Casey James, Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze - Who Will Make it to the American Idol Final?

Simple Man by Lee DeWyze, and Daughters by Casey James were both stellar performances, while Crystal Bowersox hit notes that I had never sing before in I'm amazed. It was a tough tough job to decide for whom to cast my vote last night. Here's a brief recap of what happened during the latest American Idol episode.

Who will make it to the American Idol Final? - A recap

The judges pushed the Top 3 to the max last night. While the contestants choices were mostly ok, except for Lee DeWyze's performance of Simple Man where he shined, when it came to the judges choices, Casey James showed that he is far more than a chick magnet, Lee DeWyze's Alleuia was mind blowing and my all time favorite Crystal Bowersox was pushed into a rock ballad that showed a vocal range I never suspected she had.

Who will make it to the American Idol Final? - Casey James

Though Casey James' personal choice of It's alright with me was too safe and he could have pushed himself harder on this one, when it came to Kara Dioguardi's and Randy Jackson's selection and Casey James had to sing Daughters, he did a great job.

Even if Simon Cowell thought Casey James could have invested more emotion into this song, I don't agree with him. Casey James' performance was far from boring. If I had to define it, I would call Casey James' interpretation of Daughters as heartfelt and I agree with Kara Dioguardi that Casey James' Daughters was full of soul.

Casey James showed not only great vocals and stage presence but also that he was able to credibly interpret a tricky song without overdoing. It was simply amazing to watch when he showed his true colors. This time round Casey James performed, and when he performed he pulled a show stopper. Thanks to his performance, the Texas boy showed that he deserves a place in the final.

Yes, I still think James has a commercial trait and most probably he will be marketed as a chick-magnet as soon as he hits the musical scene, but with this interpretation Casey James showed he has a wagon full of talent and that this young man truly deserves the great career ahead of him.

Who will make it to the American Idol Finale? - Lee DeWyze

Lee DeWyze really knocked my socks off last night. Before I saw his performance, I thought Lee DeWyze would be too nervous to make it, but just like every talented artist, once Mr. DeWyze goes on stage he forgets his anxiety and simply delivers.

His interpretation of Simple Man was great and showed that he can really connect with his music, but he truly exceeded my expectations with Alleluia. Lee Dewyze's talent is mind blowing. The fact that he made it to the Top 3 is no coincidence. Once Lee DeWyze let go of his nerves, and started believing in himself, he gave a performance which rivaled those of far more accomplished singers.

Maybe four months ago he was a paint salesman but with his recent performances he showed he has real star quality and that he deserves to be the next American Idol.

Who will make it to the American Idol Finale? - Crystal Bowersox

What has been a disappointing last night were Crystal Bowersox's performances. Her interpretation was of Come to my window was ok, but I have seen better performances from her in the past. I still get goose bumps when I hear her People get ready or as long as I can the light. (clice blue text to see performances)

Though I am sure Mamasox fans will jump at my neck for saying this, I was not particularly impressed with Crystal Bowersox's interpretation of Maybe I'm amazed. And I think Ellen DeGeneres's choice was not the best selection for Crystal Bowersox.

Yes Ms Bowersox's interpretation was great, as usual. Crystal hit notes I had never heard her sing before, but I felt she did not connect with the song as she did in her past performances - it wasn't the right fit for her.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that Crystal Bowersox has not done well last night, ( I think she can pull a great show even if she is sleeping) but when I compare her performance to Lee DeWyze's, I feel sorry that Ellen's choice for this great singer could have been far better and it would be a pity if Crystal is voted out of the finale because of this song choice, because I really really really like her.