Lee vs. Crystal
After last week’s show I was feeling a bit conflicted. My money has been on Crystal for over a month but Lee did a great job last week. In a small way I wanted Lee to do a phenomenal job this week and walk off with the title because he’s got the more commercial sound and I’m more likely to enjoy his post-AI music. But I hate to lose money – so at the end of the day I’m still rooting for Crystal. Here are some thoughts on this season’s final performances:
Round One – Choice of song performed earlier in the season
Lee – Black blazer and jeans with white tee shirt. He came roaring into the ring like The Boxer… except a bit more subdued. I thought he made a good choice and I agree with Ellen who said he performed the song better than when he did it the first time a few weeks ago. But the rest of the judges were looking for more.
Crystal – She chose a look and a song that were representative of her style and skills then delivered one of her consistently good performances. The judges, Me & Bobby McGee all liked it. Without coming out and saying it, the judges all seemed to like her performance more than Lee’s. Round One seems to go to Crystal, but I think it was closer than they made it sound.
Round Two – Executive Producer (Simon Fuller) Choice
Lee – Brown suede jacket. I’m not so sure this was the best song for him, but Simon thought it was a brilliant song choice. (Note to Simon… you don’t have to suck up to the producer anymore. You’ve already resigned.) Although he liked the song choice, Simon and all of the other judges were somewhat cool on the delivery. For the second time tonight the judges were hoping for more than what they got from Lee. I wouldn’t call it painful, but Everybody Hurts a little after that one. Unless they are voting for Crystal.
Crystal – Black Velvet dress that was somewhat unflattering for her figure. Ok, it wasn’t velvet. It was more akin to a taffeta, but unflattering nonetheless. Judges were falling all over themselves complimenting her on the performance, including Simon who doesn’t care for the song but thought she “nailed it.” Seems to me she clearly won the second round.
Round Three – “First Single” if they win
Lee – This is where I thought Lee would lose because I expected them to have to sing some lame, unknown song from a contest winner like in previous years. Fortunately, they’ve done away with that malarkey and Lee got to choose a better song. UNfortunately I think he chose poorly. It’s not a Beautiful Day for Lee. It actually kinda sucked. If I had money on him I think I’d be a little pissed right now. As it turns out, I’ve got money on Crystal. So I’m kinda happy he didn’t take my suggestion to sing a Creed song.
Crystal – If that’s the first single she’s going to put out then I’m not buying it. In fact, it’s unlikely that I’ll be buying any of her music. But the song showcased range, emotion, and above all – talent. So that means votes. She’s been “the one to beat” from very early on. Lee showed some good effort to catch up near the end, but I don’t think it will be enough. Crystal will be heading Up To The Mountain as this season’s American Idol.
Quick checklist of why Crystal will win
Reasonably talented (although less so than previous winners): Both
More “commercial” sound: Lee
Last week: Lee
Several of the previous weeks: Crystal
This week: Crystal – Crystal – Crystal
Consistency: Crystal
Perceived judges’ expected winner: Crystal
My prediction April 21: Crystal
Are we clear? – Yes sir.
Are we clear? – Crystal
I have just one more question… If you gave an order that Santiago wasn’t to be touched, and your orders are always followed, then why would he be in danger, why would it be necessary to transfer him off the base?
YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH.
Sorry. This season is so anticlimactic I thought I’d throw in a few lines of riveting dialog from something with a better ending.
I’ll not bother with an “I told you so” follow up post once Crystal is crowned the winner. I just don’t see the point.
Have a great summer.
– Christopher
Themocracy
Christopher,
Thanks for your unwavering devotion to the show and your comprehensive and humorous recaps. Okay, so maybe you wavered just a bit, but I think it added flavor to your post-analysis! I enjoyed reading your thoughts as it further cemented my belief that we were smart not to watch this season!
Chippy – Smart indeed.
Maybe next year I’ll be smarter.