Today each of the last three contestants was to sing two songs, one of them to be chosen by themselves and one by the judges.
And the contestant to kick off the evening was Casey James. He chose the song "Okay, It's Alright With Me" by Eric Hutchinson. Of course he immediately starts putting vibrato in his voice, it didn't fit the song. To me it was an okay rendition of a good song. Randy Jackson said the song was okay, but just alright with him. Ellen said she expected more from him. Kara questioned his song choice. Simon said it was the most important night and said that the song wouldn't stick in people's mind but that he sounded good.
The second performance was by Crystal Bowersox. She chose to sing the song "Come To My Window" by Melissa Etheridge. She started out by playing on her harmonica. She gave a great rendition and was entertaining to see her perform. She actually also had her eyes open more often than usual. Randy said he didn't love the arrangement but that he loved the vocal and that it all worked out in the end. Ellen DeGeneres called it a good song choice. Kara's opinion was that it was a good vocal. Simon said he agreed with the other three. He also stated he respects that she kept true to herself since the beginning of the competition.
The last of the final three contestants; Lee Dewyze decided to perform the song "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. His performance was good and very entertaining. From the first three performances it would be clear that the top two should be Lee and Crystal. Randy commented that it was a brilliant song choice and that he was really in it to win it. Ellen said that Lee has grown very much during the competition. Kara DioGuardi said that he showed everything he got and gave round one to Lee. Simon said that the song choice was right on the money and said that he just crushed the other two in the first round.
The second performance from Casey James was decided by Randy and Kara and their choice for Casey was "Daughters" by John Mayer. Casey got to read that choice of course while being on stage in front of a lot of people in his hometown. He started out the song beautifully but fell a bit flat after he started using his vibrato again. His performance was overall not very good. Randy said that the song was a perfect fit. Ellen said it was good. Kara said that this song showed that he can be very vulnerable while performing. Simon Cowell said it was a much better song choice than the first song. He questioned the arrangement that was used though. He added that Casey sounded good all night long.
Crystal Bowersox's song was chosen by Ellen. "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney. She gave a very good rendition of the song and like usual she made the song sound like it was hers. Randy Jackson said she had great vocals. Ellen said she did it. Kara DioGuardi said she didn't change it much but that she showed parts of her voice that weren't shown by her before. Simon said that at first he was surprised at the song choice but after hearing her perform it showed that Crystal has choice and that she probably has to thank Ellen for putting her in the top two.
The last performance of the night was by Lee DeWyze. The song that Simon picked for him was "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. Luckily Lee decided not to do an accapella version, but closer to the original song as an accoustic version which made the song fit his voice. Randy said that it was the biggest moment for Lee in his career. Ellen DeGeneres said that Simon picked the right song for him and that the performance was stunning. Kara said that Lee owned the entire night. Simon Cowell said he is very proud of him and that he proved tonight that he is a terrific singer.
Based on today's performances I would put Lee and Crystal clearly at the top and Casey being completely out of their league and no competition to them.
Today each of the last three contestants was to sing two songs, one of them to be chosen by themselves and one by the judges.
