American Idol 2010 It's Yours to Lose Crystal Bowersox; 'Give Me One Reason' Why Not

Tuesday, March 9, 2010. This is the make-or-break night for the girls when their performances will bring in the votes that will catapult six of them into the all-important Top 12 and drop the remaining two by the forgotten wayside. We all know who gave the top performance tonight. Could it have been anyone other than Crystal Bowersox? Absolutely not. As Simon told Crystal tonight, "It's yours to lose." In other words, Crystal has won American Idol 2010 unless she 'bleeps' up. And she won't. In order of appearance the performances were-

Katie Stevens proved once again that she has a great voice. She even chose the right song this week- Kelly Clarkson's 'Breakaway'. But Katie did not break away from the pack. Her performance lacked emotional depth and gutsy vocals. She may not make the Top 12.

Siobhan Magnus sang 'House of the Rising Sun' by The Animals because her dad sang it. It was a solid performance that didn't have the 'wow' moment of last week. But as Ellen said to her, "You are spectacular." There were many more compliments. And Siobhan's performance will put her in the Top 12.

Lacey Brown sang Brandi Carlile's 'The Story'. The judges all thought it was her best performance to date. Lacey did an intimate rendition that was honest and appealing. She should make the Top 12. She has such beautiful eyes.

Katelyn Epperly sang Carole King's 'I Feel the Earth Move'. The earth did not move for the audience however. While Katelyn did a competent job, she lacked emotional depth. She's in danger of not making the Top 12.

Didi Benami sang Fleetwood Mac's 'Rhiannon'. It was a very good performance that gave a few 'wow' last moments. Simon, however, considered the entire performance a 'Wow!'. All the judges admired Didi's comeback after they had shredded her performance last week. Didi will be in the Top 12.

How can someone sing Charlie Chaplin's 'Smile' and not smile at least just once? Paige Miles was so emotional because Michael Jackson had recorded this song that she forgot that the song uplifts people- or is supposed to- and she didn't crack one smile. This dark rendition of a song that smiles through the rain may have darkened her chances to make the Top 12.

Crystal Bowersox sang the hell out of Tracy Chapman's 'Give Me One Reason'- as she played electric guitar. America must be chomping at the bit waiting for Bowersox's first album. Crystal is raw talent in the form of a human being with a sweet face and lusty voice. Crystal, we love you. Simon said the chances of Crystal making the Top 12 is a million billion percent. "You're the one to beat," said Simon. Yes, sometimes the bleeding obvious needs to be stated. Thank you, Simon.

Lilly Scott sang Patsy Cline's 'I Fall to Pieces' and, according to Kara, made the song current. She, Randy, and Ellen liked it. Simon said there was no 'wow' factor'. And there was no 'wow' factor in the performance. But Lilly did well enough to make the Top 12.

Summary. The incredible magnificent performance by Crystal Bowersox was the blinding highlight of the night. It was concert time with Crystal. She is pure magic. Hence, she's the favorite to win American Idol 2010. Two distant singers in my top three might be Siobhan Magnus and Lilly Scott. The two girls going home on Thursday night with the least votes will likely be Katie Stevens and Paige Miles.

The singers with their ages and hometowns are:
Katie Stevens, 17, Middlebury, Conn.
Siobhan Magnus, 20, Cape Cod, Mass.
Lacey Brown, 24, Amarillo, Texas.
Katelyn Epperly, 19, of West Des Moines, Iowa.
Didi Benami, 23, Los Angeles, Calif.
Paige Miles, 24, Naples, Fla.
Crystal Bowersox, 24, Elliston, Ohio.
Lilly Scott, 20, Littleton, Colo.