Simon Cowell picked Lee's second song this week: Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". It was an undeniable moment on Idol - one that we badly needed - but while the performance brought chills, the staging and timing was suspect. It was the last performance, it had the choir, it had the orchestra, and it had "Hallelujah" itself. Would Lee's performance be as powerful without the bells and whistles the judges provided?

in a word'no'

Absolutely the best -- even without the choir and orchestra he would have nailed it!

this was ALL LEE! why do people always find something to doubt about him! he has proved himself a winner so many times throughout the season and this performance gave me chills just watching at home on the computer. killer performance =] LEE FTW!

It was the best performance of the season of any of the performers.

one of my favorite performances of the season, but i think the judges' doomed lee to this kind of criticism and questioning with the gigantic arrangement, choir and horns behind him. I happen to think Lee could have gotten the same effect with just him and his guitar, but that's not what they let him do.

I like Lee... Thought his was the best performance of the night... but given that he had the pimp spot and Simon picked the song, it was an "of course he did well" moment for me... I am just happy he sang it in tune!... I like his voice, but I still think Crystal deserves the win... she has been consistent all season unlike any of the other contestants... And since we are on the subject of Simon picking Lee's song, I think it only fair that in the finale Ellen pick Lee's song and Simon pick Crystals!

My husband and I play a game every season to predict the winner by the eliminated contestants. Whoever threatens the chosen one has to go. (No, I don't believe the votes have ever counted.) The talent in the top 24 was wonderful - not amazing but some really unique and wonderful performers. When those strong, artistic singers were eliminated before the top ten we were left trying to determine how weak the winner really was. Well, the answer is now more obvious than we imagined it would ever be. How arrogant can the producers be to believe we would not notice such manipulation? A moment? Clay Aiken finishing with "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" was a moment, Fantasia soaring through Summertime was a moment, Carrie amazing us with "Alone"....well, you get the picture. Lee Dewyse miming his guitar playing during the intro, superimposed with string players, 'epic' lights and a choir was NO moment. One should really hit the final note on pitch and hold it securel

It was a well staged performance showing that the judges want Lee. Lee was good last night, but people should remember last week. Crystal has been solid every week and sings on key 99% of the time. It's a shame that the Idol judges are clearly ditching Crystal and only promoting Lee. Lee gets more air time, Cards flashing Lee for Idol,etc.

I think it was all staged. The judges have favored Lee since the beginning, and I feel that they forced this "moment" upon us. I really don't think it's fair to Crystal or Casey.