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

Casey – Grey blazer, flowered shirt, jeans.  For me to say Ok, It’s Alright With Me would be an exaggeration.  It was a poor song choice, it was boring and it was underwhelming.  Judges pretty much all agreed that this is the time in the competition where you HAVE to step up.  And he didn’t.

Crystal – Black sleeveless top and jeans.  It was a good song choice and decent performance, but I wouldn’t say she had a moment.  She consistently has good vocals, but I wasn’t wowed.  Come To My Window and you’re unlikely to hear me playing this back over and over.  But it was good.

Lee – Grey leather jacket, black tee shirt and pants.  In a season with few outstanding performances worth listening to more than once, this performance stands out as good.  Good song choice, good vocals, good performance.  He may be a Simple Man but he stepped up his game this week.  Judges all agreed that this was the best performance of the three so far tonight.  As Simon put it, he crushed round one.

Casey – Randy and Kara chose this song for him and all the judges thought he did better than on his first song this week.  But let’s face it, this dude is going home.  Keep your Daughters from voting for this crap.

Crystal – Black outfit with thigh high black leather boots.  Baby I’m Amazed that Ellen chose this song for her to sing, but she did well with it.  It was a bit outside of her comfort zone, but the vocals were really good.  She’s been my choice to win this season, but were those vocals good enough?  For the first time all season she may be shaking in those boots, because…

Lee – Holy crap.  I’m second guessing my prediction that Crystal will win after this performance.  In fact after tonight’s performances in total.  Lee CLOBBERED the night (with a little help from Simon, who chose his second song).  He is in this to win this.  Outstanding.  Listen again.  And again.  Hallelujah.

So 3 contestants, 6 songs, 2 worth listening to several times – Both from Lee.  Crystal still has a chance, but Lee isn’t going to let her walk off with it.  Crystal is more consistent but Lee has the more commercial sound.  If this week showed anything it’s that song choice is critical.  CRITICAL!

I don’t know what they are singing next week.  I’m not sure they even know what they are singing next week.  But if, by any chance, Lee gets to sing Creed/Arms Wide Open I’ll bet against myself.

Either way, I now expect next week to be a lot closer than I thought it would be.  Kinda glad I don’t have a lot of lunches bet on this season’s winner.

– Christopher

Lee – Plaid shirt.  Decent vocals but no original spin on the song and it was pretty much a karaoke performance.  (Which Simon noted.)  Poor song choice but I don’t think he’ll get the Kiss From a Rose. Still my choice for runner up.

Mike – Black leather jacket.  Boring.  Judges weren’t feeling it.  Neither was I.  Will (He) Be There next week?  Could be close.

Lee/Crystal Duet – Judges loved it so I listened again to see if I missed something.  Decent vocals from both of them and they are my choices for the one and two spots, but I liked Kris Allen’s version from last season better.  They aren’t Falling Slowly, they are just limping along.

Casey – Turquoise leather jacket.  Third bad solo performance song choice of the night.  Out of three.  I don’t know if he was singing for Kara or Mrs. Robinson but I don’t think either one of them are throwing panties at the stage after that performance.  He’s fighting with Mike for the boot this week.

Crystal – Odd black dress showing too much pasty white leg between the hemline and the short black boots.  Best solo song of the night but still not what I would call a winning performance.  She’s lucky everyone else sucked.  (She’s) Alright.

Casey/Mike Duet – Judges liked this duet too.  I don’t know why.  I loved Ellen’s response to the question Have You Ever Loved a Woman. That’s good tv right there.

Two more weeks then Crystal will be crowned Season 9 American Idol.  After that she and the rest of this year’s ragtag group will drift off into entertainment oblivion.

– Christopher

Aaron – Thin tie, grey vest.  Judges way too nice, especially Randy and Ellen.  Not sure they were listening to the same performance they showed on tv.  Fly (Him) To The Moon.

Casey – Purple shirt and dark vest.  Marginally better than Aaron but still painful to listen and watch.  Judges lambasted him.  Probably gone this week.  He’ll have plenty of time for some Blue Skies.

Crystal – Black sleeveless mermaid dress.  To summarize the judges:  It was sleepy, indulgent, and she needs to loosen up.  I prefer the sound of the Summer Wind.

Mike – Judges all loved it.  I don’t know why.  Mike: I don’t care about the Way You Look Tonight.  Or the way you sound.  I guess he was better than the others.  Hard to say.

Lee – Black jacket and tie over untucked white shirt with Converse athletic shoes.  Judges pretty much called it the best of the night, which I’ll agree with.  But that ain’t sayin’ much.  That’s Life and that’s the pain of AI Season 9.

Siobhan’s exit last week was unexpected but not undeserved.  At the beginning of the season there was a lot of talk that the girls were better than the guys, so it’s surprising to see that there is only one girl in the top five.  Won’t be a surprise if she wins.

Sports fans:  Sorry about your week – and it’s only Tuesday.  Wings down 3-0 in the series with the Sharks.  That sucks.  And RIP Ernie Harwell.

Oh… and the stock market took a hit today.  Seriously, is there ANY good news out there?

WAIT – Anyone see House this week?  Great episode.  Writers deserve an Emmy for some great dialogue.  Maybe I’ll watch it again because everything else SUCKS this week.

Sorry to be a downer.  I’m sure my mood will turn when I hit that Mega Millions jackpot.

BUCK UP CAMPERS.  Next week will be better??

– Christopher

This week Shania mentored and contestants sang Shania songs.  Too bad I’m not a fan of the twang.  Here are a few thoughts:

Lee – Dark suit, white shirt, thin tie.  Lee, You’re Still the One to beat for that runner up spot.  I guess it was ok.

Mike – Black shirt and jeans.  Blah, blah, blah, heartfelt and connected with the song, blah, blah, boring.  It Only Hurts When I’m Breathing and when I have to listen to this crap.  Had I known this week was “Shania/Country” week I’d have downgraded him last week.  I predicted Aaron or Casey to depart this week, but now I really think Mike is in trouble.

Casey – Silk shirt with too much chest and jeans.  I’m not that hip the genre, be I guess that was pretty good.  Judges thought it was good.  I Don’t think he’ll go home this week.

Crystal – Brown dress and cowboy boots.  Judges were cool on her performance – especially Simon who didn’t seem to care for it.  No One Needs to Know why she chose that song.  Except her boyfriend apparently.  It was ok, not her best.  Still my choice to win this season.

Aaron – Ellen said it “will be tough” this week because “everybody is doing well”.  I think she’s been a good judge this season, but that may be an exaggeration.  Aaron, You Got a Way of dodging bullets.  Last week it was easy to pick Tim’s departure (finally), but I had Aaron on deck.  He may have saved himself for another week with that song choice and performance.  I’m not saying I liked it, but he did it right and the judges loved it.

Siobhan – Another odd outfit.  I guess it was ok.  Except for that scream near the end.  Judges loved it.  Any Man of (Hers) needs to vote for her this week.

So, to summarize, I’m modifying my predictions from last week to suggest that Mike might be taking cuts in the line to exit.

Not much else to say this week.

Did I mention that Shania is hot?

– Christopher

But here we are.  So I will continue my weekly bit until the end of the season no matter how painful.  I make no promises for next year.  I’m sure even my most loyal readers will understand if it’s time to move on.  Several of you don’t even watch the show anymore.  If the show survives I may consider abbreviated recaps once we hit the top 12, but only if I’m inspired.  It’s not looking good.

For now… a few thoughts about last week:

Andrew (GONE) – Can’t say I’m surprised.  I even pegged him for bottom three in my abbreviated post last week.  I can say I’m disappointed.  He doesn’t have what it takes to win American Idol but there was a quality in his voice I really liked.  If he does a mix of upbeat covers with original twists I’d consider picking up his CD.  I don’t expect it on the market any time soon.  So long Andrew.

Katie (GONE) – After last week’s performances and a few short hours before the results show I made my first friendly wager of the season.  Hard to believe someone would pick Katie as the possible winner, but it’s true.  And I’ll accept the low-end bottle of booze I’ve almost won when my choice (see below) gets crowned at the end of the season.  It would have been easy to take candy from this misguided viewer but I took pity and added a caveat – I only WIN if my choice WINS.  Half way home, baby – and not surprised!  As for Katie… I pegged her as “doomed” in my top 12 recap, so I wasn’t surprised to see her get the boot.  She actually wasn’t that bad last week, but that’s all relative when you’ve overstayed your welcome.

And the remaining seven:

Casey – Wedding singer performance, complete with tuxedo jacket over a v-neck undershirt. Karaoke hell that showed nothing special.  He sang Don’t Stop, but I say “no really… stop.”  Ellen summed it up by saying “You have to be great right now and it wasn’t great.”  Last week wasn’t much better and I expect next week to be about the same.  Yes… he’ll be here next week.  I HOPE he’s here next week.  Look for him in the bottom three but please-please-please let it be time for Tim to go home.

Lee – Brown shirt and black tie.  It was ok and it definitely had some originality to it.  I can’t say I loved it but I am promoting him to “best guy left in the competition.”  He’s got a good sound – very commercial.  He’s a few good song choices from being runner up.  He won’t win, but I now think he’ll make final four.  In the clearing stands a Boxer but he’ll end up on the mat eventually.

Tim – Words cannot express my frustration with the fact that he’s still in this competition.  Judges have been so hot and cold on him but this has to be the end – doesn’t it?!?  Even Ellen “didn’t like the soup.”  The show will see Better Days once he’s gone.  He single handedly messes with my predictions each week by staying.  Who of the remaining contestants can possibly go home before him now?  Except…

Aaron – Sigh… I guess Aaron could go home before Tim.  It would be frustrating that Tim is still on the show, but Aaron sucks too.  He may Believe (he) Can Fly, but he’s gonna run out of Archuletta votes soon.  Probably next week.

Siobhan – Almost normal purplish dress with butterflies on the shoulder.  Randy thought it was “just ok” and Simon didn’t like it.  I was more or less just bored.  I did listen to last week again and it was better than I remember it being.  Still not jumping up and down, but When You Believe Tim (and Aaron) have to go then everything else sounds a little better.  She’s clearly very talented.  Song choice and arrangement will be her downfall in the end.

Mike – I think I had to wipe drool off my chin.  It was so boring I think I fell asleep.  He is not my Hero and this seemed very karaoke to me.  I keep thinking he looks like the actor who played Marsellus Wallace in Pulp Fiction.  I don’t really want to see him with a red rubber ball strapped into his mouth, but it might have sounded better.  Sad truth about AI Season 9 – I still have him picked to make the final four.

Crystal – Elegant floor length black dress and NO instrument.  She got choked up and emotion at the end of her song, but hey… this is live TV.  And it was still the best performance of the night.  Week after week she is consistently good.  I’m not a huge fan of her musical style, but she is far and away the most talented contestant left this season.  People Get Ready to see her win this.  Because that’s were my money is.

And here ARE the predictions:

Bottom three this week:  Tim, Aaron, and probably Casey.  Hopefully they depart in that order:  Tim this week, Aaron next week, Casey the following.

In my Season 9 Top 12 post I predicted Michael, Siobhan and Crystal would make the final four.  I’m standing by that prediction.  I’m rounding out the group by adding Lee.

Mike, Siobhan and Lee have some fighting to do.  Not sure which order they fall, but fall they will.  Reality is that this season it seems clear who the winner will be.

Does anyone NOT think Crystal will win?

In 2008 I predicted David Cook would win the week it was down to 6.  In 2009 I predicted Kris Allen would win the first week of 7 remaining contestants (that week they used the save resulting in a second week of 7 remaining).  I should have made this season’s prediction last week but I was preoccupied with my day job.

Looking for lunch bets.  Anyone?  Anyone?

Bah… it’s not as much fun when I don’t get to beat a lunch out of anyone.  It’s also not as much fun when pretty much the show SUCKS.

Big “Idol Gives Back” show this week.  Yea, I don’t care either.

– Christopher

CRYSTAL – Backup singers were too loud.  But she was good.  Saved and safe.

ANDREW – I still like his vocals but I know I’m in a minority.  Judges Hound Dogged him and they are probably right.  Possibly bottom 3 again.

TIM – Judges must be smoking crack.  They all loved it.  “Zero to hero”?  Sucked.  Bottom 3.  I CAN Help Falling In Love.

LEE – Judges loved it.  Seriously… put down the pipe.  I want A Little Less Conversation. Jon Peter Lewis rocked this way better on AI in 2004.  YouTube it up.

AARON – Actually better that I expected, but my expectations were pretty low.  Judges were mixed.  In the end I don’t care about his Blue Suede Shoes.

SIOBHAN – Good but I didn’t love it.  Suspicious Minds want to know if it was good enough.  Probably.

MICHAEL – Started out really good but drifted off if you ask me.  Judges were falling all over themselves for saving him last week.  He wasn’t THAT good.  But he probably isn’t headed back to The Ghetto.

KATIE – One of my favorites for this week, which is surprising because I don’t usually like Katie.  I may change my tune when I watch closer this weekend.  Simon didn’t like it.  What Do You Want Me To Do?

CASEY – I didn’t really care for it, but I recognize that it was better than many of the others tonight.  Which just proves that I should have skipped the show and kept working.

Double burn this week – two contestants go home.  Poetic justice if Michael is one of them because of the save, but probably Tim and someone else.  Maybe Andrew or Aaron.

Quick shout out to my gal pal JG – I’m sorry.  Please don’t hate me.

— Christopher

Aaron – Some kind of black double breasted marching band jacket over a plaid shirt.  This guy is starting to annoy me almost as much as Tim.  Watch for him in the bottom three this week.  Ellen stole my line… “Felt like a Long and Winding Song.”  At least the judges weren’t as nice as they usually are for him.

Katie – Hot pink and a ponytail.  I’ve been hard on her the last few weeks, but it could have been worse.  She looked her age and it didn’t sound bad.  The judges loved it – LOVED IT.  Not sure it was as good as they made it sound but there was improvement.  I was still bored and she still might be in the bottom three, but Let it Be. Tim’s departure will save her?

Andrew – Charcoal suit and yellow sport shirt.  I’m still a fan of his vocals but it was kinda boring.  Randy nailed it – “solid performance but not jumping up and down.”  Can’t Buy Me Love, but he doesn’t need my love.  I’m sure he’s fine this week.

Michael – Kind of a Johnny Cash style all-black look.  Judges made some references to the TV show Glee.  If this performance was indicative of what you see on the show then I’m glad I don’t watch it.  BORING.  Even Eleanor Rigby would be bored.  He was an early favorite, but lately he keeps letting me down.

Crystal – Black wide collar top, jeans and boots.  It didn’t all Come Together, but at least it didn’t suck.  She had a guy playing a didgeridoo on stage with her which was more distracting than helpful for the performance.  Eh… at least she tried to sass things up.

Tim – Faded red longjohn’s top and a dorkie grey with white stripes jacket.  Why is he still on the show?!?  It sucked and it was boring, but I will give him one compliment – his vocals were better.  Not enough to keep him on the show mind you.  He doesn’t get All My Lovin’… in fact he gets none.

Casey – White blazer with black shirt and pants.  His guitar playing is better than his vocals, but he is turning out to be better than I expected.  I was a bit bored… and not because I’m a Jealous Guy. Simon thought it was the best of the night and I did get a text message from one of my loyal readers, Little Miss Sunshine, who agreed.  Eh… it was ok.  I actually thought he was better last week.

Siobhan – Lots of white lace and ruffles topped with a black leather biker vest.  Hair looked good, especially when you consider that the first few weeks she had bird’s nest hair.  A pinch boring and not my favorite Siobhan moment, but I did like it and it was one of the best performances this week.  She is a true artist and will probably get votes from Across the Universe. Maybe even from her home planet.

Lee – Black jacket and string bean tie with a white shirt.  Our final dose of Ambien for the night.  Call out Hey Jude and no one will answer because he’s asleep.  Simon didn’t like the bag pipes he fit in to the arrangement.  I actually thought the bag pipes were the best part.  He had a “moment” last week.  This week was just weak.

Anyone out there awake enough to comment?

– Christopher

I’m just messin’.  I saw the clip.  Apparently Usher is some Grammy winning artist with only one name.  Like Cher or Prince.  I’m not familiar with his music, but at least he was articulate and didn’t chomp his gum with his mouth open.  Recognizing that the contestants should already have decent vocals since they made it to the top 10 (“should” being the operative word), he focused on getting them to “connect” with their audience.  It’s all about entertainment.  He’s got that right.  Too bad some of the contestants didn’t.

Siobhan – Some sort of black top with giant lips on the front, a goofie white skirt and Missy Elliot boots.  Looked and sounded worse than last week, but I wouldn’t call it a crash-and-burn.  More of a spin-out.  Judges all like her but pretty much acknowledged that she sucked this week.  She will make it Through the Fire.

Casey – Black jacket over red shirt with a red guitar.  I hate to say it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t bad.  It was a good song choice for him and he did well with it.  Hold on I’m Comin’ to the “but”… Probably one of his better weeks but it was a “safe” choice for him and I ’m guessing he’s peaked.  He’s still just an opening act – not a headliner.

Michael – Brown leather jacket with black tee and his back to the judges – going for that intimacy with the audience.  All the judges loved it, but I’m not Ready for Love.  I accept that he’s got a good voice and that he will do well, but I don’t like his song choices and I’m starting to question how far he will get.  He’s safe this week because it didn’t completely suck, but it was really boring.

Didi – Black and gold Jessica Rabbit style dress.  Judges were hard on her again, but this time I agreed with them.  I don’t know What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, but if she doesn’t shape up she’ll be joining them soon.

Tim – Black blazer, white shirt, black tie with white dots.  He is the most consistently bad member of the top 10.  Another bad song choice that was painful to listen too.  Even Ellen didn’t like it and she’s been an advocate.  Apparently there is a drinking game that hinges on Ellen calling Tim “adorable.”  I think she hinted that he’s done this week when she said “those people may never drink again.”  The Sweet Love may not be so sweet for him when this week’s results are announced.

Andrew – Grey suit with white and purple checked shirt.   It wasn’t my favorite song choice, but I do like his vocals and I still say he’s going to surprise a lot of people.  Judges all loved him this week, but will they love him Forever?  A couple good song choices over the next few weeks and he could fill the blank spot in my final 4 prediction.

Katie – Olive green outfit with black plastic pants.  I love the scene in the movie Michael when John Travolta dances to Chain of Fools. I do NOT love it when Katie sings it.  Her vocals were ok.  Not as good as the judges made them sound, but ok.  I think it was another bad song choice for her and I’m still not a Katie fan.  She’s running out of people to save her.  This week I think her dad owes Tim a drink.

Lee – Light grey leather jacket and black 3-button tee.  Without question the best performance of the night.  Great song choice and great vocals.  All the judges loved it and it was one of the few worth listening to more than once this week.  He had a very commercial sound and he performed for the audience.  (The Usher influence.)  Ellen (and Simon) thought it was the best of the night, but he didn’t just Treat Her Like a Lady, he treated everyone well.  Has he peaked or will he strong arm Andrew for that open spot in my final 4 prediction?

Crystal – Red dress, black belt and hose, stilettos.  Cleans up well, showed more personality and connected better with the audience.  Still one of the best this season and she consistently performs well, but this week wasn’t her best vocal performance.  She won’t be on that Midnight Train to Georgia because she’ll be busy preparing for next week’s performance on American Idol.

Aaron – Black faux leather hoodie over blue and white plaid shirt.  Terrible start and it was barely ok overall.  Judges were far too nice to him.  I’m sure he’s safe again this week because of the tweenie vote, but there Ain’t No Sunshine in that performance as far as I was concerned.

No one was surprised by Paige’s departure last week and I think the choice is equally clear this week.  Didi sucked and a few others had a bad week, but it’s time for Tim to go.

– Christopher

As for the contestants, I’m sticking with the brackets I outlined last week.  Michael, Siobhan and Crystal continue to do well.  Tim, Paige and Katie are doomed while the rest are somewhere in the middle.  This week they got to choose a #1 from the Billboard Top 100.  Several chose poorly.

Lee – Shiny black suit and black tee with a few gold chains.  Apparently he came straight from his day job as a knee-cap breaking loan shark.  All the judges really liked it except Simon who thought it was corny.  I thought it was a good song choice that suited his voice and that he sang it well.  Great use of the horn section.  If I were writing to voters The Letter would suggest he stay for now.

Paige – I got a late start with the show because I was busy.  Before we even fired up the DVR I already had TWO text messages from people indicating that it’s time to “turn the Paige” – so you’d think I’d be prepared for the horror.  White top, black stretch pants, unusual high heels – eh, she looked ok.  But the sound was an agonizing offense to the ears.  The judges unanimously hated it and Simon predicted her departure.  And yet they still seemed too nice to her.  Seeing her next week is Against All Odds. Or, as Kitty pointed out, Take a Look at Her Now because she won’t be here next week.

Tim – I’m still not sure how he survived last week but I think he is safely in the Top 10.  Oh it sucked.  It sucked bad.  Flat, corny, bad, bad, bad.  But not as bad as Paige, so he’s got that going for him.  Grey blazer over white tee with black horizontal stripes.  It was “karaoke”, it was “high school musical”, it was discouraging to thousands of Idol wannabes who are wondering “how is he still on this show?”  Crazy Little Think Called Love is getting him just enough votes.  Maybe the love will run out next week.

Aaron – Black jean jacket with black and white checked shirt. Generally I watch the show from start to finish because I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing. I coulda missed this.  I’ll admit it wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be, but I thought it was a lousy song choice.  I’ll accept that he’ll probably be around a few more weeks even though I’m not a fan. Judges were way too nice, possibly because the last two contestants were SO bad.

Crystal – Black dress with some hair and makeup help that made dreadlocks look less bad.  She charmed the stage with her guitar which had been freshly autographed by Miley.  The judges, Me and Bobby McGee all thought she did a great job.  She’s consistently good but admittedly could show a pinch more personality when she’s not singing.

Michael – Black blazer and vest over white shirt unbuttoned too far and jeans.  He is one of the better male contestants this year, but I thought it was a lousy song choice and I grudgingly agree with Kara who found it “boring and loungy.” When a Man Loves a Woman he should not put her to sleep before she dials in her vote.

Andrew – He looked very Kim Jong Il in his big glasses and khaki jacket.  I may be alone on this one, but I still think this guy has potential to do pretty well.  I kinda liked it.  Maybe not the best song choice, but it was entertaining.  The judges were way too harsh.  I Heard it Through the Grapevine that he’ll be back next week.

Katie – Black leather jacket over white tee with giant peace sign and pink suspenders.  She’s cute and she can sing and it sounded ok, but I still don’t like her.  I can’t even explain why except to say that she’s just not good enough.  Hopefully she doesn’t cry about it because Big Girls Don’t Cry.  I just don’t want to see her anymore.  I’m sure she’s safe this week for the obvious reason.  (Paige)

Casey – Randy and Ellen weren’t grooving on the song choice, but I didn’t think it was that bad and he did sing it ok.  Maybe That’s the Power of Love. I’m not saying it was great – Simon accurately described it as a cover band performance.  It was just better than I expected.  As for Kara – she just needs to take a break to wring out her panties.  Her opinion on Casey is irrelevant.

Didi – Short black dress and black boots.  I’m kind of lukewarm on Didi, but I thought she looked good and I thought it sounded fine.  Randy called it pitchy, Ellen didn’t like the song choice, Kara wasn’t a fan and Simon found some irony in the You’re No Good hook.  I didn’t really agree with any of them.  Admittedly it wasn’t fantastic but it wasn’t nearly as bad as the judges made it sound.

Siobhan – She’s got this Jeckel and Hyde thing going on.  When she’s not performing she’s a quirky, slow talkin’ borderline bubblehead who is hard to categorize.  Dress her up and put a microphone in her hand and she finds her inner diva.  Interesting up do – slick on the sides and high in the middle, but not as odd as a Sanjaya style Mohawk.  Tee shirt with white lacey sleeves and a black vest inspired by those functional harnesses people wear to reduce the risk of a hernia when lifting heavy things.  Looked good, sounded great, maybe needs to dial back on the scream a pinch.  If you are a voter, don’t let some crazy Superstition keep you from voting for her.

Final thoughts of the week:  Goodbye Paige – I just don’t see how she can dodge another bullet unless she is part cat.  For the rest… welcome to the top 10.  Even if some of you don’t belong there.

Christopher

Here is a recap of this week’s performances followed by a summary of what I think of this year’s top 12 based on the season-to-date:

MICHAEL – Short sleeve black shirt with beige stitching and black pants.  Big Mike seemed comfortable on the big stage and filled it well.  He sang well but overall it was just ok for me.  Mike – we would Miss You if you went home, but that is highly unlikely.

DIDI – Spaghetti strap black top, jeans and boots.  If you are going to Play With Fire you’ll get puns from me AND Randy, who said she was “on fire.”  Simon summed it up best: “solid but not brilliant.”

CASEY – Black shirt with red flame accents.  Judges all liked it.  I’ll say it was better than I expected but I didn’t think it was great.  I can’t say that It’s All Over Now, but the scruffy, unkempt, dreamy eyed thing will only distract the women for so long.  At some point he’ll be headed home.  It just won’t be this week.

LACEY – Another outfit difficult to describe.  I don’t think she knows how to mix and match.  I’ve been running hot and cold on Lacey… sometimes she’s not bad and sometimes she sucks.  Perhaps her song choice was foreshadowing a future job.  I love the chicken tortilla soup at Ruby Tuesday.  Maybe her next song choice should be Do you want fries with that?

ANDREW – Grey jacket over red and black plaid shirt.  As Randy pointed out, it was a bit pitchy.  But I liked what he tried to do with it.  It was recognizable but different.  Ellen thought it was his best performance yet.  Maybe he couldn’t hear himself and just needs more experience on the big stage.  He sang Gimme Shelter and I think he’ll get it.  For now.

KATIE – Cute little cream and pastel dress with poofie skirt.  Admittedly she was better than last week, but I thought the judges were way too nice.  Wild Horses aren’t going to get her anywhere near the finals.  She’ll be lucky to see top 10.

TIM – Black and grey horizontal stripe sweater and jeans.  Judges acknowledged that it was different and daring, but they collectively were underwhelmed by the reggae twist.  As Simon noted, it just “didn’t work.”  If I had to pick who was going home tonight his name would be Under My Thumb.

SIOBHAN – Took advantage of the hair & makeup perk then put on a tasteful black prom dress and some combat boots.  And it worked.  She looked great.  Then she knocked out the best performance of the night.  The spirit of the Stones but NOT the Stones.  I hate to admit when Kara is right, but she called it the “best interpretation” of the night.  I loved it.  Paint it Black and color her back.  As in next week.  Safe.

LEE – Grey leather jacket and black tee shirt.  Some good parts, but very middle of the pack overall.  Water it down a bit more and it was a campfire version.  A bit lost on the big stage but probably doesn’t have to worry about the Beast of Burden this week.

PAIGE – Grey outfit, black hose and boots.  Wasn’t terrible, wasn’t great.  Randy and Ellen liked it and they all acknowledged that it wasn’t bad considering she was battling laryngitis this week.  She’s not my Honky Tonk Woman, she’s my “you can go soon and I won’t miss you” woman.

AARON – Brown leather shirt-jacket.  All the judges loved it – “hot,” “great,” “chose right song” and “worked.”  I wasn’t as impressed, but it wasn’t as painful as last week.  I’m sure he’ll get Angie’s vote this week.  And the votes of many other teenage girls.

CRYSTAL – Black top, jeans, boots.  Really good, but we all expected her to be.  Ellen said she made it seem “effortless.”  Didn’t wow us as much as Siobhan this week, but You Can’t Always Get What You Want. Still the one to beat – even if she doesn’t think she is.

After four weeks of performances, here’s how I see it:

DOOMED:  The girls are stronger this season, but don’t be surprised if there are two girls in the bottom three this week.  I think Tim is done this week, but Katie and Paige aren’t that far behind.  Those three will all likely be gone soon – doesn’t matter the order.  Add Lacey to that mix unless she survives this week and really steps it up.

SURPRISED IF THEY DON’T MAKE FINAL FOUR:

Michael – He’ll be there unless he does something to really screw it up.  He’s a crowd and judge favorite.

Siobhan – She’s goofie but she’s talented and seems to get a little better each week.  She may not know what “dark horse” means, but she’s it.

Crystal – I don’t always agree with the early “one to beat” assessments, but she’s damn good.  I’d fear that she peaked too early, but she’s also consistent.  I’m not prepared to bet lunches on her yet, but she definitely has potential.

Fourth spot – not sure, but…

THE REST…

Andrew has my vote for most potential to surprise us.

Didi could possibly do well but clearly can’t win.

Aaron gets the Archuletta votes, but won’t get as far.

Casey is apparently eye candy for the cougars, but at some point that won’t get him enough votes.

Lee… Not sure how to classify him.  Probably safe for a few weeks, but I doubt he’ll be in the final four.

– Christopher

Lee Dewyze – Hated it.  Black and blue plaid shirt with jeans.  I didn’t know the song and I didn’t think it was that great.  Actually, kind of boring.  I thought the judges were a little too nice to him.  Who knew they were just warming up?  Fireflies in a jar would be more entertaining.

Alex Lambert – Ok, this one I liked.  Black jacket, white shirt, jeans.  Perfect song choice for him and I thought the vocals were really good, which the judges didn’t deny.  But then they spent most of the time critiquing his stage presence as “stiff” and suggesting that he still needs to get some confidence.  My favorite of the night – he better not be in Trouble.

Tim Urban – Black banded-collar shirt and jeans.  The vocals were just ok and he added nothing.   Two years ago Jason Castro did a much better job with this song, let alone trying to compare to the original.  So essentially I thought it sucked.  Which is why I’m dumbfounded that Ellen felt the need to go out on stage and hug him while the rest of the judges praised him – Hallelujah! What?

Andrew Garcia – Hated it.  Black cardigan with white accents over white tee and jeans.  He’s got a decent voice but I think it was a bad song choice and a risky arrangement that failed.  A rare moment of the night when I agreed with the judges, because they didn’t care for it either.  Took too long for him to get to the hook and when he did there was no Jeanie In A Bottle. Could be in trouble.

Casey James – Hated it.  And dude – wash and comb the hair.  Ellen thought it was “great” and Simon said it “sounded great.”  I tried to listen again but it was too painful.  First 5 guys of the night all brought a guitar on stage, but I’ll give Casey his due for having the coolest.  Check out the zoom shot of the guitar showing the hummingbird.  He sang You’ll Think of Me, but I’d rather not.  He wasn’t even good enough for around the campfire.

Aaron Kelly – Hated it.  Grey plaid untucked shirt and black pants.  Really rough start then got a little better, but lots of bad notes and I’m not just talking about the twang.  Judges were a bit mixed on this one.  If we’re starting a line to vote him off I’m Already There.

Todrick Hall – Hated it.  Charcoal wool coat with off center zipper, dirty white pants and fingerless black leather gloves.  Randy called it the “best”… Ellen and Kara liked it too.  Simon dialed it down but was still mostly positive.  Are they passing a bong around when the camera isn’t on them?  Find me Somebody to Love, because it’s not Todrick.

Michael Lynch – Black blazer, vest and tie with white shirt and jeans.  I’m not going to say “hated it” but I didn’t think it was that great.  Randy and Ellen LOVED IT, Kara was moved to tears and Simon declared that he “100% nailed it” before realizing that he desperately needed some snack chips and cheese whiz.  Oh… and some Cheetos.  And maybe some iced animal crackers.  Somewhere in there someone declared it the best performance from any contestant all season.  Judges need to wipe the powder off their noses, Kara needs fresh mascara and Simon needs munchies STAT.  They are all on drugs and clearly can’t handle This Woman’s Work.

To summarize:

SAFE (for now):  Michael… mostly because he’s use to being in this category but also because the judges all fawned over him like drunken prom dates.

Hopefully Safe:  Alex – great vocals AND a mullet!

In trouble even if the judges don’t see it:  Tim, Casey and Todrick.

Terrible:  Lee, Andrew and Aaron.

Last week it was obvious which guys were departing.  This week I can’t even guess and pretty much don’t care.

– Christopher