FOUR

Falling Slowly Duet Foreshadows Final Contest Between Lee & Crystal

By Nicki R.

Nicki R. IT'S DOWN TO FOUR SINGERS BATTLING IT OUT FOR THE OFFICIAL AMERICAN IDOL TITLE. Last night, Lee, Crystal, Mike and Casey were mentored by singer/actor Jamie Foxx, who was making his encore appearance on the talent show.

Foxx mentored last year's contestants and did such a good job that he was asked back to guide this year's finalists. But movie themes didn't bring out the best from the foursome, and the night's scene stealer was a duet between Lee and Crystal.

Opening the show, Lee Dewyze sang Seal's Kiss from a Rose from Batman Forever. Lee started off a little pitchy with the high notes but picked it up later in the song. Randy wasn't impressed, said he did nothing with the song and it was just OK. Ellen said he could have done more but he's still good. (By the way, are we all still in love with Ellen? I think not.) Kara points out that Lee picked a difficult song, got lost, went out of tune, but is still great. Is that even possible? And "we'll miss him when he's gone" Simon said he was on Randy's side, that Lee was verging on karaoke.

Big Mike Lynche sang Michael Jackson's Will You Be There from Free Willy. Mike's performance felt restrained and he could have pushed it a little more. Randy said it was passable but it didn't really soar. Ellen said his goal shouldn't be to be in the top three, but to win it. Kara was hoping to get goosebumps and accuses him fo playing it safe. Simon was more confused about who or what "Willy" was than Mike's performance. He felt that Mike could have chosen a different song but he said he gave it 100 percent.

As a bonus treat, Crystal and Lee performed a duet of the song Falling Slowly from the film Once. These two performed beautifully and have an intense power together, foreshadowing what I believe will be the final showdown. Randy said it could be a hit and it was amazing. Ellen said"you're like the new Captain and Tenille!" Kara told them they brought out the best in each other and that it was her favorite moment of the entire season. Simon said the song was nothing but fantastic. I think these two should get married and hit the road together!

Sexy Casey sang Paul Simon's Mrs. Robinson from The Graduate. Casey nailed the folky vibe of the original. Randy said he liked his cool vibe, Ellen loves what he did with the song, Kara gave him kudos for stepping out of his comfort zone. Kara then dodged jokes that the song was directed towards her and her on-going flirtation with Casey. Simon calls the performance "lazy" and says it didnt have the substance required for this night, and once again the truth hurts.

Crystal Bowersox ends the show with Kenny Loggins' I'm Alright from Caddyshack. Randy tells her she is 'definitely an artist," the ladies conclude that she bested the original version and Simon says succinctly, "You, Crystal, are back in the game.”

Last week I predicted that Casey would leave and I was wrong. This week I predict that we'll say goodbye to Big Mike. Am I going to be right or wrong? Check back to see who are the remaining 3 Idols.

Nicki R. is a Southern girl living in the big city of Chicago. She loves quiet evenings at home watching horror films with her dogs Jezebelle and Zombie. Check out her blog, Hey, Look Behind You!