Starting with USA Today's article about Idol taking a dip in the ratings, I am confused how one person interviewed for the article stated that the loss of Paula Abdul is a cause for the poor ratings. Let's be honest, Idol sucks simply because the talent this year is awful. If over 100,000 people truly tried out for the show as Seacrest claimed tonight (in his defense, he didn't say that many tried out this year), then those that screen the contestants prior to getting to see the main judges are truly the ones to blame. When you choose 12 contestants in which the vast majority have the personality of an Arizona politician, fans are simply not going to follow. It is only a matter of time when Idol is no longer highlighted on the front page of papers like the USA Today or web sites like Yahoo.
As for tonight's Idol, Harry Connick Jr. claimed the title as best mentor of the year when he not only mentored the contestants, but also brought humor and personality to the show and also composed the arrangements and played alongside the band. It is refreshing to see someone spend more than 10 minutes with each contestant and especially refreshing to see a mentor that doesn't slam the show that helped promote his new album (yes Usher, I am speaking to you).
Aaron Kelly took on the mighty "Fly Me to the Moon" and brought such little passion to the song that I believe the audience fell asleep during the performance. While awful for Idol, he would have performed well in a cruise ship karaoke competition.
Casey James was as turbulent as a 757 with Faisal Shahzad onboard when he performed "Blue Skies". For a guy who possesses strong skills when it comes to the blues, James simply chose the wrong song. Most likely, this will be James swan song.
Crystal Bowersox left behind her dreads and performed in a sexy black dress, but unfortunately she also left behind the power and talent that has had her in the lead all year when she performed a mediocre version of "Summer Wind".
Michael Lynche performed a personal favorite (and perennial wedding song), "The Way You Look Tonight". Unfortunately, unlike the judges, I found the performance was just alright. While definitely the best of the bunch before him (against this group tonight even Britney Spears would have shined), the song didn't come anywhere near the power of the original.
While refreshing to see Lee DeWyze smile a bit and even seem almost comfortable on stage, DeWyze still lacks a real stage presence. A solid version (against tonight's performers) of "That's Life", DeWyze lacked the swagger that crooners like Sinatra possessed.
It is all but confirmed that Kelly and James will not be going "All the Way".
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