And That's The Way It Was

Tonight was a historic night on American Idol. Either Crystal or Lee will become the next Idol. I honestly think the show went one year too many. Remember when people at work used to talk about the show on Wednesday mornings? The conversation even went into Thursday after the results show.

Not sure when or how it happened. Was it adding the 4th judge? Was it Paula leaving? I do like Ellen, but the chemistry wasn't there anymore. American Idol will probably last one more year and two if FOX has no money to invest in another more entertaining show. But this is my last. I'm tired. The talent doesn't seem as good. Or maybe it is better but we expect more.

I do have to thank the show however, because I have written comments about this show in various media for the past 8 years. I have found that I like to write and some of you think I have some talent. I'm not ready to quit my day job (yet), but I do write another monthly blog about my (interesting if bizarre) life and have started on my book. If I do get published I will have to dedicate it to Simon, Randy, Paula and Ryan.

OK, onto the reason you are really reading this blog. Tonight's show:

Round 1
Lee Dewyze singing "The Boxer", this was a good choice for him. This song turned things around for him. When he first sang this everyone knew he would go far. I was inspired the first time he sang it and I was tonight.

Crystal Bowersox countered by recreating her great rendition of "Me and Bobby McGee". She had a lot more energy than Lee and I have to give Round 1 to Crystal.

Round 2
Lee's version of "Everybody Hurts", had more energy than his first song but he still seems to be holding back. But I do love this song.

Crystal wowed everyone with "Black Velvet". Her stage presence is amazing. WOW Round 2 goes to Crystal.

Round 3
Lee and U2's "Beautiful Day" should have been enough to win the night for him. But the violin players had more passion and excitment than Lee showed.

Cyrstal's last song and the last of the season was "Up to the Mountain". Not my favorite, but the judges loved it. And I love Crystal. I think Round 3 was a tie.

I think I have only chose 2 winners in the past 5 years. So don't trust anything I say. Tonight was probably the most entertaining night of the whole season. But my vote for American Idol 2010 is: Crystal Bowersox.

I want to thank the more than 200 of you who have read this blog. You were my first and my best fans.

Until Next Time - Wise OUT

Hallelujah Only 1 more week

I guess the theme tonight was contestants pick the first song and the judges pick the second one. Also we had to endure those awful sappy videos of the finalists going home. Why do we need to see the mayor of these towns that no one ever visits give the key to the city to our Idols?

Round 1

1. Lee Dwyze is much more than a "Simple Man". When he smiles he makes the connection with the audience. This was probably his best performance. When we are down to 3, this is when you want to peak.

2. Crystal Bowersox sang "Come To My Window". I loved the harmonica at the beginning. I just have to say, I'd definitely be coming home if Crystal will be there.

3. Casey James was just all right singing "Okay, All Right With Me". I'm glad he let his hair down , he looks a lot better. And you know me, looks are important and he is the hottest looking contestant left. Enough to win? probably not.

Round 2 Usually the judges do a better job of choosing a song.

1. Lee sang "Hallelujah". This was the best performance of anyone this year. The choir, the arrangement, the whole moment brought goose bumps and tears. This probably won the whole contest for him.

2. Crystal showed a lot of soul with "Maybe I'm Amazed". She has been the only consistent contestant all year. It would be a shame if she didn't make it to the finals.

3. Casey singing "Daughters" was very sweet. Is sweet enough to win? NO. He is going home. Goodbye Casey.

Next week is the final blog and my final one forever.
Until Next Week - Wise OUT

Lights Camera Action

Tonight's theme was songs from the movies. OMG there are so many. Tonight should have been the most entertaining night of the season. The mentor was Jamie Foxx. Last year he gave the best advice of any of the mentors. This year he gave each contestant a T-shirt with either the word "Contestant" or "Artist". At this point in the season they should all be Artists. But I don't think any of them actually deserve that T-Shirt.

First one up tonight was Lee DeWyze, doing "Kiss From A Rose". He was a disappointment after a couple good weeks. Batman may live forever, but after this performance he will be lucky to be back next week.

Michael Lynch sang Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There". Big Mike is no Michael Jackson, that's not a bad thing, but this performance was boring. He didn't free anyone's Willy. I know mine is bored.

Duet #1
I don't remember them doing this before, but I like the idea. If anyone of this year's IDOL's becomes a star, they will have to not only know how to perform but they will have to know how to play together.
Lee and Crystal sang "Falling Slowly". This was the Academy Award winning song from the movie Once.
Wow, this was amazing! Lee should feel very lucky that Crystal pulled him from last to be safe this week. I'm not falling slowly, I'm falling fast and hopefully not once, but for a long time.

Casey James sang a song from my favorite group, Simon and Garfunkle. Casey sang "Mrs. Robinson". Randy insinuated that the song was for Kara. He could do a lot worse than Kara. It was simple, not bad not good. Of course he wasn't singing to me, he obviously had someone else in mind, while he was performing. Should I be jealous? Maybe GED but definitely not a Graduate.

Crystal Bowersox sang a song from probably one of the best movies ever made. Of course I'm talking about Caddyshack. She showed all of them who the queen of AI 2010 is, her rendition of "I'm Alright" was great. No one has to worry about her, she's more than all right.

Duet #2
OK, the song selection for the duet's were way better than the individuals selections. Casey and Mike brought the audience to tears singing "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman". Ellen brought the house down coming "out" telling everyone that "yes, I have loved a woman".


So who goes home? Tough call, but I think Big Mike is done. If not him, then Lee. The other guy, Casey will also be in the bottom three.

Until Next Week - Wise OUT

Do It My Way

Harry Connick Jr. and Frank Sinatra! Wow, it can't get any cooler than this. Harry was the guest mentor and he actually was helping the finalists, with good advice. He played the piano for each of the performances and brought his band with him.

Frank Sinatra also known as Ol Blue Eyes or Chairman of the Board. He was the first performer to capture the young (at the time) audience, they were known as the bobby soxers.

Not one of the finalists comes close to the coolness factor of Harry or Frank. But that's what FOX has served up to us. But you all know how I feel about FOX. Anyway here's my observations, from worst to best.

5. Casey James tried to be cool by singing 'Blue Skies'. He wasn't cool and the skies may never be blue again after that performance. But his pink shirt was pretty cool.

4. Aaron Kelly looked like his mother should have put him in the back seat of the mini van rather than let him attempt singing 'Fly Me To The Moon'. In other words: OMG that was awful.

3. Crystal Bowersox singing 'Summer Wind' really sounded more like the dog days of summer. It's probably hard for a girl to sing Frank Sinatra songs, but really I don't think girls can be cool. I shouldn't have expected anything more.

2. Big Mike Lynche proved that the judges were right when they pardoned him a couple weeks ago. 'The Way You Look Tonight' - Mike you look fabulous. He had the Sinatra style and swagger down.

1. Lee DeWyze wowed everyone with his 'That's Life'. He still needs to smile more, but he may have just won the whole contest with this one song.

The show's over and there weren't many surprises, except we know that this year's Idol, whoever it is, will never be in the same class as Frank Sinatra or Harry Connick Jr.

Until Next Week - Wise OUT