The Scare Factor

It's a Tuesday. Tuesdays have clearly been one of those usual days. The evolution of these past Tuesdays has been immense. "Ginormous" is the word in Simon Cowell's dialect. This day would only mean one thing for me - Performance Day.

So it's American Idol. Just another reality show that is failing to attract viewers this season. Not in my book. I've waited for what feels like an eternity to watch another live show. To once again indulge myself in a Casey James fix. The top 5 will take on the songs of Ole Blue Eyes himself, the Chairman of the Board - Mr. Frank Sinatra. Hearing this from Ryan Seacrest last week, I was very much thrilled. I grew up listening and singing to Sinatra songs. Elegant and timeless as Frank himself.

However, after a minute of nostalgia, it hit me like a ton of bricks. How is Casey going to do? Will this week's theme spare him from being one of the nethermost? He slayed his song, "Don't" on last week's Shania Twain songbook. Everywhere I read, people placed him at the top of their list with that performance. I never doubted his talent but to tackle a Sinatra song takes a lot of poise and a great deal of expectation from the millions of people watching this show. Casey has more of a bluesy country rock vibe. Would he hit it off with a Sinatra classic? That's when I went into research.

I came upon Casey James's pre-Idol music and discovered a talent that is very much fitting to be this season's winner. I was blown away! His talent is beyond everything I've heard. This guy is not only flexible with instruments, but could take any song and make it his own. His own music itself speaks of artistry and flair. As I went back to watch his performance on "Jealous Guy", I said to myself, this gent would definitely rock a Sinatra song. So why was I tensed last week?

I have enough faith in Casey pulling through with his song this week. My worry stems from the shocker every Casey, Mike and Siobhan fan felt last week. America got it enormously wrong. Aside from Casey getting all the nods; Mike belting out a solid performance; and Siobhan having the pimp spot and the judges' approval after a long time of scrutiny - they were your bottom 3. The other half who were safe gave middling performances with the exception of Aaron who was vocally amazing but still displayed dull showmanship. All I could say were a series of simple grunts. Siobhan may have gotten the boot but it doesn't help from not distressing over Casey. He has been a recurrent guest in that alarming position for two consecutive weeks now.

It's this point in the competition where everything is getting crucial. It doesn't matter at all if a contestant gives a bland rendition. Each contestant has very solid fan bases now. Those supporters vote like it were a career. Complacency shouldn't be entertained. His fans should rally this time. There are also a number of casual voters so another approval from the judges is what Casey needs. This is what I'll be expecting for later. I have decided to be more optimistic and anticipate better results come Wednesday. And I'm absolutely sure he is going to get it.