By Lindsay Strouse

 

This is it, folks. It’s time for Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox to put it all on the line to see who is our next American Idol. These two have always had the vocal talent, but they have grown so much in their own personal journeys on the show.

 

To help American decide, the contestants will sing 3 songs: their favorite song of the season, a song picked by executive producer Simon Fuller and the song they will release if they win.

 

In addition to it being Lee and Crystal’s last week on the show, it is Simon Cowell’s last week as well. Let’s see who got the coveted compliments:

 

Lee DeWyze – “The Boxer” by Simon and Garfunkel
What I love about Lee is that he always sings with everything he has without the slightest sense of cockiness or knowledge that he is great. I think I actually liked this performance better than the time he did it on “Inspirational Week.” The only thing I can say is that it lacked a bit in the energy department. It’s okay, we still have two more songs to go!

 

Crystal Bowersox – “Me and Bobby McGee” by Kris Kristofferson
Crystal brings back her own mic stand for some good luck tonight—not that she needs it. She did start off a bit slow and was a little too low key for my taste, but by the second half of the song she went back to the fantastic, quirky Crystal we have all grown to know and love. Round one of the duel goes to Crystal!

 

Lee DeWyze – “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.
This was definitely a great song choice for Lee although I do wish it was something a little more upbeat and energetic. He showed more passion in this performance than the first time around, although he had a few pitch problems here and there. It’s obvious the nerves are getting hold of Lee tonight and it seems like he’s holding back on us.

 

Crystal Bowersox – “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles
Simon Fuller is an ace at song choice. It’s the perfect song for Crystal and a great way for her to take risks in all the right areas. She puts on a fantastic performance and I can tell she is really fighting to win it. I wish I could say the same about Lee tonight. Crystal is 2 for 2 right now in the competition—she’s in the zone tonight.

 

Lee DeWyze – “Beautiful Day” by U2
Okay, Lee. Time to hit it out of the ballpark! Oh, but it’s just short. Although this is the song he will be releasing if he wins, I feel like it isn’t really his style and he’s getting lost in the music. He is certainly endearing and it is amazing to see how much he has grown as a person and a performer, but it doesn’t quite do it for me. Thankfully, Lee picked it up in the second half of the song to finish up with a strong performance. Simon ends his critique with a great comment: Lee DeWyze and his story is what this show is truly about. I’m pullin’ for ya, Lee!

 

Crystal Bowersox – “Up To The Mountain” by Patty Griffin
Finally. All season I have been waiting for Crystal to really let us in emotionally, and tonight she did it. You could tell how comfortable she was sitting up on the stage with her guitar singing like no tomorrow. There’s no doubt her vocal chops are incredible and it showed with this song. Randy thought it was her best moment on the show. If it was, it couldn’t have come at a better time. This would be the perfect song for Crystal to release if she is this year's winner--it's just her style.

 

Crystal clearly owned the competition tonight, but will it be enough against Lee’s incredible growth and commercial voice?

 

Tune in tomorrow, Wednesday, at 8/7c on Fox to see who will be crowned this year’s American Idol. There’s going to be a few surprises thrown in for Simon’s last show and a possible appearance by Paula Abdul, as well. You don’t want to miss this!

 

(Photo courtesy of Fox)

 

For more American Idol links, visit SirLinksAlot.net

 

Follow Lindsay at twitter.com/LindsayStrouse