Who did the best tonight on American Idol? Well, that’s up for debate as each of us have our own favorite contestant. But it seems that any of the top 4 could win the competition this year as they each are strong in their own way.

Who remains? Crystal Bowersox, Michael Lynche, Casey James, and Lee DeWyze.

Tonight’s theme was “Songs from the Movies” with Jamie Foxx as the mentor. I was excited to hear Jamie’s feedback for this season’s contestants. He’s got such a wide range of talents and could easily provide great mentoring.

Lee DeWyze began the evening with “Kiss from a Rose” – Jamie Foxx got right up in Lee’s face as he was preparing – to force him to the next level of performance. I wanted so much to love Lee’s rendition tonight but it just didn’t make me leap up cheering. I love his voice the most, but the song wasn’t my favorite tonight. The song didn’t work for Randy or Simon either. Kara’s comments about the song being very difficult to sing, and he got lost a bit. Simon even commented that he was trying too hard to sound like the original and it verged on karaoke.

Up next was Michael Lynche singing “Will You Be There”. Boy that guy can sing! I was worried about anyone singing a Michael Jackson song but I think he made it his own and I loved it. It seemed like the crowd loved it too. Randy didn’t love the song choice for him – mentioning that he should have chosen an R&B song. Ellen said he was a little predictable but he’s consistently good. Kara was ready for “Woman’s Work” and “Love” – songs that she had goosebumps. Simon said it didn’t make sense and he was confused – but Michael gave it 100%.

Duet by Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze – both with guitars – “Falling Slowly”. I really liked it except for one note that I thought Crystal screamed, but overall I liked the harmonizing between their voices. It’s actually nice to have the variety of a duet. The judges loved it as well. Kara even said it was one of her favorite moments of the entire season. Simon called it a “fantastic” song.

Casey James singing “Mrs. Robinson”. Surprising song choice in my opinion – it’s a mellow song and not one that most people would jump up for… so I’m interested in hearing your opinion about the choice. I was hoping for a rockin’ country song from Casey. But I got a little bored actually. Randy “I don’t know that I was jumping up and down”. Ellen wished they would have given him a “big boy guitar” – as he was playing a very small guitar (it sounded like a ukulele to me). Kara said he was vulnerable and fighting to stay in the competition. She liked the choice. Simon and Randy asked what the song was about (an older woman seducing a younger guy – Kara pointing to herself as the older woman and pointing to Casey as the younger guy), followed by some inappropriate comments from the judges about the content of the song. Simon didn’t think the song had the substance required, “it was a little bit lazy” and he thinks Casey could have made more of an impact. Simon’s comment that there have been strange song choices tonight was my thought exactly.

Crystal Bowersox sang a song from “Caddy Shack” – “I’m alright” by Kenny Loggins. Jamie told her to make the song not just a song but make it a “testimony”. I think it was my favorite song of the night. I think she could make the song popular again and her voice tone fit the attitude of the song really well. I still wish she had some more “interaction” between her and the audience as I still feel like there is a barrier between her and those listening – but she was the best solo of the night by far. Randy said Crystal is a true artist, but it wasn’t his favorite performance but she switched it up. Ellen said it was “crystalized” and “made the song better” than the original. Kara agreed that she’s an artist. Simon’s comment was that Crystal was “back in the game.”

The final duet was between Michael Lynche and Casey James – performing “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman”. I loved Casey playing the guitar – it seems to make a difference with his confidence and comfort level on stage. I didn’t know that Michael played the guitar as well – but it was nice to see. I liked the song and thought both guys did a good job. Randy said the song was brilliant. Ellen said “Yes, I have Loved a Woman”… awkward but funny. Even Simon burst out laughing. Kara said the duets tonight were great and better than any of the solos. Simon agreed that the duets were great.

I was left wanting much more tonight. Nobody did a terrible job. But no song stood out as memorable… even thinking back to a few minutes ago thinking that Crystal did the best job tonight – I can’t really remember much of the performance itself. I think perhaps there wasn’t strong emotion attached to any of the songs. At this stage, I just want to be inspired to leap up and cheer, or be brought to tears or have chills — something that makes me say “WOW!” and want to tell someone that they HAVE to listen to that performance. But nothing really did that for me. Perhaps it’s because they are all really talented and my expectations are so high. What about you? Were you left wanting more? or did you have an absolute favorite performance from tonight?

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