By Lindsay Strouse

 

The Top 5 return this week on American Idol singing classic Frank Sinatra songs under the guidance of triple threat, Harry Connick Jr.

 

Connick brings mentoring to a new level, as he will do their orchestration as well. This is going to be great for a top 5 that is so instrumentally driven. Connick even brings along his own band to help him while he plays the piano onstage.

 

Here’s a breakdown of how Sinatra night went:

 

Aaron Kelly – “Fly Me To The Moon”
Before I even get into his singing, Aaron gets brownie points for looking like the most adorable thing that ever walked out of the 1940s. Thankfully, his voice is just as good. It has a great sound to it and I could tell he was really fighting to stay in the game. Kara thought the performance was good but not as strong as last week. I agree in that he needs to add more charisma to his performance and that vocals can’t carry you all the way, but he should get props for effort tonight.

 

Casey James – “Blue Skies”
I want to love him…but it really didn’t work tonight. When the camera first hit him I thought he was going to have a cool, bluesy vibe to him, but there was nothing but stiffness. He was pitchy throughout the whole song and something just wasn’t clicking in. It is obvious that he’s trying hard since he is out of his element, but effort doesn’t always get people to pick up the phone. The judges sensed his nervousness and Casey admits he felt really uncomfortable up there without his guitar.

 

Crystal Bowersox – “Summer Wind”
During rehearsals with Harry, Crystal notes having a very personal connection with the lyrics but doesn’t say anything more. When she steps on the stage, she looks absolutely stunning and has a voice to match. I mean, let’s face it: the girls knows what she’s doing up there. Sinatra is definitely a different style than what she’s used to, but she still finds a way to make it her own. The judges had mixed feelings about the performance and think she needs to start singing songs that will make people really want to pick up the phone.

 

Michael Lynche – “Way You Look Tonight”
This is one of the most iconic songs in the world, so right away Big Mike has a huge task ahead of him. Like always, he is ready for the challenge and knocks it out of the ballpark (I think the judges are probably patting themselves on the back for using the save on him). Big Mike is in his element and you can tell he’s loving every minute of it up there. Hey Aaron, THIS is the charisma we’re talking about. The judges give rave reviews for his ability to rock the song and still stay true to himself.

 

Lee DeWyze – “That’s Life”
Lee closes the show tonight and what a job he does! This guy puts a big smile on my face whenever he steps out onto the stage. He has an awkward yet somehow sultry charisma to him that make him even more loveable. His vocals are spot on for the song and his personality really starts to shine. The great thing about Lee is that he is nothing but himself while singing and his growing confidence is helping him every week. The judges crown him the award of best performance of the night! Great job, Lee. I’ll see you next week.

 

Don’t miss American Idol's live results show tomorrow, Wednesday, at 9/8c on Fox.

 

(Image courtesy of the official Harry Connick Jr. website)

 

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