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.    

You will probably best recognize Brandon Heath for his singles "Give Me Your Eyes", and "I'm Not Who I Was."  Brandon performs Christian music that ranges in the acoustic, gospel, and contemporary genres. 

Quick Bio-
Brandon Heath grew up in Nashville, Tennessee.  His parents divorced when he was three and he was raised by his single mom.  Brandon didn't grow up in a religious household.  In fact, he says that he heard about Jesus for the first time when he attended a Christian youth camp when he was sixteen.  He was given his first guitar for Christmas when he was thirteen years old and ever since then, music became a passion in Brandon's life.  Brandon went ahead to college after high school and got a BA in English, but he ended up pursuing music as his career.  Brandon released a few indie albums until he was discovered by Reunion records.  Since then, Brandon has released two albums and has received numerous dove awards and even Grammy nominations. 

Brandon Heath's songs are not only uplifting, inspiring, and moving, but so are his own convictions to reach out to the world.  Brandon works with Young Life, Blood:Water Mission, and Restore International.  Brandon seems to firmly believe in the importance of helping out in your community and around the world.

"One of the things that bothers me about this world is that we're all in this for ourselves.  We're looking out for number one.  I don't want to be alone, I want to live life with other people.  God even says it's better to join together in service to Him."

"Give Me Your Eyes" is a compelling song that betrays Brandon Heath's passion to see the world how God sees it.  "Give me Your eyes for just one second. Give me Your eyes so I can see everything that I keep missing. Give me Your love for humanity. Give me Your arms for the brokenhearted, the ones that are far beyond my reach. Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten. Give me Your eyes so I can see..."  In the same way, "Follow Me," a song that Brandon recorded with Leeland, speaks of the same passion to help the needy.  "I'll follow You into the homes of the broken, follow You into the world, meet the needs for the poor and the needy, God..." 

"Wait and See" and "I'm Not Who I Was" are both autobiographical songs where Brandon sings about his testimony, about his past, and about what God has done to change his life.  "When I'm Alone" shares the similar feelings that so many people share.  "Sometimes I get scared that somehow I'll cease to belong anywhere, so I need You when it all starts to show when I'm alone..."  "Trust You" is a beautiful song about letting go of your fears and insecurities and trusting God with your future.  

Brandon Heath has a beautiful voice and an honest passion to serve the Lord.  He is also a fantastic songwriter.  His words can bring you closer to the Lord.  I definitely recommend that you add this Christian artist to your playlist!

If you have an artist/band (Christian or secular) that you would like me to review on my blog, then leave me a comment or email me here.  I give credit for the pictures used in today's article here and here.