While last year’s “Idol” buzzword was “artistry,” this year has been all about “having a moment.” But what exactly constitutes one of these elusive moments? Well, it’s kinda like sussing out illegal immigrants in Arizona; it’s difficult to pinpoint, but, apparently, you’ll “just know it when you see it.”
When it comes to doling out these star-making moments, this season’s contenders have been pretty stingy. Backup bagpipers and sliding across the stage can’t quite compare with Kris Allen’s rendition of “Heartless” or Carrie Underwood singing the hell out of “Alone,” both of which were pivotal Idol Moments.
In fact, apart from Big Mike delivering an impassioned version of “This Woman’s Work” when singing for the save, this season has been void of goosebump-inducing performances, never mind “moments.” The judges would have us believe that we witnessed a star being born last night during Lee DeWyze’s “Hallelujah” performance, but their gushing seemed a little too forced to me.
In what feels like an attempt to produce an exciting showdown for the finale, Cowell & Co. have been pushing him on us for weeks. True, neither Crystal Bowersox nor Lee have ever been in the Bottom 3; however, Crystal has been much more consistent week after week. So why are the judges so in love with DeWyze now?
To make us watch the finale.
And watch I will, as this season is turning out to be completely different than I expected. With the exception of Bowersox, these are not the people I would’ve bet on for the Final Three. But nothing would surprise me at this point, not even Casey making it to the finale. In fact, Casey progressing tonight would seem strangely appropriate for a season where Idol Shockers have been the norm.
CASEY JAMES
Of course Casey sang first because he doesn’t fall into the producers’ master scheme of a Crystal/Lee showdown. I’m not sure if he even thinks he can win (and notice the judges aren’t encouraging him to think he can the way they did with Lee). His presence almost seemed like an afterthought to the panel; he was the warm-up to the real show. Granted, he didn’t do himself any favors with his song choice, either.
“OK, It’s Alright With Me” by Eric Hutchinson
Casey opted for this song because it sounds like something he would’ve written himself. Picking a song you’re connected to? Good. Picking a song that nobody knows? Bad. As much as the judges throw around words like “artistry,” “American Idol” is a competition first and foremost. There is plenty of time to develop as an “artist” once you’ve already won. But to win, you have to lure people in with songs they already know. Look at Crystal; last week she sang a Kenny Loggins song for cry pete!
“Daughters” by John Mayer
Kara and Randy chose this song for Casey because he has lots of women fans and I guess they’re daughters or something. It’s a nice enough song but it didn’t seem like the showstopper that this episode required.
