Casey James Defies Prediction of So-Called American Idol Experts (Who Don't Know a Mandolin from a Ukelele) Again

It was almost a joke by now after 3 weeks of straight predictions by so-called American Idol experts that Casey James was going to be eliminated: just keep predicting Casey James and one of these weeks it will come true, except by this last week it came off almost as a wish -- especially since Casey did not give the worst performance of the evening for Songs from the Movies. But what do you expect when the experts and judges aren't even that familiar with the songs the contestants get to pick and don't even know the difference between a guitar, a ukulele and a mandolin?

I don't claim to be an expert on American Idol but I do try to find things out to bring you accurate information. To find out the difference between a guitar, ukulele and a mandolin, I decided to speak to someone who really knows. I called up an excellent mandolin player, Barry Mitterhoff. Mr. Mitterhoff is well-known in music circles as a unique artist who can play an extraordinary range of styles -- bluegrass, classical, swing, jazz and more. He teaches mandolin and has contributed to soundtracks such as "You've Got Mail," and "O Brother Where Art Thou."

Mr. Mitterhoff said: "Basically, a guitar has 6 strings and is played with either your fingers or a pick. A mandolin is smaller than a guitar, has 8 strings and is played with a pick. A ukulele is smaller than a guitar and mandolin, has 4 strings and is played with your fingers."

Take that, all of you wiseguys who were calling Casey "Tiny Tim."

So now we know that Casey was accompanying himself with an 8- string mandolin, which did add something rather nice to his rendition of "Mrs. Robinson." Randy pondered why Casey chose that particular song since it is identified as being about an older woman seducing a younger man (they didn't say 'cougar' in 1968). A very embarrassed Kara tried to explain the seduction aspect of the song to Simon but the lyrics actually have nothing to do with seduction. In the beginning of the song, "Mrs. Robinson" is in a home for people who have had mental breakdowns. The song never says a word about seduction, although there are parts about cupcakes and 'Jolting Joe' DiMaggio, which Casey did not sing. If you're interested, you can check all that out on Songfacts.

Taking into consideration the ridicule Casey James was subjected to over his performance of "Blue Skies" in Frank Sinatra week, I thought he picked "Mrs. Robinson" as a safe way to avoid any pitch issues, and also to show off his ability to play the mandolin. Watching it back, I thought it was a brilliant song choice if for no other reason than making Kara DioGuardi squirm quite a bit. You know what they say about payback, Kara. And as the male judges teased Kara, Casey did have a big satisfied smile on his face.

Casey was the first contestant to be announced in the Top 3, saving everyone the suspense of finding out if the Casey James ElimInation Predication had come true yet. It did not. The powerful favoritism the judges and so-called experts have shown to Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze has, in my opinion, tainted this season.

With Casey now in the Top 3, there can only be more of that to come, and of course, even more predictions that Casey will be eliminated next week from the so-called American Idol experts!

Update: Lee DeWyze was sent to safety second, and Crystal Bowersox was the last to find out she was in the Top 3 in Season 9 of American Idol. Michael Lynche was eliminated.

Sources: American Idol on Fox (5/12/10)
Jorma Kaukonen with Barry Mitterhoff: "Hesitation Blues"
Fur Peace Ranch: Barry Mitterhoff