This week was Frank Sinatra week on American Idol.  While any true music lover can't help but admire Frank Sinatra's amazing voice, I am unsure about whether or not this should have been selected as a theme for this week.  First of all, the contestants were not allowed to use their own instruments, which would have helped them to personalize the songs and make them current.  Secondly, Harry Connicke Jr. did all of the music arrangements and while he is a talented artist as well, his touch-ups made most of the songs less current and too corny.  On the other hand, Harry was probably the best mentor the show has had so far.  He gave great advice and actually made himself a part of this week's performances, so I have to give him credit for that.

Aaron Kelly started off the night singing "Fly Me to the Moon."  The song was a little too famous for Aaron's meek voice.  Both his outfit and his performance were a little too old-fashioned.  To me, the song seemed like Aaron was attempting broadway rather than current music that would sell to America.  He was a little pitchy in some parts.  Basically, Aaron was good- like always- but not great... like always.  Kara challenged Aaron to attempt better charisma and stage presence, which i agree is necessary.  Simon was the harshest out of the four judges.  He said, "I adore Frank because Frank was the King of Cool... if he was a lion, you were just a mouse."  However, he did admit that people like Aaron because he tries hard.  I agree with both statements.  Aaron is sturdy, but he is no American Idol.

Casey James sang the amazing "Blue Skies."  I had big hopes for him after last week's performance, but I hate to say that he crushed my positive emotions after the first ten seconds.  The song was pitchy and cheesy with the orchestra behind him.  Casey has used a guitar for almost every single performance and he appeared extremely uncomfortable performing without one this week.  He kept swinging his arms awkwardly instead of moving to the music.  Randy sounded disappointed, saying, "It didn't work, baby.  It didn't work," and Kara agreed, admitting, "You kind of sound like a lamb."  Simon said that Casey seemed embarrassed, a great adjective to express Casey's awkward movements on stage last night.

Crystal Bowersox- "Summer Wind"- is probably the most talented performer left out of the American Idol group, but her performance just wasn't great.  Her vocals were pretty, but not breathtaking, and the band sounded horrible with Crystal's style.  It just didn't work.  On a positive note, Crystal's hairstyle was pretty.  Ellen thought it was impressive, but Simon disagreed, saying, "I'm not gonna lie and say it was one of your strongest performance."  He warned Crystal that she's had two okay weeks and "if you survive next week, it's time to be in it to win it."  I agree.  Come on, Crystal.  Don't give up now.

Michael Lynche sang "The Way You Look Tonight."  He was probably the most comfortable with Frank Sinatra week.  He sure dressed the part.  His voice worked great with the song.  I enjoyed his riffs.  He's a naturally good performer and so the band complimented his natural style.  Randy was pumped, shouting, "This is what it's about!" several times.  Ellen called the performance "smooth" and added that it had a "lot of charisma."  Even Simon enjoyed Big Mike's performance, saying, "The last three performances have been okay and now with you, that's all changed.  You've put yourself back into the game."  I liked the song, but I just can't connect with Michael.

Lee Dewyze, singing "That's Life," blew me away this week.  I've never been a huge fan of his, but he mastered the bluesy, soulful swagger and actually had great stage presence this week.  He easily maneuvered his way across the stage... and he even smiled.  He almost looked comfortable, and the old-fashioned band didn't destroy his performance like it did the others'.  In fact, I think that Lee's performance was the most modern and current out of anyone's.   Ellen loved the performance, saying, "If tonight was the last night of performances, you would have just won the whole thing."  Kara told Lee to go write "I can win this thing" 100 times because, "you can win this thing."  Simon agreed with Ellen and said, "By far, I think for all of us, the highest performance of the night."   Harry mauled Lee from the side of the stage, shouting, "Stop smiling!"  No... I'd rather get used to Lee's rare smile.

This was not a great night for Idol performances.  I was disappointed in almost everyone this week.  Really, they need to do better next Tuesday.  I'll give my predictions and let's see if they will come true.

Bottom Three-
Aaron, Casey, and Crystal

Bottom Two-
Aaron and Casey

Going Home-
Casey  

  

 

I have been an avid fan of American Idol since the beginning, and while I haven't been hugely thrilled with this season so far, I have decided to review the top six each week until the season finale.  I'll post my guess about who will be in the final three and who deserves to go home based on each night's performance.

Lee Dewyze- "You're Still the One"
The night started out with a somewhat shaky performance.  The first few phrases of the first verse were horribly pitchy and reminiscent of Lee's first few performances towards the beginning of the season.  Lee still managed to remain almost completely expressionless throughout the song, although he cracked a smile at one point... or was that a muscle spasm?  Randy said that Lee did a "pretty good job."  Ellen thought he did "better than a pretty good job."  Kara enthusiastically commented on how Lee smiled a few times, but Simon disagreed about whether or not he was smiling and said that he was "pulling some kinda weird faces." Overall, I wasn't a huge fan of this performance.

Michael Lynche- "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing"
As this week's mentor, Shania Twain was "very moved" by Michael's song choice.  Big Mike's song was smooth and powerful.  His voice will always be easy on the ears.  The performance was slightly boring, but it grew better as the song went on, even bringing Shania to tears.  I thought that the falsetto at the end was a nice touch.  Ellen said that she was nervous at first, but she thought the song was beautiful.  Simon disagreed with everyone and said that the performance was "wet," as if Michael was in a musical acting out the words.  When probed on what "wet" was supposed to mean, Simon added that wet was better than dry, but the song was a little girly for Big Mike.  I can see where he was coming from, but seriously... it's Shania Twain week.  How could you not sound a little girly?

Casey James- "Don't"
Shania offered some great advice when she told Casey that he needed to show more of his inner confidence.  Casey claimed from the start of this week that he wanted to give something a little different, and I think he managed to do that.  The song was soft and gentle, but it was also a powerful choice.  I thought that it was a beautiful vocal, which is a big compliment coming from someone who isn't usually a big fan of Goldilocks.  Randy said that it was "one of the best Casey James performances ever!"  Simon suggested that Casey give Shania a big "kiss on the lips."  At the end of last week, I thought that it was finally Casey's time to go, but I think this last performance has saved him for one more week. 

Crystal Bowersox- "No One Needs To"
Everyone who has kept an eye on American Idol this season has seen Crystal's trademark stoic appearance.  Only recently has she opened up enough to even crack a smile.  However, Crystal chose a lighthearted song this week, and Shania strongly encouraged her to "be a bit happier... It's a cheerful song."  I thought the performance was a little corny.  Randy said, "It wasn't my favorite performance, but I love you."  He also remarked how he was glad that someone was doing a country performance, instead of focusing solely on pop.  Ellen agreed with Randy but added, "There's nothing you can't do."  Kara remarked, "It's kind of impossible for you not to be good."  Simon was truthful enough to say what everyone was thinking, as usual.  "Shocker- we don't like Crystal this week."  He said that the performance was limp, like a coffee shop band hired to sing to you when you don't really want to hear them.  Sadly, I agree.  I don't think she's in danger of going home, but Crystal may be in the bottom three as a result of her weak performance.

Aaron Kelly- "You Got A Way"
Aaron is just too cute not to like.  He reminds me somewhat of Billy Gilman after his voice changed.  Aaron's performance was a little boring and a tad pitchy, but it grew stronger towards the end of the song and finished with a powerful note.  He said later on that he was singing the song to his mother and even grew emotional.  How can you not say "AWWW!" to that?  Ellen couldn't get over the fact that he was sixteen... wait, seventeen.  Simon said, "Tonight you were like a different artist."  Aaron is not my favorite contestant, but his performance was solid.   

Siobhan Magnus- "Any Man of Mine"
I just want to get this out there ahead of time.  Siobhan is probably my favorite contestant of this season.  However, I didn't love her performance tonight... although the judges seemed to adore it.  Country is just not Siobhan's style.  She had a shaky beginning and her famous scream was a little pitchy at one point and somewhat unnecessary this week.  At least the judges seemed to LOVE her.  Randy said he loved Siobhan's punk-country look.  "Guess who's back?" Kara shouted.  Simon also "really, really" liked the song, although he mentioned that the scream at the end sounded a bit like Siobhan was giving birth.

Out of tonight's performance, the contestants who deserve to be in the bottom three would probably have to be Lee Dewyze, Siobhan Magnus, and Crystal Bowersox, and the loser should probably be Lee.  However, this is a popularity contest in many ways, so I predict (and I'm actually not as sure about this week- it's getting harder and harder) that Lee, Siobhan, and Big Mike will be in the bottom three... possibly Crystal because of her horrible performance.  I think it's Lee's time to go this week.

What did you think about last night's performance?  Do you think I'll be right or wrong?  Leave your opinions in the comment box below.