- Lee led off the night with his version of "You're Still the One" off of Shania's 1999 album Come on Over . Lee started out a little subdued on the song, but when he hit the chorus, the song really took off for him. His ending was nice as well--the band stopped and he did a little acapella thing. Randy professed his love for the song and Shania and credited Lee with doing a nice job with it. Ellen said Lee "couldn't look cuter" and invited everyone "all aboard the Shania Twain"--complete with fist pump. Kara questioned whether Lee connected with the love song. Simon said it was "absolutely the best song (for Lee) in the Shania Twain songbook", but added that he thought Lee "pulled some funny faces"--Kara was quick to point out that that "funny face was a smile". Oh well, he sang good, got good reviews, and will likely be around for another week.
- When Big Mike got together with Shania, they worked on "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing". Shania said Mike could sing the phone book, but "don't let that go to your head". With those words of encouragement, Mike hit the Idol steps with just his microphone and some red lighting. As Mike sang this emotional song, the cameras found Shania swaying back and forth in her seat in the front row with what looked like watery eyes. As Big Mike finished, Randy noted his ability to deliver an R&B style song. Ellen compared the performance to the late great Luther Vandross. Kara said she could see Big Mike was obviously connected to the song. Simon agreed with Ellen's comments about Luther, but thought the performance was "wet" which drew odd looks and questions from the other Idol judges. Apparently "wet" means "girly" in Simon-ese.
- When Casey's turn to work with Shania came up, he chose to sing "Don't"--he called it a "singing song". Well, afer a couple of weeks of under delivering, let's see how he sings this "singing song". Casey performed his song on the catwalk behind the judge's table--better to get all of the ladies in the audience all reved up...and reved up they were. It was definitely Casey's best performance in quite a few weeks. When he fininished the crowd (including Shania) went wild. Randy thought it was one of the "best Casey James performances EVER!" and felt Casey may have stumbled upon his true calling as a recording artist. Kara said it was a raw performance and could vault him into the lead. Simon agreed with Randy (that it was his best performance) and "ordered" Casey to "come on down and give this one (Shania) a kiss!" Oh, TORTURE!!!! :)
- So with everyone in good voice tonight, let's see how front-runner, Crystal Bowersox does with Shania's "No One Needs to Know". Shania encouraged Crystal to "be happier in your tone" when she sings the song because of how it applies to her own life (Crystal is trying to get her boyfriend to go to the next relationship level). When we caught up with her on stage, Crystal was flanked by a snare drum player, a gal playing the mandolin, Ricky Minor on the stand up bass, and a steel guitar player as she delivered a somewhat slower version of this wonderful song. As usual, Crystal was solid in her performance, but I'm not sure it stood up to Casey's or the other boys that came before her. Randy agreed (with me) that it wasn't his favorite Crystal performance. Ellen didn't think it was her favorite, but still thought she was brilliant. Kara said it was believable, but still not her best. Simon started out by saying "surprise, this week we didn't like Crystal" and thought it was "limp" and compared the performance to "a coffee shop that hired someone to sing when you didn't want them to". Oh well, even Babe Ruth struck out once in a while.
- So what would 17-year-old Aaron Kelly do with Shania's "You Got a Way"? Shania thought it was the perfect song for him, but she also sensed he wasn't confident in his ability to deliver it. When he hit the stage he was joined by a grand piano and guitar player. Aaron sounded like maybe his teenage nerves were starting to show during the initial part of the song, but he seemed to be getting them under control as he made it to the end. Randy liked the performance and reminded everyone that "this is your wheel house". Ellen pointed out the "depth of emotion and maturity" he showed was beyond his years. Simon said that "if you are going to make records, this is the type of record you should make".
- Siobhan wrapped the show with her version of "Any Man of Mine". Shania encouraged Siobhan to put a little attitude into the song. Sioban had her back up singers on the stage with her along with a steel guitar player--and then she abandoned them in favor of the cat walk where she kind of lost me...and the melody. But she quickly recovered and made her way through the audience and back onto the stage where she finished the song with her patented big note and big finish. I'm not sure that note was enough to cover for all of the other issues. But that's just me. Randy loved the "punk country look and big notes". Ellen was impressed: "way to pull the Shania Twain into the station". Kara: "Guess who's back". Simon said the "screaming at the end sounded like giving birth", but he admitted to liking the song--and he doesn't normally like country.
So it is going to be a tough elimination night tomorrow--there were arguably six very good performances, but somone has to go...and you know who it is going to be? I predict it will be Big Mike...if only because he was so close to going a few short weeks ago.
Tune in tomorrow to see how the votes get tabulated...as usual, I will be here to share every moment with you because I watch TV so you don't have to!
Charlie
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