'American Idol': Adam Lambert thinks Crystal Bowersox should win Season 9

'American Idol': Adam Lambert thinks Crystal Bowersox should win Season 9 By Andrea Reiher| Zap2it May 17, 2010

"American Idol" Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert has picked his winner of Season 9 -- Crystal Bowersox.

Lambert tells Hollywood Life at his Wango Tango concert in Los Angeles, when asked who he thinks should win Season 9, "I think Crystal is great. I love her anti-establishment attitude."

Adam Lambert is about to embark on his Glam Nation tour this summer -- it kicks off June 4 in Wilkes-Barre, PA and continues until Sept. 4 in Rockford, IL. He has said he'd love to come back for the "American Idol" finale, so we wonder if we'll see him there before his tour starts.

The Top 3 of "American Idol" perform the judges' choice songs this week. Ellen DeGeneres chose "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney for Crystal Bowersox. Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson chose "Daughters" by John Mayer for Casey James. Simon Cowell chose "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen for Lee Dewyze, who will probably do a version closer to Jeff Buckley's haunting rendition than Cohen's original.

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox blazes her own path

Crystal Bowersox blazes her own path

Crystal Bowersox did not win "American Idol" this year, but that's just fine with her.

The young mom with the blonde dreadlocks won over season nine fans and judges with her heartfelt, soulful takes on classic '60s and '70s songs.

In the end, she lost the title to Lee DeWyze — but got a record deal with 19 Recordings/Jive Records.

So what kind of record does she want to make? Something in the vein of Ray LaMontagne or Melissa Etheridge?

"I don't want it to be like anyone else's," she said in a phone interview from Florida. "I take most of my inspiration from life —I want it to be my words."

She was pegged as a bit of an old soul this season, and that doesn't bother her.

"I listen to all sorts of music and check everything out," she said, "but what I love is kind of limited to what touches me and what moves me."

Staying true to herself an making "real, organic" music is her priority.

"I will not being singing 'Blah, Blah, Blah,' " she said, a reference to the radio-friendly pop of Ke$ha.

Of the other nine finalists she's touring with, she would be most likely to record a duet or track with Casey James, she said.

"I really like Casey's stuff — he's definitely a real musician, and I like his southern rock, country style."

Two of the biggest challenges for her during the tour are managing her type-1 diabetes (she wears an insulin pump 24/7) and
adjusting to life without her 18-month-old son, Tony. She gets to talk to him and see him occasionally, but "it's never enough."

Becoming a household name doesn't seem to have fazed the singer, whom fans lovingly dubbed "Mama Sox."

"I think people need to remember that we're human, we need space and time and you can't please everyone all the time," she said. "You've got to worry about taking care of yourself."

Source: CARY ASPINWALL World Scene Writer/TulsaWorld

Best of Crystal Bowersox comes out at NJ Idols Live show (MTV Review)

American Idols Live! Shows Best of Lee DeWyze, Crystal Bowersox
Casey James, Andrew Garcia, Katie Stevens also sound better on Newark, New Jersey stage than they ever did on TV.

Fans of all ages donned their finest homemade puff-paint T-shirts for the American Idols Live! tour stop at the Prudential Center on Tuesday night. And judging from the excitement in the healthily populated arena, they did not leave disappointed.

Without a TV-friendly two-minute time limit for songs (and without a panel of judges ready to lay into them for any missteps), many of the season-nine performers were well-served by the live setting, particularly winner Lee DeWyze, who smiled more in his five-song set than he did in his entire run on "American Idol."

Also-rans like Didi Benami and Andrew Garcia each delivered sets that reminded the crowd why they emerged as faves during Hollywood Week. In particular, Garcia's take on Paula Abdul's "Straight Up," now with added funked-up fuzzy synths, suggested he may have made it farther had he brought that energy and ear for arrangement to more of his "Idol" performances.

The most-improved award goes to the youngest performers, high school student Aaron Kelly and recent grad Katie Stevens. If a Nashville scout saw the way Kelly owned the stage during uptempo country hits by Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts — and the crowd's warm reception to him — he or she would be insane not to scoop him up and groom him to be a Justin Bieber for the NASCAR crowd.

Meanwhile, Stevens took her "Idol" persona (wear the clothes of a middle-aged secretary, sing like an untrained teen with self-esteem issues) and completely flipped it on its head. She's now dressing her age (in a fun, flirty dress and killer knee-high boots) and singing like a seasoned veteran. Demi Lovato might regret clearing "Here We Go Again" for Katie, because it will never sound this good live again.

For some singers, the "Idol" tour is a shot at redemption. Heartthrob Tim Urban boldly tackled the Goo Goo Dolls' "Better Days," the song that got him eliminated on the show, and then followed it up with an earnest "Viva la Vida." It was a surprisingly serious set from a guy whose greatest asset is his smile and charming personality. When Urban finally did show off his pearly whites, the little girls in Newark shrieked loud enough for folks at the Jersey Shore to hear. Here's hoping it didn't interrupt Snooki from important business.

Speaking of shrieks, Siobhan Magnus delivered her signature wail at the end of "Paint It Black." While the audience appreciated the energy she brought to that Rolling Stones classic and No Doubt's "Spiderwebs," Muse's "Stockholm Syndrome" flew over the heads of the young ticketholders. It was a bit like watching a Tim Burton character stuck in a Ron Howard movie.

Michael Lynche (a.k.a. Big Mike) kicked off the second half of the show with a smooth, mellow R&B set that relied heavily on his falsetto. (He was, after all, performing songs by Kate Bush and India.Arie.) But it was an uptempo Justin Timberlake track, "My Love," that proved to be the most entertaining, if only for his out-of-left-field rap. (Don't worry, T.I., Big Mike ain't stealing your job anytime soon.)

Casey James, often stiff and awkward on "Idol," had one of the more effortless sets of the night. His impressive guitar work on the Black Keys' "I Got Mine" and the Rolling Stones' "It's All Over Now" made many forget they were watching an "Idol" concert.

Season-nine runner-up Crystal Bowersox kept that energy going with a showstopping set that further proved that the dreadlocked singer is more than just your everyday coffeehouse troubadour. If MamaSox can connect this deeply and emotionally with karaoke staples by 4 Non Blondes, Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge, (not to mention a chill-inducing "Up on the Mountain" reprise), it's downright scary to imagine how well she'll perform her own self-penned music. We're in for a hell of a debut album this fall, folks.

As much love as Crystal received, there was no question whom the audience was there to see. "Idol" champ Lee DeWyze's entrance caused near hysteria from his New Jersey fans, and not just because his pants' zipper was accidentally down. (Whoops!) The winner appeared to be positively giddy as he darted back and forth from one side of the stage to the other. The singer rarely stopped moving while putting his laid-back, gruff spin on '70s lite-FM staples "Rocket Man," "Hallelujah" and "Treat Her Like a Lady," showing off a looseness rarely seen on "Idol." Like Crystal, Lee gave the impression that his talents would be better displayed by performing originals. On the other hand, then we'd be deprived of a massive audience sing-along of Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody."

Much has been said (often snarkily) about the latest crop of "Idol" finalists, and while the live concert might not turn haters into slobbering fan-girls, it may leave them pleasantly surprised.

Source: Jim Cantiello, MTV

Crystal Bowersox and Casey James interview each other (video)

During a break from rehearsals for the upcoming American Idol Live summer tour beginning July 1, and after running through their group number - a cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “My Life Would Suck Without You” more than a dozen times - the Top 10 Idols paired up to grill each other. While some Idols did their interviews completely unscripted, others had the help of index cards. All offered plenty of laughs!

Crystal Bowersox and Casey James interview each other:

I'm Speechless! Crystal Bowersox performs one of her favorite songs.

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox visits The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and gives one of the best performances by any Idol contestant, EVER! Crystal belts out a soulful rendition of 4 Non Blondes "What's Up." Linda Perry - Are you listening?? I can only imagine the incredible music that would come out of a Bowersox/Perry collaboration. Both women put their whole being, their soul, into every song they sing. (If you're not familiar with Linda Perry, click "4 Non Blondes" above and get that CD NOW! "Once best known as the lead singer and primary songwriter of 4 Non Blondes, Perry has founded two record labels and has become a major songwriter and producer responsible for hit songs by a number of successful female singers such as Christina Aguilera (who had a #1 hit with Perry's song "Beautiful"), Gwen Stefani ("What You Waiting For" from her album Love Angel Music Baby) and Pink (who had a #1 hit with "Get the Party Started", written by Perry). Perry has also contributed heavily to albums by Courtney Love and Kelly Osbourne as well as signing and distributing James Blunt in the United States.")

Just yesterday, Crystal was asked "What is your favorite song to sing" during the Father's Day 'Live Chat," where Crystal, Lee DeWyze, Casey James and Didi Benami answered fans' questions submitted via Twitter. Her answer, ""What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes. It's a fun one. Lot of yelling." Crystal looked like she was having a great time performing "What's Up" with bandleader Ricky Minor and his band. Crystal owned the song and the stage, and it was obvious from the gleam in Crystal's eyes that this is what she was meant to do. Crystal does not perform because it is a job, she performs because it is sheer joy to do so.

Ricky left Idol after the Season 9 finale to become the house band for Jay Leno. Crystal tweeted, "Reunite with Ricky Minor and the band!!!! Rehearsals today for the tonight show with Jay Leno. ;)...Reunited and it feels so gooood." Later, after taping the show, Crystal tweeted "... Had an amazing time with Ricky + band, Dakota fanning and Jay!! Thanks to everyone at the tonight show!"

Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Casey James & Didi Benami Chat with Fans (Video ~ Recorded Live!)

Good News, Fans! If you missed the Live Chat with Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Casey James and Didi Benami, you can watch it now on The Crystal Bowersox Blog! The 2-hour event was recorded live. The Idols answer questions submitted by fans via Twitter.

It's great to see the Idols like this...interacting and having fun with each other, letting down their hair - so to speak, and really letting the fans get to know them. We get a much better sense of who Crystal and Lee really are. They seem so much more natural and at ease sitting around answering questions with their good friends than we've seen in the many one-on-one interviews the Idols have been doing lately.

The Live Chat was organized as a promotion for the American Idol LIVE tour kicking off July 1 in Detroit, Michigan.

The first live chat, held with Tim Urban, Katie Stevens, and Michael Lynche, drew more than 100,000 live responses from engaged fans. The second featured Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia and Siobhan Magnus.

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze & Casey James ~ LIVE CHAT TODAY!!

American Idol fans will get to interact with the Top 10 finalists today, Sunday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.. Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox along with other finalists including Casey James and Didi Benami will answer questions from their fans.

This audience - American Idol finalist’s talk is being organized as a promotion for the American Idol live tour starting off on July 1 at Detroit.


Fans will get an excellent opportunity to tweet their questions to #IdolsLive. The audience has a chance to get an answer to all their queries regarding American Idol and its contestants.

The first live chat held with Tim Urban, Katie Stevens, and Michael Lynche drew more than 100,000 live responses from engaged fans. The second featured Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia and Siobhan Magnus. Tickets for the Idols Live Tour are for sale.

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox & Lee DeWyze LIVE CHAT on Father's Day

Nothing says, "Thanks, dad" like chatting it up with some "American Idol" singers.

Before the Top 10 finalists from Season 9 kickoff their nationwide tour, a few of them will take to the computer for a live Ustream chat on Sunday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:40 p.m. PT on AmericanIdol.com.

Besides winner Lee DeWyze and runner up Crystal Bowersox, fans will get the opportunity to pose questions like, "What conditioner do you use?" to Casey James and Didi Benami if you so wish.

Just tweet your questions with the hashtag #IdolsLive to submit them for consideration.

The "American Idol Live!" tour starts on July 1 in Detroit.

American Idol Live! Tour 2010 Tickets are NOW on Sale!!! Get them HERE!

The Top 10 finalists Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus, and Tim Urban will hit the road this summer on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010.

See Crystal Bowersox LIVE!!

America’s #1 show will make 51 stops this summer at a mix of top arenas and amphitheaters across North America giving fans a chance once again to catch their favorite Idols performing live in a town near them. The Live Nation promoted tour begins on July 1st in Detroit and runs through September 14th in Pittsburgh. For the full list of locations.

Simon Fuller, creator and executive producer of American Idol stated, “We are all looking forward to this year’s American Idol Live! Tour. This is always one of the highlights of the year. Each of the Idols have the chance to meet the people that voted for them and perform at incredible venues all over America, another special moment in their developing careers.”

American Idol Top 3 'Judges' Choice' Picks

By M.S. Chloe

Friday was 'Homecoming Day' for the American Idol Top 3 contestants. During this whirl-wind meet-the-fans/media blitz - which included parades, singing of "The National Anthem", interviews and their first chance to sing original songs for their fans - Crystal Bowersox, Casey James and Lee DeWyze learned what song the judges have picked for them to perform this Tuesday.

This week, the Top 3 will perform 2 songs. One will be the judges' choice and the other is the finalist's choice.

Ellen Degeneres picked "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney for Crystal.

Casey James will be singing "Daughters" by John Mayer, chosen by Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardia.

Simon Cowell picked "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen for Lee to perform.

If two of the three songs don't immediately come to mind, join the club. I don't think I've ever heard of "Daughters", and it took a few secs for "Maybe I'm Amazed" to start playing in my mind's soundtrack, but I think that's because 'maybe I'm amazed' Ellen would choose this song for Crystal. With all the songs that would allow Crystal to show her amazing range and really shine, this song's a bit too safe to sing at this point in the competition. Ellen, we're down to the Top 3, not the Top 24! But then, look what Crystal did to "I'm Alright." Maybe she'll completely re-arrange this song too, and like "I'm Alright", make it better than the original.

Just listened to John Mayer's "Daughters" - no wonder I've never heard it before, it sounds like a public service announcement. Does Kara expect Casey to sit down in an 80's turquoise jacket with his little ukulele and imitate Tiny Tim again? Plus, she's making it too easy for Casey, allowing him to sing the guy mother refers to as "The One-Note Wonder."

And for Simon's choice of "Hallelujah", all I can say is "How boringly predictable." Don't get me wrong, the Jeff Buckley version of this song is one of my all-time favorites. But, hasn't Simon chosen this over-played song before? Tim Urban already sang it this season and Jason Castro gave a great performance of Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah" during Season 7. (It's on Jason Castro's new album...you gotta get it!) Does Simon really believe Lee has the passion needed to carry it off? We've seen the emotion come out during his duet with Crystal, so if Lee reaches deep down, he can do it! But really, if someone's got to sing this song on American Idol again, it should be Crystal.

American Idol Viewers Send "Big Mike" Packing, plus Results Recap

Michael Lynche Eliminated after Predictable Michael Jackson Cover During Movie Week By Joyce Lee

"Michael Lynche came painfully close to his dream of making it to the top three, but fell short when he received the fewest votes on Wednesday night's episode of American Idol.

Lynche, the 26-year-old personal trainer from St. Petersburg, Fla., left the viewers and the judges unsatisfied with his predictable performance of Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There." The judges deemed his performance safe and unimpressive.

During the results portion of the show, Casey James was the first contestant granted relief. This came as a shock since everyone assumed he would land in the bottom two with Lynche."

Next up was Lee DeWyze. Ryan Seacrest reminded the audience of the judges' assessment from last night. Lee didn't think his performance was karaoke-like, and was happy with the performance, but thought he could have done more with the arrangement. Ryan then called Mike's name, then asked him to "hang tight for a second." Then he said "Lee...friends, Lee is headed back to Chicago."

Lee DeWyze is safe!

"Instead, Crystal Bowersox was the one left standing next to Lynche at the end. But it was no surprise to hear she was saved, as she's a strong favorite to win the whole competition, or at least advance to the final two.

Despite being saved from elimination by the judges five weeks ago, Lynche had a good run. He won the viewers over early with his charm, and they were further endeared to him when his wife gave birth to their first child during the audition rounds.


Results Recap
American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino opened the show with her performance of "Bittersweet," a powerful ballad from her upcoming album. Bon Jovi also took the stage to sing "Superman Tonight."

Later, Season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry returned to the Idol stage with his rock band and performed "September." Grammy-nominated Daughtry offered a few words of advice to the finalists.

"Stay hungry and don't compromise the music you love -- stay what's true to you," he said.

Wednesday night's results show had 37 million viewers, a record high for the season.

Next week, the Season 9 Top 3 finalists - Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze and Casey James - will get a chance to visit their hometowns before hitting the stage once more, with one more contestant sent home before the May 26 finale."

On next Tuesday night's show, the Top 3 will sing 2 songs each – a song the judges choose for them and a tune they pick themselves. (At the time of writing, no theme had yet been announced for the Top 3 show. Wouldn't it be nice to have a theme-free night?) Traditionally, the contestants find out their judges' pick during their hometown visit - as if the finalists do not have enough on their minds during their whirl-wind tour of parades, ribbon cuttings, keys-to-the-city ceremonies and "God Bless America"'s. (See Lee's and Crystal's previous Blog entry for a taste of their hectic Friday schedule!)

with additional reporting by M.S. Chloe

Top 4 Idols Mentored by Jamie Foxx During Cinema Week!

This week, Jamie Foxx, movie star and recording artist, will mentor the American Idol Season 9 Top 4 as they take on the Songs of the Cinema. If you’ll recall, Foxx mentored the Top 5 last year for Rat Pack week.
On the Wednesday night results show, Daughtry will perform their new single, “September.” Bon Jovi is also set to perform.

Each of the four – Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Casey James and Michael Lynche will sing a solo. But, the 4 contestants will also pair up to sing a duet.

Duets for tonight! Crystal Bowersox/Lee Dewyze and Casey James/Mike Lynche! What do you think of that?

Another development: The list of songs have been expanded from 34 to 50. And man, the list is full of re-treads! Yikes. Not liking this list so much… Why are there so many bad 80’s songs on it?

New songs on the list include Prince’s “Purple Rain”, which is notable, because Prince rarely clears his songs for Idol. (He allowed fellow Minnesotan, Paris Bennett, to sing “Kiss” back in Season 5.) And there are songs nobody wants covered on Idol again, like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Falling Slowly”.

The sixteen additional songs don’t improve the original list, that’s heavy on cinema cheese and total WTF? Should be an amusing night.

So, what do you think the Idols should sing? Check out the list and leave your comments below!

* (Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan Adams
* (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
* A Whole New World – Brad Kane & Lea Salonga
* Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In – The 5th Dimension
* Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do) – Christopher Cross
* Beauty and the Beast – Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson
* Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
* Can I Have This Dance – Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron & the Cast of HS Musical
* Can You Feel the Love Tonight – Elton John & London Community Gospel Choir
* Can’t Fight the Moonlight – LeAnn Rimes
* Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins
* Don’t You Forget About Me – Simple Minds
* Endless Love – Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
* Evergreen – Barbra Streisand
* Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
* Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
* Flashdance (What a Feeling) – Irene Cara
* Footloose – Kenny Loggins
* Gangsta’s Paradise – Coolio
* Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Jr.
* Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky) – Bill Conti
* Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman – Bryan Adams
* I Believe I Can Fl – R. Kelly
* I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
* I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
* I’m Alright (Theme from Caddyshack) – Kenny Loggins
* Into the West – Howard Shore and Annie Lennox
* Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
* It Might Be You (from Tootsie) – Stephen Bishop
* Jai Ho – A.R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah et al
* Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley
* Kiss From a Rose – Seal
* Let the Riverrun – Carly Simon
* Live and Let Die – Wings
* Lose Yourself – Eminem
* Moon River (from Moon River) – Audrey Hepburn & Henry Mancini
* Mrs Robinson – Simon & Garfunkle
* My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
* One Night Only – Jennifer Hudson, Deena Jones & The Dreams
* Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland
* Purple Rain – Prince & the Revolution
* Separate Lives – Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin
* Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
* Summertime – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
* Superfly – Curtis Mayfield
* Take My Breath Away (Love Theme from Top Gun) – Berlin
* Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
* We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) – Tina Turner
* Will You Be There – Michael Jackson
* You’ll Be in My Heart – Glenn Close & Phil Collins

This week, Idol hopefuls salute the golden hits of the silver screen, making their selections from the magical movie songs on the above playlist. Click the "Songs From the Movies" box below to download these great songs as singles, or download all - with just one click - as a special American Idol "Songs from the Movies" album.

When Harry met Casey ... and Lee and Crystal and Michael and Aaron

American Idol Season 9 Top 5 perform the music of Frank Sinatra, with mentoring by Harry Connick Jr.
It's not every day you walk into the "American Idol" studio and find Harry Connick Jr. at the piano, but that's where the jazz legend was, dressed Monday casual in a baggy white button-down and loose black pants, walking Big Mike through his big-band arrangement -- one that Harry himself came up with -- and making sure the Top 5 contender was comfortable with the twists and turns of a Sinatra song. Judging from the fist bump at the end, it was all good.

It's Ol' Blue Eyes week, which means it felt a little like a Christmas rom-com and a lot like "When Harry Met Sally" on Stage 36. Only this was when Harry met Lee, and Casey, Crystal and Aaron, along with the aforementioned Michael Lynche. Truth be told, Harry Connick is one heck of a multi-tasker. Not only did he orchestrate all the parts of each individual song, but he also played conductor, cheerleader and vocal coach.

The process, however, was pretty much the same. Each contestant got at least three run-throughs plus an instrumental to sing along to sans amplification, with musical director Rickey Minor looking on from the judges' table. The band, which includes nine string players, 13 brass and one drummer, looks like it was put together by HCJ. And as we previously reported, no one is allowed to play an instrument this week.

How did that pan out? Kind of nicely, I must admit. Without the weight and obstruction of a guitar, however minor, it seemed as though the Top 5 opened up vocally -- like they got more power, volume and reach with that little bit of extra air. Or maybe that's just confidence taking control. After all, it's been a couple of months of high-stress competition.

And how was Season 9's guitar golden boy Casey James handling the adjustment? "We'll see," he said with a hint of skepticism, then explained how he'd come to terms with what he "signed up for." Meaning, he's not driving this well-oiled machine. Nevertheless, Casey was pleasantly surprised by this new guitar-less sound. "Walking around sounds different," he enthused in a moment of self-discovery. Leave it to stage manager Debbie Williams to chime in with a very important message for Casey: "You know who we should fix you up with? Kellie Pickler." As if Casey needs help in the dating department. Really, Debbie.

We kid, but in all seriousness -- someone's gotta go every week. This is what Casey James was explaining after mentioning our shiva for Siobhan. That's right, the guy in the bottom two was trying to console me. I'm not sure if that meant he'd resigned himself to the possibility that Tuesday is his last night or whether Casey was just speaking the truth, but I liked the way he ended his thoughts: "Well, you have two more days to mourn." And: "What matters to me me is what happens after the show." He's wiser than he even realizes...

Speaking of smarts, Aaron Kelly's got some, otherwise how would he have made it to the Top 5? With his sleeves rolled up (as always) and his schoolwork out of the way, he was down to big-band business and what he does best: belt. Last week, I asked him about hitting the "money note" -- that big sustain at the end of every one of his performances. "It's not that I'm trying to show off," he explained, "it's what feels right for the song. Sometimes, I feel like it's gonna be boring if it doesn't have a big, grand ending." And going one step further in proving he's Season 9's David Archuleta, little Aaron dutifully hugged everyone within arm's reach (Crystal, vocal coach Debra Byrd, Fox staffers etc.), vintage Archie style. No wonder he keeps getting all those votes!

As for our front-runners, needless to say, Lee and Crystal handled their starring turns with aplomb, even if somewhat fidgety without their instruments. So instead of the strum, it was the snap, which seems all too appropriate considering the genre du jour. Lee was especially thumb-happy and also looking quite chummy with Mr. Connick, while Casey, who held onto his microphone for dear life, was simply starstruck. "I'm not even alive right now, it's like I'm in a dream," he said while watching Harry have his way with a Hammond organ.

To that end, expect a little New Orleans groove in Tuesday's episode (it is, after all, Harry Connick's hometown), as evidenced by Crystal and Rickey Minor's impromptu twirl at the base of the stage while Lee sang his heart out. Similarly, Lee and Casey both stood at attention while Crystal ran through her Sinatra number. But even with only 30-some people in the room, the show's last girl standing garnered the loudest applause from this influential focus group. Next stop: final four.

-- Shirley Halperin
L.A. Times, American Idol Tracker

With Crystal Bowersox & 3 other Idols sporting new ink, Season 9's Top 6 talk tattoos

Life offstage had a theme this week and it was new ink. With a rare day off (which Siobhan Magnus described as "like, a big deal"), four of six Season 9 contestants took advantage of the me time and visited a Hollywood tattoo parlor on Friday night. Naturally, we had to ask what inspired the four to mark the occasion and also posed a question to Casey and Aaron, who sat out the inking: What would they put on their sleeve at this moment in their lives?
Crystal Bowersox: Sporting fresh ink on her left wrist -- a beautifully illustrated gadfly-like twist on the classic medical symbol with a syringe down the middle and the words Type 1 Diabetic written across the top, Crystal said she got the tattoo because she is a "diabetic for life" and also "because I am really horrible about wearing medic ID bracelets and necklaces." But beyond practical purposes, Crystal says it sends a message to others and serves as a reminder to herself. "It's important now being in the position that I'm in," she explained after Tuesday night's show. "I have a responsibility to take good care of myself. There's lots of little kids out there with juvenile diabetes who need to take care of themselves, and they need a good role model." As for the art itself, she proudly declared, "I designed my own thing."

Siobhan Magnus: Ever the jokester, Siobhan first tried to convince us she had Michael Lynche's and Lee DeWyze's names written on her butt cheek, leaving "room on the other side for everybody else.... I'm sorry I can't show you," she said with a hilariously straight face. But in all seriousness, she couldn't show us the roman numeral IX she had stenciled on her "hip area," but she could explain the digit's significance: "It's been a really good number for me," said Siobhan. "I was 19 years old when I tried out in 2009 for season 9. And the more I think about it, then the more nines come up. Like memory vomit -- I was 9 years old when I figured out I loved to sing, and I was born in 1990, I could go on and on...."

Michael Lynche: Big Mike's gigantic guns both got new decoration. On his left arm, three stars, each about 3 inches tall. On his right: the word "Dream" in script. "They're healing up good," said Mike. "I'm just into reaching for the stars, you know? As silly as it is, I'm reaching as high as you can go and just dreaming big dreams. I'm sure all of us want to be stars. It resonates in my spirit, so I put it on my arm."

Lee DeWyze: Fans first spotted Lee's adornment at a "Shrek Forever After" screening over the weekend. Lee explained the symbol: "I got a silhouette of the Chicago flag ... (because of) everything that's happened to me there, and that's where this all started for me."

Casey James: When it comes to future tats, the wheels are already turning in Casey's mind. One of which, he teased, involves "a symbol from a movie" on his arm. He later 'fessed up: it's a Star Wars thing, which he'll share with his brother and cousin. "I've got a few (tattoos) drawn up that I'm getting when I go back home," said Casey. "My brother has one on his arm that's my initials on music bars, and I'm going to get his, which is BC."

Aaron Kelly: Though he's now one year closer to 18, Aaron's mother would likely not approve of a tattoo on her little guy -- even if it said "Mom" -- but if he were to go under the pen? "I'd probably go (with something) like Siobhan's," said Aaron. "But she did a roman numeral IX and I'd probably get the (number) 9 for season 9 of American Idol."

SOURCE: Shirley Halperin, LATimes.com

Crystal Bowersox and Andrew Garcia emerge as American Idol Front-Runners In Hollywood

After group night, Katie Stevens, Didi Benami and Haeley Vaughn are also drawing attention.

Yes, the first two rounds of Hollywood Week have just ended, and there's plenty of drama that will undoubtedly unfold before we make it to the top 24. But that has not stopped us from tagging some of the breakout stars that have emerged so far on season nine of "American Idol."

If you can survive the dreaded group round and still have the judges smiling at you, you've already won the first battle, and these singers seem poised to rise to the top ... for now anyway.

Among those who appear to have skated through the first few rounds with nary a scratch is is dreadlocked single mom Crystal Bowersox. The Chicagoan with the Janis Joplin growl, guitar chops and a winning personality, got a rare thumbs-up sign on Tuesday when the audience joined in and provided impromptu backing vocals on her cover of Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," which ended in a standing ovation.

Another seemingly certain shoo-in Andrew Garcia. The sweet young dad with the neck tattoo, former gangbanger parents and a buttery soul vocal attack has already proven that he's got that certain Adam Lambert-esque shine thanks to his radical acoustic reworking of former judge Paula Abdul's "Straight Up." If this kid doesn't make it to the top 24, we'll be shocked.

With her Colbie Caillat-like groove, Los Angeles native Didi Benami is also an early audience favorite, and it probably didn't hurt that she covered a Kara DioGuardi-penned tune, Katharine McPhee's "Terrified," on Tuesday night and killed it. She's doing "Idol" in memory of a friend who passed away, and her Carrie Underwood-esque good looks and sunny attitude could take her far.

Haeley Vaughn seems determined to become the first black female pop/country artist to break through on the show. Rocker mom Mary Powers appears to be a bit controlling and hard to work with, but works a gritty, Pink-like vibe that has a certain charm. And teen Katie Stevens is emerging as a judges' favorite. DioGuardi told her she could win it all after the group performance of Alicia Keys' "No One."

The judges also seem to like Tampa, Florida's all-American blond Janell Wheeler — who reportedly dated Florida Gators legend (and controversial Super Bowl ad star) Tim Tebow — and her Sheryl Crow-meets-Pink take on Estelle's "American Boy" was impressive. Cougar bait Casey James, the hunky cowboy working a nice-guy singer/songwriter vibe, seems promising.

Backflipping, former Fantasia co-star Todrick Hall, who clearly has the creative chops to survive but is starting to come off as a little gimmicky. Siobhan Magnus. Magnus, a quirky Massachusetts 19-year-old, uses her powerful pipes in a band called Lunar Valve.

Who knows? They could all be gone next week, or one of them could be your next American Idol.