tears asking about the song and I am uncomfortable. The booer interrupted again and they showed him this time. OKAY because she shouldn't go yet, but I'm not fully buying it. Earl the booer got to come up on stage.

Lee -- I can't wait. "Hey Jude" Wow this is a big song to take on. His rasp should be great. Love his tie and jacket. He is so cool and contemporary. He is really showing his personality. One of the best versions I HAVE EVER HEARD OF THIS! Love the drama of the bag pipe. I want a full version of this. AMAZING AMAZING. Downloading immediately. WOW WOW WOW. His voice was amazing. I want the judges to go crazy over this. Kara -- what was off with this? Is she crazy? Simon just criticized the bag piper. Come on judges, this guy is awesome. VOTE VOTE VOTE.

Inside info from Ed and Mark -- the booer was a plant! They saw him eating with the crew after the show! Shocking.

This was a great night. Great performances, moments were made and Lee and Casey are fighting for my heart. Here is my order for the night.

Lee and Casey -- I can't pick between them right now. Lee brought me on a journey of energy and commitment and Casey scooped out my heart.
Crystal
Katie (I know, shocker!)
Michael
Siobhan
Tim (even more shocked!)
Aaron
Andrew

I still would be okay if Tim went, at least he redeemed himself. Aaron did not connect with me at all, but at least he was not wrong in his choice like Andrew was. I think Andrew may go home tomorrow.

Should be an interesting results night. I miss Didi.