American Idol 2010: Top 2 Finale Performances and Vote Numbers

Tonight's American idol show opened with clips of the contestants back when they started. Lee said, "I'm Lee DeWyze and I'm a paint salesman and a musician." Crystal said, "I'm Crystal Bowersox and I'm a musician and a mom."

Then there were clips of the judges' comments: Stunning, Artist, Brilliant. Ryan Seacrest said, "This is their final chance and this is the grand finale Season 9 of American Idol."

The stairs, the lights, the glitter! Ryan Seacrest welcomed everyone to the Nokia Theatre with 7000 fans live. The battle is on between Crystal and Lee, both from the Chicago Auditions, both are 24 years old, and both in the Finale. Your votes will decide the favorite.

Ryan introduced Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell, in his final week on the show. There were some sound problems with Ryan's microphone but hopefully they will be resolved.

Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze last competition on Idol

Crystal and Lee walked up the aisle and into the crowd shaking hands with their fans. Crystal was pumped but maybe a little lost with what the plan was supposed to be. Lee walked slower, and seemed amazed, almost dazed.

Ryan asked, "How are you feeling Crystal?" She said, "This is a lot of people. How's everybody doing?" Lee said "This is amazing, hello everybody."

Ryan told us tonight the contestants will have three runs of competition, the first being the contestant's favorite song choice, the second song was with Simon Fuller chosing the track, and the third song would be the one will release if they win. Interesting that they didn't have to sing the same song.

Ryan Seacrest told us, "Each contestant has 3 different phone numbers and 1 text. Crystal has opted to go second after she won a coin toss. Don't forget you can download the tunes on I-Tunes."

A clip was showed with Lee DeWyze as a child. His parents said he was energetic, and played short-stop in baseball. They said "when Lee picked up the guitar, he started singing songs."

Dial to vote: 866-436-57 plus corresponding numbers below:

Lee DeWyze - #01, 03, 05 or Text the word vote to 5701 from your AT&T Wireless Phone

Lee performed "The Boxer" and he did it as good as he did it the last time. The crowd was thrilled but I wanted to see more.

Randy said, "A great way to start it out. It wasn't an energetic thing, but you sounded nice doing it." Ellen said, "I couldn't be prouder if I birthed you myself. I actually think you did it better than last time." Kara said, "I agree with Randy, a meaningful story and I loved that you were connected." Simon said, "This is the big one, I would expect a lot more passion and excitement and that was a kiss on the cheek when I want a kiss on the lips - not from you, but understand what I'm' saying."

Memory lane down with Crystal

We saw a clip of Crystal with her dad. He said, "She started to teach herself guitar." Crystal said, "My first gig was at a coffee shop in the local mall, and I kept playing the same songs over and over." Her dad said, "She was born to do music."

Crystal sang Janis Joplin's, "Me and Bobby McGee" and I thought Crystal's song choice was great. It was upbeat and got the crowd going, and was familiar to all ages.

Randy said, "Ok, round one, it started a little slow but you kicked it up in the middle and at the end, it was the Crystal we know and love. It was dope dude." Ellen DeGeneres said,"I have said past assault many times, but it didn't mean anything. You are compelling, filling up the room and drawing us in. Great job!" Kara said, "You have fire in your belly tonight. We can feel it. Go for it." Simon said,"This brought me back when we fell in love with you. This is you, back on your best. We've got a competition."

Crystal Bowersox - 02, 04 or 06, or text the word 'vote' to 5702 on your AT&T phone

Lee performed "Everybody hurts". I think this was a song from Simon Cowell's efforts on his Haiti Relief Single. Lee definitely connected with the song and the audience on this one; he has come a long way and it was a good performance.

Randy said, "It started it off pitchy, but I could feel that lead that I love. That was a lot better and I liked it." Ellen said, "I felt like you went off a few times, and a couple of times you really got into it, and then you kind of pulled back. You could feel everybody get excited, don't pull back." Kara said, "You are emotionally accessible. I can feel every emotion; it wasn't a perfect vocal but I loved that about you." Simon said, "Brilliant song choice from you. I understand that you are nervous. Really understand what this can do for your life. When you come out on the next song, I want a 10 out of 10 from you."

For Simon Fuller's choice:

Crystal sang, "Black Velvet", but the arrangement was a bit busy and she screamed quite a bit through the song. The audience loved it anyway, and I thought it was ok. She changed it up a bit and made it her own.

"Yo Yo Mamasox," Randy said," This is what I am talking about. From day one, we've loved that about you. That was hot." Ellen said, "This is like a Cher contest in here. I know that was hard for you, with the clothes and the walking but that was fantastic." Kara said, "Tonight was to give it all your all, and that was what it was all about, you want it, and we can tell." Simon said, "I am almost allergic to that song because I have heard it in auditions where people have murdered it, but you took that song and you nailed it. I am very impressed. That was very good."

Ryan asked her, "Can you see the finish line?" Crystal said," Yeah, it's up in the back."

For his final song that if he wins, he will produce on an album, Lee did U2's "Beautiful Day" and he did a good job with it but I think the arrangement overpowered him. Unfortunately, he didn't fill up the stadium like Crystal did when she sang Bobby McGee, though it was produced fairly well.

Randy said, "Once again, it started a little interesting. I like to see you walk or dance because it's not what you do, but at the end you hit the notes and it looked good on you." Ellen said, "How do you feel right now?" Lee said, "I love this, I'm happy."

Ellen said, "Watching the process and seeing how you have changed, you were fully present, taking in every one's energy. I'm proud of you, you did a great job." Kara said, "I think you got swallowed up in that song, you had good moments and not so good moments. But you have grown the most on this show, you deserve to be here tonight." Simon said," Lee I think you made the most of it. This is my final time ever judging on this show. This was what this competition was designed for. A paint salesman to now. You have worked very hard and remained a really nice person throughout. I genuinely wish the best for you."

Lee said, "This whole thing has been amazing. I want to be doing this for a long time. I will be doing this for the rest of my life, one way or the other. I appreciate all your support."

Crystal took on her last competitive song on Idol by doing "Up to the Mountain". Momasox did it again. She had a star moment, actually several stellar moments, and gave a memorable heart pulling rendition.

Randy said, "Yo, culminating our 9^th season - this was an amazing song by an amazing singer. This was one of your best performances and at the perfect time."

Ellen said, "We are always looking for someone who is unique, you are in a league of your own. You have a beautiful voice, and so clear. It pulls you in. If you are making an album, I'm going to buy it, If you go on tour (see American Idol tour info for New England), I'm going to see you, and if you make a salad I'll eat it, I'm so proud." Kara said, "If I've had one critique of you this whole time it was that you were holding back. Tonight, that was all I could see, your emotion, and you were completely invested in that song. You blossomed just with that song. Amazing."

Before Simon could speak, Crystal asked, "Can I say something?" to which she addressed Simon, " You've been amazing this season, and I know this is your last night. I know it doesn't matter much coming from me, but good luck on your future endeavors."

Simon's Cowells last week on the show

Simon said, "Thank you very much Crystal. Since this is the final critique I'm ever going to give, that was outstanding."

Ryan asked her, "How would you sum all this up? To which she replied, "This whole thing has been awesome. It started before this show, and I'm beside myself, actually I'm beside Ryan Seacrest, and the comedy tour starts next year."

Ryan said, "Simon we are really going to miss you, and we wouldn't be here without you."

Tomorrow we have a few surprises for you, and rumor on the net is that Paula Abdul will be on the show.
Don't forget to vote tonight, and see the Idol's live on their live tour.

Based upon tonight's performances, my vote for Season 9's American Idol, Crystal #1, Lee #2.

Source:
Fox Television, American Idol, 5/25/2010
Edited to fix the salt from assault