When you cast a vote on this show, you help to change lives.
But this week your efforts will help to save lives.
This is the time when we give back.
And this is "American Idol."
Ê±¼äÖá£º´ô¹· °®FiFiµÄÂþ²½ MAX¤ÎÒÀÒÀ Thomas
Good evening. Hello, gang. Welcome.
Good to have you with us.
Welcome to the show.
My name is Ryan Seacrest.
We have a very busy night here on "Idol."
Say hello to our judges, Randy Jackson.
Ellen Degeneres.
Kara Dioguardi.
And Simon Cowell.
Boo, boo, boo.
Tomorrow night is our star-studded
two-hour "Idol Gives Back" event.
By the way, seats still available at ticketmaster for
the show at the Pasadena Auditorium.
We'll start the festivities off with great music for you tonight
and that is coming from your top seven, America.
Check them out.
Now, let's have a good one.
Let's rock.
Since we're celebrating "Idol Gives Back" this week,
We thought it was appropriate for our mentor to be a superstar
who's made a tremendous impact on children around the world.
Take a look at this.
She's been called the princess of soul.
Alicia Keys' philanthropy,
generosity and musicianship has won the world over.
Her unique style and accomplished piano playing
has combined beats with a soul background
changing the dynamic of R&B forever.
# what a feeling #
With 12 Grammys and over 30 million record sales worldwide,
she was named billboard's top selling R&B artist of the decade.
Her songs reflect matters of the heart,
empowering and uplifting her audience,
making her the perfect mentor to our "Idol"
hopefuls for "Idol Gives Back" week, songs of inspiration.
Hi. How are you?
Music is so amazing the way it goes along with how people feel.
But to be able to talk with the different contestants
about how to bring out that emotion
and bring out that truth in a song,
You know, has been really cool.
But music isn't her only passion.
Alicia has been a champion for children and families
devastated by HIV/AIDS in Africa helping to provide medication
and support for those in the most desperate of circumstances.
How happy are you to be part of "Idol Gives Back"?
Now, this I have to say is my favorite show.
It really relates to how I am and who I am as a person.
I really want to help them find what they're made of,
what their character is
and how they can be part of something bigger than just them
and that's a great thing to be a part of.
Songs of inspiration under the guidance of Alicia Keys.
And we're kicking things off with Casey.
Watch.
# if you wake up and don't smile #
Casey is singing "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac,
which obiviously one of the biggest songs in the whole universe.
I really really want to encourage you to connect with it
because it's so well known,
I don't want people to kind of like dismiss it.
It's about me being in the song, me being present
and making the crowd feel.
I don't want them to say I love that song.
I want them to say I loved him.
As long as he really gives it a lot of personality,
people are going to be into Casey tonight.
# if you wake up and don't want to smile #
# if it takes just a little while #
# open your eyes and look at the day #
# you'll see things in a different way #
# don't stop thinking about tomorrow #
# don't stop #
# it will soon be here #
# it will be better than before #
# yesterday's gone #
# well, yesterday's gone #
# why not think about the times to come #
# and not about the things that you've done #
# if your life was bad to you #
# just think what tomorrow will do #
# don't stop thinking about tomorrow #
# don't stop #
# it will soon be here #
# it will be better than before #
# yesterday's gone #
# well, yesterday's gone #
# don't you look back now, babe #
# well, don't you look back #
# you got to be looking ahead #
# not looking back #
# yeah, yeah #
- Yo. - Thank you all.
Check it out. Yo.
So, Casey, you know what, man?
It was a good performance.
It wasn't your best performance because I feel like every week
we kind of see the same thing now from you
and I understand that's who you are,
but just looking for something a little more special.
Step out of that comfort zone a little.
Give me something else.
I know you're the bluesy rock guy, but give me something else,
something a little different.
- You know what I mean? - Yeah, yeah.
Great guitar playing. I'll start off with that.
I have to be a little tougher now.
We're getting to that point where you have to be great.
Someone's going to go home every single week.
You're consistently good, but I don't think
anyone's going to be talking about that tomorrow.
I think you have to be great right now and it wasn't great.
Casey, what's so difficult with you is that "Jealous Guy."
You were amazing. You were sensitive.
You showed vulnerability. You showed your range.
Then you come out tonight and it's like jam band.
It's like watch me, I can play, I'm this.
The crowd's going.
But that's not showing us what makes you different.
You made yourself like everybody else tonight,
and I'm so frustrated about that.
- But I still believe in you. - Well, I'm just amazed you chose that song.
Because the theme of this week was inspirational songs.
That wasn't particularly inspiring.
Zero emotion.
As everyone said, you just stood there and played the guitar again,
sang the song pretty much like the original,
which meant there was no originality.
So I actually thought it was a lazy song choice.
Why do they boo me? Why do they boo me?
How surprised are you to hear that from the panel?
I'm not surprised.
I mean, you never know...
You didn't think it was lazy yourself.
No, I wouldn't have picked a lazy song.
I love the song.
I like... I love Fleetwood Mac.
And so I'm... Yeah, this is his guitar.
It's like 20 in the world of those.
If you want to vote for Casey...
Lines open at the end of the show.
They'll stay open for at least two hours.
Casey, good luck to you.
After the break, Lee fights to stay in the competition
when he takes on "The Boxer" live next.
A big thank you to Coca-cola for their generous
donation to "Idol Gives Back."
This year they're giving you the ability to
donate your "My Coke Rewards" points to support the cause.
You can go to americanidol.com for all of the details.
Give a warm welcome to our former paint salesman,
Lee Dewyze, ladies and gentlemen.
Last week we had to say goodbye
to your really good buddy Andrew.
Have you been talking to him since he left the show?
Oh, yeah.
We've talked a little bit.
You know, I'm supporting him,
you know, everything he's going to be doing.
He's going to be doing good things.
I know he's got my back always.
- Did you talk to him about your choice, "The Boxer"? - No, no.
I didn't talk to anybody outside.
Tell us, why did you choose that song?
Honestly, that song inspired me.
A lot of people say that.
But, truthfully, this song does really speak to me.
I listened to this music with my parents
and it kind of got me into playing the guitar.
It's a song that inspired me. Hopefully,
it will inspire everyone else, too.
Inspire you to vote.
Do we have the tape of Alicia with Lee Dewyze?
Do we have the tape of Alicia
with Lee Dewyze?
Lee is singing "The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel,
which is a classic, you know, really beautiful song.
Can you tell me the lyrics?
I am just a poor boy, though my story's seldom told.
I had Lee speak the words for me and it was beautiful.
People have to feel that you are that boxer,
you are that fighter and you are that fighter.
She had a good point
which was don't lose sight of what the song is about.
How do I do that?
If Lee can really bring people into him,
then he will make them feel something.
# I am just a poor boy #
# though my story's seldom told #
# I have squandered my resistance #
# for a pocket full of mumbles #
# such are promises #
# all laying low #
# seeking out the poorer quarters #
# where the ragged people go #
# looking for the places only they would know #
# lie la lie #
# lie la lie lie lie lie lie lie lie lie lie #
# in the clearing stands a boxer #
# and a fighter by his trade #
# and he carries the reminder #
# of every glove that laid him down #
# or cut him till he cried out #
# in his anger and his shame #
# I am leaving, I am leaving #
# but the fighter still remains #
# lie lie lie lie lie lie lie lie lie lie #
# lie lie lie lie lie lie #
# lie lie lie lie lie lie la la la lie lie #
Dog, listen, let me tell you something,
You may not even realize this, but I'm
probably one of your biggest fans up here.
You know why?
I think this season the show is really different
and it's really about artists this year.
And I think you're a great artist ready to make great music
and I think you're going to have a great career.
Thank you very much.
First of all, beautiful song choice.
Beautiful song choice, and you have so much soul
and depth to you that we're seeing more and more of,
and that's what I'm talking about.
We're seeing better and better from you, which is surprising,
- because I already think you're great. - Thanks.
- Best performance by far, I think. - Thank you.
I think that Simon said a few weeks back you had your moment,
but I think you had it tonight with that performance.
And I also think that it shows clearly the difference
when somebody feels connected to a song and performs it
and when they don't.
And my advice to you is keep picking things you feel
connected to, because it takes you to another level.
Thank you.
Even though we're only two in, that was the best of the night.
Kind of early to say that, but the difference between you and
the first performance is staggering, because that was sincere.
It was emotional. It was inspirational.
And i've never been a massive fan of that song, but you
actually made it sound as if it was written a week ago.
And that is so important.
I thought that was absolutely brilliant. Good for you.
You're in the zone. You're in the zone, baby.
Congratulations.
To vote for Lee...
Keep straight forward. Let's go.
After this, Tim and Aaron inspire us with The Goo Goo Dolls
and R. Kelly live. Hang tight.
Welcome back.
By the way, a true " American Idol" here. Tonight Captain Sully is here with us.
- It's good to see you. Thanks to meet you, my friend. - Pleasure.
You can find all the music from tonight on iTunes.
And here is something special
to celebrate "Idol Gives Back", for the first time ever,
all net proceeds will support the beneficiaries.
You can make difference by downloading your favourites
Now let's take a look at Alicia with Tim.
Should we? Let's do that.
Tim is singing "Better Days" by The Goo Goo Dolls.
And I was really like it on Tim.
There were a couple of lines
where she wanted me to show that I meant the words.
I lost you a little bit
the sencond times you came by "take these..."
I feel like reiterate it.
Let people feel inspired by that definitely.
When he's singing it, it could very well be his own song.
It feels really good. It feels really good.
# I need someplace simple where we can live #
# something only you can give #
# that's faith and trust and peace while we're alive #
# and so take these words #
# and sing out loud #
# 'cause everyone #
# is forgiven now #
# 'cause tonight's the night the world begins again #
# oh, oh, oh #
# I wish everyone was loved tonight #
# and somehow stop this endless fight #
# just a chance that maybe we'll find better days #
# so take these words #
# and sing out loud #
# 'cause everyone #
# is forgiven now #
# 'cause tonight's the night the world begins again #
Yo, Tim, so check it out, baby, check it out, listen.
For me, this song was an interesting choice for you.
Goo Goo Dolls is a great band. Amazing singer.
It was okay good karaoke for me.
You didn't do anything with it.
It laid there and sounded okay.
Tim, you're like for me the soup of the day.
Sometimes I like the soup and sometimes I don't like the soup.
And today... And I've liked your soup. I have.
But today I didn't like the soup.
- I'm sorry. - All right.
Tim, you know, you finally found your lane, you're in it,
but it's kind of a new Tim from what we were used to,
and I think this is where you belong,
but it wasn't the best execution.
But you've still got something and at times sound very commercial,
- but it wasn't your best performance. - Okay.
I think, Tim, if this had been the very, very first
time we'd seen you, we would have been impressed.
You gotta remember, three weeks ago you were jumping all over the place to
"a crazy little thing called love."
This may have been a step too high for you this week
in terms of actually believing in the performance.
Having said that, you have improved over the weeks.
But it... It was a little bit of a letdown.
All right. Tim Urban.
You're always cool.
You're always cool, calm, poised.
Nothing seems to rattle you.
Backstage, even when you're on the air.
Yeah, that's just kind of me.
It's just kind of my personality, it's always been like that, so...
You're gazpacho then. You're cool soup.
Tim's numbers are...
Tim, you rock.
Don't do anything until the end of the show.
Tim, you rock.
Thank you very much. Good luck to you.
All right. You gonna vote for him, not shout.
We're going to continue with a guy
who's been singing the song he's chosen since the age of 5.
Here's Aaron.
# I used to think that I could not go on #
Aaron has a challenge on his hands because this is that song
that to some can almost be like overkill.
# I believe I can fly #
If I let the song intimidate me, then that's going to come
across in my performance and I don't want that to happen.
When you hit that fly at the end, they have to feel like
there's nothing that's going to stop me from flying.
It has to feel that deep and pure and passionate for you.
You sound great. Excellent.
If he can almost be crying by the end of that song,
then he'll take it to a whole level place.
# I used to think that I could not go on #
# and life was nothing but an awful song #
# if I can see it #
# then I can do it #
# if I just believe it #
# there's nothing to it #
# I believe I can fly #
# I believe I can touch the sky #
# I think about it every night and day #
# spread my wings and fly away #
# I believe I can soar #
# see me running through that open door #
# I believe I can fly #
# if I can see it #
# then I can do it #
# if I just believe it #
# there's nothing to it #
# I believe I can fly #
# I can fly #
# if I just spread my wings #
# I can fly #
Yo, all right, you picked a giant, giant song.
The arrangement was a little funny and a little strange for me,
but I tell you what, man, you've got a huge voice.
You definitely have pure vocal talent,
and I think you did a good job with such a giant song.
Thank you.
Aaron, there's a brief time in the 70's I believed I could fly.
Very brief, very brief...
I believe you can fly and you're on your way.
You have a big voice.
That was a tough song to take on.
And I thought you handled it real good.
Real good.
Aaron, watching that was like taking off.
It was like uh, uh, uh, and then they got to somewhere down on the run way
and then you hit it and it was like flying.
That is exactly what it was for me.
By the end, all right, he got there.
Well, I think we have to kind of judge this in two parts,
which is you knowing you,
liking you and having the guts to take on a song like that and,
you know, you really gave it your all.
Then in the real world, if we'd heard that on the radio,
I would have turned it off within 10 seconds.
Because it wasn't... It wasn't very good.
But you kind of made it quite good, and I think...
The end was good.
Yeah, I like the end.
- Stop it. - No, I was teasing. It was...
You singing that from 5 years old.
Where was the first place you sang that?
I was at a pre-school graduation, I think it was.
If you like Aaron Kelly's version of R. Kelly, you can dial...
Calls are toll-free from landlines
and standard text rates do apply.
Thank you, Aaron.
Fearless, buddy.
After this, it's a big feat for Siobhan
as she takes on Whitney and Mariah live next.
Hang on.
Take the place, go on...
Welcome back to the "American Idol"
You're gonna be the host?
Don't forget tomorrow is "Idols Gives Back" to very special event
that'll features 8 rock stars, right?
Completely
Plus the performance that you will not want to miss,
also there are some great items of "American Idol" for auction on our website.
You can go to...
Just our bidding
- The auction close is at... - midnight
Specific time
Remember all the profit benefit of...
- idol - gives back
Let's find out what will be done at Alicia and Siobhan
# there can be miracle. #
Siobhan is singing "When You Believe"
This is no easy to fit in this song
That is your money, that is what you called the money's fight
So that is the place you can't get that milky,
so hit that moment
Just like this is it, this is the special one,
let them know the special by taking the little pause
I think she is definitely right
because subtle things like that
take something from good to being great
She's doing the things that I don't think, most people can do
and I'm very impressed,very impressed by her and her voice.
All right, good job
Thank you, Alicia
# many nights we prayed #
# with no proof anyone could hear #
# we were moving mountains long before we knew we could #
# there can be miracles #
# when you believe #
# though hope is frail #
# it's hard to kill #
# who knows what miracles #
# you can achieve #
# when you believe #
# somehow you will #
# you will when you believe #
# who knows what miracles #
# you can achieve #
# somehow you will #
# you know, you know you will #
# you will when you believe #
# you will when you #
# believe #
Yo, so I just want to say you probably picked arguably
the toughest song of the night.
I mean, by two amazing singers,
Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston,
amazing stylized singers.
Man, I don't know why you picked it,
But it was just okay for me,
Babe, really, honestly.
Just okay.
I disagree.
I think that's just more confirmation why you're here.
Technically, it may have been really well sung.
But my problem is it's not a musical,
and it started to feel very dramatic,
and if I was listening to the show week to week
and listening to your responses,
I'm starting to feel like I'd want to hang out with you
more than buy your record,
because I still don't know who you are. I'm sorry.
Simon?
I agree with Randy.
I don't think that was the right song for you.
I thought the arrangement was very old-fashioned,
too much happened too quickly.
The leaves distracted me on the close-up, you know.
Are they butterflies?
I liked the butterflies.
They looked like leaves.
I just found the whole thing a bit odd,
a bit all over the place really.
It's a shame.
Did you know that was a tough song when you took it on?
Oh, yeah.
The thing was I didn't want who the song is by to scare me away
from singing it because I love the song.
And I... I just... to have the opportunity to be here and sing
a song that I know has touched me very deeply before and,
you know, the... the meaning of it is why I'm here right now
and just to have the opportunity to perform it for people
regardless of being compared to Mariah and Whitney
because you... no one compares to them obviously.
- But you have a chance to sing it to everybody. - I just love the song.
If you feel it...
Don't vote until everyone has had a chance to sing.
Thank you very much.
On the other side, Big Mike live.
Hang on.
Back with you live on American Idol.
Michael Lynche, ladies and gentlemen.
Here's what I like about this guy.
He came into this with a playbook.
A couple of years ago
you started putting together a list of songs.
How many songs?
I don't know.
Like 200.
200 songs thinking if I ever make it on the show,
I'll choose from these songs and he chose one tonight.
It's on my list.
Why this one?
You know what, I just think it really speaks to all of us to step up
and be a hero right now in our lives,
in our friends', our family's lives.
- And... I love it. - It's a great message.
Here is Alicia Keys with Michael Lynche.
So what are you singing today?
Today I'm going to sing "Hero."
It's kinda out of my normal comfort zone.
I like it when people take a song that is stylistically
a little different and delivering it in their own way.
And in this case, Michael certainly is making it his own.
# they said that a hero can save us #
I thought you go into that peak right there at the end,
but it felt like a little short from there.
Like... because I want those people to go crazy for you.
As long as he brings people kind of on a ride
and he takes them to that highest point,
he's going to do it.
He's going to be great.
I really want the song to take flight.
That's what we're going to do.
We're going to fly.
We're going to soar.
# I am so high #
# I can hear heaven #
# I am so #
# I can hear heaven #
# oh, but heaven #
# no, heaven don't hear me #
# and they say that a hero can save us #
# I'm not gonna send him away #
# I'll hold on to the wings of the eagles #
# watch as we all fly away #
# now that the world isn't ending #
# it's love that I'm sending to you #
# it isn't the love of a hero #
# that's why I fear it won't do #
# and they're watching us #
# as we all fly away #
# said they're watching us #
# they're watching us #
# as we all fly away #
# they're watching us #
# as we all fly away #
Yo, yo, Big Mike.
Yo, yo, Mike.
Listen, dog, honestly, I was
really a little worried about this song choice for you.
Some of these songs that are
band songs are more about music than they are about really
vocals, you know what I'm saying?
I tell you what, man, you held your own with it, dog.
Actually, it worked out.
It worked out.
We're short on time.
So I'll just say I thought you did a great job with it.
Thank you.
I'm sorry, Mike.
It wasn't my favorite performance.
I thought you did not cut through.
You don't have the tone for that voice and it was all over
and the song became unrecognizable.
Sorry.
I think you sang it pretty well, Mike.
All right, you did.
But, you know, once again, you know, to remind us,
the theme tonight is inspirational songs,
and that was about Spider-Man, wasn't it?
No, it was about being a hero.
But it was from "Spider-Man."
That's kind of what bothered me.
It felt a little artificial to me compared to last week
where I thought you were sensational.
This kind of just didn't quite gel for me.
But I still think you're going to be around next week.
During the break, you can explain to him
what the message was one on one. Without the cameras, you know?
Spider-Man is a hero, too. I can explain it.
Or there's the evil villain then, right?
You got to have one.
To vote...
Do not vote until the end of the show.
Thank you, Michael.
Good luck to you, all right.
Appreciate it, buddy.
After this, for the first time of the season,
Crystal goes without an instrument live next.
Welcome back to American Idol.
One more for you tonight and it is from Crystal Bowersox,
ladies and gentlemen.
I am singing "People Get Ready."
# there is no room #
Crystal is definitely one of my favorites.
I think that she's very, very special,
and you can see it and you can feel it.
What a song.
I'm just really grateful for everything in my life.
Because there's so much emotion involved,
there's so much passion involved,
it's very important that you make sure you deliver.
Focus on it.
She just said go for it.
I'm just going to sing the song
and put my heart into it
and give the best performance I can.
I know that people are going to love this performance.
# people get ready #
# there's a train a-comin' #
# you don't need no baggage #
# no, you just get on board #
# all you need is faith #
# to hear diesels humming #
# you don't need no ticket #
# no, you just thank the lord #
# ooh, thank the lord #
# there ain't no room #
# for the hopeless sinner #
# who would hurt all mankind #
# just to save his own #
# have pity on those #
# whose chances grow thinner #
# because there ain't no hidin' place #
# from the kingdom's throne #
# oh, get ready #
# you don't need no ticket, no #
# just get on board #
# all you need is faith #
# to hear the diesels humming #
# you don't need no ticket #
# you just thank the lord #
# you just don't need no ticket #
# you just thank the lord #
Yo, yo, been a fan since day one.
That is how you do it. That was unbelievable.
Got to give you the standing.
Crystal, you have never looked more beautiful.
You just get more and more beautiful,
and you keep evolving
and growing and getting better and better.
That was so beautiful.
And whatever that thing is... I like it.
This is my mike stand from back home. I use it every show until I came to Idol.
- I like it, keep it with you. Beautiful, Crystal, beautiful. - Thank you.
Crystal, thank you so much for taking a risk
and putting your guitar down.
You're at another level tonight.
Mama Sox, you know why they call you that?
Because you just schooled all those contestants.
That was inspirational.
And you know what, Crystal?
I'm actually in a strange way happy to see you emotional.
Because you know you have kind of closed down a little bit
and like all of us felt that this song meant a lot to you.
You sang it fantastically.
And for me it was in a completely different class to
everything else we heard tonight.
Congratulations.
Crystal Bowersox.
I'll be very careful with the antique.
So, why was that so emotional for you at the end?
I just... My dad's here.
And it's the first time he's been here.
I don't know, I just saw, you know, I saw my dad and I was like thank for lord for my family.
Come on, that was very sweet. Good to have you with us, dad.
If you want to vote for Crystal...
Actually, I think it's taped. Here we go.
Hollywood.
Exactly. That's where we are.
Lines open at the end of the show.
They'll stay open for at least two hours.
Thank you, Crystal.
- Thank you, Ryan. - Very powerful.
All right, grab pens and paper.
Here are the names you need tonight, ladies and gentlemen.
Roll the tape.
Ê±¼äÖá£º´ô¹· °®FiFiµÄÂþ²½ MAX¤ÎÒÀÒÀ Thomas
Ladies and gentalmen, our mentor, Alicia Keys.
- Great job. - Thank you so much.
We are so looking forward to tomorrow. What do you think?
They are fantastic, I really enjoy being with them. I'm glad I can be part of it.
And tomorrow night?
Tomorrow "Idol Gives Back" is going to be incredible.
- I know you're ready for it. - I know you'll perform. We'll go look it up.
And don't forget doing your part tonight by voting,
tomorrow night by participating in "Idol Gives Back."
The 2 hours event start in 8/7 central.
And we are proberbly going to long, there's a lot to fit in.
So, set your DDRs accordingly.
So you don't miss the results at the end.
Thank you again. Thanks guys. Good luck to all of you.
Thank you so much America.