Real Kato Blog: American Idol Week 11: Finale

It's the final competition, between Lee and Crystal. They each sing their favorite song from the season, then one chosen by the producer, then the always-bad pre-written single that the winner will record.

Lee: "The Boxer" from inspirational week. It's nice; it's better than when he originally did it. But it's a little too low-key for the finale.

Crystal: "Me and Bobby McGee" from Billboard #1 week. Not much different than what she did before; for her, this is a very safe performance, and she didn't really take advantage of the opening that Lee left her.

Round 1: Tie. Neither of them will new fans from those performances.

Lee: "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. To me, this isn't the best choice; it doesn't give him the choice to show off his originality, since it already matches his style. And he doesn't quite have the vocal chops to pull this off. But he's giving it a good try, and it might be just about as well as he can do.

Crystal: "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles. The song is a little bit too pop for her, I think. I wish she'd changed up the arrangement a bit, because this seems kind of karaoke. Vocally she's quite a bit better than Lee this round, and the song choice isn't her fault.

Round 2: Crystal. She seems more into it right now.

Lee: "Beautiful Day" by U2. I'm puzzled by the song choice; it's not very melodic. He might benefit because it's a recognizable and popular song, and all the lights are flashing and the camera is swirling... but I really don't think the performance is helping him. He's almost just shouting. It's rough.

Crystal: "Up to the Mountain" by Patty Griffin. Well, this is right in her wheelhouse too. It's a little sleepy at the start. But she's definitely comfortable with the song, she's into it emotionally, and the melody is a much better vocal showcase.

Round 3: Crystal, easily.

Prediction: This is tough. Crystal had a much better night, and she's been rock-solid consistent all season long. But Lee is more popular and more commercial, and for most people, more likable. So I'm gonna stick with my original prediction back in Week 1: Lee FTW.

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