Who Will Be the Next American Idol Season 9?

American Idol opened on Fox network with Ryan Seacrest wishing American Idol contestants good luck after introducing them. Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox looked happy and confident.

Ryan Seacrest reported Crystal Bowersox won the coin toss, which means she gets first choice to sing first or second. Bowersox chose to sing second and follow Lee DeWyze.

Round 1 Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox's Favorite Songs

Lee DeWyze's parents spoke about him in a pre-recorded video. They said Lee liked all kinds of sports as a kid but really showed an early interest in music. DeWyze admitted he dreamed about being a musician.

DeWyze sang "The Boxer," a song he sang during Inspirational Week. He played the guitar. DeWyze looked so relaxed. DeWyze has improved every week since this season of American Idol began. Tonight, DeWyze smiled and made eye contact with the camera. DeWyze changed the song and made it his own. It was a beautiful, understated performance.

Randy Jackson said, "A great way to start it off, Dude. It was a nice song, you sounded nice doing it."

Ellen commented, "I actually think you did that better than you did the first time." Kara said she agreed with Ellen.

Simon Cowell said, "I would expect a lot more passion, a lot more excitement...It's got to be a bit more."

Next, Crystal Bowersox's father spoke of her musical history in a video. Bowersox's first gig was in the local coffee shop at the mall and she repeatedly sang the same 10 songs, according to Bowersox.

Crystal Bowersox sang, "Me and Bobbie McGee." With Janis Joplin-like tones and wails, she easily got through the song. Bowersox pumped up the volume and energy as she approached the song's end.

Randy said, "It started a little bit slow...but by the end, you really picked it up. I thought it was dope, Dude."

"I think you are just so compelling on stage...Stunning" was Ellen's comment.

Kara DioGuardi said, "I loved it when you first did it and I loved it tonight."

Simon Cowell remarked, "This brought me back to the time when we absolutely fell in love with you."

Round 2 Producer's Song Picks for Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox

"Everybody Hurts" was selected by the producer for Lee DeWyze. DeWyze sang while strumming the guitar. He brought up the volume of his vocals right away. It was a bluesy, emotional, and moving performance.

Randy "Loved it."Ellen, Kara, and Simon gave their feedback. For the most part, it was positive.

Crystal sang, "Black Velvet." Can this young lady do anything wrong? The performance was heartfelt, gritty, and just plain fantastic. Unbelievable.

Randy Jackson loved it and said, "Mama Sox is in it to win it!" Ellen DeGeneres remarked, "That was fantastic!"

Kara DioGuardi commented, "You want it and that's what tonight's all about."

Simon Cowell said, "I had a little bit of a problem with the song choice because I've heard it so many times."

Round 3 Songs Written for Each Idol Contestant

Round 3 involved Idol contestants singing songs that would be their first released singles, should they win the Idol Season 9 competition.

Called, "Beautiful Day," DeWyze sang with violinists playing onstage. DeWyze moved comfortably across the stage front initially but seemed to focus more during the last half of the song.

Randy commented, "Once again, it started off a little interesting...I feel you. By the end of the song where you hit the high notes, you started getting your groove back."

Ellen asked, "How do you feel right now? Watching you grow to where you are right now...where you've made it...you were fully present for that song. I'm so proud of you. You did a great job."

Kara DioGuardi said, "You've grown the most on this show. You have one of the most commercial voices on this show. You deserve to be here."

Simon remarked, "I just want to say about you is this is (sic) what this competition is designed for. For someone who needs a break...you've worked hard...I genuinely like you."

Ryan asked for Lee DeWyze's final thought on the season and his experiences. DeWyze said, "This whole thing has been amazing. I will be doing this for the rest of my life one way or another. I appreciate all the support. I love you guys (the fans) very much."

Crystal's song for Round 3 was, "Up to the Mountain". Guitar in hand, perched on a stool, and hair pulled back and tousled, Bowersox hit those notes we want her to reach. A slow, bluesy ballad, she peppered the performance with her "JJ" wails and high notes. It wasn't one of the best songs I've ever heard, plus her hairdo looked pretty bad. However, the judges raved over her performance and the song. When asked, Bowersox said, "I'm ready for anything."

Randy Jackson said, "This is what this show is about. An amazing song by an amazing singer. That was incredible, incredible!"

Ellen looked overwhelmed as she said, "I cannot compare you to one contemporary artist. You have a beautiful voice, so clear it pulls you in..." "You're just so, so good."

Kara DioGuardi commented, "At times, your walls have been up...You were connected with that song."

Crystal asked to make a comment before Simon gave his feedback. Bowersox thanked Simon Cowell for all his critiques and wished him luck.

Simon quickly moved on and commented tonight's Idol has become "a bit of a love fest." Then, Cowell said, "I thought that was by far the best performance and song of the night. Since this is gonna be the final critique I'm ever gonna give, (big pause) that was outstanding." How could the viewers not be moved by these comments so graciously made?

Ryan Seacrest then took a moment to say Simon Cowell was his dear friend and he would miss him. Yes, love fest is surely the proper term to use here.

Finally, Will Young was introduced and sang the title track of his album, "I'm Gonna Leave Right Now." If you're an American Idol fan, you've heard this song nearly every time a contestant makes his/her final exit from Idol. It's an incredibly haunting, beautiful song. While Young sang, videos of all Season 9's Idol contestants flashed on the big screens onstage. What a way to wrap up the show.

So, now, we wait. Who will win Season 9 of American Idol? Will it be Lee DeWyze or Crystal Bowersox? The shy guy who has gradually grown in his confidence and performance level or the young lady who wowed us all from Day 1 and performed consistently at her highest level? Guess we'll find out tomorrow night.

Source

American Idol Season 9 Show, May 25, 2010, Fox Network Television.