American Idol 2010 May 18, Top 3 Casey James, Lee DeWyze, Crystal Bowersox Sing Judges' Song Choices

American Idol 2010 Season 9. Tuesday, May 18, 2010. The judges are Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi, and Simon Cowell. The host is Ryan Seacrest. There is no mentor. The contestants are one girl and two guys: Crystal 'Mommasox' Bowersox; Casey James; Lee DeWyze. Who will be voted off the singing competition, leaving just two for the finals? It will depend upon the two songs each will sing tonight. For the first song, the singer made his own choice. The second song was chosen for him by the judges.

American Idol's Casey James, playing his guitar, performed Eric Hutchinson's 'Ok, It's Alright With Me'. Randy said, "This was just all right with me. It didn't quite work for me." Ellen said this is 'do or die'. "I wish you had really brought it tonight... you didn't blow me away." Kara was displeased. Simon said the song will leave no lasting effect on the audience... 'but you sounded good'... 'this is the most important night of your life'.

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox, playing her guitar, performed Melissa Etheridge's 'Come to My Window'. Randy didn't like the arrangement but loved her vocal. He said, "It all worked in the end." Ellen said it was a good song choice and that Melissa would be very proud of you. Kara said Crystal didn't have the edge or rasp that Melissa had. Simon said it wasn't the most stunning version we'll ever hear but he respects that she has never once comprised herself as an artist. He congratulated her.

American Idol's Lee DeWyze, playing his guitar, sang Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Simple Man'. Randy said, "It's a great, great song choice." He thought Lee had done an awesome job and is showing he wants to win- Randy could hear that song on Lee's album. Ellen also loved the performance. Kara said, "What you did tonight is what every contestant needs to do- you showed us everything you've got." Simon said, "That song was absolutely on the money." While Kara thought Lee had won round one, Simon thought he'd crushed the competition.

Up Next- the song that Randy and Kara chose for Casey. But first, a clip of Casey's homecoming to Texas was shown. Kara said he needs to show vulnerability. Casey James sang John Mayer's 'Daughters'. Randy said that song 'fit you like a glove'. He hopes Casey will continue in this direction. Ellen thought it was great. Kara was very pleased and said, "Good job." Simon thought the arrangement was lazy and that Randy and Kara ought to have chosen a song that would have given Casey a vocal moment, something with 'the wow factor'.

Up Next- the song that Ellen chose for Crystal. But first, a clip of Crystal's homecoming to Ohio was shown. Crystal Bowersox, sans guitar, performed Paul McCartney's 'Maybe I'm Amazed'. Fortunately, she didn't exchange the sexes and spoil the lyrics. She sang, "Babe, I'm a man and maybe you're the only woman who could ever help me..." Randy said, "Great song, great vocals, and someone who's in it to win it." Ellen loved it. Kara thought Crystal had done many risky things, such as not playing the guitar. Simon said she'd shown she has soul. He said she'd be thanking Ellen next week for putting her in the finals.

In my books, Crystal's was the best performance of the night so far. The judges can laud Lee all they like but he doesn't compare with Crystal. Of course, he doesn't have to. That would be like comparing the usual- apples with oranges. It all depends upon whom you like listening to.

Up Next- the song that Simon chose for Lee. But first, a clip of Lee's homecoming to Illinois was shown. Playing the guitar Lee DeWyze sang Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah', which our Jedi knight Tim Urban had sung earlier in the season and had done a fine job. This is one of Simon's favorite songs. Everyone loved it. The audience went crazy, crazy, crazy. Randy said, "I've been waiting all season to see who was going to throw down the gauntlet to win the whole thing." Lee looked very emotional. Ellen said, "That was stunning." Kara said, "You had an incredible epic night. You owned the show." Simon was very very pleased. He said, "Tonight, with that performance, you have proved you're a great singer, a great person..."

Time to vote to keep your favorite in the finals!

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