'American Idol 9' - Top 3 performance show recap

It's all on the line as Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, and Casey James vie for a spot in the American Idol 9 finals. Each will sing two songs, one picked by the judges and the other a personal choice. We'll be live-blogging the performance show starting at 8 p.m. Here we go!

Cold opening. Ryan walks the Adam Lambert Memorial Staircase and stops by each of the Top 3 introducing them by noting their hometowns.  "This is the fight for the finale, and this is American Idol," he proclaims.

Ryan re-descends the ALMS, and tells us this is the week! He asks the audience to shout out the names of who they think it's going to be, and I hear a lot of "Lees." One week from tonight we'll be at the Nokia Theater.

Round One - Contestants' choice

Casey James - "Okay, It's All Right With Me"

Casey's got the acoustic guitar out. He says he chose the song because it sounds like something he would have written himself. It's too wordy and he seems to be rushing through the song. Casey seems a bit stiff. Not the greatest song choice, unfortunately. But in his favor, he seems a lot more relaxed. I think his visit home really energized him.

Randy says that song was just "all right" with him too. He wanted to hear something different. Ellen says, "This is the moment - live or die, sink or swim (or whatever)" She felt the same way as Randy and wishes he had brought it.

Kara says it's hard to pick a song that not everybody knows. She doesn't think this worked in his favor. Simon says this is the most important night of his life. He would compare this song to a salad before dinner. He said it sounded like Casey was busking. "It was a dud song choice, but you sounded good." Casey looks very disappointed.

Crystal Bowersox - "Come to my Window" (Melissa Etheridge)

Perfect song choice for Crystal.She edits it so that she gets the chorus in and gets stronger as the song goes on. But the arrangement is a bit fussy and she nearly drowns in it. The vocals are outstanding, though, as always.

Randy says it's that time in the competition when they're looking for a winner. He says he didn't like the arrangement, but loved her vocal. He thinks she was fighting the arrangement, but she rose above it. Ellen says this is the kind of song Crystal wants to sing. "Melissa would be very proud of you."

Kara thinks Crystal was fighting the arrangement. "It was still a good vocal... I hope you have a moment." Simon says Crystal hasn't compromised herself as an artist and he has a lot of respect for her. He thinks it was an honest performance and that she made the right choice.

Crystal says she felt elated singing the song. She's glad she's got her mike stand and her health, and that her son is healthy!

Lee DeWyze - "Simple Man" (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Lee tells Ryan his trip home was amazing and he wanted to bring that energy back with him. Lee's got the pimp spot, the special lighting, and all the tools to have his "moment." The song is perfect for the moment and he's on top of it. His vocals are a little off, but there's' definitely some magic going on here. This is a song that gets to the root of America and really won them over. This is the performance that will get Lee into the finals.

Randy says this is a brilliant song choice. "Somebody here's feeling like they can win this." Ellen says this shows that Lee takes this seriously. She says he was like a baby lamb and now he's like a "springy carefree..." gazelle or some nonsense.

Kara says what Lee did was what every contestant should do. In her opinion, round one goes to Lee. Simon asks why he picked this song. He says when he plays it, he can really get into it and connect. Simon says that was "absolutely on the money."  He says Lee crushed the other two. Get the crown out now people.

I have to agree with the judges on this one. Round one to Lee.

Round Two - Judges' Choice

Casey - "Daughters" (John Mayer, picked by Kara and Randy)

The judges weigh in on what Casey has to do to stay in the competition. Does it really matter? Nice arrangement - a piano and two guitars. It's real nice, but a but lazy. This was not enough to overcome the obvious love fest going on for Lee, though. Nope. Casey's gone.

Randy says this song fit him like a glove and he hopes Casey will keep on going in this direction. Sounds like a goodbye to me. Ellen likes it a lot. Kara says this showed Casey's more artistic, sensitive side, and thinks he did a good job. Simon says it was a much better choice. He calls the arrangement lazy and wishes Casey could have had a much bigger vocal moment. He argues with Kara about the merits of the song.

I want an iPad.

Crystal - "Maybe I'm Amazed" (Paul McCartney, picked by Ellen)

Ellen says she picked this because she loves the song, and thinks it and Crystal are amazing. Crystal doesn't genderize the words, and that's awkward. She screams, she's pitchy, and it doesn't work at all... Bad, bad, bad choice Ellen.

Randy says, "Great songs, great vocals, and we've got someone who's in it to win it." Ellen likes it. Kara says Crystal showed parts of her voice we haven't heard. She thinks Crystal took a lot of risks. Simon says he was surprised when he heard the song choice, but now he does. He says, after that, Crystal may be thanking Ellen for putting her in the finals. He's lying. Clearly they want Crystal and Lee in the finals. Crystal could have stood there and yodeled, and they would have praised her to the highest heavens.

I miss Big Mike.

Lee - "Hallelujah" - (Leonard Cohen, picked by Simon)

Simon picked the song because it's "Lee's night" and he wants him to have a "moment." Could you be any more blatant, Simon? He's got the full string section and a choir. Should have saved this for the finale, Lee. His vocals aren't great, but who cares. Lee's in the finals.

The audience goes wild. Lee looks like he's about to cry. Randy says he's been waiting the whole season to see who's going to throw down the gauntlet. "Unbelievable, dude." Lee thanks Simon. Ellen says she's glad Lee trusted Simon. "That was stunning." Kara says, "Lee, you are what this show is all about... someone who starts out in one place and ends up somewhere else... you just owned this entire night." Simon says he is very proud of Lee. He thinks Lee proved he's a fantastic singer and a great person.

Dust off the crown, people. Casey's out, and Lee and Crystal are in.

'American Idol 9' - Top 4 results show recap

Okay, tonight we learn who will be the American Idol 9 Top 3 and watch as one person's dreams are dashed. Or not? At least whoever is eliminated this week will have a chance to watch Chris Daughtry, the most famous Top 4 bootee, perform.

The cold opening features yet another mishmosh of video clips and inspirational words from the Top 4. Ryan intros the judges and lets us know 37 million votes came in Tuesday night. Bon Jovi, Fantasia, and Daughtry (who knows all about the Top 4) are performing tonight. With no time to waste, we get right to Fantasia, the first performer.

Fantasia sings her new single "Bittersweet."  Tasia's looking a bit like Mary J. Blige - nowhere near as strange as she did the last time she performed on the show (remember Simon's look of stupificaton?). She's wearing skin tight leather pants and a white jacket, and her hair is "Justin Bieber-ish!" The song isn't half bad either. She might actually have an R&B hit on her hands?

Fantasia talks about her album. It's been three years since her last one and she thinks that's too long. She tells Ryan it's all soul and she's written several songs for it. Her daughter is now nine and Fantasia says she's a little taller than Simon. Good one!

We return from the break. The Top 4 are sitting on individual stools. We see the Ford music video. They are driving a Ford Fiesta "around the world." Mike looks huge in this car! It is odd to see just four of them. They still seem to get a kick out of watching themselves on video.

Ryan reminds us that those who make the cut to the Top 3 get to go home. We have a chance to watch some of the former contestants' homecomings (even Taylor)! It's pretty emotional, really, seeing them all tearing up. Nice little montage of the various Idols performing and even a clip of Elliott's mother in the parade. We heart Claudette Yamin.

The Top 4 speculate on what they're going to do if they have a chance to go home. Michael is looking forward to seeing his puppy and Crystal wants to jam with her old bass player. Casey is looking forward to smelling Texas air and seeing his "puppy dogs."

Their families are on the couches. This is different. It's time for the first result. Ryan has Mike and Casey stand up. Ryan reads the cards. Crystal looks very nervous. Ryan wants to know who picked "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." Michael did. Casey says he had another song in mind, but Mike was so excited about it, he deferred.

Ryan reads Lee and Crystal's cards. Crystal says they picked their song because Once is her favorite movie. She encouraged Lee to watch it and when they learned it was movie week, she knew immediately that was the song they should do for their duet. "After the nationwide vote, Casey, you are safe and in the Top 3."  Wow. That means Mike is a goner. I'm surprised they didn't hold that one until the end.

Daughtry is up next performing their new single, "September." Not a Daughtry fan, never have been. Don't like his voice (Casey take notes on the goaty vibrato - it's served Daughtry well). The song sounds like every other Daughtry song to me, a little slower. I think I'd better quit while I'm ahead.

The audience goes wild. Ryan asks Chris how it feels to step into an arena. He says it's still amazing to him. The song reminds him of the simplicity of his childhood. Ryan asks Ellen what the Top 3 can learn from watching Daughtry perform. She says, "I'm so proud of y'all. Just give us that 100 percent." Randy says Chris is living the dream and loves when these contestants come back. Chris tells the Top 3 to "stay hungry" and not to compromise the music that they love. Really? Ryan disses Big Mike about staying hungry. I don't think Big Mike has to worry, though. There's no way either Crystal or Lee is going home. No way.

More results. Ryan starts with Michael. He looks like he knows he's out. Kara says she was looking for something like "This Woman's Work." Michael says it was a tough song for him because MJ makes it sound effortless. Lee is next. he looks like he's going to be physically ill. Ryan asks if he thought the criticism was valid. Lee doesn't think his performance was karaoke, but could have done more with the arrangement. He's happy with what he did and is hoping to move forward. Funny when Idol started out as nothing more than a glorified karaoke contest that now that word is so feared and dreaded!

Crystal is next. Ryan asks Simon how he saw her redeeming herself. He says he thought it was a much better performance and this was the artist they fell in love with. Finally, Ryan announces the next person who is safe.
"After the nationwide vote, Mike hang tight for a minute. Lee, friends, Lee is heading back to Chicago."  Michael is definitely out. No way is Crystal going home. Not happening.

Bon Jovi is up next singing "Superman Tonight."  And this is relevant how?  Jon looks like he's wearing a Justin Bieber wig. Love the shirt open to "here" and the medallion. So 80s, so not cool. What's with the twang all of a sudden? Blech.

Ryan wonders how the band can continue to do this year after year. JBJ says they've "crossed generations" and are still humbled. More results on the other side of the break.

Okay, it's an intense moment on the stage. Ryan wonders what Lee and Casey have been talking about. Lee says he's taking it all in, but then he's feeling for Michael and Crystral. Casey says when Ryan said his name he was ready to go sing his swan song. Silly goaty goose, haven't you learned by now that the elimination is always at the end of the show? Do you get the feeling Casey's not the brightest goat in the herd?

Finally, we dim the lights for the decision maker. This is so stupidly non-dramatic. Why didn't they leave it between Casey and Michael? Sheesh. As Crystal and Big Mike cling to one another, Ryan speaks solemnly.   "The person who is in the Top 3 after the nationwide vote is... Crystal."  OMG Crystal is safe. Heh!

Crystal goes over to the couches and hugs her boyfriend. Michael says it's been unbelievable. He thanks God for the judges' save. His wife is crying. We see the video of Mike's strange Idol journey, starting with the birth of his baby. Love watching him bench press Aaron!

After Michael sings "Will You Be There" again, he hugs the judges. Randy tells him this is a "jumping off point."  The show closes with Michael holding his baby who starts crying. Appropriate I must say.

Well, there you go. No surprises this year!  Two more weeks of this! Can you stand it?

'American Idol 9' - Top 6 results show recap

Tuesday, the Top 6 performed music from Shania Twain's catalog. I predicted the bottom three would be Aaron, Siobhan, and Casey, with Casey going home. I'm wavering on that, but am sticking to my prediction. Not sure whether I'll change my pool, though, because I have a sneaking suspicion it's going to go a bit differently. But we'll soon find out!

Cold opening starts in the control room and a collection of clips from Tuesday's show. It's a mishmosh of images with a countdown to the live opener. There's no consistency with this show anymore! Ryan enters the studio via the stairs in the audience. He tells us 33 million votes came in Tuesday night. Shakira and Rascal Flatts are performing, along with Sons of Sylvia (formerly the Clark Brothers) and Lady Antebellum.

Ryan intros the judges. Rascal Flatts kicks things off with their new single, "Unstoppable." How I long for the days of the 30 minute results shows with the group medley, Ford commercial, maybe one performance from a former Idol and the results.

After Rascal Flatts performs, Ryan teases us by saying they will be performing with Shakira later in the show. That should be interesting.

After the break, we get some cutesy clips of the Top 6 preparing for their Ford video shoot. This week, they're all made up as vampires. Siobhan's makeup is particularly good. After the video, we see a clip of the Idols visiting the set of Shrek Forever After. They have a chance to do some voiceovers and fail miserably! After, they have a chance to attend a special screening of the movie. Ryan has three lines in this one, by the way.

Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas show up to plug the film. The movie will be released May 21 and it's the last of the Shrek series. Antonio gives us his best, "Dim the lights and here we go," and we're ready to start the eliminations.

Ryan is forming three groups of two. Siobhan is first. She says singing in front of Shania was a bit intimidating, but it was an honor and "wicked cool." Siobhan goes to the left of the stage. Aaron is next. He goes to the center of the stage.

Michael Lynche stands and goes to the right of the stage. Lee is next. He says it was hard to make such a well known song his own. He joins Siobhan. Casey stands up. Kara says Casey's buried his range week after week, but this week, he showed that he could make a song his own. He joins Michael.

Crystal is last. Ryan asks Ellen if she thinks Crystal is in danger. She doesn't. Crystal joins Aaron.Ryan walks Siobhan over to the Michael/Casey group and tells us this is the bottom three. The other three are safe, natch.

After the break, Ryan lets us know that next week, Harry Connick Jr. is the mentor and the theme is Frank Sinatra. Siobhan singing Sinatra ought to be interesting.

Carrie Underwood appears in a pre-taped clip introducing Sons of Sylvia. She tells us they've been making music together since she "walked off this stage." Sons of Sylvia used to be the Clark Brothers, and as such, were the winners of 2007's The Next Great American Band.  They've changed their vibe completely, and now sound more rock than country. I'm sick of Idol pimping these losers, quite honestly.

Back from another break, Ryan is sitting in the audience with one of the Kardashians. He introduces Lady Antebellum with their triple-platinum song "Need You Now." I actually like this song and find their harmonies quite nice. Someone on one of the Twitter feeds I'm reading wrote that the female singer tried out for Idol twice but didn't make it! Heh!

After Lady Antebellum sings, Ryan is up on the balcony with the bottom three. He lets us know that we'll find out whose journey will come to an end after... Rascal Flatts performs with Shakira. Goody.

The Shakira/Rascal Flatts number starts with Shakira playing harmonica. Gypsy-like dancers accompany Shakira as RF provides the musical accompaniment. Rascal Flatts' lead singer attempts to sing with her. It's a hot mess.

Ryan asks Shakira how the contestants should proceed. She quotes President Roosevelt. There's a whole lot of reverb on her mic. I am stunned by the stupidity of all of this.

Finally, the moment of truth. Ryan asks Michael how he feels. He says everyone had a good night and there's no shame in being in the bottom three. Ryan tells him he's safe! I gasp. Right before the show I changed my office pool and put all 20 points on Michael. Damn! I was in 7th place!

Finally, we get to the actual results. A construction worker and a glass blower. "The person who goes home tonight is Siobhan Magnus!" Wow. Didn't see that coming. The audience is on their feet. Crystal is about to dissolve.

Siobhan watches her funeral video, sings "Think," gives us one final shriek, hugs her family and the judges, and that's it.  No more Siobhan shrieking and no chance to hear her sing Sinatra.

'American Idol 9' - Top 6 sing Shania Twain

Hard to believe, but we're down to six finalists, and this week, they'll be singing the songs of Shania Twain. In other words, it's country week, y'all!

The show opens with the Top 6 on the stage. Ryan identifies them as a student (Aaron), a glass blower (Siobhan), a mother (Crystal), and a father (Michael). I guess the former paint salesman and whatever Casey is don't count?

After the opening theme, Ryan lets us know "Idol Gives Back" raised over $45 million. He intros the judges and then tells us it's just over a month until the finale. The Top 6 wander out on the stage. Crystal whispers something to Lee.

Shania Twain is in the house. We see Shania's intro package. Remember Shania served as a guest judge in Chicago. She hopes the Idols don't hate her if they don't get into the next round after singing her songs! I'm not a huge fan, but I do respect that she writes all her own songs. She's concerned about guys singing her songs. At least she doesn't have to listen to Tim butcher one of them!

Lee DeWyze - "You're Still the One"

Shania thinks Lee has a fantastic style that doesn't need to be buried by his guitar. Lee changes up the song enough to avoid the karaoke trap. But it's too high for him and he screams a bit. He's also making some odd faces. I'm not wildly impressed by this one.

This is one of Randy's favorite Shania songs. He was a bit worried early on, but says that midway through, Lee found a way to make it his own. Ellen thinks did better than making it his own. "You couldn't look cuter, and I say, all aboard the Shania Twain." Heh!

Kara is amazed at how far Lee has come and thinks he did a good job. Simon agrees with everyone and thinks it was "absolutely the perfect song" from Shania's catalog. He notes Lee's weird faces early in the song.


Michael Lynche -"It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing"

Mike starts out sitting on the Adam Lambert Memorial Staircase. I don't know this song, so have no means of comparison. It actually works nicely for Michael, fitting right into his R&B vibe and not sounding "country" at all. A little falsetto at the end ala Maxwell. Shania is swaying along and seems to have tears in her eyes when he finishes. Good job.

Randy says Mike's found his zone of who he is. He hopes he keeps it in the future. Ellen says she was nervous, but it felt like Luther Vandross and thought it was beautiful. Kara says one of Shania's greatest gifts is how connected she is to the songs and she likes that about Michael. Simon says Ellen's comparison to Luther was "spot on," but that the performance was "wet" - i.e. a little bit girly? Okay.

Shania says it was very emotional and he really "got" her.

Casey James -"Don't"

Casey has a little stool time with Ryan and says this week, he says he's putting more into his performance. Shania thinks he's missing "inner confidence" and wants him to let it come out in his voice. This week, Casey isn't relying on his guitar playing to sell the song. Could be a mistake because his voice is generic and the vibrato is too much. Still, he sings it like he means it and the performance works for him.

Randy says this was one of the best Casey James' performances ever. Ellen says he sang that like that's where he really belongs. "I actually think it was your best performance that you've done to date." Kara says Casey didn't hide, and that he was vulnerable and raw. "If you keep doing that, you'll be at the front of this competition." Simon agrees with Randy and says it's Casey's best performance so far. "It didn't feel like somebody else's song." He suggests Casey come down and kiss Shania who is exuberant. "You nailed it," she says.

Crystal Bowersox - "No One Needs to Know"

Crystal also gets stool time with Ryan. Crystal says this song is a message to her boyfriend! The song is a plea for her man to marry her! She really means it. Crystal is great with country. Her vibe is right on the money and this performance makes me smile. Her vocals are lovely too and I like the arrangement. Wow! Crystal can sang country!

Randy says he loves the arrangement. It wasn't his favorite performance, but he's glad someone did country! Ellen says there's nothing Crystal can't do, but this wasn't her favorite. Kara agrees with the "guys?" She says it was believable, and while it wasn't Crystal's best, it was still amazing.

Simon says it's a shocker they didn't like Crystal this week. He says it was like when you're in a coffee shop and they hire a band to sing when you didn't want to hear them. He says the song was forgettable (apologies to Shania) and that she lacked conviction. Crystal says, "Lack of conviction, I don't think so, cuz he's sitting right there (points to boyfriend)." I liked it Crystal, if that means anything to you!

Aaron Kelly - "You've Got a Way"

Shania urges Aaron to end where he feels "safe and good." The song is a sleeper and I'm not sure it was the right pick. Too mature for a 17-year old. He slips off key a couple of times, and it's just awright for me. Shania seems to love it, though.

Randy says this is Aaron's wheel house and thinks he did a really good job. Ellen says this is gonna be tough because everybody is doing well. She can't get over he's 16 (Aaron corrects her, he's 17) and that he has the maturity to sing those lyrics. Kara agrees and says he felt the words. She is impressed that Aaron changed the "When we make love" lyric. Good, cuz he was singing it to his mom. Simon says Aaron has struggled the last two weeks. "Tonight, you were like a different artist." He says Aaron felt sincere and believable, and not that he was singing someone else's song.

Siobhan Magnus -  "Any Man of Mine"

Shania wants Siobhan to get into the character of the singer. Siobhan can sing this dreck, that's for sure. Problem is, she starts stomping around the studio, and can't quite sing and walk at the same time. It's like she's out of breath or something. She does the screech too. What a freakin' mess! Shania doesn't look happy.

Randy loves it. Ellen says, "Way to pull the Shania Twain into the station." Kara says, "Guess who's back, Siobhan." Simon says he really likes the song, but the screaming may have gone a little bit far. "It was almost like you were giving birth up there." He thinks it was fun and sassy!

Best and Worst

I actually liked Michael the best followed by Crystal and Lee. My bottom three is Casey, Aaron, and Siobhan. I think Casey's time has run out, actually, although I'd rather it be Aaron.