A Breakout Performance

To Simon, it was the Kelly Clarkson moment. I wasn't an up-and-coming Idol Addict back then. But I remember my Daughtry moment (I Walk the Line); my Melinda Doolittle moment (My Funny Valentine); my David Cook moment (Hello); my David Archuleta moment (Imagine) and my Adam moment (Black or White). Those were the moments when I was thinking, "This person can win."
What Simon was referring to, of course, was Crystal Bowersox's stunning performance tonight. There really isn't too much more to say. Like Adam, you realize you are looking at a ready-to-go performer both live and in the studio. Right now, she is the clear favorite in the competition.
But not totally clear. There are three other women to deal with:

• Katelyn - who really stepped up this week big-time with her version of Coldplay's The Scientist. Yes, it was a tad slow and a bit dramatic but there is a quality voice there.
• Lilly - whose voice I love. I agree with Simon that she oversang but have I mentioned how much I love her voice? I love her singular style, too, as well as her assurance about what kind of artist she is.
• Siobahn - whose performance last week of Wicked Game is still with me; taking on Think was a tall order and while she didn't really do it justice (in spite of the Randy, Kara and Ellen's gushing) Simon is totally right about her - "interesting and talented".

Quickly on the others: Haeley, Lacey were awful; Michelle was so dull we didn't even know she was singing (her sister in the audience on the other hand is, well, hot, as Diandra points out I've said two weeks in a row); Didi was a trainwreck. Paige was OK at times, bad at times. Katie is frustrating - she has an impressive voice, great stage presence and is adorably cute but hasn't picked the right song yet. She can be a contender if she gets the right songs.

On a variety of side notes - Big Mike is sure fun to watch while the girls are singing! Adam was awesome on Leno singing Sleepwalker (which my Facebook friends are probably tired of hearing me say how much I LOVE that song) last night. Danny Gokey released his CD yesterday but it's a country CD so I am not all that interested. I suppose I should listen to some clips before passing judgment, though.

Anyway, props to Crystal. Be well because you are awesome!