We're down to the wire on 'American Idol,' live at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Live! Based on tonight's performances, I have some thoughts on who should win it, but I'll save those for the end of this recap. It's clear that both Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox are in it to win it.

The show started off with Lee and Crystal making their way to the stage through the audience, a decision the producers might want to re-think in the future, since Crystal lost her microphone twice on the way down. By the time they reached the stage, they both seemed a little overwhelmed. But the show must go on, so here we go.

Ryan Seacrest noted that there would be three segments tonight: Lee and Crystal's favorite songs from this season, songs chosen by executive producer Simon Fuller, and songs they'll release if they win (though they'll probably release them no matter what).

Favorite songs from the season:

Lee DeWyze, 'The Boxer.' I like this version of the song with the little change-ups, and Lee has gotten so much more comfortable on stage since he started on 'Idol.' Randy said it wasn't a high energy song, but it's a great way to start off the night. Ellen said she couldn't be prouder if she'd birthed him herself. Kara agreed with Randy on getting more energy into the performance, and Simon expected a lot more passion and excitement. "That was a kiss on the cheek when I want a kiss on the lips," said Simon.

Crystal Bowersox, 'Me and Bobby McGee.' Well, if it's high energy they want, this song delivers. The thing about Crystal is she started out fantastic and she's still fantastic. She's always been really comfortable onstage, and she still is. Randy said it started out slow (well, the song starts out a little slow, so...), but he loved it. Ellen called it "compelling," and Kara said she loved it when Crystal first sang it, and she loved it again tonight. Simon said that while the last few weeks haven't been great for Crystal, she's back and at her best tonight.

Songs chosen by Simon Fuller:

Lee DeWyze, 'Everybody Hurts.' I don't know if this is going to be energetic enough for the judges, and it's kind of an odd song for Fuller to choose. Randy said it started off pitchy, but Lee pulled it together. Ellen thought he pulled back too much, and Kara loved that he's "emotionally accessible," even though it wasn't a perfect song choice. Simon thought it was a brilliant choice, but feels like Lee is nervous. He wants a ten out of ten for his last performance.

Crystal Bowersox, 'Black Velvet.' I worried for Crystal as she walked down the stairs, but thank goodness she made it without tripping. The band seemed a little overpowering at first, but she turned it up towards the end and belted it out. Randy loved it, saying "Mama Sox is in it to win it." Ellen also loved it, noting that it's like a Cher concert with all the wardrobe changes. Kara could tell that Crystal wants to win, and Simon said he's almost allergic to the song because so many people have murdered it, but that Crystal "absolutely nailed it."

Songs they'll release if they win:

Lee DeWyze, 'Beautiful Day.' Good choice for a single, and perfect for his voice. It's happy, he's got violins behind him, and he looks completely confident. Randy said the beginning was a little iffy when Lee was trying to walk around the stage, but it started to rock by the middle. Ellen said Lee was "fully present, taking in every bit of these peoples' energy." Kara thought he got a little swallowed up (much booing from the crowd), but that Lee has grown the most on the show and has one of the most commercial voices this season. Simon said Lee made the most of the song, and that he's what this competition is designed for -- someone working a normal job in a paint shop who needs a break. Simon also wished Lee all the best and called him a "great guy." Ryan followed it up with "class act."

Crystal Bowersox, 'Up to the Mountain.' This is kind of a soulful, religious song, especially with the Dixie Hummingbird-type singers behind her, and a fantastic way to close out the show. Randy called it amazing and one of Crystal's best performances. Ellen said she can't compare Crystal to any other contemporary artist, because she's in a class by herself, with a beautiful, clear voice that just pulls you in. Kara said Crystal was completely emotionally invested and she could see her blossom just with that song. Crystal interrupted here to thank Simon for his thoughtful critiques throughout the season and wish him the best in his future endeavors. Simon called it the best performance of the night and since it's the last critique he'll ever give, "that was outstanding."

Ryan added that they'll miss Simon, but look for a few surprises in store tomorrow night. 'We also heard Will Young sing the show's "go-home" song this season, 'Leave Right Now.' Then ALL the Idols from this season crowded the stage, and that was fun, too.

That's a wrap for tonight! Based on tonight's performances, I'd say Crystal should win 'American Idol' this season, but I know Lee has a lot of fans out there. What say you, TV Squad readers? Who should win, and who do you think WILL win? Come back here tomorrow night and read Kona's recap.



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