Tonight’s the night! Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox sing for the title of season 9’s American Idol. No matter who you’re rooting for, it’s going to be a good show. It’s the showdown I called back in March and everyone else seemed to agree was a given.
And this will be the last time we get to see Simon Cowell dish out the critiques.
So here we go!
The show is live from the Nokia Theater, where 7,000 fans are ready for Lee and Crystal. Interesting that both finalists came out of the Chicago auditions.
Lee and Crystal down the aisles through the audience; Crystal drops her mic and gets distracted on the way.

Crystal won last week’s coin toss, and she’s opted to go second tonight. They’ll each be singing three songs. The first is their favorite from the season; the second a song chosen by executive producer Simon Fuller; and the final the winner’s first single. We can only hope it’s better than that train wreck Kara wrote past season.
On a side note: Regie Hamm, the songwriter who penned the winning song “Time Of My Life,” recorded by David Cook, has a new book and CD coming out in June. The book talks about the journey he and his wife were on after adopting a special needs child from China.
OK, back to the show. Video of Lee, and now he’s singing “The Boxer,” the Simon and Garfunkel song he sang during inspirational week. I think he’s much better this time. Great way to start the show. Randy says it was nice but he has to pick it up. Ellen says “Boo” to Randy and tells Lee, “I couldn’t be prouder if I birthed you myself.” Kara agrees with Randy, but it’s meaningful. Simon says would expect more passion and excitement, caling it “a kiss on the cheek when I want a kiss on the lips.” Well, there you go.
Now we take a trip down memory lane with Crystal. She’s singing “Me and Bobby McGee” from Billboard’s #1 week. Randy says it’s a duel to the finish; he says it started slow but she picked it up. He calls it “dope” and says he hopes she makes a record like that. Ellen says she’s so compelling on stage, and Crystal and the guitar draw the whole room in. Kara loved it. Simon says it reminds them of when they fell in love with her, and says “We’ve got a competition tonight.”
Round 1: a tie.
For Round 2, Simon Fuller picked “Everybody Hurts” for Lee. I just can’t believe how much Lee has totally blossomed the last month or so. Really, after Adam Lambert was guest mentor. It’s like somebody threw a switch and Lee finally believes that he deserves to be there. I love this. Randy says it started pitchy but he liked it a lot better. Ellen he pulled back a bit and she wants more of him. Kara says he’s emotionally accessible; she says it wasn’t a perfect vocal but that’s OK. Simon says it was a brilliant song choice, he also thinks Lee is a bit nervous, and for his last performance he wants a “10 out of 10 because you’re capable of it.”
Fuller picked “Black Velvet” for Crystal. She sounds good but maybe little distracted trying to walk down the stairs in those heels. This was good, but I don’t think it was her greatest performance. Randy says it was hot. Ellen says it was fantastic. Kara says they can tell Crystal wants it. Simon says he’s almost allergic to that song because so many people have murdered it; but he says she “absolutely nailed it.” I agree; I hate the song but she did a great job.
Round 2: a tie. Although darling husband says Crystal won both rounds by far, and says she’s outperforming Lee. But when I asked who the audience gives the most response to? He agrees with me: Lee. But he says Crystals not going to make it easy for him to win. My opinion? They’re both great and I’m happy whatever happens.
Round 3: the winner’s single, “Beautiful Day.” Wait, the winner’s song is a U2 song? On the one hand, glad it’s not some crappy, sappy new tune the contestants have to made sound presentable. On the other, Lee’s nerves may have gotten the best of him at the beginning of this performance; it was a little pitchy. As he goes on, he’s much better and he ends strong. Randy says it was “interesting” as he walked around, but by the middle he got his groove back. Ellen asks Lee how he feels, and Lee says he feels good and happy. Ellen says watching him grow and saw he was fully present and taking it all in, and she’s so proud of him and he did a great job. Kara says he got swallowed up a bit in the song, but he’s grown the most on the show, and he has the most commercial voices and he deserves to be there. Simon says he made the most of it, and he says it’s the final time he’s going to judge. And Simon says this show is about people like Lee, a guy who needs a break, and simon says he genuinely likes Lee and wishes him the best.
Ryan gives Lee a chance to talk to fans; Lee says he wants to do this for the rest of his life, he appreciates the support, and he loves everyone very much. Ryan calls him “a class act”.
Wait. If Crystal wins, she sings a different song? “Up To The Mountain?” That’s a rip off. Her song is much better suited to her; she gets to sit with her guitar. Of course she’ll sound better. I changed my mind; having both contestants have to make due with the same sappy, crappy winner’s song at least keeps things fair. Lee would have done better if he got to sing a song with his guitar, not having to walk around on stage. Randy says it was amazing and he’s so proud of her. Ellen says she’s unique and in a league of her own, calling her voice beautiful. She also adds, “If you make an album, I’ll buy it, if you go on tour, I’ll go and see you, if you make a salad, I’ll eat it.” Kara says Crystal was completely emotionally invested in that song unlike any other night, calling it amazing. Crystal asks if she can say something to Simon before he critiques. She says he’s amazing and thanks him for everying and wishes him well. Simon says it’s a love fest, and calls her song the best performance of the night. And he says since this was his final feedback ever, he says, “That was outstanding.” Famous last words from the judge America has loved to hate for almost a decade.
Ryan offers Crystal a chance to say something to her fans, and she says she’s overwhelmed and grateful and thankful.
Round 3: has to go to Crystal.
Ryan adds to Simon that they’re going to miss him; do I see Simon’s eyes get glassy?
Recaps: both were great, but I would give Crystal a small edge tonight. But I still think Lee has the fans’ edge.
Video recap of the season, to the title track off Idol UK winner Will Young’s new album. The season’s contestants join Lee and Crystal on stage, and we’re out til tomorrow.
Go vote!