American Idol Recap – Finals

Hope you like country, because that’s all you’re getting tonight. Unless you count some random performance by Taio Cruz mixed in between the finalist’s performances. That was strange.

ROUND ONE (Finalist Choice)

Scotty McCreery – (“Gone” by Montgomery Gentry) – liked it the first time he performed, liked it again tonight.  Showed a natural stage presence here, bodes well for touring.   GRADE:  A-

Lauren Alaina – (“Flat On the Floor” by Carrie Underwood) – kind of an unfair sympathy advantage that they pointed out before the show that Lauren blew out one of her vocal chords.  Even if that’s true, kudos to her for being able to get thru this tough song and showing very little side effects of it.  GRADE:  A-

ROUND TWO (Idol’s Idols Choice – George Strait picks for Scotty, Carrie Underwood picks for Lauren)

Scotty – (“Check Yes Or No” by George Strait) – kind of a wimpy song choice for a finale, didn’t really make me want to reach for the phone and vote.  Then again, I rarely vote and opt only to criticize.  GRADE:  B-

Lauren – (“Maybe It Was Memphis” by Pam Tillis) – see Scotty’s review.  This was just a little too much for Lauren and came across as very breathy.  GRADE:  C+

ROUND THREE (Original Song)

Scotty – (“I Love You This Big” by Scotty McCreery) – not too shabby especially considering how awful the original songs have been over the years (Taylor Hicks’ “Do I Make You Proud”, Kris Allen’s “No Boundaries”, Jordin Sparks’ “This Is My Now” etc).  GRADE:  B

Lauen – (“Like My Mother Does” by Lauren Alaina) – very corny lyrics, but probably a perfect fit for Lauren and her journey since her mom has been by her side the whole time.  Nice touch with her going into the crowd to hug her while singing, between that and the blown vocal chords, the deck has been stacked in her favor tonight.  GRADE:  B+

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Way too close to call, as these two have been practically neck and neck all season.  Going into tonight I would have guessed that Scotty takes the title since a male country artist has yet to win, but after seeing how much Idol producers favored Lauren tonight and that there’s been three straight male winners (David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee “who?” DeWyze), I’m making one final prediction for this season.

PREDICTED WINNER: PIA TOSCANO!!!!!   Just kidding – Lauren Alaina (but I think Scotty has the better career)