Image Credit: Michael Becker/FoxAlicia Keys bursts onto the American Idol scene tonight to help the remaining season 9 contestants navigate a bizarre list of 77 “inspirational songs.” (Check out my dream set list for tonight’s show here.) Before Aaron Kelly can go all “This Is My Now” on our behinds, though, I’m going to rank him and his six rivals in terms of their momentum over the last eight weeks of live performances. Won’t you do the same by voting for your favorite in our Power List poll? (Related: ‘American Idol’ results night recap: Two Blue; for more Idol coverage, follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak.)
7. Aaron Kelly (Last week No. 8 ): I’m going to put as much energy and effort into Aaron’s writeup as he’s put into his last three performances. Aaaand…done!
6. Michael ‘Big Mike’ Lynche (Last week No. 7): “In the Ghetto” was vocally spotless, and gave him enough momentum to survive another week — despite his pouting and preening after Simon & Co. chose to use the season 9 Judges’ Save to rescue him from elimination the week prior. Still, it’s hard to get past the overarching air of entitlement he brings to the Idol stage, and his hammy point-and-wink shenanigans would be a better fit for Berkshires Lounge Act Idol, no?
5. Casey James (Last week No. 3): Squandered the momentum he gained with his passionate, stripped-down “Jealous Guy” by delivering a tedious, low-wattage “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” during Elvis week. There’s no denying he’s consistently solid, but you can’t win Idol by sitting midpack and waiting for weaker singers to get picked off. Running out of time to step up and be brilliant.
4.Tim Urban (Last week No. 5): Known more for being emotionally tone-deaf than vocally brilliant, but with a guitar in his hand and headlights in his eyes, this little fawn has been slowly but steadily gaining momentum in the competition. You have to admit: “All My Loving” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” were massive steps forward compared to “Sweet Love” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” And that perception of “growth” and “improvement” can be very powerful with Idol voters. If he continues to choose pretty songs that don’t test his limited range, he could easily pull a Nikki McKibbin or a Jasmine Trias.
3. Siobhan Magnus (Last week No. 4): Her uneven but interesting “Suspicious Minds” was a definite improvement on her screechy “Through the Fire” and so-so “Superstition,” but we’re still pining for the days when The Glassblower brought us electrifying drama (“Paint It Black”) while maintaining vocal excellence (“House of the Rising Sun”). Ranked at No. 3 based on past glories more so than on recent performances, but there’s no denying that at her very best, she’s perhaps the biggest threat to a Crystal-Lee finale.
2. Lee DeWyze (Last week No. 2): His “A Little Less Conversation” and “Treat Her Like a Lady” both rank among the season’s 10 best performances, so despite a slightly one-note vibe, he’s looking like a solid bet to make it to the finale. Could seal a trip to the Nokia by giving a more vulnerable vocal — and shaking up the jeans-and-gray-jacket uniform — for Idol Gives Back Week. Here’s hoping dude watches Idolatry — and takes notes while doing it!
1. Crystal Bowersox (Last week No. 1): Actually improved on Elvis’ original “Saved,” and combined with powerhouse turns on “Me and Bobby McGee,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” and “Come Together,” she’s the clear leader of the season 9 pack. Still, would be nice to see her add some current music to her repertoire, no?
If Big Mike were white, would Sleze say ‘air of entitlement’? I think he is just making himself stand out.
I think Big Mike’s “you can check me out on i-Tunes” comment sounded arrogant, flippant and out-of-touch. His skin color had nothing to do with THAT.
i agree with you flyer. I thought to myself what an ass for saying that.
And according to Rickey (of Rickey.org), Big Mike’s recordings stink. He said this season’s best recordings are not from Crystal–but Lee. So far, I have downloaded itunes from only Lee and Crystal. There is no way I would download anything from Big Mike–and it has nothing to do with the color of his skin!
Seriously playing the “racist” card Tomm?! This magazine is nothing if not honest and fair. Besides, it demeans the spirit of competition. Labeling him “Big” Mike on the other hand, may not be so kind. It is catchy though.
Big Mike is the best!
If you people all hate looking at Mike and his pointing and smiling antics and since the color of skin is obviously so upsetting to you all, may I make a suggestion? Check him out on Itunes, then you won’t have to look at him and can just enjoy his singing. that’s what I do cause quite frankly I don’t like the color of his skin either but he is a pleasure to listen to if I don’t have to look at him.
For me, he’s sort of comparable to Gokey on an attitude level. Good singer, sure… But, I mean, they both had family-pimp-video-packages, which drew a lot of attention in the semis. They both seem(ed) to think they’re awesome (reference Gokey after “the scream” last year) when they may not deserve it. Based on that comparison, I would say the “air of entitlement” stands – your opinion may differ, of course.
I agree I felt the same about Gokey, good singer but hated the attitude (PS – Did you know Gokey’s wife died, and Mike just had a baby!)
True! I hated Gokey for that reason, and have grown to hate Big Mike as well.
Oh. Give me a break. Danny Gokey was 10 times better than Big Mike. And there is no way he had a sense of entitlement as big as Big Mike. I recently bought Danny’s CD and I can tell you that IMO, it’s the best CD from anyone of Season 8. I also think Anoop’s “My Name” is the best song from anyone of Season 8. So you can’t equate live performances with recordings. Big Mike may sound good on stage but lousy in the recording studio. Danny may have sounded lousy on stage but excellent in the recording studio. I think that’s why the judges are pushing Lee to be in the finals–HIS RECORDINGS ARE EXCELLENT! I would definitely buy his CD.
Kris’ CD is the best from anyone of Season 8 and all the other seasons too. He is a great live performer and the tone of his voice is great on recordings…the best of both.
Agreed. I’ve been telling my friends that I get a Gokey vibe from Big Mike. While he is a decent singer, he’s too full of himself so I long for his AI downfall. Sorry B.M. I won’t be checking you out on Itunes. It’s Crystal and Lee for me, plus a Siobhan song or two.
Mike is a much better singer on his worst day than Gokey ever was on his best, but his pre- and post-performance strutting is off-putting. Yes, Mike does have a sense of entitlement, but it pales in comparison to Gokey’s. Then again, Gokey’s “I Deserve This” attitude pales in comparison to Chris Daughtry’s attitude. I hated him then and I still hate him now. No matter how many records he sells, I’ll probably hate him for a very long time. He was an arrogant creep.
Wow. Really? Pulling the “race card”? Hmmm… Slezak has never once been disparaging because Big Mike is “not white”. Arrogance knows no race.
Big Mike is just not likable. That’s life. I thought his”spotless” performance was lacking the emotional impact of Elvis’ version. Now I’m no Elvis fan, “in the Ghetto” is so hauntingly sad… big Mike is just preening his runs. Annoyingly.
There is such a fine line between cocky & confident, humble & insecure and all these idols fit somewhere in the range. It’s a massive leap to suggest anything other than what these kids communicate on camera is behind anyone’s opinion. Points on a curve and preference, you know.
I agree, I cannot believe that some of these kids think really that they are too good to be being judge. They should be listening to the judges and use it to their good, lets face it when they start traveling, they will be judged by the press and the world and they are not going to like what everyone is saying. I have been a follower of Crystal but I think she is great but she thinks she is absolutely too good. If these kids are as great as they think they are, they would already have a record. They should be using every comment they hear, good or bad to help them win. They are all great and at 60 I am a huge lover and voter but remember kids – you are still learning and you need to listen, that is what the judges and the american voters are for and get off your high horse, you have not made it to the top charts yet!
big mike is annoying- his personality gets in the way of his music. we get that he has personality unlike some other people on the show, but he has to tone it down or it does come across as if he believes he is arrogant
Oh come on – Slezak has been a huge supporter of the likes of Melinda Doolittle, Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia in the past. I really don’t think you can play the race card here.
Richie – http://www.remotepatrolled.com
Good lord, can we please take the iTunes comment in context?!? Would that be asking too much?? He was being critiqued for being a showman. His point was well-taken: if you only want the music, you can get that from iTunes. AI is about more than just the music.
I agree – he gave a good answer and don’t forget, it’s off the cuff, it’s not like he has time to prepare. Who knows what any of us would have said in that moment. Big Mike is getting ridiculed when he doesn’t deserve it.
I get what you are seeing but perhaps he could have worded it better and left out the hand sweep and pointy finger. maybe, ” I didn’t want to give just the iTunes version of the song, but a full-out performance as well”
Please….Michael Slezak (although I do not know him) is far from a racist and he would’ve said the same thing about Big Mike if he were white. Face it…Big Mike is an entitled, arrogant, egotistical guy with a nice voice.
Maybe we’ll hear how he is “well-spoken”, next.
I honestly don’t believe the issue with Mike Lynch is racially motivated. Not questioning that bigotry still exists, but I have to agree with Sleazak. For me the “check me out on iTunes” comment felt rather arrogant. If not for the judges’ save he would have been done! And the goofy muppet faces and constantly manhandling everyone is really wearing thin. But there’s no arguing the guy has a strong voice. For that reason I wouldn’t count him out too quickly.
I do wish Slezak would give the “entitlement” song a rest and, for the life of me, I can’t figure out why the iTunes comment has been such a lightning rod for criticism. What’s the big deal?
It doesn’t matter if he was black, white, yellow or pink with blue polka dots he comes off as arrogant no matter how good his singing is. With all his preening and “doing it for the fans” he could have a great Vegas show.
I agree with you, Tomm.
When Big Mike will be voted off, I wonder who Michael Slezak will pick on and enjoy it. Boring reviews in sight for you, Michael S!
Oops this was a reply to Tomm’s comment sorry!
I agree with you, Tomm.
When Big Mike will be voted off, I wonder who Michael Slezak will pick on and still enjoy it. Boring Idol recaps in sight for you, Michael S!
Big Mike really does have a beautiful voice but he’s just too corny. Not a race issue more of a ‘ham’ issue. Same exact criticism was thrown Gokey’s way probably more so.
What an idiotic comment. Slezak’s comment regarding Michael Lynche having an “air of entitlement” has to do with him acting like he’s got the competition all sewn up, and has nothing whatsoever to do with his race.
I think Sleazak meant Mike ACTS very smug.
Get over it, dude. People don’t like prima donnas in any color. If you can’t stand out vocally in this competition, you don’t deserve to be at the top. Period.
Oh, Michael, what does Casey have to do???? I admit Lawdy Miss Clawdy was meh, but Casey is consistently better than Lee and Siobahn. My list:
1. Crystal
2. Casey
3. Lee
4. Siobahn
5. Tim
6. Aaron
7. Mike, he sings well, but the attitude sucks!
Consistently better? Varying opinions I guess. But I think Casey would rank higher if he took more risks. Siobhan and Lee aren’t consistent but they take risks. Casey has once with Jealous Guy. I want to see him re-arrange something and push himself.
What risk did Lee take? I kind of think all his stuff sounds the same. Although I agree that music is a matter of taste so opinions will vary!
he did rearrange jealous guy and lawdy miss clawdy
Lee rearranges a lot of songs to fit his style. His vocals aren’t always pretty but he’s done a good job with arrangement and instrumentation.
@Anon. Lee has a lot of risks. For starters, “A Little Less Conversation” is a VERY challenging song to sing. You have to get the tone just right (otherwise it’ll come across as psycho as Daughtry did in Season 5), and you’re singing a lot of words. Lee took that risk and it paid off. I liked how he slowed down the song (unlike Daughtry who made it too fast and manic IMO), and gave it a bluesy sound to it with his acoustic guitar. Plus, have you heard the Cornelius Brothers’ version of “Treat Her Like A Lady”? It’s nothing like Lee’s version. He took a huge risk changing it up the way he did and I gotta say–it sounded 10 times better than the Cornelius Brothers. Casey is consistent because he doesn’t take any risks.
Lee has [taken] a lot of risks.
Risk, like bagpipes! what a joke! I was laughing out loud.
@d well, laugh your head off, sweetie, we’ll see who laughs last.
Actually, the bagpipes were a huge risk. Okay, it didn’t have the effect her was counting on, but it was a risk and when Simon asked him whose idea it was to use bagpipes he did not hesitate one moment to own it. Have to admire that.
I’ll take the bagpipes over 3/4 of all performances this season. That and the digeridoo or however it’s spelled.
I agree. I loved “Jealous Guy,” but also heartily enjoyed his Huey Lewis and Sam and Dave covers. I dunno, I just liked those songs, maybe; I like his taste. I think he’s this season’s sleeper. He’s got the voice.
I agree with you K. I guess I just like his voice and his style. The fact that he sings in tune puts him over Lee for me. Casey should be ranked 2nd.
I think Casey has great taste in music. I think he makes risky song choices and I applaud his song selection this year with the exception of i dont wanna be
Casey is great!!! His laid back style may bother some, but he is super hot and consistant. Awesome, awesome voice. Great smile and he CAN sing!!! He has a lot of appeal. I didn’t want to say sex appeal, but just a lot something that I have seen in other idol winners. He should be ranked 2nd behind Crystal. Siobhan has not learn to control her voice/instrument. She turned me off when she compared herself to Adam. Got news for chickie, you are no ADAM or adamette.
I love you guys who see the real talent in Casey!! I think he is GREAT and gorgeous and I so hope he is in the top 2 along with Crystal. They are my 2 favorites. Lee is pretty good too, but I don’t want him in the final 2 over Casey.
Casey is very consistent each week, but he’s too stiff and lacks stage presence. That’s why I prefer Tim; at least, he’s entertaining to watch.
I think Casey is great, but he’s suffering from Melinda Doolittle disease – polished performances but lacking spark.
I agree. He is also a great guitar player but I feel like his voice sounds a little too much like Eddie Vedder’s without the passionate presence that he has.
Comparing him to Melinda? No way. She did change things and took risks. And she delivered. Some worked hard against her based on looks. She was superior to Jordon but still lost.
She has a super album out.
I believe Melinda Doolittle lost because she was “too nice”. I think sex appeal is a big part of appeal to the public. While Ms. Doolittle has an excellent voice and excellent artistry, I think the main reason she didn’t garner the votes is she lacks sex appeal. That isn’t to say I don’t think she is pretty. I do believe she has a pretty face, but she comes across as one’s pretty aunt who has a great voice and musical taste, not an object of fantasy. That said, she was my favorite of that season but I can see why she didn’t appeal to the broad public.
I absolutely agree. Casey may surprise everyone and win American Idol He has a huge female fan base.
I definitely hope you are right on Crystal and Casey being the top 2! From your mouth to voter’s ears and phones!
Mike, Great analysis and list. Well done!!!
I love Mamasox, I love everyone! Tonight’s gonna be a great night! I can feel it in my bones that everyone will have an awesome night Yay!
Paula, is that you?
What is it with Tim Urban and songs with the word “love” in the title?
Based on that extremely unscientific evidence (and taking a quick scan at that weird list of approved songs for this week), I’m thinking Tim will sing “Lovely Day” or “Your Love Keeps Lifing Me Higher.”
Aaron’s voice is so much better than Tim’s. I just do not get the judge’s fascination with Tim. They must have cotton in their ears. He butchered my favorite song of all time last week.
It’s a real horse fight–for 2nd place.
Yep, it would be a huge shocker if Crystal lost the title. Siobhan is a better singer than Lee, but TPTB think he’s more commercially viable.
Lee has a better recording voice than Siobhan, but she is a better live performer. In the end, TPTB want to sell CDs & downloads, which explains why they would prefer Lee.
Margie, that would be, “a real horse RACE.” Are you really Siobhan?
After seeing him massacre “Apologize”, if you had told me that Tim Urban would rank as high as fourth in one of these power polls (and that I’d actually be pretty ok with it) I would’ve told you that you were crazier than the way Ryan acted last week.
Good god this season is a cake wreck!
You have read my mind. The Tim Urban trajectory on this show has been something to behold. Probably my fav storyline of this whole acid-trip season in fact.
Anyone else think Tim (“Turban?” Seriously, Seacrest?) should stop singing songs with “love” in the title? The last four have had some iteration. Clearly this is an emotion that his pretty shaggy head cannot wrap around. Maybe try a story song instead!
I was just about to post the same thing! It was creepy to see them all listed like that.
Woops, posted another comment on this already and then noticed two people already noticed the same thing
He has to sing about love or the little 8 year olds at home wont know what to do with themselves. The only story his fans could relate to would be about Barbie or maybe he could sing a song from the Disney DVD collection.
It’s too bad they didn’t have any songs on the list from ‘The Lion King’. Tim could have sung “Can You Feel the LOVE Tonight?” and kept choosing songs with ‘love’ in the title. And it’s a Disney movie, so he could have sung it with a smile!
If it works don’t fix it. I don’t see him taking risks, it might get him out the door.
People who watch this show should be killed.
Well your the closest to Ryan Seacrest lets start there
American Idol fans and Justin Bieber fans are the same? Makes perfect sense actually.
Should it be Ryan Seacrest’s MANgina? Just sayin…
Slow day at work?
Pretty much. Conference calls mostly… and no one pays attention to those.
Has Tim really sung four songs with love in the title?
I love Crystal to death but I’m afraid she’s going to have a fate similar to Melinda Doolittle or Adam Lambert. I really hope we’re not pimping her out too much!
Anyweh, I’d put Michael above Tim, but either way, Aaron should (and will) go home! I’m still shivering over the fact that Katie was eliminated before him!
Oops…I meant Casey over Tim. Actually…I think Casey and Michael should be ranked above Tim but…yeah…Aaron needs to go home!
you are crazy. tim and mike need to go home before aaron
Just don’t understand all these “pimping her out too much” comments. It doesn’t take a music scientist to realize Crystal is in a whole different league than all the other drones this year. If you got it, you got it. Who are they supposed to “pimp”, someone who sucks?
That list of “inspirational” songs IS bizarre! I agree with one of the other posters about Casey – he’s had several good weeks, and although I like Lee’s voice a little better, at least Casey doesn’t look like he’s on the verge of vomiting while on stage.
I still want to lick Andrew Garcia’s butt.
seriously need a none of the above choice for the vote.Friends who watch just the preformances and none of the other parts of the show like Big Mike and like the season..go figure
OMG. What a festival of crap we are in for tonight! I hope that some of the more upbeat songs get chosen, like Everyday People, etc. I am going to need insulin from all the saccharine faux sweetness coming our way. It’ll be like eating sugar out of the bowl. And just as good for me, too. And yet, I’ll be there watching it all, filled with self-loathing. Lol.
I agree. I don’t want to be lulled to sleep by a litany of ballads. I might not wake up in time for Glee! LOL!