American Idol Crystal Bowersox Incredible - the Force is with Jedi Tim Urban

Tuesday, March 30, 2010. It's Soul and Rhythm & Blues night on American Idol 2010 Season 9. Tonight's mentor is actor and recording artist Usher, whose new album, Raymond Vs. Raymond was released today. The host is Ryan Seacrest. The judges are Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi, and Simon Cowell.

In order of performance-

American Idol Siobhan Magnus sang Chaka Khan's 'Through the Fire'. During the taped rehearsal earlier in the week, Usher said Siobhan has unique vocal ability. But her live performance went badly with the judges. Randy said the singing was pitchy . Yet he did admire Siobhan's courage and he still loves her. Ellen said Siobhan had lost her way. Kara said Siobhan had delivered every week so one poor performance was okay. But Simon not only said it was her weakest performance but when he reached his final criticism he called it 'manslaughter'. Once backstage, Siobhan dejectedly passed by the other singers, voicing their reassurance. But it was Big Mike who approached to give her a hug.

American Idol Casey James played the guitar and sang Sam and Dave's 'Hold On, I'm Coming'. Usher had earlier said that Casey has a great voice. He stated, "I'd keep my eye on him, winner or not." Randy said this was a hot night for Casey. Ellen said Casey has a great voice and but she found the performance 'generic'. Kara wants to see more. Simon was impressed and thought this was Casey's strongest week.

American Idol Michael 'Big Mike' Lynche played the guitar as he sang India.Arie's 'Ready for Love'. Randy told him he was in the zone and said he was loving every performance. Ellen thought Big Mike's performance was beautiful; she said, "I loved it'. Kara said Mike had mastered the true emotion of the song. Simon said of the silver-and-gold-voiced vocalist that even though the song was gloomy, this was the first time in the live shows whereby he can take Big Mike seriously as an artist. I'm a few weeks ahead of Simon on that one!

American Idol Didi Benami sang Jimmy Ruffin's 'What Becomes of the BrokenHearted'. Usher said at rehearsal, "A very emotional song for a very emotional young lady." He said the audience looks for and applauds honesty. Yet, Randy said the performance flatlined. Ellen booed herself before criticizing it as 'way too dramatic'. Kara said Didi has lost her way since her audition. Simon said the performance was old-fashioned and off-melody- and she'd murdered the song. My feeling is- she lacked gut emotion.

Host Ryan discussed with American Idol's Tim Urban- who was clad in a suit and loose tie- his new tabloid moniker 'Teflon Tim' because even when the judges' criticize him horribly, he just stands there and smiles. Tim simply said that last week, for example, he'd had a blast singing his song choice and just because the judges didn't like it didn't mean he was going to suddenly become depressed when he had just 'had a blast'.

Tim Urban sang Anita Baker's 'Sweet Love'. Usher had earlier advised Tim to sing as if the someone he loves is right in front of him. Randy thought the live performance was sung in tune but was 'pedestrian'. Ellen couldn't understand the song choice but she called Tim adorable. She said he was walking 'like you were walking into a bedroom'. (Laugh). Kara groaned. She said in her dramatic way that Tim's performance was soulless and non-commercial. She seemed to throw up her hands as if nothing could be done about Tim. Tim started laughing.

Randy said, "He's laughing." Kara asked, "Why are you laughing?" Grinning Simon said, "I'll tell you why he's laughing because I don't think it makes any difference whatsoever what we say. Completely inappropriate song. It's like a mouse picking a fight with an elephant. You know. You're not gonna win but... it doesn't matter because... you're gonna smile, the audience is gonna vote for you, nobody cares, and you'll be here next week. So... well done!" (Laugh, laugh, laugh). The irrepressible Tim pointed out how funny it was that the judges, after all their other criticisms of him, were now criticizing his smiles (Laugh). The force is with Jedi Tim.

Clad in a suit, American Idol Andrew Garcia played acoustic guitar and sang Chris Brown's 'Forever'. Earlier, Usher had said he liked Andrew's version. Randy said, "Andrew is back." Ellen said, "That was an amazing strong performance." Kara said, "That is one giant leap in the right direction." Simon said the performance was 'miles, miles better from what we've heard from you over the last couple of weeks'. But he told him that as a person, he comes across as boring and advised him to start showing personality.

American Idol Katie Stevens sang Aretha Franklin's 'Chain of Fools'. Usher had earlier said that her voice was very good but she needs to personalize her singing- as if it's for someone. But her phrasing was off and her step forward last week was a step backward tonight. Her performance was ragged and soulless. Yet, Randy said it was one of the best vocals of the night. Ellen said the vocals were great but the song wasn't made current. Kara and Simon once again battled each other over which song genre that Katie should sing. Kara opts for pop; Simon opts for country-western. Wise-guy Simon said the performance was Star-Search-like. (Paula Abdul is reviving talent show Star Search).

American Idol Lee DeWyze sang 'Treat Her Like a Lady' by the Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose. Usher earlier told Lee he had an incredible voice and told him to own it. Lee brought the house down with his live performance. Randy said it was "unbelievable- best I've heard you in weeks... it was the bomb." Ellen said, "There you go. Now the night has started... best performance of the night." Kara said, "You brought the song into your world. It could have been on your record. It was amazing." Simon said he'd always believed in Lee. He said, "I want you tonight to go home, watch the show back, and understand this was the night your life may have changed forever."

Stunning in a red dress and stilettos, American Idol Crystal Bowersox sang Gladys Knight's 'Midnight Train to Georgia'. Earlier, Usher asked what her secret plan was- mentioned by Crystal last week. Crystal still wouldn't say. But Usher sat her down at the piano. And that was her secret. He said the song choice was perfect for Crystal and there's an incredible story for her to tell. He told Crystal that if she could make her piano playing second nature, then, with her vocals, she was' gonna be incredible'. He said, "She is a sweetheart. I really think Crystal's performance is gonna be great." Randy loved her live performance. Ellen said, "You are in it to win it." Kara said, "I just can't wait to see what you do next." Simon thought the vocals at times were incredible. He advised Crystal to not do anything that she wasn't comfortable. Independent don't-put-words-in-my-mouth Crystal responded, "I wouldn't ever do anything that wasn't comfortable."

American Idol Aaron Kelly sang Bill Withers' 'Ain't No Sunshine'. The judges must have been all talked out because they didn't have much to say. Randy said the performance was 'just all right'. Ellen said Aaron did a good job. Kara liked it... 'yeah'. Simon said it was just okay but he also said, "There is no chance you'll be leaving the competition though."

Out of the four girls and six guys, the three singers most likely to land in the bottom three are Didi Benami, Andrew Garcia, and Katie Stevens. Out of those three, the singer most likely to be leaving after America votes is Didi. And then we will have our Top 9.

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