American Idol 2010 May 25 Finale: Lee DeWyze & Crystal Bowersox- She Did Best 3 Out of 3 Performances

American Idol 2010. Wednesday, May 25, 2010. This is the Season 9 finale when the winner takes it all. The judges are Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi, and Simon Cowell- his final week on the show. The host is Ryan Seacrest. Tonight holds the finale performances by the two finalists- Crystal Bowersox, 24, of Elliston, Ohio and Lee DeWyze, 24, of Chicago, Illinois.

With seven thousand people in the Nokia Theater, each contestant will sing three songs. Crystal won a coin toss and opted to perform second. The first song was chosen by the performer, the second by Simon, and the third will the song that the winner will record for his first album with American Idol, a different song for each singer.

Round One. American Idol's Lee DeWyze, playing his guitar, reprised his version of Simon & Garfunkel's 'The Boxer'. Randy said, "A great way to start it out." But he also said Lee needed more energy. Ellen said, "I couldn't have been prouder than if I birthed you myself." She liked it better than the first time he had sung it-which was during the 'inspirational songs' week on American Idol. Kara thought he was connected to the song but needed to show something more. Simon said Lee needed more passion, especially tonight. He made the analogy, "That was a kiss on the cheek when I wanted a kiss on the lips."

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox, playing her guitar, reprised Janis Joplin's 'Bobby MCGee'- which she had first sung during the Top 100 Billboard week of American Idol. Crystal gave it everything she's got. She just might become a legendary performer yet. Randy thought it was dope and hoped she'd make a record with it. Ellen said, "You are so compelling on stage." Kara loved it the last time and this time. Simon said, "This is you back on your best." He thought that after the last few weeks of less-than-stellar performances, she was back to being 'what we loved about you when we first saw you'.

Round Two. American Idol's Lee DeWyze, playing his guitar, sang R.E.M.'s 'Everybody Hurts', which is from Simon's Haiti-relief video featuring Miley Cyrus. Randy said, "That was definitely better." But he also said it was pitchy in the beginning. Ellen said there were times Lee got really into it but then he pulled back. Kara said his vocal wasn't perfect but she liked his storytelling. Simon said Lee seemed nervous and said he wants to see a 'ten out ten' from Lee's next performance.

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox sang Alannah Myles' 'Black Velvet'. She is performing in full force tonight and has pulled out all the stops. Unless Lee pulls a rabbit out of a hat, he doesn't stand a chance of winning the finale. Nice bluesy-rock ultra-dynamic stuff from Crystal. Randy shouted many accolades including, "Mommasox is in it to win it!" Ellen joked that she felt as if she was at a Cher concert in seeing Crystal's costume changes. She said, "That was fantastic!" Kara said, "That's what tonight is all about." Simon said he's heard the song so many times but he said, "You absolutely nailed it."

Rounds one and two go to Crystal. Lee really should have reprised Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' because although I don't like Lee, I thought that was his best performance of the season. 'Hallelujah' is an epic song that can bring out epic emotions in a singer and his audience. Round three is coming up next!

Round Three. American Idol's Lee DeWyze sang U2's 'Beautiful Day', which will go on his album if he wins the finale. Performance-wise, it was a third disappointment, especially if you're a Lee fan. Randy thought that Lee was getting his groove back with the high notes. Having watched his eyes and his moves, Ellen said, "You were fully present for this song." Kara said, "I think you got swallowed up in the song." Simon said, "I think you made the most of it." But all the judges agreed that he has a commercial voice and deserves to be here.

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox, playing the guitar, sang Patty Griffin 'Up to the Mountain' with soul-the song has been sung by many performers, including American Idol's first season winner Kelly Clarkson. Randy said, "This is what the show is about-an amazing song by an amazing singer." He said it was the perfect time to have perfect performances. Ellen said, "You are in a league of your own." Kara said, "You were completely emotionally invested in that song unlike on any other night."

Crystal interjected with her appreciation for Simon. She thanked him for all his critiques and help. She wished him good luck on his future endeavors-she added, not that it mattered from her. Simon said this is becoming a bit of a lovefest tonight. He said Crystal's performance was by far the best of the night. For his final American Idol critique, he told Crystal, "That was outstanding."

There are three voting numbers to call for each singer. Tomorrow night promises to be exciting. At the beginning of Season 9, Crystal seemed as if she would be the sure-fire winner. Yet, during the last few weeks, the judges have strongly favored Lee and may have tipped the scales in his favor with the American TV viewing audience. But tonight, Crystal is the low-odds favorite.

Will Young ended the show singing 'Leave Right Now'. He won the inaugural Pop Idol show in 2002.

Related articles: AI May 19 Casey James Voted Off; Finalists Lee DeWyze & Crystal Bowersox
American Idol 2010 May 18, Top 3 Casey, Lee, Crystal Sing Judges' Song Choices;
American Idol 2010 Elimination Results May 12: Michael Lynche Voted Off;
American Idol 2010 Elimination Results May 5: Aaron Kelly Voted Off;
American Idol 2010 Elimination April 28: Siobhan Voted Off;
American Idol 2010 Elimination April 21; Tim Urban Voted Off;
American Idol Elvis Night with Adam Lambert; Crystal, Siobhan, Jedi Tim, Lee Rocked!;
Hot Tween-Appeal Tim Urban- Check Out His Abs- He Doesn't Need American Idol;
Glassblower Beauty Siobhan Magnus- American Idol's Exciting & Unpredictable New Star;