For Real: American Idol Top Six

American Idol started down the homestretch Tuesday night, as America has now weeded out the majority of the "also competed" folks this season. Going into the show, it seemed that with the exception of Aaron Kelly, we were left with the five legit contestants that have stood out as the favorites all season. It was Shania Twain night, which made for some very interesting performances - these very well written songs that were originally performed in the narrow genre of pop-country allowed for the artistic contestants to put their own take on the classics.

Contestant: Lee DeWyze
Lee performed "You're Still the One." It was great to hear him do a song originally done by a woman, because it forced him to shake things up. Still, he was pitchy & breathy throughout - his sustained notes were flat & unpleasant to listen to. Overall, the layering of his rough style on Shania's classic vocal arrangement worked to his advantage, but I can't help but compare him to contestants like David Cook (who won in 2008), and concede that Lee just isn't as good either technically or artistically. It's kind of like America is having to settle this season.
But Let's Be Real: It was good enough for the competition this year. But in any other season, Lee might not have even made it this far. Regardless, tonight's performance will speak to America in the way it has for many weeks now, and he will be safe tonight.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Michael Lynche
Mike did "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing," and for the first time I heard the theatrical quality Simon spoke about a few weeks ago. It only came out in a few notes, but it was there & it is a little uncharacteristic of soul - maybe part of the reason America held out on him during the top nine when he received the least amount of votes. I thought that technically, Michael's performance was as great as it always is. The song might have been a little boring & I don't think it connected to the audience quite as well as it did in the past. But still, good.
But Let's Be Real: It's really hard to say what America thinks about Big Mike...I still think he's the best contestant technically, but I don't think America loves him as a person quite as much. I think he absolutely deserves to make the top five, but I wouldn't put money on it happening.
What It Is: A-

Contestant: Casey James
Casey sang "Don't," his second attempt at a slower, soul-bearing, heart-wrenching ballad this season. Last time he did this, everybody loved it & I hated it. This time, I think we all loved it. It was a real performance, with great care to the need for "equal loud and soft parts" in a ballad. It felt very legit & was not only pleasant to listen to, but moving & emotional too. I think Casey is growing on me, and his usual annoying vocal techniques (machine gun vibrato, for instance) were absent tonight.
But Let's Be Real: He probably put himself back into the top three with this performance. The contrast between this week & last week is astronomical.
What It Is: A

Contestant: Crystal Bowersox
For some reason, Crystal took the "country" theme literally, coming out with a twangy performance of Shania's "No One Needs to Know Right Now." It was very surprising to see Crystal take less of an artistic approach than the other contestants. She sang it well, but there was no push behind the rendition. No excitement.
But Let's Be Real: Crystal is being pushed in many different directions by the producers, who obviously want her to win the show, judging by how much they have put into transforming her so far this season (I'm talking mostly appearance). It was probably good for her to have a week to "back away from the front" a bit, so that she can have a really good push up into the final over these next few weeks.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Aaron Kelly
Aaron sang "You've Got A Way," and I wasn't sure how I felt about it. Whereas I straight up loved his performance last week, this week I didn't feel strongly one way or another. He gave a heartfelt performance, he was very relaxed & he has improved technically, but he is still so nasally & seems to me like a combined version of a much less talented David Archuleta and a much less talented Justin Timberlake.
But Let's Be Real: The judge's input has such a huge effect on America's overall opinion, which in turn heavily affects the votes. Because the judges loved him so much tonight, the results could change accordingly.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Siobhan Magnus
Siobhan sang "Any Man of Mine," & it went like Siobhan's performances used to go earlier this season - the first half shaky & boring, and the latter brightened with some really big notes. The song was good, but she was pitchy - again, it felt like she was just barely holding on to the notes. For example, when Kelly Clarkson wails on a big high note, you never feel like she just barely has the power to sustain the note. It just sounds natural. With Siobhan, it doesn't sound so natural and it's a little uncomfortable.
But Let's Be Real: Although Siobhan did pull it off in the end, I get the feeling that America might be wearing a little thin in the Siobhan department. She isn't making any progress towards becoming her own artist, and there just isn't any stability with her. She reminds me of Diana DeGarmo from Season three (though I will grant that Siobhan is definitely better than her).
What It Is: B

My Breakdown:
Casey James A
Michael Lynche A-
Lee DeWyze B
Crystal Bowersox B
Aaron Kelly B
Siobhan Magnus B

So What?
It's a very tough week...I have said all along that I believe Aaron isn't good enough to be in the top 5. I still think that, but I have a feeling that America (I don't really know why there are so many voters that do this) will vote based on what the judges thought. It seems to happen that way a lot. They thought Aaron was a completely revived artist tonight, and it might show in tomorrow's results. I believe that the only contestants definitely safe are Crystal, Lee & Casey. I still think Mike & Siobhan should fill out the top five, but I have a bad feeling that Aaron could pull ahead of one or both of them...

at 5:03 PM