The song that was chosen for Lee by the producers was R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts." Again, it's finale week, I thought the producers would at least choose a song for Lee that would let him rock out a little. With this song choice, I kind of thought that they were throwing him under the bus. Lee's vocal started out rough, but he finally came into his own about midway through the song. Honestly, the song does fit his voice, and that's probably what the producers were aiming for, but I just think that there was probably a better song for Lee to do that was more uptempo, especially since he started slow with "The Boxer." It would have been nice to see him build momentum through each of his performances. Simon gave Lee somewhat of a pep talk, telling him, "You're nervous. You've got another song to come and I think you gotta really understand what the importance of this night can do in changing your life. And when you come out for your next performance, I want a 10 out of 10, because you're capable of it."
The producers chose "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles for Crystal to sing. You would think that with the tone of Crystal's voice that this would be an amazing song choice for her and she would, in the words of Randy Jackson, "blow it out the box." That is not what happened. Again her vocal was mediocre at best through most of the song. Crystal hit a big note that was not on pitch whatsoever. For me, it ruined the entire performance. The judges were practically tripping over themselves giving Crystal compliments about how the song was perfect for her and Simon said that she "absolutely nailed it." I really hope that the judges watched the show back after the live taping, because then they will hear that awful note and realize how very wrong they were about her performance. Personally, I thought it was a great song choice, but probably the worst vocal from Crystal all season. I will say that I thought it was nice to see her sans guitar for one of her songs, although she may have benefited from it this time.
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Article comments
1 - Bill Church
Crystal so much better than Lee last night that it's not even close. How the people will vote? Unknowable! This is the same public that voted against Chris Daughtry, now a millionaire for sure.
2 - Beautelicious
Lee Won!Hurray!
3 - Mary K. Williams
Either way, they both win (even though Lee won officially.) The last few standing usually stand in a good light. Nice write up Kirsten.
4 - handyguy
I voted for Crystal, and was a bit taken aback by the result. But they're both excellent, by far the two best contestants this season. It had been obvious for at least 6 weeks that they were the likely top two.
My guess is that I'm more likely to buy a Bowersox album, but then the only Idol alum album I own is Melinda Doolittle's, so I am possibly not their prime target, haha.
There's a quite hilarious video circulating of someone's mom overreacting a bit as Ryan announces the winner.
5 - Kirsten
Mary - Thank you so much!
handyguy - I definitely need to check out that video!
And keep your eyes peeled for my finale recap!