This week "American Idol"'s Top Five performed songs from Ol' Blue Eyes himself -- Frank Sinatra. Harry Connick Jr. served as this week's mentor, but he did so much more. He wrote arrangements that he felt would best showcase each "Idol" on their choice of Sinatra songs and he played the piano for each of the Top Five's performances.
Aaron Kelly kicked off the night with "Fly Me to the Moon." Randy Jackson told him, "Tonight, I am looking for who is in it to win it. Sinatra week is one of the best week's ever. I was worried about you because you are so young, but you did a really good job." Ellen DeGeneres said, "I was also worried for you. I can't believe I didn't hear any country in that. You pulled that off." Kara DioGuardi agreed that it was good, but said, "I think compared to last week, it wasn't as strong. Last week you came into your own. I think you will be here again, so learn charisma. Fill up the stage more. You still need to break out as a performer." Simon Cowell concurred with Kara, adding, "I adore Frank because Frank was the king of cool. He had a swagger. If he was a lion, you were just a mouse. It didn't have conviction for me. The one thing about you, which is a good thing, is people like you after you perform, because you do try hard."
"Blue Skies" was Casey James' song choice. For Randy it was his worst performance. He commented, "It was pitchy until the last note. You were out of your element. This is about intricate melodies. It just didn't work." Ellen concurred, saying, "I feel like what Simon was saying about Aaron. The whole thing was about being smooth and having swagger. That was stiff. It didn't feel effortless to me." Kara pointed out, "It took you a long time to warm up and feel relaxed. At least you held some notes. I don't think I have heard you hold notes more than two seconds before, but you sound like a lamb. You have to work on your vibrato." Simon said, "This is really uncomfortable. The good news [was] the band was great. The bad news was you weren't fantastic. I thought you came over a bit embarrassed and awkward."
Next, Crystal Bowersox performed her interpretation of "Summer Wind." Randy said, "It was a great arrangement and one of your subdued performances. It was a little sleepy for me." Ellen told her, "At first, it felt like you were swallowing every word and I was nervous. Then you really started singing. Man, if I saw you for the first time tonight, I wouldn't know you were the other girl." Kara pointed out, "It was out of your element, but I kind of liked it. I liked your phrasing. Phrasing is a big thing this week. You showed you could hold your own." Simon commented, "I loved the song. I don't know if I would have chosen it for you. The first half was too jazzy. I am not going to lie and say this is one of your best performances. If you survive to next week, it is as Randy said: being in it to win it. It is using this opportunity to nail it week after week."
Michael Lynche picked a song that he feels makes people dance: "The Way You Look Tonight." Randy raved, "Unbelievable arrangement; unbelievable vocal. Michael is in it to win it. This is what it is about. Do it interestingly and do it well. That is what you did. You threw down the gauntlet tonight." Ellen pointed out, "You seem, of everyone, to have the most comfort on stage. You have more experience and move easier. You look the part and you sounded the part. Good charisma." Kara complimented, "You found the drama in the song. You took us up, you took us down, but above it all, you didn't lose yourself. That is what this is all about." Simon declared, "This has been a tricky night. You have Harry on stage, the Sinatras in the audience, and you are singing my favorite singer. The first three performances have been okay, but you are in the game. I felt that you listened and everybody worked together on that performance."
Wrapping up the night's performances was Lee DeWyze with "That's Life." Randy praised him, saying, "What I loved [about your performance was] you saved your rocker self. Even though the band was playing, I could hear [your guitar]." Ellen raved, "I think if this was the last night of performances, you would have just won the whole thing." Kara asked, "Do you think you can win?" When he answered in the affirmative, she continued, "Go home tonight and write, 'I can win this thing' 100 times, because that is the confidence you need to win this whole thing." Simon complimented Harry first, saying, "You have been incredible tonight working with the contestants." Then he told Lee, "When you started off, you were working in a paint shop and you had some issues with shyness. Harry brought out your confidence. What I like is you gave it 100 percent. It was by far for all of us the best performance."
Tune in to "American Idol" tomorrow night at 9 p.m. on FOX when the Top Five will be whittled down to the Top Four.
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