AI9: Top 5 Perform

It was Frank Sinatra night last night on American Idol. I was not looking forward to it. What I like best about American Idol is when they give us new looks at today's music. When they do these big-band nights, getting the young singers to perform in that outdated style is like trying to jam square pegs into round holes with a sledgehammer. But apparently Simon is a huge Frank Sinatra fan, and we have to put up with these excursions into the deep, dark past. Frank's two daughters, Nancy and Tina, were in attendance last night and presented Simon with one of their father's monogrammed handkerchiefs. He seemed genuinely touched.

Harry Connick, Jr., was this week's mentor. I basically admire him, although I'm not a huge fan of his music. He put a lot of hard work into mentoring, doing arrangements of the old standards for each of the singers and accompanying most of them on the piano. When Ryan introduced him at the beginning of the show, he let Harry give the traditional opening line: "THIS - is American Idol!"

Aaron Kelly opened the show with “Fly Me to the Moon.” Big Band meets Teeny Bopper! His voice really isn't big enough for this song, although he gave it his best effort and managed to sound like a talented student at a high-school variety show (which is, in my opinion, where he ought to be singing). Randy thought he did a really good job. Ellen thought he really pulled it off. Kara thought it was good, but it wasn't as strong as last week. Simon said that if Sinatra was a lion, then Aaron was a mouse. He didn't think Aaron sang with conviction, and the performance came off as a little corny.

Handsome Casey James sang "Blue Skies." Unfortunately, he sang it very badly. From the opening notes - which were way off-key - to the last sustained notes, which sounded for all the world like a sheep bleating, he was painful to listen to. This sort of music is definitely not in Casey's comfort zone. Harry gave him a very bluesy arrangement, and made some comment during the mentoring session about how sometimes it wasn't about the lyrics, sometimes it was about the groove. Well, the groove never quite got there. Randy thought it was his worst performance. Pitchy, out of his element. Ellen said that it was about being cool and having swagger, and Casey was very stiff. Kara said it took him a long time to warm up. She commented on his bleating tone when he holds long notes. Simon thought he came over as a bit embarrassed and awkward. Last week, Casey was in the Bottom 2 with one of his best performances. After this poor showing, I'm convinced he'll be the one who goes home tonight.

Crystal Bowersox chose “Summer Wind” for personal reasons, which she didn't divulge. She wore a floor-length black lace strapless dress and piled her hair on top of her head; she looked like a nightclub singer, which suited the song. She did a creditable job, although it wasn't her strongest performance. Randy commented that it was one of her more subdued performances; it was okay but a little sleepy for him. Ellen thought she started out by swallowing every word, but then she opened up a little. Kara said it was out of her element, but she kind of liked it. She liked her phrasing. Simon thought it was a little bit indulgent; the first half was too jazzy, but the second half got better. It's not about singing for yourself any more, he said. I know what he meant; she chose the song for herself, not because it would show off her talent, and that may have been a mistake at this stage of the competition. Crystal is still my favorite of this year's singers, and I still want her to win.

I was counting on Michael Lynche to show everybody else how Sinatra songs ought to be sung, and he didn't let me down. He was superb. He chose “The Way You Look Tonight.” This song has been performed by so many different people, and I was wondering if even Big Mike could bring something new to it. But he was in his element. His voice is well suited to big-band style. Randy said it was an unbelievable arrangement, unbelievable vocal, Mike's in it to win it, this is what it's all about! Ellen thought he was the most comfortable on stage. He looked the part, sounded the part, very smooth, a lot of charisma. Kara said he found the drama, he did everything right, and he didn't lose himself in the song. Simon loved that Mike listened and everybody worked together on the arrangement. Mike was clearly the star of the evening for me.

Lee DeWyze sang “That's Life”. Before the mentoring session, Harry remarked that his wife really likes Lee. He figured out that Lee looks like a "new,improved" version of himself. For this arrangement, Harry played a small organ (it sounded kind of rinky-dink; I wasn't sure it fit). All I can say about Lee is that if he could stay on key, he'd be really, really good. His false notes really bother me, though. I can't figure out why the judges don't notice them. Randy thought it was another great arrangement. He thought Lee stayed his rocker self for it. (I didn't see it.) Ellen said “At first I was distracted by Harry's organ.” But she loved it. Kara asked him if he thinks he can win. She thinks he can. Simon thought Harry brought out Lee's personality and confidence. The judges heaped the praise onto Lee; it seemed that he was their personal favorite tonight. Sorry, Lee, Mike outsang you by a mile. I'm sick to death of the judges pimping Lee all the time.

Tonight's top performance, as I just said, was by Michael Lynche. Lee DeWyze gave a good (if slightly off-key) performance, and I'd rate him above Crystal Bowersox for it. The song showed off what he can do more than her "indulgent" choice did. But Crystal is still solid, and still my personal front-runner.

Casey James gave the worst performance and should be going home tonight. I'll miss him, but by now, he's out of his element. Aaron Kelly should join him in the Bottom Two, but I expect Aaron will stay. If they do a Bottom Three, they might be joined by Crystal, which is hard to accept. My son and I both voted for Crystal and Mike last night. By now, it's just which singer has the largest fan base.