Is Casey James the Next American Idol?
There have only been two American Idol seasons where a foregone conclusion actually came to pass -- seasons three and four, when Fantasia Barrino and Carrie Underwood exacted pitch-perfect ascents to the Idol coronation ceremony. Since then, we've had some sneaky wunderkinds weasel their way to the top: Kris Allen and his acoustic turnabouts won season eight; Jordin Sparks and her youthful trills toppled Melinda Doolittle in season six. And now, in season ten, Casey James could be on his way to derailing the long-favored Crystal Bowersox. Sound crazy? Not when you consider why voters go to pick up the phone.
While Kris Allen and Casey James aren't exactly alike, parallels are easy to draw: Both arrived in the Top 24 with little fanfare, relatively smaller voices, and a surprising ability to make most songs their own. Kris's stellar "To Make You My Love" rendition is much like Casey James's revelatory "Jealous Guy" performance -- intimate, guileless, and a resonant statement of individuality. They established themselves as balladeers who eschew schmaltz and stay current, all without pandering to expectations. Also like Kris, Casey's great performances build the excitement around his unassuming nature. That snowballing momentum is the kind of following that reaches maximum impact near the Top 2's final hour.
When Crystal Bowersox nails a performance, the level of voter fervor is simply reaffirmed (like it was with Adam Lambert, to continue the metaphor). It also doesn't help that Crystal -- again like Adam -- picks expected songs. When you weigh a building support group (like the one Casey seems to have, even if he's hit the bottom three a couple times) against a sated one like Crystal's, good timing can intervene in time for a climactic takeover.
In the next two weeks, Michael Lynche and Aaron Kelly seemed destined for departure -- the former has exhausted his post-Judges' Save cachet, and Aaron Kelly is the least self-assured of the remaining five. Lee DeWyze remains the only real threat to Casey's entry into the Idol finale, but to be blunt: Is anyone excited about Lee? He's been dogged with pitch issues since day one, his radio niche is overpopulated, and he's unable to emote past an anxious eyebrow jolt. As Casey grows more comfortable with whatever the judges have to say, Lee squirms, much like we all did when he brought in that bagpipe from the sky. Lee would lose soundly to Crystal Bowersox in the finals, and at this point, all Idol diehards want is a redeeming finale. Casey's sly smarts and laissez-faire performance style would provide that thrill just in time to compensate for an otherwise limp season.
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Crystal is annoying. Big Mike is a big bore. Casey stinks, and may be a decent looking guy if he would just cut that stupid hair. The only one with versatile voice and potential is Lee.
I think you meant season nine. Not "season ten"
"And now, in season ten, Casey James could be on his way to derailing the long-favored Crystal Bowersox."
The current season, is season nine.
Just have to say Casey has the total package... most prepared..least conceited... movie star looks, best guitar player...most crossover appeal...more versatility and they still shove him in the corner, cut him out of songs...personally insult, musically muzzle...where are the rock songs???? Stop with the sugary crooning soul crap...let him rock us but no has has to manuver through the hoops and keep on smiling...which he does and will and his fans are the best..positive, creative, knowledgeable with substance and staying power...hmmmm which I could say the same about Casey. As for his past...he has learned from i and doesn't hide from it..maybe he'll be able to have the armor to avoid all the drugs and screw ups most of Hollywood and rockdom is plagued with. I can't wait to see him win. Go GoldiROX!
@Diana I have seen you spread your vitriol against Casey in several comments. It says more about you and your negativity than it does about him. Why did you interview people about Casey? What have you written or published? Were you unable to find enough dirt to support your desire to tear him down? You have repeatedly hinted that Casey is not the nice and charming guy he seems to be. Based on what? Your innuendo? C'mon, the National Enquirer interviewed his ex-wife and the worst thing she said is that Casey's desire to be a successful musician might have contributed to the break-up of their marriage. The National Enquirer is famous for digging up dirt on people - and that was all they got?!
You say you support Crystal, but you could only manage to write one positive line about that? You should re-examine your priorities.
I am with you on this brother
You are blind--he's magnificent
Exactly right--he has star quality in spades
Although I have to say I love his 'crooning,' as you call it--I agree that he should
ignore the judges (they're slighting him) and rock the house down--I hope he is
growing a thick skin because I think they were SO wrong in their criticism this week...
CASEY SUCKS! He really sucks. The only reason he might even make it is because Kara wants to shag him. Everyone in England seems to be rooting for Lee, his rendition of that's life was the most talked about performance this season - even tony bennett and michael buble agreed. Casey doesnt have a great voice, he's just got redneck looks. Do you really want the next idol to be a redneck?
Casey SUCKS. He sounds like thousands of other guys, singing every weekend in bars, playing average guitar. NOTHING special. And sorry, not that good looking. Who keeps voting for him? Little-girl appeal only, or cougars? Wow, he does not belong in the top 3.
Um, Hema, it's AMERICAN Idol. What folks in the UK think is irrelevant.
To Graham and all the other Casey-haters out there, you can try and drag him through the mud all you want, but you won't be able to keep him there. He has the voice of an angel and the body and face of Adonis. He's everything I personally want in my American Idol. I don't care one whit what any of you haters think.
I don't understand why the judges are trying to keep him down.
He is by far the best. He has the whole package. I hope he shines this Tuesday. VOTE FOR CASEY. He is the only one I would pay good money to see.
Dare you to listen to Casey's song "Don't Wannabe" He can rock the stage light up the audience and he tore up American Idol. Too bad for AI he lost. He is all about music. Casey please get a CD out and keep us listening to real music:) Thanks Casey and Congratulations You did a great job and acted like a real gentleman. Just keep playing and singing and get your music out there. He is the only one I would pay to see. Janis Joplin and Chris D. wannabe pimped the whole way by Simon and company. Go Casey!!
As you can see by now, Lee's so fantastic he doesn't need you Casey fans to vote for him. And I'm sure Lee will be crowned next week with or without your votes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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