American Idol: Week Twelve; The Top 4 Compete

The only word I came up with to describe last night's performances? Underwhelmed.

It was movie night, and the contestants were to choose songs made famous by a movie they were featured in. Though a concept revisited every season, usually it brings out one or two surprise performances. One that comes to mind for me was last season's performance by Kris Allen. He did "Falling Slowly", and I remember thinking to myself "how could he pick this unknown song for an unknown movie?" - Turns out, it was one of the best performances I've ever seen. Not only did I download his version, I still play it once in a while to this day.

Jamie Foxx is crazy. I'm sorry he just is. I'm not taking anything away from his acting or singing talent, but he has a screw loose somewhere. BUT, he did give solid advice, I have to admit. He's no Harry Connick Jr., (the one mentor who all others should be judged against), but he was better than, let's say Miley Cyrus.

I can honestly see the final two by now, and they are Crystal and Lee. By far they both deserve the "artist" t-shirts that Jamie gave out to the contestants, and if either of them are not in the finale, it would be a travesty. As for last night's performances, I have to agree with the judges, particularly Simon, who pointed out the duets were far better than the solo performances. Something weird was going on last night, because some of the song choices were a bit strange. No one out right stunk, but no one stood out either. (both Lee & Crystal sort of had "okay" performances).

But I guess that's enough of my rambling, I should get to the individual performances, starting with a guy who picked one of the most over played songs on the radio, that being:

1. LEE DEWYZE – sung “Kiss from a Rose” - As Randy says, "this one started out a little rough for me". He went a bit off key a few times during the performance, especially in the beginning. But that wasn't really the issue, because I agree with most of the judges when they said he did nothing different with it. Simon was right, it almost bordered on karaoke, and at this stage in the competition, no one should be sounding like that. I think the arrangement is what threw off Lee the most, because he was out of tune. Really surprised at Lee's performance, because I expected more from him at this stage. At the very least he could have chosen a song that hasn't been played to death on the radio for the last 10+ years. Still despite the mediocre performance, Lee has too much of a following for him to be in danger of going home. The fabulous duet with Crystal also helped. SAFE

2. MICHAEL LYNCHE – sung “Will You Be There?” - What a weird choice. I don't think it fit Michael at all. Randy was right when he said something weird was going on with the song choices. This gospel inspired Michael Jackson song from Free Willy was a very odd choice. Did Michael sing it well? Yes, most definitely. But I just don't think it was the best song choice at this stage to keep you in the competition. Kara pointed out Michael's past performances of "Woman's Work", and how this just wasn't the right fit. I really have to agree, and while this wasn't Michael's best performance, it didn't measure up to his past performances. To me, it's almost like a step backward. I know I've always complained about how Michael bores me, and he should do something different, but gospel? I expected a bit more R&B. Considering who is left in the competition and who my choices are, I need to say Michael is probably in a bit of trouble. IN DANGER


3. DUET - CRYSTAL BOWERSOX & LEE DEWYZE – sung “Falling Slowly” - Thanks to Kris Allen from last season for introducing this song to Idol audiences. Seems like now it being repeated, albeit in duet form. I fell in love with this song when Kris performed it last year, and I have to say, Crystal & Lee pulled off a very beautiful rendition of it. I think Crystal sounded a bit better than Lee, and that's not because I am a Crystal fan. Lee's voice to me struggled to find a foothold in the beginning of the song, but by the time the chorus came around with Crystal, it found its way. I may have to download this version too. Maybe. Great duet.


4. CASEY JAMES – sung “Mrs. Robinson" - This was a great, cool, laid back version of this classic tune, and I have to say I loved it. I disagreed with the judges on how they pointed out it was too safe, and sound alike. I thought Casey's version was intimate, and showed a nice softer side. I do need to point out that his choice was ironic, since the judges have been teasing Kara all season about her infatuation with Casey. I thought Casey did more than a decent job, and it's one of the few times I can personally say I enjoyed. Despite the decent performance, and the strong duet with Michael, I just don't think it was strong enough to stay in the competition. Casey has been in the bottom three before, so considering who is left in the competition, I don't think there's much choice as to where Casey is going to be tonight. IN DANGER


5. CRYSTAL BOWERSOX – sung “I'm All Right” - How awesome is it that Crystal loves Caddyshack?! One of the funniest movies, like ever, and not only does she know it, she picks a song featured in it! If you ever heard the original, it is a very up tempo song, but by slowing it down, Crystal made it sound brand new. In many ways, the judges were right, she did make it better. Crystal makes no excuses, and she played the song brilliantly. Not Crystal's best performance (again, all the solo performances were not as good as the duets), but definitely the type of performance that proves not only does she deserve to wear that "artist" t-shirt, but she should be in the finale. SAFE



6. DUET - MICHAEL LYNCHE & CASEY JAMES – sung “Have you ever Really loved a Woman?” - I loved this song when it first came out. I never really had a thing for Bryan Adam's music, but I did have a few songs here and there. This was one of them. Michael and Casey did a great version, though Casey almost had a huge issue right in the beginning: he forgot the words for a couple of seconds. He rescued himself very quickly and recovered, but the "damage", so to speak, was done; Michael wound up performing better. Casey recovered enough to make the duet a memorable one, but I don't think in any way was it better than (or equal to) Crystal and Lee's duet.

My Bottom TWO Picks: Yes, no more bottom three as of tonight. With only four contestants left, a bottom two is all that can be chosen at this point. And though it's not easy, considering who has been consistent throughout the competition, and who has never been in the bottom, I need to choose the only two that make sense: Casey James and Michael Lynche.

My Pick(s) to be Eliminated Tonight: It could really go either way, but considering how popular Michael still sort of is, I would say it's time Casey James to pack his bags.

So what did you guys think of movie night? Were you surprised at some of the song choices? Were they strange? Did you agree the duets were better than the solo performances? Discuss in the comments below, and take the poll!

Two more weeks left of Idol, my readers!!
Until next week my readers, I bid you farewell for now!!