Crystal Bowersox Surges on Final Night of “American Idol” (May 25, 2010)

The momentum tonight, May 25^th, Tuesday, may have swung in the direction of Crystal Bowersox on “American Idol’s “ last performance night. I felt it going in Lee’s direction last week, but, tonight, the comments on Lee’s singing were just “ho hum” and Crystal brought it.

The two 24-year-olds sang in front of 7,000 people and there were 3 rounds of songs: One that represented their favorite previous song of the season; one that was chosen for each by “American Idol” founder Simon Fuller; and one that would be the song each would release, if chosen. I misunderstood and thought the final song was going to be an original song, but it turned out that Lee sang U-2’s “It’s A Beautiful Day” and Crystal sang “Up to the Mountain.”

Judge Randy Jackson had on a particularly flamboyant outfit tonight, even for him. It was a pink jacket with floral-trimmed cuffs. Simon, however, was very buttoned-down, wearing a white shirt open at the collar with a black-on-black striped jacket for his final night of judging on this show.

My overall comment on the vibe from the two singers was that Lee seemed curiously lethargic and lacking in energy this night. Crystal, as usual, was on her game.  Lee’s first song was “The Boxer” from inspirational week and, afterwards, Randy said that the song was “A great way to start it off” and that the song was “nice” but that Lee needed to “get more energy.”  Ellen said, “I couldn’t be prouder of you if I’d birthed you myself.”  Kara said, “I loved that you were connected to it, “ while remarking on some pitch issues. Simon put it this way:  “You need to bring a lot more passion and excitement.  We need a kiss on the lips, not a kiss on the cheek.”

Crystal came out and sang “Me and Bobby McGee,” a Kris Kristofferson song that I will always associated with Janis Joplin. That is the kind of material that thoroughly suits Crystal and she did a great job. Randy called it “Dope” and Ellen said, “You are so compelling onstage…you and that guitar.”  Kara commented that Crystal, “Really have the fire in your belly tonight.”  Simon said, “The last 3 or 4 times, your song selections were not great, but this is you, back on your best behavior.”

Second, Lee DeWyze sang “Everybody Hurts.” Randy said, “That was definitely better.” He did, however, call the out-of-tune parts “pitchy” while commenting, “You were the Lee that I love by the end. A lot better.”  Ellen talked about how the performance was all about “pulling it back,” and Kara commented that the song was “not perfect” but that Lee appeared “emotionally accessible.”  Simon said, “That was a brilliant choice of songs for you.  You were off-melody a bit, and I understand that you’re nervous.  You need to really understand the important of tonight. I want a 10 out of 10.”

Crystal, for her second selection, did a rousing rendition of “Black Velvet” and Randy said, “This is what I fell in love with. Mama Sox is in it to win it!”  Ellen said that it was “Fantastic!” and made a joke about a Cher concert.  Kara said, “Tonight is the night to give it your all. You want it.  You can tell.”  Simon said, “I’m almost allergic to that song, but you too that song and you absolutely nailed it.  I’m very impressed.”

Lee then stepped it up with U2’s “It’s A Beautiful Day.” It was okay. Randy said, “That’s the Lee that I remember,” and Kara said he was “finally present.”  Kara felt he had “swallowed up a bit,” but added, “You’ve grown the most and have one of the most commercial voices of the contestants.”  Simon said that Lee had “made the most of it.  This is what this competition was designed for. To take a normal guy who works in a paint store and give him a chance. I genuinely wish the best for you.”

There was some talking to Lee (by Ryan Seacrest) at this point, and he said that the experience on the show had been “amazing” and, “I will be doing this for the rest of my life, one way or another.”

When Crystal finished her third song, “Up to the Mountain,” Randy said, “Yo! Culminating. This is what this show is about.  An amazing performance by an amazing artist.  That was incredible.”  Ellen said, “You have a beautiful voice.  You’re just so, so good.  I feel privileged to be witness to the rise of your career.”  Kara said, “At times your walls have been up, but you really blossomed tonight.”  Simon was thanked, by Crystal, just before he critiqued her singing, and he said, “Good luck on you.  By far the best performance and the song of the night.  That was outstanding!”

When Crystal was interviewed by Ryan Seacrest about her time on “Idol” she said, “I’m beside myself. I’m entirely grateful.”

Advantage: Crystal.