In Memoriam: American Idol's Casey James
I'm sad. Sure. But I also want to hold up my old Illinois driver's license with Norma Rae grit and proclaim, "Take that, American South!" For only the second time in American Idol's history, its Final Two has no connections to the dusty south. That's not good or bad, but it's a welcome change of pace. (No offense to Kris Allen -- I voted for you, tender dawg!) Now, to attend to the business at hand: Our deceased pony Casey James enjoyed a resilient run, establishing himself as season nine's resident dark horse. His proudest moments involved simple ballads, sincerity, and keeping his shirt on. Let's reflect on the Cool, Texas, native's curvy, paisley-print journey on American Idol and guess what might've been had he made the finale.
Legacy: Casey was Idol's good-natured axeman with a spirit fulla blues and hair the color of Reduced Fat Wheat Thins. He's an authentic rocker with a hint of Nabisco magic -- an Idol dream contestant, namean? Also, that sad lady from the judging panel made him strip during the auditions for no good reason. Koo-koo-ca-choo, Mrs. DioGuardi. Our nation turns its lonely gun on itself.
We Will Miss Most: His take on "Jealous Guy." How his bronze complexion and scraggy mane rendered him a literal dark horse. How fly it is that he outlasted Michael Lynche. How Simon begrudgingly called him Goldilocks once. Our now-missed chance to buy his 19 Entertainment debut disc Hot Licks from Cool, Texas.
What Could've Been: An amplified retooling of "Jealous Guy" during the final two. Simon Fuller's choice of either "Dream On" or "Blowin' in the Wind" or a cut from Constantine Maroulis' little-heard rockabilly triple-album. Kara DioGuardi's new coronation song, a sympathetic rewrite on "No Boundaries" called, "Only A Few Limits in the Vocal Range, But Good Otherwise."
Closing Remarks: Casey, you gave us angst, smiles, blue jeans, and Long John Silver's regulation ponytails in equal measure. You could've run away with the whole thing had Simon and his cronies not selected Lee to shill like a miracle weight-loss salve. You were country without being cloying, and real without being really boring. And thanks to a poll I just conducted with a random sampling of Movieline writers named Louis, I can confirm that everyone likes you better than last year's third-place contestant -- if you'd still call him a "contestant" and not a "gyrating earsore." Yeah, right.
Farewell and good show, sir!
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Comments
I think it was clear to most who watched Tuesday's broadcast what this competition has boiled down into: Lee has all the momentum, and Crystal needs to pull out a surprise or two to stop him. Both have been consistent performers this season (never in the bottom 3) - but only this week, did either really of them really give us that "wow" moment Idol feeds off of (with Lee's "Hallelujah"). I'll miss Casey, but I think these are the right final two for the finale. http://thesmogger.com/2010/05/20/idol-hangover-the-finale-two/
If I can recall, I believe Crystal was in the bottom 3 one week. But I'm glad She made it to the final 2 with Lee. I had them both pegged from the start. Casey James voted off was a relief for me....The "silence of the lamb".
Casey James we will miss you! Do you know why Idol didn't show Casey performing during any of his hometown performances it’s because that is the Casey James they’ve been struggling to hide all season. Isn’t it coincidental Lee has a CD hitting billboard charts released in January. Hmmm it was released AFTER he got his tix to Hwood. I am so glad the Idol farce will soon be over for Casey. I bet he can’t wait to get that tour over and start his own career. I will be in line for his first concert and Album. His performance last night was THE MOMENT of the season and then it walked out the door. Ha ha ha Idol way to miss out on a good thing. He’s going to be HUGE. As his bro Billy said "Number three's the sweet spot. You get the accolades but not all the strings.”"
Casey James was the contestant who grabbed me more than any other.. I tolerated Idol to see what he would be allowed to show. I was disappointed in the judges to say the least.. Casey exeplifies what I see as a true All-American Idol... he has so many strengths and range and crossover appeal..stayed dignified and calm and genuine.. wasn't about I'm here to make myself a star..wanted to truly share his music. Too bad they never showed him playing in his homecoming cause that audience would have been on their feet not scripted...Well we are all glad Casey is free to continue his rise as a deserving and guileless rock legend..
CASEY you are the only Idol I saw this year! We all love you!
I was actually at peace last night when Casey was voted off. I think the 3rd spot was perfect for him. But I am getting angrier and angrier today as I find out about Lee's released CD and the friggin video. I feel like everything presented to us about Lee on American Idol was a total and complete fraud. Lee played the "shy", "unconfident", paint store stock boy to the hilt. Then, little by little, under Simon's guidance, he blossomed on the Idol stage to greatness. Oh the growth he showed --- what horse s*&t!!!!! This was a set up from the get go. I am sorry, but NO contestant on AI should have a CD released during the season. They removed all of Casey's pre-Idol youtube videos -- WTF??? Could this show be anymore rigged???? Good Luck Crystal, you are up against the Idol Pre-Ordained Machine. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER will I waste my precious time on this joke of a show. Hey AI PTB --- America isn't STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck with next season, I predict it's the last.
One last thanks to AI we have Casey. And now he can go do just what he wants without being "judged". Congratulations to All the Fans who saw past Simon and Co. pimping.. by the way Randy is the one who asked Casey to take his shirt off. And I'm glad he did. Didn't see a trampy tatoo, piercing or matted hair or screaming red-faced just had an accident in my pants paint salesman. Thanks again Randy:)
Way to go Mickey. I agree 100%. I have watched Idol for years but I have never seen the judging so unfair. Lee is a joke and so is Simon. I used to respect his opinion but since this is his last season he wants to go out looking like a hero. TPTB at Idol have humiliated Casey for weeks now. I will watch the finale only to see Casey perform but that's it. I'm done with Idol after that. Then I can have my Tuesday's and Wednesday nights back. Casey will go far in his career. This was just a stepping stone.
I'm with you Mickey! Casey is the TRUE American Idol, and he was treated so horribly by AI and the judges all season. He only got a few good comments from them on his songs. He was sick nearly the whole time, and AI chose to keep that hush hush....why?? Crystals sickness was broadcast to the world....come on AI be fair!! And does anybody know about the sound 'accidents' that caused problems with Casey's performances??? Didn't think so.....on "Don't", he wasn't given the proper reverb or other nice sounds that are 'industry standard', and Casey still pulled it off sounding amazing!!! And Sinatra week...his kickback speaker that allows him to hear himself and be on key....was so unfortunately left OFF!!! I'm so livid about his treatment during this show, I will NEVER watch again, and after this year...it will probably be gone for good....good riddance to bad rubbish!!!!! Casey has a huge career ahead of him and I applaud him for always standing strong and taking every bit of bulls**&^ they dished out, and never once wavered!!! Here's to his amazing career....you did it...you are OUR American Idol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So sad to see Casey go but he seems so happy to get the hell outta there. It may have all be a plan on his part. What artist in his right mind wants to be shackled to the Idol machine?? He has all the recognition now as well as the freedom to do what he wants as an artist. Go Casey!! I look forward to his first CD when hopefully we'll finally hear the real Casey like on the Youtube videos with his band.
Thanks to Mickey and Glenda for shedding light on this farce. The paradox is that AI did give us Casey James. Ah, life, a contradiction in the extreme! I especially appreciated the exposing of the Lee as an "undiscovered paint salesman" scam. What a joke that they think people will buy that stuff. Thank heavens for those who write the truth and inform us of what is really going on. Robert Redford exposed what television is all about in the movie, "Quiz Show". Hopefully, victims of American Idol won't take any of the hoax personally and suffer from it like the character in the movie did. I wonder what the world would be like if money wasn't the sole raison d'etre, if all the manipulating capitulated to truth, goodness and beauty. A world where the immoral are brought to accept responsibility for their destructiveness, like the BP executives in the oil spill tragedy. A world where Simon Cowley would be the Scrooge everyone shuns; Kara, the shameful harlot of the town and Randy the village idiot. I guess in the end the truth did set Casey James free. The truth we know and that the TPTB tried to cover up. Having to resort to verbal abuse making up derogatory implied names like "Goldilocks" and "Bleating lamb" shows how immoral the judges are. I didn't hear them calling Lee "A scared little rabbit" or Crystal "Scuzzy rasta-witch" Think about what this sweet, talented guy had to endure in his scripted "part" on this nasty (putting it mildly) nest of hornets and salacious sharks. How ironic that it was a lamb that was defamed in the process.
I just want to thank American Idol for launching the career of one fine man talented musician and singer.
Hey Simon, your paint boy has professional cds was under contract and let go. Do you really think that AI will make him a star. He'll cause a brief stir and then he will be back in Chicago doing karaoke. Being associated with American Idol is hard enough to shake with lackluster talent, but being the winner that can't hold a tune in a bucket is going to be impossible. Also, wow- oh-wow on the way you threw Casey and Crystal under the bus. If I hear Hallelujah one more time from even someone I like I'm going to pull my hair out.
From what I understand, AI may have made Casey change his choice song at the last moment. It was clear that AI didn't want Casey to win. That's why AI is losing ratings; the rigging, at least, used to be more subtle. Hope Casey has a great career. Keep on rockin' with that guitar -- that's the real you.
I for one am FINISHED with AI...not even going to watch the FINALE...the finale that has been in the works since day ONE!!! I'm not giving this show any more of my time or money from advertisements. I thought Casey was a "class act" and a truely soulful musician. A musician that I understand was told to squash his selection of songs for the final 3 performance and of course told to change his song at the LAST minute. They give him a song from the "judges" choice that was a sleeper at best (he did do great with what the song had to offer)...but when he decided to really be himself and do a soulful rendition of an artist that he has been compared to several times by the judges...only to have that squased at the last minute. I guess AI couldn't handle his soulful rendition of a song that was surely a song that maintained his "true" self! Hmmm...me smells a skunk in the ole AI auditorium...I think there needs to be some "research" done on this...oh and while you're researching check on Lee Dewyze's records sales...from an album that was released AFTER AI was up and running for Season 9!! I am not sad for Casey...b/c quite frankly he is better off not being "tied" to the shady dealings of the AI franchise. I think Ford, AT&T and a few others make a lot of money off this show...but in all honesty, I believe they need to check the pulse of the powers that be behind this show (if they even have a pulse) to see what kind of things are being stifled and swept under the rug. I know it's a business and they are about making money...but I thought this was a show about becoming an American Idol...not an American Robot!! Let these musicians be free to do their thing...watch with interest for each...give constructive critiscm (not the sophomoric behaviour displayed many times by the panel of 4)and then see what happens. America is way smarter than you give us credit for AI...in fact...I think they should do away w/the judges completely...let the contestants sing...talk a wee bit about song choice and then move on!
I am writing to not only AI, but also their sponsors as well...to let them know that I did not appreciate the way some of the contestants were treated this year. Yes, I've seen some bad calls and critiques in years past...but this year had to be the WORST EVER! I think if they had treated anyone else, especially a girl the way they did Casey James this year...you would be hearing about a sexual harrasment law suit. Nah...CJ would never stoop to their level by doing that...but if I were him...I could not shower quick enough to remove the stinch of this show!!
Have fun with those two "pegs" you picked out...Cause the real artist,just left the building.
Casey James was Jason Castro revisited in the AI treatment of him. Casey was a more seasoned musician and defined singer/ spectacular guitarist but they share something–charisma and grace. Idol did the same thing as they did to Casey to Jason in the latter stages after he had astounded people,who understand what a true musical performer is, with unique, soulful interpretations of every song he sang. But who will ever forget the gaff that Paula made that exposed the scripting of the show when she critiqued him on two songs when he had only sung one. I’ll bet when Jason watched this year’s Idol he was standing in Casey’s shoes remembering every insult, rudeness and the feeling of being under the bus. But they both withstood everything with such class, I began to think Texas must be some kind of Nirvana where the men are gentle gods. Anyway, enjoyed the comments on here and have enjoyed my writing ride supporting both of these great human beings and troubadours.
I listened with some empathy to Same yawn Cowardly on Oh! Pry! Win Fries’! show. He revealed how he goes into a deep depression at times but can not fathom its source–perhaps the pit of bullying with insults so many of his fellow human beings with meanness might give him a clue? If he felt for others, he could make his points just as clearly without tearing people down. No wonder people like Jason and Casey are not his chosen ones. Their light and love must be blinding to one encased in the deep moat of ego. I really hope Simon will grow spiritually in his marriage.
Since they took all Casey's previous video off YouTube... Here are closeups May 14, 2010 - Keys Lounge - Casey James Home Coming - GREAT BLUES!!!!!!!!!!!!! Three videos that I shot of Casey on Friday in Fort Worth below...
"Satisfied" by Ian Moore
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N1rOCxicBo
"Gravity" by John Mayer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGHtkl_jLOs
"Too Sweet for Me"....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv99tUYh-Wk
I have never bought any AI artists songs / CD's but HAVE purchased ALL of Casey's and will attend any concert that I can in future. Casey's SPIRIT shines through his SINGING and PERFORMANCES... His STAR is going to continue RISING and go higher than anyone can IMAGINE. All of his FANS will continue to support him. Can't wait for his albums to come out.....
TO CASEY JAMES
When your cloud drifts home
away from storm
and jealous bolts,
jeers jolting you.
No more will fury
and tempests
taunt.
But you will haunt them,
who will never know
the source of you,
blue sky spirit guy,
who drifted among
the flashy rude
and left them
in their flood of fame.
It was a game.
It was a hurricane.
You hueman
make the rainbow
music from the mess.
You can never lose,
only soothe
yourself
among the sun,
the blues of skies
the good among the guise.
Me too! I don't even know how well or poor the others' performances were. I only watched Casey's on that show. You are an amazing talent Casey James!
Casey is an amazing musician and singer, he is very charismatic. Idols have really tried their best or worse in this case, to hide the real Casey James from everyone. I am relieved he wouldn't have to face the judges battering next week, he has been taking it for a few weeks now. He can be proud of himself he has conducted himself with class throughout the whole journey, I am sure he will do well for himself in the future!
a search on google: american idol 2010 + lee dewyze
1 220 000 results, american idol 2010 + crystal bowersox 8 610 000 and american idol 2010 + casey james the astonishing 83 400 000. Of course this is not the same as a vote but it says something about popularity/PR and commercial potential and it suggests that an incredible amount of people are interested in CJ although it seems they did not vote for him (?); CJ has made a name for himself that's for sure. Now, Crystal stands a good chance to win, but then people have to vote för her, not just show their interest on the internet. Good luck CJ! Good luck to both crystal and lee.
Casey James Came, He Saw and He Conquered! Your Set! Run With It!
Well Marcy since Casey being voted off "relieved" you why are you so interested in a article about HIM???
This show is rigged. Not watching the finale or next season's AI...waste of time and emotion. I feel that Casey was shafted with that "Daughters" song choice and Mrs. Diogiardi should really act like a married woman....how she used Casey all throughout...and Casey showed the right attitude through it all..I agree with Becky....sad that we didn't see when Casey sang during his hometown visit...hmmmm. But he will do well and does not need AI to prove his worth...See how far Adam has gone with his career..and so many concerts now to boot...Waiting for your records Casey...like someone said in the comments section here...oh, no more sex appeal for AI...he left the building..
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