Aaron Kelley is gone, and I have to admit, that was a bit of a shocker.  I’m not disappointed, however, because I thought he should have left a little bit earlier.   

What is more of a shocker is that Season 9 is already winding down!!! Where did the weeks go? We started out with “Pants on the Ground”, Bikini Boy, a couple of local hopefuls,  Hollywood Week and here we are….near the end of the season.  Whew….time flies! Last night was only so-so.  With what should be the best 4 of the season performing, it should have been a breathtaking night.  Well, it was breathtaking, but my breath was taken by Lee Dewyze, who laid an egg.  It was movie night on Idol and each singer performed a solo and a duet….and Jamie Foxx was in everyone’s grill again this  year.  I kinda found that annoying, but that’s me. 
 

 The Solo Performances…

American Idol: Lee DeWyze singing "Kiss from a Rose"

Lee Dewyze was just awful last night.  From the first “La-la-la-la” in the beginning of his Seal song, he was off.   Through the rest of the song, he missed notes, he was off key.  It was a small train wreck.  Moreover, he didn’t really change the song up much…unless you count being out of tune.  Also, his confidence disappeared in that song.  Fortunately for Lee and fans of Lee, he’s strung several good weeks of perfromances together.  I’m hoping he’ll be safe this week.  

Michael Lynche.  This dude can sing.  With Big Mike, it’s really all in the song choice.  I thought he picked a good song last night, but he didn’t do much with it.  Of course, when you are singing an MJ song, you’d better be sure you’ve done good when you change it up! It was pretty predictable, but it was technically flawless….and I loved the choral singers walking down the steps behind him!  

Casey James.  I didn’t like it.  I love, love, love that song.  Maybe it’s because my Cub Scout Den Leader was Mrs. Robinson, and I sorta had a crush on her…..but I digress.  I thought the song choice was perfect….especially because of this ongoing ‘thing’ with Kara.   I thought the execution of the song was boring.  I wished he brought out a real guitar.  I think that song deserved that, rather than the plink plunk sound of that overgrown ukelele.  It was okay, but I think he’s in trouble.  

Crystal Bowersox.  For the past few weeks, Crystal has been coasting with typical Crystal performances.  She needed to step out of the box last night, and show us a slightly different side.  She didn’t really do that.  It was solid though, and her smooth, steady voice carried her through the  song.   She sang “I’m Alright” from Caddy Shack.  Admit it, you smiled when you heard “Caddy Shack”!  I did.  She mixed the song up a lot, but I thought it was to a point where the song was almost unrecognizable. 

 The Duets….

American Idol: Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox singing "Falling Slowly"

What may save Lee this week is his duet with Crystal.  It really was radio-ready.  The two sang “Falling Slowly”.  It was a brilliant performance.  ’nuff said. On the other hand…I did not like the other duet between Casey and Big Mike.  I liked Big Mike’s side of it, but Casey’s side was lacking.  They sang “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman” from the “Three Musketeers”.   Casey was off tune right in the beginning, and it also seemed like he couldn’t remember the words…it was awkward.  Michael saved the performance with his steady voice.    So…who is going home this week?  It’s tough.  Let’s ask the other question…who isn’t going home? I t hink the only one who is completely safe is Crystal.  I think Lee should be safe, but his solo performance disturbs me….it was the worst of the night.  Big Mike was solid in both songs he sang.  Casey struggled in the duet and his solo was only so-so for me.   I say this all the time:  ”someone has to go”.  I think it SHOULD be Casey.  The website VotefortheWorst.com has Casey as the worst.  DialIdol.com has Casey in the last spot as well.   I think it is Casey’s time to go.  Amadeo DiRocco, also thinks Casey will be going home.  So…it’s pretty much unanimous. Casey is off the show this week.