AI 9 5-25-10 The Final two Battle it out

Only one can make their dream come true, this is their final chance. This is AMERICAN IDOL!

Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze find themselves battling for the title on the Nokia stage tonight in front of a very large crowd. They will each get three chances to impress us tonight. Round one will be a reprise of the singer's choice, round two will be producer Simon Fuller's choice, and round three will be the dreaded coronation song.

Let us dish the dirt about the contestants, excuse me, rather let us get down to our serious critics of the contestant's performances.

ROUND ONE - REPRISE

Lee DeWyze - "The Boxer"

I do not believe this was a wise choice for Lee. I did not really enjoy the first time he performed this, I thought he sucked during the video performance of this on his visit home and tonight he delivered what has to be one of his worst and lazy performances ever. Lee once again was floating in and out of tune while demonstrating no emotion whatsoever. I will give him a little credit because his mumbling was held to a minimum so I could understand the majority of the words.

Randy - A great way to start. It sounded nice but not very energtic. Get some more energy going. Pick it up.

Ellen - I am really proud of you as if I birthed you myself. I think this sounded better than the first time.

Kara - I agree with Randy you needed to punch it harder. You are believable and connected in telling your personal story.

Simon - This is the big one and we needed a lot more excitement and passion from you. This was like a kiss on the cheek when I wanted a kiss on the lips. You are able to give more than that.

Crystal Bowersox - "Me and Bobby McGee"

Crystal made a wise choice because she brought passion and energy to the performance and demonstrated musically why she is a true artist. This was not a perfect vocal for Crystal but she did a formidable job. She brought some soul to the stage and a smile to my face.

Randy - This started a little slow for me but you picked it up by the end. This showed me the Crystal I love. You need to make more records like this. It was dope, dude.

Ellen - You are so compelling on stage with only your guitar. Stunning.

Kara - I loved this when you first performed it and I loved it tonight. You had fire in your belly tonight.

Simon - This performance demonstrates why we fell in love with you. You are back in the competition.

ROUND TWO - PRODUCER'S CHOICE

Lee DeWyze - "Everybody Hurts"

Lee is certainly not on his game tonight. This performance was boring and uninspired. I love this song and Lee pretty much ruined it. During the chorus his voice was pretty good but the longer held notes were in and out of tune. I also thought he was emotionally disconnected from the meaning of the song, he simply could not sell it. Michael Stipe must be screaming right now. The use of the choir was over the top and demonstrated once again that Lee does not have a strong voice.

Randy - It was kind of pitchy at the beginning but the chorus was better and reminded why I like you.

Ellen - I agree you went off a few times but that does not matter. I did though feel you were holding back some.

Kara - It was not a perfect vocal but you were emotionally connected.

Simon - It was a brilliant choice of song but you did fall off the melody but it is because you are nervous. Remember this night could change your life.

Crystal Bowersox - "Black Velvet"

Wow Crystal really surprised me because I did not realize how smoldering sultry she can be. Crystal had confidence and she totally nailed this song. I loved the new arrangement and the rock vibe. Crystal made this song her own to borrow from the judges. There was so much emotion in every word. The only issue I had was her walk down the stairs. Crystal went off the melody because she was paying more attention on trying not to fall off those heels but once she hit the stage she demonstrated vocal perfection.

Randy - Mommasox is in it to win it. Hot.

Ellen - Fantastic

Kara - Tonight is the night to give it your all and to hit notes you have never hit before and that is exactly what you did.

Simon - I am allergic to this song because I have heard it so many times but you took it and absolutely nailed it.

ROUND THREE - CORONATION SONG

Lee DeWyze - "Beautiful Day"

I am surprised about a cover for a coronation song and this is not a good choice for Lee. How does one out Bono, Bono. I will give Lee chops for leaving his guitar but unfortunately he was lost. This is one of the great songs but Lee totally messed this up. There was no joy, no celebration, and certainly no inspiration. Lee was also flat for almost the entire song. This is not a great way to end the competition.

Randy - I have to laugh about your walk around the stage but by the middle of the song you got your groove back with that big rock voice.

Ellen - You were fully present and I love it. I am so proud of you.

Kara - You were swallowed up by the song with there being some good moments and some not so good moments. Lee you have grown the most in this competition and have one of the most commerical voices of the season. You deserve to be here on this stage, you are what this competition is about.

Simon - You made the most of it and I could see total effort from you. You have worked hard and you are a nice person. I wish you the best.

Crystal Bowersox - "Up to the Mountains"

Wow another cover song for the coronation, most interesting. I believe this is my favorite Crystal performance from the entire season. This song showcases Crystal's vocals which were perfection. She was tender, passionate, and soulful all at the same time. The ending of this song was stunning including the tears dripping down her face. This is the way to demonstrate what an artist you can be and will be. I was on my feet clapping and doing my happy dance.

Randy - This was an amazing song and singer. This was an incredible moment.

Ellen - You are in a league of your own. You have a beautiful voice. We are always looking for someone who is unique and different and that is you. I would buy your album, attend your concert, and eat a salad you make. I am glad I was here at the beginning of your career.

Kara - This was an important song. My one criticism of you throughout the season is that you put up walls around you. Tonight you were emotionally invested. You have blossomed. Absolutely amazing.

Simon - This was the best performance and song of the night. This will be my last critic ever and all I will say is that was outstanding.

There is no question Crystal won the evening with all most stellar vocals.

I was surprised that after eight seasons the producers chose to step away from a new song for the coronation number. It is an interesing choice but I am not sure it will work to make hits especially with Lee's cover but time will tell.

I managed to get in 4, 003 votes for Crystal but I do not think it is enough.

As much as it pains me to say but I believe Lee's fans will rally with the voting and Lee will be crowned tonight. There is no way I would ever listen to or buy Lee's album. Bono should withdraw his agreement to let this song be the coronation number because it was brutal to listen to.

I am going out tonight with friends so I will have to tape the final program and watch it later. I will probably send out my final comments over the weekend.