Okay.
Welcome to the central nervous system of the show.
This is our control room.
As you see, the audience is lively and ready for tonight.
We've got a shot of the judges
before they enter and hit their seats.
And, of course, the contestants are ready to win you over.
They need your votes.
This is the top 9 of season 9.
Stand by, guys.
And this is "American Idol"!
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your judges...
Randy Jackson
Ellen Degeneres, Kara Dioguardi,
and Simon Cowell.
And your host, Ryan Seacrest.
Hello.
How are you?
What's up?
Welcome to the show, everybody.
We are live.
It is Tuesday night and time for
your first dose of "Idol" this week.
Remember last Wednesday sadly
the curtain closed on Didi Benami.
We will certainly miss Didi and wish her the best of luck.
That's the way it goes.
Tonight nine remain.
And, America, here they are.
Take a look.
Here's the top nine.
You've got Tim, Siobhan,
Crystal, Katie, Big Mike, Casey,
Lee, Andrew and Aaron here.
One of these nine faces will be
your next "American Idol."
We've got a very special theme tonight featuring the songs of
two of the music world's biggest icons.
Watch this.
They have the biggest names in
music and the most recognizable songs in the world.
It's no wonder that John Lennon
and Paul Mccartney are music royalty.
All together, they have 35 number one hits, more than any
other songwriting team in history.
And as they embarked on their equally successful solo careers,
the two continued to be
ambassadors of love, hope, and rock 'n' roll.
# hey jude #
With such a prolific and inspiring catalog,
our current finalists looked forward to tackling their songs.
Lennon Mccartney are the best
songwriting duo ever in the history of music.
They changed the world with their songs.
Lennon and Mccartney are music genius.
It's a privilege really for us to be able to sing
their songs and really looking forward to it.
And in the midst of his busy tour,
Sir Paul himself took time to send our idols some love.
Hey there, Paul Mccartney here.
I just want to wish the final contestants
the very best of luck tonight.
I'm very pleased that you're singing the songs of Lennon and
Mccartney and I just want to say
get out there, go for it, enjoy yourselves.
Good luck!
Words of encouragement from a true legend.
Randy, season 7, this theme was a standout night.
What do you expect to see from these contestants tonight but?
I think this could be big highs and big lows, Ryan.
These songs are some of the best songs ever written.
I mean Lennon mccartney, they can't do better than this.
I'm expecting no excuses, though.
Come on, bring it.
Bring it, Ellen Degeneres.
Come on.
Bring it.
Do you have a favorite
from these artists we might hear tonight?
How many songs have they written?
Thousands?
Lots?
I like "Blackbird".
I like "Michelle".
I like "Come together".
I like "Day Tripper".
I like "Across the universe". I like "H...".
So you're a fan... You're a fan.
Did they write "Party in the USA"?
I like that.
That was our mentor one week.
Kara, as a songwriter, why do these songs remain so timeless?
They're as meaningful
and relevant today as when they first came out.
I would say you could arguably
say they're some of the best melodies ever created.
And they get embedded kind of
into your soul and the themes are still relevant today.
Simon, you're nodding.
You must agree with everything Kara is saying tonight.
I am.
She's in good form tonight.
Do you recommend the contestants change things up
with these songs or stay true to the original?
That is a good question.
Sometimes yes.
Sometimes no.
That is a pathetic answer.
If I would be allowed to continue, Ryan,
Because certain songs shouldn't be changed.
Others, they can.
But, overall, I'd like to hear
something not exactly like the original,
and I think the audience exactly the same.
Is that okay with you, Ryan, now?
100%, I approve.
And well said.
Thank you.
When we come back, Aaron is first to hit the stage
Live after this.
Welcome back to "American Idol".
Oh, gosh.
There is might be a kid, where did you find that photo?
Tonight we're celebrating the
songwriting duo of Lennon and Mccartney.
We also asked our top 9 to describe each other.
Here's what everyone had to say about our youngest contestant.
Watch.
America, Aaron might be small,
But those jedi mind tricks are not to mess with.
Aaron has a nickname.
Aaron is known as Yoda.
No matter what he says, we turn it into a Yoda voice.
Aaron will say I'm going to get lunch
and we'll say lunch you will get.
If he says confused we'd be like,
confused I am
Aaron will say this is so much fun.
Fun I am having.
Aaron is probably floating
above something somewhere with the force.
I don't know if it's a
compliment or if they do it to pick on me.
Aaron is the little brother.
Well done, Yoda, well done.
In a way it's kind of a really good comparison.
He's a very mature kid.
I don't even know what I was doing when I was 16 years old,
to be honest with you.
To see him doing this when he's 16, man, he's got a whole lot.
I decided to sing "The long and winding road" because it
kind of sets up this entire journey for me on "American Idol."
Everything is a long and winding road,
But at the end of the day,
I'm on one of the biggest shows in the world.
I've already pretty much made my dreams come true.
From the album "Let it be",
here is "The Long And Winding Road" from Aaron Kelly.
# the long and winding road #
# that leads to your door #
# will never disappear #
# I've seen that road before #
# it always leads me here #
# leads me to your door #
# many times I've been alone #
# and many times I've cried #
# anyway, you'll never know #
# the many ways I've tried #
# and still it leads me back #
# to the long winding road #
# you left me standing here #
# many times ago #
# don't leave me waiting here #
# lead me to your door #
Yo, yo, yo, what's going down, baby?
So listen, I mean, okay, here we go.
The things that I liked about it, the things that I liked,
a lot of feedback on this microphone,
The things that I liked about it were you still
got a great voice.
You have a beautiful tone.
What I didn't love... I didn't love was the arrangement.
The song was so sleepy.
This is one of the ones that Simon mentioned earlier. This is one of the ones that needed to be changed up.
You could have done a cool version a la Rascal Fatts.
Somebody made something different, you know
it just laid still there.
Um, you know, I... I think you're fantastic.
You know that.
And I think that's a big song to take on.
And it felt like a long and winding song.
It felt a little, you know...
And, you know... Listen, I know.
All right.
Aaron, when it comes together for you
and you're hitting the notes perfectly
and you're changing up some of the melodies, it works.
You've been delivering good performances,
But for what you're trying to do,
you have to be great.
And you've not really reached that level yet.
And part of it, too, is that
every week for me it's feeling like the same performance.
I want some tempo maybe next week, you know?
I'd like to see you move on the stage
and do another type of song,
because I feel like we're just seeing the same side of you.
If I have... If I'm here next week
If I'm here next week,
I definitely have something faster in mind.
Aaron, I'm curious.
Why did you choose the song and
why did you stick with that arrangement?
The reason I chose the song is...
Sweetie, can you use the microphone?
The reason I used the song is, you know
the whole journey has been a long and winding road.
You keep trying... keep trying. Then something comes along that really works.
I stuck with the arrangement because it's a Beatles song and
I definitely did not want to change such a great song.
I wanted to keep it the same.
All right.
Wish I hadn't asked that.
The problem is for me you're 17 years old.
It was very old-fashioned.
Very boring.
And there are a lot of people...
Wow!
If I could just finish...
You've got some friends in the audience tonight.
Wow.
I'm trying to give, obviously,
your friends some advice here which is you've got to become
young and relevant and Kara's absolutely right.
You're doing the same thing week after week and you've got to
have a moment and you've got to take some risks and you should
have done some research on that song.
Tempo, tempo.
Aaron Kelly.
All right, last week there was
this question about believability.
Do you feel like you believed that song a little more?
I definitely believed.
Definitely.
Want to welcome the Kelly family to "the family feud" here.
If you want to vote for Aaron...
Lines open at the end of the show.
They'll stay open for at least two hours.
Aaron, good luck to you, buddy.
I know you're working hard.
After this, the girl who's been scrutinized for song selection.
Find out what Katie has chosen.
That's live next.
I felt great.
I mean, I definitely need to choose an up-tempo song,
but I'm definitely not going to be disappointed in myself.
As long as I'm happy, I mean, I'm still very confident.
That was Aaron Kelly.
He's working so hard and wants it badly.
You're back with us on "American Idol."
The top 9 taking on Lennon and Mccartney.
You'll be picking your favorites
and voting at the end of the show.
Here's Katie.
Everybody say hi to Katie.
You actually have a choice to make yourself
because it is prom season and Katie keeps being
asked out by guys who are watching "American Idol."
So how many offers have you had for prom?
- Five. - Five.
How do you pick?
Um, I think... And if you're all watching...
send me your phone bills and if you have voted for me,
whoever's voted for me more, I'll go to prom with you.
Sounds like a good plan.
Let's take a look at how the "idol" family views Katie.
Watch this.
Katie's awesome.
Katie's so much fun.
Whoa.
She's everyone's little sister.
We're watching out for her.
She's full of energy all the time.
She's always energetic.
She's always happy, smiling, laughing, everything.
You're never really sure what she's going to do.
One time she might break out dancing.
Something people don't know
about Katie is she does a single lady dance.
I'm jealous.
If I were that good a dancer, then I'd do it all the time.
My dad used to play some of Lennon Mccartney songs in the
car and "Let it be" was one of them.
It's a song I've known forever.
I wanted to sing something I was
comfortable with and something that spoke to me.
I think it's such an inspirational song
and everybody can relate to it,
But there are hard times that you can have,
But in the end you just kind of gotta let it be and have faith.
And people are going to give you wisdom along the way,
so you've got to take that and run with it.
Let it be.
It's a classic.
"Let it be."
Here's 17-year-old Katie Stevens.
# when I find myself in times of trouble #
# mother Mary comes to me #
# speaking words of wisdom #
# let it be #
# and in my hour of darkness #
# she is standing right in front of me #
# speaking words of wisdom #
# let it be #
# let it be, let it be #
# whisper words of wisdom #
# let it be #
# and when the broken-hearted people #
# livin' in the world agree #
# there will be an answer #
# let it be #
# for though they may be parted #
# there is still a chance that they will see #
# there will be an answer #
# let it be #
# let it be, let it be #
# oh, let it be, let it be #
# there will be an answer #
# oh, let it be #
# let it be, let it be #
# whisper words of wisdom #
# oh, let it be #
Yo, yo, yo.
Listen, to me, this is your best performance ever!
It reaffirms to me and all of America and everybody watching
and even the judges up here, no matter what to say... Whoever says what, dude,
those were hot vocals.
That was ridiculous.
That's why you're in the top 9.
That was hot.
That is a... a perfect example of changing it just
enough to make it your own without disrespecting the song.
And you may have been in the bottom three last week,
but there is no way you'll be in the bottom three.
That was amazing.
Thank you.
Katie, you're in the bottom three two weeks in a row.
You come out on stage.
You don't make excuses.
You make the song your own.
You're blossoming on that stage.
And that's what I really love about tonight.
Not only was it a great vocal, but your attitude.
You're out here.
- You're blossoming, and you're confident tonight. - Yeah, yeah.
Tonight you're confident, which is pretty amazing considering
you've been beat up for two weeks.
So you never looked better.
And you never sounded better.
Thank you so much.
Look, Katie, look, the
whole thing about this competition is that
when you're in the bottom three consistently,
that tells you you're doing something wrong.
Tonight, however, you got it right.
Ah, and I think the reason you got it right...
Ah, I don't want to take all the credit for this...
Is that you were absolutely leaning in the direction which I
have hinted at very strongly,
which is it's more country.
What?
No, not even close.
Not even close.
That's what I can hear.
I can hear that...
- Let it be, let it be. - Yeah, come on. That's right.
Yeah, Kara.
Yo, that's right.
- You sound like a chimp in a tree. - No!
And you would know anything about that. And you would know anything about that. Listen, sweety.
Anyway, back to you, okay? It was a lot better. I'll tell you what was different from what was last week.
It felt to me that you were singing about somebody rather than being
robotic and that was the difference.
Well done.
I think... I think what we need to happen,
we need to clarify which country you're speaking about. Right?
What do you... What happened this week?
Why the blossoming?
You know, I just... I really wanted to make a point
in this competition to just show growth each week,
and I love this song so much.
So it was definitely something that I could be honest about,
because I was singing it from personal... Like from my heart.
So it's definitely heartfelt, and I had a blast. So...
If you want to vote for Katie...
Thank you, Katie.
Thank you!
Good one. You have grown physically since last week.
After... Kara, Kara, Kara, Kara was walking
outside to go to the potty already.
- We're still here. - I moved her. - You really, you moved her to the next stage.
After this, Andrew Garcia heads back to
the early '60s with more Lennon/McCartney.
We're live in Hollywood.
Good job.
And I was in the bottom three twice,
so I just wanted to come out here with a bang and to hear the
judges say that I deserve to be here and that I'm blossoming is great.
It's good news for Katie Stevens.
She was in the bottom three last couple of weeks
and has bounced back this week.
Hugs from the other contestants.
Welcome back to American Idol.
Thanks for picking us this evening.
Good to be with you live
bringing you the songs of Lennon and McCartney,
and here's what the gang had to say about our friend...
Thank you for dressing up, sir...
Our friend Andrew. Take a look.
This is my home.
- This is my main PIC - Partner in crime.
I'll always be done with him, because he dresses me up consistently.
Probably the goofiest contestant here.
He has this energy about it. He can make us all laugh.
The only problem I have with you right now is as a person,
you come over as very boring.
It does make me mad when Simon says Andrew has no personality.
Out of everyone here, he has the most personality.
It feels good hearing that. All of my friends support me.
Andrew has become one of my best friends.
And a lot of it has to do with at Hollywood week,
he was roomed with me.
He came in the room as early as where 10 seconds,
and we started to sing, we started playing and we've been friends ever since.
And I put a little cool twist on it.
Nothing too much.
I didn't want to, you know, do that to a legendary song or anything.
So it should be fun.
just have fun with it and be me in the song.
Here he is for you live with "Can't Buy Me Love."
It is Andrew Garcia.
# buy you a diamond friend #
# my friend #
# if it makes you feel all right #
# I'll get you anything #
# my friend #
# if it makes you feel all right #
# I don't care too much for money #
# 'cause money can't buy me love #
# can't buy me love #
# everybody tells me so #
# can't buy me love #
# no, no, no #
# I give you all I got to give #
# if you say you love me too #
# I may not have a lot to give #
# and I don't care too much for money #
# 'cause money can't buy me love #
# can't buy me love #
# everybody tells me so #
# can't buy me love #
# no, no, no #
# say you don't want no diamond ring #
# and I'll be satisfied #
# tell me you want the kind of things that money just can't buy #
# and I don't care too much for money #
# 'cause money can't buy me love #
# everybody tells me so #
# can't buy me love #
# no, no, no #
# can't buy me love #
# love #
# can't buy me love #
Yo, so I think it was a really solid performance.
I wasn't jumping up and down, but I think you sounded good singing.
It was an interesting arrangement.
A little corny at time for me.
You know, 'cause it was so pop and you've got a lot more soul.
Ah, you know, all in all, I think it was okay.
It was all right.
Thanks, Randy. Thanks.
I thought, I thought, first of all, first of all, you can buy love.
But ah, I think that...
Ha, ha, ha, ha.
- Am I right? Am I right? - Simon, Simon?
That was good.
I think it was a perfect song choice for you,
It was a lot of fun and I loved it.
I want to love it.
I do.
I want to love it for Andrew. I do.
this week that I don't already know.
And I want to see more.
Okay, all right.
because they just love the song.
I think you could have done more with your interpretation.
I did like the breakdown, though.
- I thought that was hot. That was good. - Yeah, I love it.
That was classic Andrew.
That was well done.
Yeah, it's ah, you know... We've said this a lot.
You know, when you... When you go to a wedding, ah, and the guitarist,
not the lead singer, sings a song
because the problem with that performance was,
I think I know what you were trying to do with the guitar,
but then you had the band behind
you completely overpowering the whole arrangement,
which made actually a very corny
and once again old-fashioned and unfortunately irrelevant.
I liked the breakdown.
So I think you and the
band together kind of got this all wrong tonight.
Sorry.
I know that you've been
sort of trying to find your way a little bit.
Felt like you had some momentum coming into this week.
Do you think you capitalize on that this week, you think?
Ah, I may had the fun.
So I loved the breakdown, too.
What do you make what Kara and Simon to say? Simon called it corny.
I don't know.
Maybe because I was smiling.
I don't know.
If that was corny, then, damn, I'm corny.
If you want to vote for Andrew...
Don't do anything until the end of the show.
Good luck.
Thank you very much.
When we come back, Big Mike hits
the stage and tries to win you over.
Hang tight.
Performing Lennon/McCartney songs, it's just...
That's the biggest honor someone could get.
So it's cool.
Andrew Garcia.
We're back with you live on American Idol.
You're deciding on your favorite tonight.
Perhaps you're going to fall in love with
the big personality of Michael Lynche.
Take a look.
Michael Lynche is known as Big Mike.
I was actually on the same plane as Big Mike.
I didn't even know that he was part of American Idol.
He was just on the plane.
I looked at my mom and said,
"mom, the incredible hulk just got on our plane."
He snores really loud.
Just kidding, Mike.
Mike is hilarious.
He's just like this big Teddy Bear.
He's such a Teddy Bear.
He'll just burst through the door.
That's just Mike.
It's his signature thing now.
How does it make you feel?
When I was little, my family,
he was called the Lynche Mob.
We were a performing family.
And we would perform all around Florida.
One of the songs that we used to do was called "Eleanor Rigby."
My dad used to sing that song.
I picked the song because the strings are so beautiful,
and it's a story.
And I love to tell stories.
Okay.
So it is a family tradition.
This is "Eleanor Rigby" from Michael Lynche, America.
# ah, look at all the lonely people #
# Eleanor Rigby, picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been #
# lives in a dream #
# waits at the window #
# wearing a face that she keeps in a jar by the door #
# who is it for #
# all the lonely people #
# where do they all come from #
# all the lonely people #
# where do they all belong #
# father McKenzie #
# writing the words in a sermon that no one will hear #
# no one comes near #
# look at him working #
# darning his socks in the night when there's nobody there #
# what does he care #
# all the lonely people #
# where do they all come from #
# all the lonely people #
# where do they all belong #
# ah, look at the all the lonely people #
# yeah #
# ah #
# oh #
# people #
# ah, look at all the lonely #
# people #
# ooh, ooh, yeah #
Yo, yo, you know what I'm loving, dude?
Dog, you know what I'm loving?
I'm loving the fact that now
you've reached the point on this show,
I'm not sure all of that worked,
but what I love about it,
the parts that did work were great, right?
There were a couple of things,
maybe this is a little too much.
But you've got that license now.
Where you can do whatever you want, dude.
I love big Mike that you're feeling yourself.
That could really be a joint on the radio on the album. You thinking about recording an album?
I love seeing the artist in you blossom.
I love that, dude.
I love that.
E?
Yeah, you can do anything.
I mean, every song you take on,
Whether it's maxwell, women's work, whether it's this,
there are so many different sides of you,
and you handle every one equally as well.
And, I mean, I thought that was a huge risk to take on a song
like that and change it that drastically.
And there may be some people who don't like it.
But I thought that was incredible.
I loved it.
Thank you.
Mike, I thought that was fire.
Those vocals were amazing!
And what you did, how you changed it up and the drama,
I mean, it was like building
And building and building and you sold the story.
And maybe you did do things that
were a little crazy with the arrangement,
But you were committed and you believed it
And Randy is absolutely right.
You made that song commercial today.
You made it for this generation and relevant.
And that's what this show is about.
At the end of this show, you've got to make a record,
and when you're up there performing,
we want it to sound like that.
So great job.
Thank you, kara.
Simon Cowell, please.
I didn't love it as much as the other three, Michael.
And I'll tell you why. Because I'm not a huge fan of musicals.
This was the sort of thing you see
and hear in musicals if it was...
Thank you.
So I'm actually going to disagree with Kara.
I don't think it made you contemporary at all.
If anything, I think it made you go slightly backwards,
Because it was what it was.
Which is good.
I disagree.
I thought it was just too over the top.
I'm slightly confused now as to
what kind of artist you want to be
At the end of this competition.
Kara, wouldn't you agree on
today's world on a station called Fox tv
with a show that's exploding called "Glee" that is about being alike musicals
and Glee coupy was very big, so I think it's very current.
That's why people are gravitating towards that.
It's more than that.
Yes, I get it.
It's not a musical.
Look, you're all saying the same thing.
It was a little theatrical, but I liked that.
So I was right.
I'm not saying that.
Michael Lynche...
There's one thing we're certain about.
You're not saying the same thing. That's for sure.
Randy, I sense a little tension
between you and simon and disagreement.
He was saying the guy made it kind of old-fashioned
because it's more theatrical.
We're fine.
Let's look at what's happening in today's world.
"Glee" is big.
- Those focus were fired. - We like "Glee".
I don't care if it's theatrical or not. You did a great vocal.
What do you do with that feedback?
Simon is confused with what artist you want to be.
Tell me what you are really thinking on the inside.
I'm thinking Simon wants to challenge me to a pec contest.
He's reached the end of the alphabet with his.
If you want to vote for big Mike...
Ryan, Ryan.
This is between you two now. I'm out.
I'm safe.
Calls are toll-free from landlines
and standard text rates apply.
Good luck, my friend.
Don't go anywhere.
Bowersox rocks next.
Hang on.
Yeah, I felt what Kara was saying about
it being a song that could be on the radio.
When I was hearing I was like, man, I can hear this and I can feel somebody contemporary.
That's what I wanted to do with it.
That's big Mike.
The contestants greeting him backstage.
It's always very dangerous when
you have an exchange with Mike there.
You never know what's going to happen.
Welcome back to "American Idol."
We have a very special honor,
the songs of lennon/mccartney.
Crystal Bowersox is next, ladies and gentlemen.
Coming back from that break, you were coughing.
Are you under the weather?
Yeah, I have a little cold.
It's been going around "Idol" camp.
Everyone's got a little bit of it.
I understand in your hometown in Ohio,
they've made changes and your dad is a part of these changes.
Yeah, I don't know if he was actually part of the changes,
But there is a picture of him,
a little town of Elliston finally has a sign.
How many people are there?
Maybe 1500 people. It's a tiny little place.
That's my daddy.
Looking good under the sign.
When was the town established?
Are you quizzing me?
1896 or 7?
If you want to go behind the scenes with Crystal
And the rest of the top 9, you can go to AMERICANIDOL.COM.
So let's see what the contestants think about Crystal
Crystal is mamma socks. Someone calls her be-socks.
Crystyle
She's an artist.
She's funny.
She's goofy.
All in all, she's a really,
reeally awesome individual.
She is a beautiful mother.
Live our dream and provide for our kids doing what we love.
We have that thing going on.
Everyone calls her mamma socks and it's not
just because she literally is a mother,
But she's a mothering type of person,
like she sincerely cares about other people all the time.
I met her in Chicago.
We auditioned together.
We were actually in line next to each other.
She's one of the most original,
kindest people that I know.
She's never going to lie to you.
She'll tell you how it is right up to your face. So that's why I like about her.
She doesn't care what anybody else thinks.
That's good.
Because you have to be happy at the end of the day with what you've done.
Stay true to yourself.
That's the only strategy I've had in this competition,
was just that, simply being myself.
I chose to sing "Come Together."
This is the first time I chose a song simply because it's a fun groove.
You know, usually I choose songs based on lyrics or it has kind of sentimental meaning to me.
I means I heard it all the time growing up, so it's definitely still sentimental,
but it's a really fun song and I really like it.
I always liked it growing up.
With Ernie on the didgeridoo, here's "Come Together" courtesy of Crystal Bowersox,
ladies and gentlemen.
# here come old flattop #
# he come groovin' up slowly #
# he got joo-joo eyeball #
# he one holy roller #
# he got hair down to his knees #
# got to be a joker #
# he just do what he please #
# he wear no shoeshine #
# he got toe-jam football #
# he got monkey finger #
# he shoot coca-cola #
# he said I know you, baby #
# you know me #
# one thing I can tell you is #
# you got to be free #
# come together #
# right now #
# over me #
# mmm #
# he roller coaster #
# he got early warning #
# he one mojo filter #
# he say one and one and one is three #
# got to be good lookin' because #
# he's so hard to see #
# come together right now #
# over me #
# yeah, yeah #
# oh, yeah #
# come together #
# mmm, yeah #
# come together #
# right now #
# over me #
# mmm #
Yo.
Yo, yo.
Another...
Another solid performance,
another solid performance.
I don't know if it was your best,
but I love how you started and you got into your groove at the end,
you started hitting the high notes
and big notes and changing the melody up.
And you know what I love about that?
Even though the digeradoo thing was kind of distracting,
you still won me over. Because I was not paying attention, like what's going on there...
But listen, it definitely worked.
I don't know if it's your best performance,
but I loved it.
You're in the zone right now.
You know what I'm saying.
I loved the digeradoo.
I thought that was cool.
With you the only thing I have to worry about is how a new way
to tell you how great you are.
Every single time I see you, I don't know, it's like... It's just,
you know, you never cease to amaze me
and how do you improve on a Lennon/Mccartney song?
How do you... I was like Lennon/Mccartney...
I was worried because this is a song
that's been covered so many times and so many different ways.
And you did. I think that's an example of making it current.
I could hear that on your album. You did is...
That's an amazing job that you did.
I loved it.
Thank you.
I think this is one of my favorite performances
that you've ever given.
I'll tell you why.
You made the song... It kind of had a Bonnie Raitt feel.
The where you took the melody musically I never would have thought of,
but it was slinky, sexy, playful.
You were smiling.
If I have any critique of you,
sometimes you're serious,
you're in your head and I felt you were more accessible tonight.
So I'm going to say it's one of my favorite performances of the night,
if not it.
So?
That's a song or a performance I could hear on the radio.
It doesn't matter if that song is 30, 40 years old.
It's just... It just worked.
And very interesting to hear you say in your film
about just being true to yourself,
Because this is why you are working.
The idea of you singing a song with a guy playing the didgeridoo, it's working.
And is he all right? And he almost passed out at the end.
- Ernie's amazing. - You OK? Come in.
Come here, come here.
- Ernie Field Jr., ladies and gentlemen. - Nice to meet you.
- How did you learn to play that? - Like three days ago, wasn't it?
Well, I got a call to get the musician.
I'm the contractor.
- He's freelance. - We need a player, he comes and walks in there.
Crystal, seriously, I mean it was quirkily.
The fact that the two of you worked well together.
And you really helped prove a point
which I was trying to make on Michael,
which is that's how you make a song work contemporary and on the radio.
As always, terrific and much better,
In my opinion, than last week.
Thank you.
Good job.
Did you have to hold back a little bit?
I know you have that bronchitis.
Yes, that last note was kind of hard.
Got a little rattle in my chest.
- No didgeridoo for you. - I guess my sing is not that bad.
Ernie, why don't you take us out to break on that thing.
Go and wind it back up. Part of my care.
You go ahead and make sure.
We'll stand back.
Crystal's numbers... It's a long one, Ernie.
Pace it.
Please don't vote until everyone's had a chance to perform.
All right.
He's about to keel over.
Thank you, Crystal.
Good luck.
When we come back, Urban Tim will take the stage.
Thank you, Ernie
Not a didgeridon't, we're a didgeridoo.
And I would do it again.
- The instrument is called didgeridoo. Are you familiar with the didgeridoo? - I am.
- I've tried to play the didgeridoo. - You have? How are you...
It's very hard. Yes, it's Australia. It's a very hard instrument to play, the didgeridoo.
Ernie pulled this off nicely. Welcome back with us "American Idol" live.
Tomorrow night we have your results live plus Rihanna
will be right here with us on the show.
In addition, Jason Derulo, who's your artist, right, Kara,
and he's doing very well, and Archie, David Archuleta,
will be back on the program. Also for result.
Keep an eye on us 9/8 central here on Fox tomorrow night.
Now it is time for Tim.
Take a look.
What I admire most about Tim is that he's just...
He's always smiling.
I love his smile.
He goes from 0-100 just like that.
He's like...
He just comes into the room
and he'll smile and you're like you're so happy all the time.
Because I want to brighten people's day.
I want to make them smile.
I think Tim's one of those people that if his teeth could
actually sparkle, then they would.
He's a good looking guy.
When Tim gets his little flip of the air and his little smile
and he does it at the same time,
There's something about that moment where you're just like,
I love you, Tim.
Picking my song this week,
I wanted to pick one of the Lennon/Mccartney songs that was fun,
Put a smile on people's face that I could sing with a smile.
So that's why I picked the song "All My Lovin'."
It's a really up tempo.
It's a great, great song.
He's going with the electric guitar tonight
with "All My Lovin'."
Here is Tim Urban.
# all my lovin' I will send to you #
# and all my lovin' #
# darling I'll be true #
# close your eyes and I'll kiss you #
# tomorrow I'll miss you #
# remember I'll always be true #
# and then while I'm away #
# I'll write home every day #
# and I'll send all my lovin' to you #
# all my lovin' I will send to you #
# all my lovin', darling, I'll be true #
# I'll pretend that I'm kissin' #
# the lips I am missin' #
# and I hope that my dreams will #
# Come true #
# and I'll then while I'm away #
# I'll write home every day #
# and I'll send all my lovin' to you #
# and all my lovin' I will send to you #
# all my lovin', darling, I'll be true #
# and all my lovin' #
# all my lovin' #
# and I will send to you #
# close your eyes and I'll kiss you #
# and tomorrow I'll miss you #
# remember I'll always be true #
# and then while I'm away #
# I'll write home every day #
# and I'll be send all my lovin' to you #
Yo, Tim, Tim, Tim.
Listen, you know what's funny?
You know what's cool?
You're in your own category.
I'm going to start judging your performances,
is it a good Tim performance? Right? Listen,
I think that was a much better performance
Than you've had in the last couple of weeks.
You know what I love, too, man?
I was looking to see, you know,
Lennon/Mccartney songbook and the whole things,
You even rock in kind of a beatle-ish sort of 'do. Man, is this on purpose?
I decided to do something different with my hair.
I didn't think of it looking like the beatles, to be honest
I like it, dude, I like it, and make a wig try on.
- It would look good on you. - Be look good one me, right?
- Yes. - Nice, it was a good Tim performance.
Thank you.
I actually, Tim, think that was the perfect choice for you
and it was the second best performance after "Hallelujah."
After the Jeff Buckley song you did, I thought that was a really good performance
You do, you have that Paul Mccartney look about you right
now and girls go crazy over you and I thought you did very well.
Tim, I've always thought your best performances
were when you had a guitar,
and you were true to that because it feels more honest.
And I have to say we have really come after you week after week.
And I like that you came out here today.
You did take some of our criticisms.
You're with your guitar.
You're doing something different with the melody.
And that was solid.
And you're to be commended for that,
because it's hard to listen to what we've been dishing out to you. And it still coming.
You know what, you can smile.
Smile.
Good.
Tim, I'm not going to judge you
as Randy did on a Tim performance,
because I don't think that's fair.
I think we have to judge you based on everything
we've heard and seen tonight.
And taking everything into consideration,
I think you did really well tonight with that song.
I really do.
And what I liked about it was,
there was no gimmick.
It was just the right thing to do.
You and the guitar.
You didn't try and oversing it.
It really suited your voice.
That song, it actually sounds very current, what you just did.
And what I really like about you,
Tim, is that you take the criticism like a man.
You know, there's no whining, no wiging.
Anybody on this stage right now has an advantage.
Cause I am going to note them in 62 seconds.
You have to put it in the right context.
You've been given a great opportunity.
If you have to take a few little barbs along the way, so what,
You know?
This is a shortcut to fame,
and you've handled yourself really well.
I'm very, very proud of you.
Well done.
Thank you.
Congratulations to Tim
Would you like to thank them?
Thank you so much.
I really appreciate what you all just said.
What was deliberate in terms of listening to what the
judges have been saying each week in that performance?
You know, they always have been getting me on song choices
and picking a song not really my style, and kind of getting away from the guitar.
I picked up a song that I knew that was more in me and picked up the guitar again.
I picked a song that I knew fit me.
I guess you had fun with it.
I definitely had fun with it.
If you want to vote for Tim...
Don't vote until the end of the show.
Thank you very much, Tim.
Great job tonight.
If you love Tim, you can see him on the tour.
Get your tickets.
You can scream.
Casey James takes on John Lennon after this.
We'll be right back on "Idol."
That was awesome.
I'm very happy.
I knew I was comfortable with the song.
I knew it was what I should do,
so I'm just really glad it paid off.
I'm really glad they liked it.
I'm glad they enjoyed it hopefully almost as much as I
did, because I really enjoyed that performance.
I think he's excited, rightfully so.
Welcome back to "American Idol."
I want to say hello to David Boreanaz here from "Bones."
Celebrating the 100TH episode on thursday. So congratulation.
Good to see you.
We hope you watch and vote on the show tonight.
Three more Lennon/Mccartney classics tonight.
One of them is from Casey.
Here's what Casey James is like behind the scenes.
Watch.
Casey.
Casey is a playboy.
He's so handsome and all the women love casey.
We always make fun of Casey for being like a soap opera star.
We come up with names we think will work for Casey like Trevor.
Fabio.
Drake.
Casey's laugh is like cut through the room.
He is very ball stress, big laugh.
You'll be across the studio and you hear his laugh.
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
You'll be like that's Casey.
Ha, ha, ha.
Like, man, that must have been really, really funny.
Oh, Casey's hair.
It's flowy. It's got long locks.
When he's sing on the stage sitting down and
the lights are behind him, it's
like the glowing of an angel.
Goldilocks. That is gonna be funny
A lot of you back home will be laughing at that.
I decided to play "Jealous Guy" by Lennon.
The words, the lyrics are just really, really great, and even
the melody line is just a very emotional song, so I'm really,
really excited to do it because I think it's going to be beautiful.
From John Lennon's solo album "Imagine,"
Here is "Jealous Guy."
It is Casey James.
Take it away.
# I was dreamin' of the past #
# and my heart was beating fast #
# I began to lose control #
# didn't mean to hurt you #
# I'm sorry that I made you cry #
# didn't mean to hurt you, babe #
# I'm just a jealous guy #
# I was feeling insecure #
# might not love me anymore #
# I was shivering inside #
# I was shivering inside baby #
# didn't mean to hurt you #
# sorry that I made you cry #
# oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no #
# didn't want to hurt you #
# whoa, oh, oh, whoa #
Yo, I love that you
are playing acoustic guitar, not electric.
You switched it up.
I love seeing the sensitive vibe,
The sensitive side of you. That's another great song.
Dude, you know what?
I was really impressed that you took this kind of leap,
because it let me know,
what I'm really proud about this season,
I 'm seeing artists that are individual.
I love that you set yourself apart like that.
You've got this kind of blues exterior. Cause you got the Stevie Ray thing jumping off.
I love that you did this, man. I think it's really good...
Listen, it wasn't a perfect vocal.
There were a couple of pitch things here and there,
But it was so heartfelt.
I really felt you with that.
I don't know who it was about.
But you know what I'm saying?
But nice.
Whether it was about somebody or not, it felt like it was.
It felt like... That to me was your best performance to date.
It was so soulful.
And that's what we were talking about is switching things up.
And it was just a beautiful arrangement with you and the
cello and it felt... I was moved by it.
And because you have a great voice.
And pretty hair.
But it's... I wanted to feel you really pour yourself into a song
and not just sound great and you did,
and that's what we need to see more of,
because we just want to see more of that personality.
It was beautiful.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Casey, what you showed tonight was a vulnerability which has
kind of been lacking in some of your other performances.
You're up there, it feels goog, you play your guitar, we know you're a good player.
But tonight it was very tasteful on the acoustic,
how you played and accompanied yourself.
It's just showing depth, and that's what I wanted to see.
I wanted people to see
that I know you have a range in there that you can go higher,
that you can switch things up,
and I actually think you can do more still,
because at the end,
you really started to show that you know your voice
and when you want to take it there, you can go there,
and that's what Ellen and I were talking about last week
when we said push yourself and tonight you did that,
and I think you could still do it more.
Goldilocks,
I think it was the best performance of the night so far.
I do.
Because I think in terms of...
In terms of the difference the way you were a week,
two weeks ago, where with people like Crystal,
It's consistency.
I think the difference between week on week
with you has been absolutely ginormous.
I thought it was your stamp on the song.
I thought you were emotional.
As the girls said, we saw a completely different side of you.
That's why I am very, very impressed with you tonight.
I thought you did terrific.
Casey James, congratulations.
You don't have a microphone.
You can use this one.
Got one on your lapel for the emergency
So, Casey, Simon mentioned the emotion.
We saw a shot of your face when
you were singing that song, a tight shot.
What were you thinking about when you are singing?
Thinking about being a jealous guy.
It was believable.
Thank you.
You feel good?
I feel great.
If you want to vote for Casey
and his authenticity in that song...
Lines open at the end of the show.
They'll stay open for at least two hours.
Thank you very much, Casey.
Well done, sir.
Last week she had a tough time with the judges,
but tonight she hopes to turn things around.
Siobhan takes the "Idol" stage live next.
This is like... You know,
if I was back at home and I played a show,
you would see that, you know,
and to do it here, that's it, man.
That's it.
Casey James in his comfort zone.
You are back on "American Idol."
We're going to keep things moving with Siobhan.
Take a look at this.
Siobhan Magnus is amazing.
Siobhan is amazingly weird.
Without a doubt, the most interesting person I've ever met.
She's got her own style, her own just sense of being.
Her glasses, her hair,
Everything is so unique, but it all works.
I'm so glad that she's always
true to who she is and she never changes.
And she has an incredible voice.
She can sing.
I mean, there's no doubt.
I mean, she's got... When most people are singing falsetto,
She's singing out her full blast.
Siobhan can hit some crazy notes.
I haven't heard any other little white girl do.
You know, like, she's got some soul behind that.
Those notes that she hits are ridiculous.
I mean, how do you not say that's amazing?
Tonight I'm going to sing "Across The Universe."
I'm hoping that it will show a different side of my voice.
It's got this mood to it that's just so beautiful and honest and raw.
It's just a totally different kind of performance.
And Randy has got her eyewear here.
Tonight she's chosen "Across The Universe"
As you known, singing live here for your votes, America.
Here is Siobhan Magnus.
# words are flowing out like #
# endless rain into a paper cup #
# they slither while they pass #
# they slip away across the universe #
# pools of sorrow #
# waves of joy #
# are drifting through my open mind #
# possessing and caressing me #
# jaI guru deva om #
# nothing's gonna change my world #
# images of broken light which #
# dance before me like a million eyes #
# they call me on and on #
# across the universe #
# thoughts meander like a #
# restless wind inside a letter box #
# they tumble blindly as they #
# make their way across the universe #
# jaI guru deva om #
# nothing's gonna change my world #
Yo
You know what I love?
I love watching every week just wondering what you gonna do,
What you're going to wear.
competition right now for me screams artist more than you.
I love the outfit.
It's crazy, wild, unpredictable.
You know what I'm saying?
Listen, it was a little sleepy for me.
But what I loved is I like the whole tender side.
You singing the high note in the false this time.
I love seeing that from you.
The tender side that you had so much control over this song.
Still a little sleepy, I must admit.
But I tell you what,
I just love you because I love the artistry in you,
and you've got to believe in that always and just follow it.
Man, and go with it.
Well, I am... I'm a big fan of people who march to
the beat of their own drum, and you certainly do, and I support
that because I think you really should always honor who you are.
Because you are special.
You are really talented.
Really special.
Always remember that.
And I love that song.
Rufus Wainwright does a version that song that I think is beautiful.
And yes it was a little bit... but I love it was different, you take it on notes
we said kind of cool it on the high notes for little, while you did.
And I thought it was beautiful.
Great job.
Thank you.
Siobhan, from a purely singing perspective, it was...
You hit the notes.
You showed control.
You knew where you were going. So in that department,
it was good.
I just think it was very restrained and very polite,
which is something we're not used to seeing from you.
You're somebody who comes out and does these crazy things.
So I'm trying to process it a bit.
And when we talk about turning these songs into something
that could be current,
that you could hear on the radio.
I'm not sure you would hear that.
But I am still a fan.
Because I do feel that you can connected very personally to it.
And that is very important for me.
So I'm a little confused.
I'm trying to process what that was.
And just turn it over to Simon.
What were you connecting personally with that song?
Well, my idea of it, you know.
Thinking about the lyrics and interpreting
them for what's relevant for myself.
Especially the lyrics that says nothing's going to change my world.
And I remember saying to you guys at the beginning of Hollywood week,
I said I'm here for my baby sisters who are my whole world.
And nothing's going to change that and all these things
that are happening over day around me that are crazy.
And I'm not going to change the person.
You can't take that away from me there, my whole world.
Okay.
Well, Siobhan, we're not going to take that away from you.
I think you had a pretty disastrous week last week.
I think you came back much, much stronger.
I, like the guy said on the panel, what's great about you is you're unpredictable.
I think standing that tonight if it were the first time somebody saw you,
They'd be a little bit confused, but that's what I like.
And you were much, much, much better than last week.
- What? - Who is this guy?
Who are you?
Stand up.
- Crazy. - Is it good? Okay.
While the boss says it was good.
So it's good news for you.
All right.
All of this sensory overload has been overwhelming
the last couple of weeks?
Yes. You can't deny that.
I think every other contestant would agree with me that some days you stop and
you're just like holy smokes, this is big.
Well, congratulations on that.
Yes, so do you want to say hi to Siobhan?
Cause I feel like you're separated.
What's your name?
- What was your name? - Earl
Earl was the booer and also the hugger now.
You're wonderful.
Thanks, Earl.
See you buddy.
Thank you very much, Siobhan.
Good luck.
Simon is asking who is he?
He is your nemesis.
Our Lennon/Mccartney tribute closes after this with Lee.
Stay where you are.
Love you, Siobhan.
You're so cute.
Back with you live on "American Idol."
A very emotional performance
from Siobhan a couple of moments ago.
We're going to finish things up on a special evening of
Lennon/Mccartney songs with Lee.
Take a look at this.
Lee Dewyze, he's like our resident worry wort.
Even if Simon says he was the best one of the night.
This is the nice your life may have changed forever.
They hated it.
No, they didn't.
Everybody laughs at him for it.
We all decide to bet him money that he stays.
Lee, you owe me a hundred bucks, dude, and soon you'd pay off.
I got to know Lee because of Andrew, because they are
basically like brothers or dating.
and have lots of Danny Gokey little babies.
People make jokes.
They're just jealous.
This is Lee, man. We are roonmates from day one.
He's always stressing out.
We're there for each other.
It's cool.
We've become best friends through this whole thing.
It's cool to have that connection.
I know we'll be friends for a long time.
Good night, buddy.
Tonight I'm going to do "Hey Jude."
When I pick a song, I pick a song I can relate to.
Then I can feel it myself.
I love the song.
I've always loved the song,
and I'm glad I get the opportunity to perform it.
So I'm looking forward to it.
With a classic on guitar,
This is "Hey Jude" from Lee Dewyze.
# hey jude #
# don't make it bad #
# take a sad song #
# and make it better #
# remember to let her into your heart #
# then you can start #
# to make it better #
# and anytime you feel the pain #
# hey jude, refrain #
# don't carry the world #
# upon your shoulders #
# nah nah nah nah nah nah #
# hey jude #
# don't make it bad #
# you have found her #
# now go and get her #
# the minute you let her into #
# your heart #
# then you can start #
# to make it better #
# better, better, better #
# better, better #
Come on, sing it with me.
One, two, three.
# nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah #
# hey jude #
# sing it, baby #
# nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah #
# nah, nah, nah #
# hey jude #
# come on #
# nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah #
# hey judy #
# I said hey judy, all right #
# hey jude #
# nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah #
# nah, nah, nah, nah, nah #
# hey jude #
Lee, dude, that guy was funny, man.
That guy was funny, dude.
I love that.
I almost wore a kilt tonight,
but I thought maybe not tonight.
You know what I love, man?
You always seem like you're a bundle of nerves before the
performance and after it's over you're like, oh, God, yes.
Dude, let me tell you, you don't have to be nervous.
You've got this.
It was another hot night for you.
Yo, please believe.
Believe.
I'm getting there, man.
I'm getting there.
It was definitely...
That is... The confidence that you showed tonight
and you were smiling more and I just felt so much more...
Even when that guy get separated from his parade.
It didn't even... I don't know.
I'm so sorry, sir.
We'll help you.
You didn't even get rattled by that guy showing up.
No, I thought it was actually very cool.
I thought it was a great job.
I loved it.
Lee, you definitely feel more comfortable up there.
I mean, there were some good moments.
There were a few off moments, but I am still a fan.
I really am.
I can hear you on the radio.
That tone and when you go up there and you stretch yourself,
It's hot.
It really is.
I don't know what you
all are drinking in the house.
We've got... we've got...
Didgeridoo and then you come out with a bagpipe.
It is a voice going on there.
No disrespect to you, but I wouldn't have done that.
I just... I think you were doing great
I know.
Walked down the staircase.
It was like he turned up on the wrong show.
Was it your idea?
Yes, a hundred percent.
Okay.
Lee Dewyze.
Come on in, man.
I didn't realize that dude was Scottish.
I think we're all learning that tonight.
Why did you decide to... I remember you said to me you
didn't think you were going to get a bagpiper for this performance.
Why did you decide to push for it?
Why not, man?
When did you find out he was going to actually be here?
Yesterday at rehearsal, I walked in and I saw a bagpipe,
And I was like, is that for me?
Who else would have asked?
That was a good conclusion.
Yeah.
If you want to vote for Lee...
What a show tonight.
If you're with AT&T, you can text the word vote.
Lee, thank you very much, man.
Good luck to you.
Once again, a tough decision.
Vote for your favorites.
Take a look at the numbers one more time.
Roll it.
There you go.
A great night of "Idol" tonight.
Congratulations to our performers.
Remember to vote for your favorite this evening to lock
them into this competition.
Do not lose your favorite at this stage.
Now, tomorrow we have Jason Derulo, Rihanna is going to be
here plus David Archuleta comes home to "Idol" and, of course,
we'll have your results live at 9:00, 8:00 central tomorrow.
The lines are open.
They'll stay open for at least two hours.
Remember, pick the one you love and vote, vote, vote.
Who is it?
Thank you very much for being here.
Good night, America.
We'll see you later.