Okay, so here we go -- down to Crystal and Lee, who will be your...next...American Idol? For a relatively boring season, the good news is that the Top 2 were exactly who they should be. So at least we know one of the best two will win. For me, it is about Lee. I love Crystal's talent and her voice, but Idol is about the story too, following this unknown person, learning about them, caring about them and wanting them to achieve the biggest dream they can. There is a hunger in Lee that has, for me, given him an edge in my heart. What I would love? That they both have hit records and success, but only one can wear the crown.
This season finale is overshadowed by 2 things -- Sunday's Lost Finale which was so epic that I can't muster up the same energy for anything else and the end of Simon Cowell on Idol. Can the show succeed without him? I don't know. I think if the contestants are intriguing and talented, yes. But one thing is for sure, it will never be the same without Simon.
Ryan opens the show and Crystal and Lee enter with a trip down the aisle. Crystal could not make it down the aisle. She stopped and dropped her mic and stopped again and went -- weird. Lee was soaking it all in. I can't believe they are both 24 -- she seems so much older, but it could be the parenthood thing. Three songs each tonight -- a favorite from the season, a pick by Simon Fuller (interesting he has never done this before) and then the new single.
Lee starts off with The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkle. Odd that both finalists are guitar playing singer songwriter types. It doesn't mesh wit the huge arena audience. I still like Lee's tone, and the anthem song works better than the first time he did it, but it wasn't a moment to rock my world. Randy agrees he needs to bring more energy. Ellen is very proud of Lee and thought it was better than the first time as well. Kara liked the believable quality of the song. Simon says this is the big one so there should be more passion. I agree. I give him a B.
Crystal opens with Me and Bobby McGee. She isn't swallowing the words as much as she normally did. She really went all out with the song then and hit it all. She gave it her quality of higher energy but no screaming, real voice quality and musicianship as Kara would say. Randy says she has great energy, Ellen thought it was compelling and Kara thinks she has fire in her belly. Simon reminded everyone that Crystal hasn't been her best the past few weeks while praising her talents. I give her an A-
Simon Fuller picks Everybody Hurts by REM for Lee. Wow, great, great choice. Nice guitar playing Lee -- it gave it a rhythm like an anthem. The choir came out. He tried to make a plea to the audience. Randy said it started out pitchy but he made it work. Ellen said he kept building up the energy but then pulling back. Kara said it wasn't the perfect vocal, but his strength is that he is emotionally accessible and he tells a story. Agree. Simon thought it was a brilliant song choice for him but he still feels the nerves. Simon told him to come out for his last performance with a 10 out of 10 because he is capable of it -- it was a real mentor type of speech - -I think Simon is really rooting for Lee. I give him a B+
Simon Fuller picks Black Velvet for Crystal. Another great choice with range and blues. Crystal came down the steps but seemed so uncomfortable. And she was wearing the most hideous dress ever. Hideous. Her voice was a little more strained, but then she went off on a velvety smooth long note. But then she did a screamy ending. Ehh this didn't do it for me -- it just wasn't that smooth. Randy thinks she is in it to win it. Ellen thought it was fantastic. Kara said she can tell Crystal wants it. Simon doesn't like the song -- take that Simon Fuller. Yet he thought Crystal nailed it and was impressed. I give her a B
The last round. Wow -- the single is a cover. U2's Beautiful Day for Lee. Idol finally learned something -- to sell this single, they can't do an original. Lee sings without an instrument. Good song for him. He focuses on singing it. Midway, he jams into it -- stomping his foot, feeling the rhythm. Finally gives it his energy. Well done, solid. I'm not jumping up and down, but this is not the season of over the top vocals. Not a diva in sight. And that may be why the season feels a little lackluster. But this is genuine effort. Randy says he felt his discomfort in moving around, but then he hit his groove. Ellen is super proud of Lee and his growth and that he took in all of the energy of the crowd. Kara admits that it wasn't a perfect performance, he got swallowed up by the song, but she says he has one of the most commercial voices of the season and he deserves to be here tonight. Simon says that this is the final time he is going to judge this show and I well up with tears. "I just want to say about you that this is what this competition was designed for which is somebody who needs a break, having a normal job working in a paint shop. You've worked hard, you've remained a really, really nice person throughout and I genuinely wish the best for you. You're a great guy." I think Simon almost cried and I did knowing he is leaving. Okay, he didn't almost cry, I was just saying that to make myself feel better for tearing up about a judge on Idol. I give Lee an A-
Crystal sings her single Up to the Mountain by Patty Griffin. She sits on a stool and plays acoustically with a choir behind her. Effortlessly she sings. With passion. She sings and gives us the closest to a diva moment this season has had. Really beautiful. Really beautiful. Crystal feels the emotion. A moment. Randy thinks it was incredible. Ellen loves how unique she is -- she is in a league of her own. Kara says her past critique has always been the walls Crystal puts up but with that song she blossomed. Before Simon can say his judgement, Crystal gives him her two cents saying he has been amazing with his critiques and she knows this is his last season and she thanks him and wishes him well with his future endeavours, not that it matters coming from her but she wished him well. Nice. Simon talks about the love fest and says he thought that was by far the best performance and the song of the night. "Since this is gonna be the final critique I'm ever going to give, I would just like to say that was outstanding." Tears again -- for Simon. I give her an A.
What a lovely evening. Full of love and sweetness and simple genuine feeling. Ryan once again odes Simon and says tomorrow night will be full of some surprises for Simon as well. I am so glad!! That makes me so happy. I am so excited for the finale.
So based on tonight, here is where Lee and Crystal stand.
Lee
The Boxer B
Everybody Hurts B+
Beautiful Day A-
Average B+
Crystal
Me and Bobby McGee A-
Black Velvet B
Up to the Mountain A
Average A-
So Crystal wins, right? I don't think it matters. I think they both did well, I think Lee is more commercially viable, I think part of me still wants him to win because of that eager look in his eye. But you know what i think the most? I think I will miss Simon Cowell.
One surprise I heard about tomorrow? Paula is back to say good bye to Simon.
Rundown for tomorrow -- I have Bon Jovi at the new Meadowlands Stadium so I will watch Idol late tomorrow or early Thursday. So blog will be delayed, but better believe it will be there!!!!!!!! I wouldn't let you down.
Umm why is Will Young (the first Pop Idol) standing like a corpse on the stage. Talk about no emotion. Love watching the top 12 watch the clips on stage. What a journey for them -- what an amazing journey.
I can't believe another season is almost over. My god, my life has passed nine years since this show started. Okay, I can't get into this now -- that's another blog for another time, not to all my fans :)
Yes I had tears over Simon Cowell tonight and I put that in writing -- I am certainly not ashamed of my obsessions...
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