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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I've been on the Casey band wagon since day one. Love his Bluesy Southern Rock style and his voice is just awesome. The tender side that he showed in Heaven, Jealous Guy and Don't was really surprising and those songs are appealing to all genres. I think he's been strong every week never failing a challenge and having some big moments out there. I think he's been undersold by the PTB but the public is taking notice and there is no denying his talent and ability. Like Kris A., Casey has that humble appreciation for the whole experience that really connects to people. His fans are in full force this week and if you're one of them I encourage to VOTE (call and/or text) the entire voting time!
I think Lee should win, but Casey "will" win.
Casey will get the boot this week.
Love casey! Consistant every week. A pleasure 2 watch each week!
Casey is not going to get booted this week I guarantee it, he will make it to the final 3 easily and if he stays consistent and keeps surprising us he may just well win. I am on the Crystal Bowersox wagon myself and I love her but I would be very happy if Casey won it all and I think he just might; my gut is telling me there will be a huge shocker at the finale.
Casey's the only one with a distinctive voice - you know it right away. Lee - decent voice, but can't sing great outside of the studio (maybe that's enough for some). Crystal - also nice voice - but feel album would be too similar to others around. Aaron and Mike have really good voices, but then what? Casey's album (I hope) would be the only one I'd probably buy.
Hmm....I'm a huge fan of Lee, and I hope he wins. I liked Casey's last performance, but instead of that...I can't stand listening to him.
I hope Crystal Bowersox wins, and Lee's number two and gets a contract 🙂
It's a shame that Casey James has basically been thrown under the bus by the judges. Do they want Lee in the finale to ensure a girl win this year? I just can't fathom another reason for their shameless pimping of Lee, who battles to get through every performance without dropping notes left, right and centre; and who's every single performance is the same. There is no variety to this guy's arrangements.
Casey James, on the other hand, is pitch perfect consistently, and has shades of Bob Seger (and many say Eddie Vedder) in his voice. That equals one amazingly good voice. He deserves a shot to go head to head with Crystal, so I urge voters to think for themselves and vote for talent!
I am so tired of the judges pimping of Lee.
Crystal I understand, but Lee has gotten away with murder up there and is painful to watch.
Casey has a distinctive voice, wields a mean guitar and its been a while since we've had a good southern rocker.
Vote for Casey!
Very interesting parallels. I am a Casey fan, and I think the scenario presented here could play out. Although, with all the ground he'd have to gain against the hoardes of fans Lee got from overblown praise by the judges, I'm not sure how easy it would be! Regardless of his placing, though, I think Casey has a bright future. Perhaps this is the reason the judges have been so tough on him; they don't want him to suffer from a late backlash that Lee is beginning to receive.
I love Casey. If he won AI this season, it'd be cause for a huge celebration. He's been so understated. But he's so beautiful and so marketable with his musical skills.
I can't wait to see these guys perform in the food court at my local mall next summer.
Loved your analysis...I've never been so in a contestants camp as I am with Casey and for a multitude of reasons.. you outlined many in your blog... thank you! It would definitely be a BLAST of a finale
GO COOL CASEY...
What have you been smoking? Casey james is NOT talented, he's just another pretty face (Honestly I dont see what Kara sees in him, He is not even that good looking he looks like an average guy on the street). I find it hard to believe that you actually think people are voting for him because he's a dark horse, how deluded are you? He's probably on the show because of tweens who just some eye candy and I blame this on Kara and her childish infatuation with him. Its given him an unfair advantage. This is just like tim urban, he sounded like a wet dog and surprisingly made it in the top twelve. And comparing him to Kris Allen? Kris Allen is proabably the most forgettable idol. Even Simon fuller the creator of the show didnt remember his name! and he performs in malls and in six flags. He's not really an idol! Adam Lambert was always the star, he's more famous than Kris even if he did come second, the only reason Kris won is because of his wholesome image and good looks. You got it all wrong and I'm surprised you're actually writing on this, most of your agruements are baseless. Casey should not and will not win, if he does it just goes to show that America has no appreciation for talent, they just want a so called "pretty boy" to drool over. Crystal Bowersox deserves this, she has natural talent and a voice people can actually listen to!
and just so you know casey isnt a "southern gentleman" - The whole act on stage is just to make himself more likeable. I did some interviews with some people from his hometown and some people said they were surprised he was such goody two shoes on the show. In reality he's full of himself and narcissistic! Ask yourself this do you really want to be voting for a Fake?. Louis any reporter knows that you need to get your facts right before publishing an article, this seemed like a very biased article and its sad that you just made assumptions.
@Diana,
It sounds like you're spreading hate and spite toward Casey. Looks bad on you and your words thus become unconvincing and unbelievable. It absolutely doesn't make what you think of Casey true just because you, Diana, 'did some interviews with some people from his hometown and some people said they were surprised' that Casey does so well? I guess some of those people are not "biased" and you are not "biased". In your own words - "its sad that you just made assumptions." BTW, for those few people you mentioned who have a negative opinion about him, there are thousands more from his hometown who beg to differ, very much so.
@ asdf1234
Take it easy, everyone is entitled to free speech. You cant get all defensive, she thinks casey sucks. Let her think he sucks. Not everyone is supposed to like him. Personally I think he doesnt have the soul of a star, all his performances have been forgettable and there is absolutely no depth to his voice so I was and I'am still surprised that he made it this far. Lee is the true star, that man has so much talent but he's just not so confident and I just wish he believed in himself alittle more because his voice has the power to ressonate in peoples minds! Oh and there is some truth to Diana's rant. Casey has a criminal record and a long list of offences and this is a fact. The police leaked this to the media.
Honestly casey reminds me of bieber! I thought he was gay when I first saw him, he could stand to grow some fuzz on his kiwi's! but he does have a huge following of tweens so I cant really see him going far because tweens change their mind every day..first the jonas brothers and now bieber...Lee and crystal have a more well rounded fan base. they're awesome!
Diana:
Wow!Does it make you feel better to insult others? First, Casey and Kris are talented and they both would not be where they are today if otherwise. BTW, what kind of musical skills and talent do you have? FYI, I am one of the millions of Kris Allen fans...yes...he has millions and millions of fans that happen to think that he is a gifted singer, writer, musician, entertainer, and person! Kris is NOT a "forgettable idol!" Just so you know...he is not just playing at malls...he has been very very busy every single day performing all over this country and in others...and...he has helped freely serve others in need in Haiti and in Africa and here in the USA.
Casey does not seem like a bad guy, nor is his singing bad, but he is very one note. A lot of the other contestants take chances every week and he really doesn't. He could get a career out of this, but I don't think he should be the winner.
Are you watching the same show I am? Casey has been idling for weeks now, while Lee has only improved. If you look at Twitter trending topics and general chatter, you'll see Casey is nowhere to be found. I think your dark horse may be riding home after his performance last night. Nice try, though.
Am I the only one that sees Lee as a favorite? The judges have mostly been effusive in their praise with their most often cited criticism being his "lack of confidence". I think he's been told a few times now that he can win this thing, I don't think anyone else has been told that. I'm convinced Crystal may be his only threat to the title but she seems to have fallen out of favor with the judges the last couple of weeks. The story that Ryan put out about her possibly wanting to quite the show probably didn't help her chances nor did the fact that she responds to the judges critiques, albeit respectfully. Idol viewers seem to dislike when contestants speak up.
I'm not really on board with anyone this season so whoever wins, wins. Lee just seems destined for a genre of music that is overpopulated right now and he doesn't really add anything to the mix to stand out among them.
This season started out strongly as a "girl's season" but the judges quickly removed them from the running and we were left with a bland and mostly mediocre top 12. The only two that added some entertainment value, Tim and Siobhan, are now gone and I find myself bored with the competition. I don't seem to be alone in this because Dancing with the Stars keeps touting themselves America's most watched television show now.
Weak group this year which probably explains the ratings.
Michael is a nice man but the audience booted him off weeks ago. That should have been it. Why should the judges override the votes?
Aaron was far better than he the other night. Thus he's been saved at least twice.
Casey doesn't need Idol. He's movie star material. The only surprise is that Hollywood isn't sniffing around him right now. Movies NEED a new American male star. Pitt is getting old and all the young guys are boring.
Lee sings okay and is likable. He could win it. Last year nobody thought Adam could lose; he did, and Chris Allen was the better choice.
Bowersox has a good voice, but her appearance is off-putting including those grubby looking dreads and the monster tattoo on her back. She seems cocky and throws off attitude. Not likable at all.
Who'll win? Dunno. It depends if the votes really count and the "program" doesn't skew the result for dramatic effect. If that's the case, it'll be Bowersox or Michael. Those are the judges' favorites.
Casey is the only one that I would pay to see. He should be singing songs like Heaven which was incredibly beautiful. He will benefit from handlers and stylists and will be the one to shine after all the brouhaha is over. Again, when he actually gets up to sing there is a huge captivating excitement in the air. None of the others have that quality...star quality
For me, the real answer to who should win...lies in the question, "who would you pay money to see?" There are only two people I would pay money to see in a concert. Crystal and Casey. That's it. I will be happy if either of them win, because I would be very happy to drop my hard earned cash on seeing them in concert.
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