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At least no one sang "Against All Odds" or "I Will Always Love You" So, there's that.
As we wind down Season 9 of American Idol; as even the Top Four don't get to sing two whole songs by themselves; as we're all wondering who will replace Simon; the end of the season looms, and there hasn't been one blow-you-away performance from this season's crop of performers. Some came close, definitely. But no one crossed over into a legendary performance. Am I right?
That losing streak continued last night:
1. Lee sang "Kiss From a Rose" by Seal, from Batman
Well, I was sorely afraid when I realized he was singing this, but Lee pulled out an absolutely workmanlike and inoffensive rendition of the song. It wasn't tragic. But I imagined him more as guy with a guitar at a frat party with a bunch of drunken college students swaying along than as a star mesmerizing a packed theatre full of fans, as Seal has been wont to do. So you know, could have been worse. Which isn't exactly a ringing endorsement.
Bottom Line: Well, we're down to four. This is where surprising eliminations sometimes happen...think Tamyra and Daughtry to name just two. Could Lee make his first trip to the Bottom?
2. Michael sang some song by Michael Jackson from Free Willy (Actually, it's called "Will You Be There", but I had to Google it, how sad is that?)
Michael continues to have very consistent and very good vocals. he has a good voice, absolutely. But there was no excitement in this performance. And no originality. I don't quite get my own reaction to Michael. I really really do admire his vocals, but I rarely pay attention through an entire performance of his. My mind wanders. I just feel like I've been there, done that, even thought I've never seen him sing the song before.
Bottom line: I don't have a good feeling about tonight's results for Michael.
Duet #1: Lee and Crystal sang "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova from the movie Once
Kris Allen had a surprise knockout performance on this song last year, and it truly is a great, sweeping, melodic song that is enhanced by the duet approach, even thought Kris did pull it off as a solo. Crystal and Lee did a really nice job. Not sure I would wax as rhapsodic as the judges. The facing each other and singing it at each other got a bit one-note, and occasionally their harmonies sounded a bit shaky, like they weren't sure who was taking which part. But definitely a nice rendition of the song.
3. Casey sang "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon and Garfunkel from The Graduate
Unlike the judges, I appreciated everything about this performance. He made it his own; his vocal was great; he did some great mandolin work. Was he particularly emotional? No. Could he stand to open his eyes? Yes. But I dug this. I liked its laid-back and even slightly sinister vibe. He needs to break out a Pearl Jam song next week, for sure!
Bottom line: Last week he sucked, and was safe. This is Opposite Season, so I'm guessing he's in trouble.
4. Crystal sang "I'm Alright" by Kenny Loggins from Caddyshack
Well. She had an onstage percussionist who livened up the proceedings. So she had that going for her. Which is nice. And doing this song promoted my S.O. to do his long-dormant impression of the dancing gopher at the end of Caddyshack, which was most excellent indeed. I don't know about you, but when someone has a special skill ... like, say, the gopher impression, or impressions of Terence and Phillip from South Park, or an impression of the Pillsbury Doughboy's giggle, I really don't think they should hide their light under a bushel. You know what I mean? Anyone? Well, there's SOMEONE out there that IF he read ANY of my blogging would actually know what I mean, but HEY, no problem, I don't MIND or anything. Anyhoo, back to the matter at hand: Crystal was also laid back and also good and also did her own original bluesy take on the song and also could have stood to show a bit more expression. What else is new?
Bottom line: She also is safe again.
Duet #2: Casey and Michael sang "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman" by Bryan Adams, from some Robin Hood movie, I think
OK, it has not been well established that Casey is a great guitar player. That was the
