American Idol: Week Ten; The Top 6 Compete

I was a little thrown last night.

Of all the theme nights I've seen on Idol, I never thought the songs of Shania Twain would make the cut. I mean, granted, I know she's had a successful 15 year career, but really, unless you're a country fan, you maybe heard only her 5-6 most popular hits. Personally, I just don't think her career was long enough or iconic enough to justify dedicating a whole night of performing her songs. But alas, that's what it was last night, and surprisingly, the Top 6 all did pretty well. No one really did horribly, which makes it a tough choice when it comes to who goes home tonight.

I thought Shania was one of the better mentors they've had this season, but come on, who would have been better to guide the contestants on Shania Twain songs, then Shania Twain? The one person that really shone for me last night, is Aaron. Yes, I know, all of you are surprised I didn't say Crystal…who still did well, but Aaron really stood out. They over all did a great job, despite it being country week, which usually ends in disaster in past seasons.
So shall we move onto the individual reviews? Let's begin with someone who doesn't quite fit the country vibe, but managed to rock out Shania. That person being:

1. LEE DEWYZE – sung “You're Still The One” - I liked Lee's performance, but as Randy said, it did start out a bit pitchy. Once he got to the chorus, the song really picked up for me, and you felt Lee's connection to the song. Kara pointed out that he was smiling, which helped showed his emotion. I agree, because when Lee smiles it makes all the difference in his performance. One of the judges pointed out that Lee didn't just do a copycat performance. It sounded like "his" version of the song, and it was just as good as the original. Lee can see the finish line, and he just might be in it. (with Crystal). He doesn't go anywhere this week. SAFE

2. MICHAEL LYNCHE – sung “It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing” - Oh my God, are ballads and slow songs the only songs that Michael knows?! Week after week, it's the same old types of songs over and over again. Of course, he does them extremely well, is well connected to almost every song, and emphasizes the lyrics. But really, another slow song? I was never a big Michael fan, but I started getting on the train when he performed "A Woman's Work". Now I'm officially off the train again, and I'm not getting back on. Why? Because I'm bored. Bored to death with Michael's performances. I get sleepy during his performances. You may argue that his vocals are phenomenal, and I would agree with you. But if you're going to do the same types of songs week to week, then you won't keep people's attention. Because of this, I think he may be in trouble tonight, despite his good performance. IN DANGER

3. CASEY JAMES – sung “Don't” - For the first time since he started, I think I came very close to deciding to download this Casey performance. (I didn't…but came close). I agree with the judges 100%; this was by far Casey's best performance…ever. Not only was it the perfect song choice, he showed a vulnerability I haven't seen before. He didn't over compensate with his guitar, and actually concentrated in the vocals of the song. One of the judges pointed out how it didn't even feel like a Shania song, and I have to agree. It sounded like a song that would be on his album. He made it rock country, and it stood out as one of the better performances of the evening. Still, I think despite an outstanding performance, I think he may wind up in the bottom tonight, because of the fact he was there last week. I don't think in any way he'll be going home, but I think he'll be one of the three. IN DANGER

4. CRYSTAL BOWERSOX – sung “No One Needs To Know" - I find myself agreeing with the judges on this one as well…it wasn't my favorite performance from Crystal. I didn't hate it, and by far, it wasn't a bad performance. It just didn't set with me very well. It was like a piece of candy that you think is going to be really sweet, but turns out to be tart. I admire the fact that Crystal did something different again, and she takes chances. (See Michael? You don't have to do slow songs every single week…take a cue) It's obvious country is not going to be the genre that Crystal would record an album in. But not by a long shot should she be worried. Every artist has an off night, and considering what a ride Crystal has had, this was hers. And might I point out, even on her off night, she still sounded better than past contestants' good nights. No way she goes anywhere this week. SAFE

5. AARON KELLY – sung “You've Got A Way” - Wow, this kid has grown. This was the night of the "best evers", because not only was tonight Casey's best ever performance, but Aaron's as well. It was glaringly obvious this kid was born to sing country, and he was in his element. And how adorable is he saying that he was singing the song to his mom? Kara pointed out how much emotion and depth he showed when singing the song, and I agree. I felt his connection to the song, and the emotion behind it. I think because he was singing to his mom, he felt the emotion more and it came out in his performance. Amazing performance! Normally, I'd have said Aaron would be in trouble tonight, but I think because of this fantastic performance, he's going to be around for at least one more week. SAFE

6. SIOBHAN MAGNUS – sung “Any Man of Mine” - The last 2 weeks I haven’t been blown away by Siobhan like I was when the season started. And though she did much better this week, it still didn't blow me away. she went back to "the scream", and this time I agree with Randy; it really did sound like she was giving birth. It felt forced again, and I think she's starting to rely on it too much. I think she made a good song choice, and I enjoyed the punk/country vibe she placed on the song. But that scream…a bit unnecessary in my opinion. I don't think Shania screamed that note in her song, so it really didn't fit. I think Siobhan has lost some steam over the last few weeks, and even though she regained some this week, I think she may need to worry tonight. IN DANGER

My Bottom Three Picks: How tough is it this week to pick a bottom three?! I think I'm pretty solid with my choices. But though I may be off with one of them (my gut thinks Lee might surprisingly be in the bottom), my choices this week are: Casey James, Siobhan Magnus and Michael Lynche.

My Pick(s) to be Eliminated Tonight: Out of the three I chose, it was easy to pick who would be going home. I think because he has failed (or refused) to do more than slow songs, and really hasn't given us anything different, it's time for Michael Lynche to pack his bags. No save this time, Michael!

So was I right? Was I wrong? With the performances being this good, was I way off in my logic? You guys need to call me out on it! Discuss in the comments below, and take the poll!

Until next week my readers, I bid you farewell for now!!