Well, tonight was about as close to a blow out as I have seen in an Idol finale. While off-key Lee may still pull out the win, tonight was a clean knock out by crystal in my book.
1. Crystal - Up to the Mountain - This was as close to a WOW moment for me as any performance this season. Crystal sang this with an emotion we have not seen from her all season. Win or lose she capped the season with her best performance. Simply amazing.
2. Crystal - Black Velvet - A perfect torchy choice by the producers. Crystal absolutely slayed this song. I was scared for her in those heels going down the stairs, but other than that she blew this “out da box”.
3. Crystal - Me and Bobby McGee - Loved this the first time she did it, and loved it again this time. Crystal came with her A game tonight and showed no matter what the actual outcome is, she was here to win.
4. Lee - Beautiful Day - a couple pitch problems, but overall a very good performance by Lee. Did not feel it was as good as any of Crystal’s performances, but it was very good and showed Lee’s talent and that he definately deserved his spot in the finals.
5. Lee - The Boxer - Not sure this was as good as the first time he sang it. His nerves were on full display, and he had some really rough spots in this song. Still it was a good solid performance, but not great.
6. Lee - Everybody Hurts - On the good side, it was not a total trainwreck performance, but it was painful. Lee hit some very sour notes and just seemed to be slightly behind the beat the entire song to me. I think Lee’s nerves really got to him tonight.
SHOULD WIN - Crystal. She owned the stage tonight and was clearly the best performer.
WILL WIN - 50/50 - Lee has such a deep fan base that I am not sure even the clear blow out tonight will matter.
I agree.