With one performance show and six songs standing between us and what is arguably the most closely contested American Idol finale ever, what Crystal and Lee sing this final week matters more than ever. Unfortunately for them, they don't really have much of a say in what they'll be singing. While each of the two finalists will perform three songs this week, they only have a say on one song, and it has to be something they've already performed this season. The other two songs Crystal and Lee will perform will be chosen by Idol creator and producer Simon Fuller and of course, there's the dreaded Idol coronation song.
Instead of choosing their favorite or even their best performance of the season, Crystal and Lee should choose the songs that best speak to them as the artists they hope to be, as well as a song that could leave a lasting emotional impression on the voting public. That means no "That's Life" for Lee and no "Me & Bobby McGee" for Crystal. Here's what we hope Crystal and Lee choose this week from their past performances. Then, we play Simon Fuller for a second and make our "producer's choice."
Producer's Choice:Lee: "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon I've been pushing for Lee to sing this song all season and Lee performed it during his hometown visits ... so I'm hoping Simon Fuller will finally give us what we all seem to want: Lee rocking the eff out to Kings of Leon.
Crystal: "What's Up" by 4 Non BlondesIf she's going to win
American Idol, Crystal needs a bigger moment than she had last week, which is why "What's Up" is perfect. Not only is it in Crystal's wheelhouse of female written acoustic folk, but the song wails. It's a song Crystal could sing as if it were her own, and if she does, we expect a major
Idol moment.
If you were Simon Fuller, would songs would you pick for Lee and Crystal to sing?
Previously Performed:Lee: "Simple Man" or "The Boxer"Both songs have served as anthems for Lee this season and highlight the kind of artist Lee would like to be.
Crystal: "People Get Ready" or "As Long As I Can See The Light"Though she hasn't been praised for it as much as she should have been, Crystal has done beautifully at taking songs and making them her own. No songs were more successfully "Crystalized" then these emotional anthems.
And Instead of the Usual Idol Coronation Song?
Original songs by each of the contestants. After all, it was
American Idol's choice to stack the deck with singer-songwriters this season, and instead of making them perform a ham-handed inspirational ballad not suited to either Crystal or Lee, they should embrace the finalists they have.
Lee: "All Fall Down" from SlumberlandCrystal: "Holy Toledo"(Image courtesy of FOX)