American Idol judges Simon Cowell, Ellen Degeneres, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi tell us what they think of the five remaining stars as they sing Frank Sinatra songs, mentored by sexy heart-throb, Harry Connick, Jr. He brought some of his band with him to play with American Idols. Harry found all of the stars humble performers who appreciated critique from him.
Sir Anthony Hopkins graced the American Idol audience along with Frank Sinatra’s daughters, Nancy and Tina, who gave Simon monogrammed Sinatra handkerchiefs. Sinatra songs will forever remind me of my ex. When my daughter was an infant, my ex and I were living in CA. He loved to play Sinatra and dance around the room with our baby. All five American Idol performances were good but one out-shined the rest.
Aaron Kelly’s American Idol performance
Aaron Kelly was the first American Idol to perform tonight, singing “Fly Me to the Moon”. Harry did a great job mentoring the young, sweet and well liked Aaron Kelly. This was not Aaron’s best song of the season but I think he did well enough to be safe for another week. He seemed to enjoy singing this Sinatra hit and he is definitely in it to win it. Randy gave Aaron kudos. Ellen gave Aaron props on his vocals. Kara thought it lacked charisma and the song was not as good as last weeks performance. She called him honey and reiterated her comments were not negative but constructive criticism and wants Aaron to “fill up the stage more”. Simon recognizes that people like Aaron, he tries hard but his performance lacked conviction. Simon said “if Frank was a lion you were just a mouse” and Aaron’s vocals were a bit corny towards the end.
Casey James American Idol performance
Casey James is super hot and was obviously stoked to sing with Harry at piano. Harry obviously liked Casey and had fun working with him. After watching and listening to Casey sing “Blue Skies” I wanted to take him home! Randy thought Casey was out of his element and had his worst performance. Ellen has a hard time giving negative commentary but she agreed with Randy. She agreed with what Simon said about Aaron and that Casey’s performance needs to be smoother and lacked swagger. Kara said Casey sounded like a lamb – I completely disagree. Simon thought Casey felt embarrassed, uncomfortable and awkward while joking about Casey having a “booking for next week.” The cold joke from Simon did not go over well. Harry thought he sang better at rehearsal. Casey was out of his comfort level without his guitar. While I should be rooting for Aaron Kelly (read why here), I really like Casey.
Crystal Bowersox American Idol performance
Crystal Bowersox is popular but I am unimpressed. Her grunge did not jive with Frank Sinatra’s “Summer Winds” and I am a grunge lover. Crystal says she has a deep connection to the lyrics of the song but I doubt it. I found her tearful performance of past episodes forced. Randy found it sleepy and I agree. Ellen wanted Crystal to loosen up but said she was multifaceted and impressive. Kara kind of liked it but found it out of Crystal’s element and enjoyed her phrasing – I completely disagreed. Simon found it too jazzy and did not find it a strong performance and expects better. I have to agree with Simon, it was not a strong performance and is not about singing for yourself – he expects better. Crystal needs to shush and not argue with the judges but accept their constructive criticism. Many people like her but I personally hope she gets voted off! She is fake while trying to appear unique. Not a big fan of Siobhan Magnus but she was more unique than Crystal.
Mike Lynch American Idol performance
Mike Lynch feels he is somewhat in his element with “The Way You Look Tonight” and it showed. Harry Connick, Jr. advices Mike to think about his girl and be direct. Mike Lynch was the most comfortable performer in this genre so far tonight. Randy says Mike is in it to win it. Ellen said Mike was more comfortable than the other five Idols and said he was charismatic – I agree! Mike nailed the Sinatra song with performance and vocals. Kara “found the drama of the song” while Simon appreciated the pressure the singers are under. Simon really liked Mike’s performance tonight and thought it all worked and jived together – “well done”.
Lee DeWyze American Idol performance
Lee DeWyze obviously enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to work with Harry Connick, Jr. Randy liked the rocker style and loved the performance. Lee is highly underrated. Ellen jokingly didn’t like Harry’s organ but thinks Lee could have won Idol with tonight’s performance. Kara thinks Lee could win too. Simon thought Harry brought out Lee’s confidence and personality. Simon went on to say Lee gave it 110% and said it was the best performance of the night – I agree!
