AMERICAN IDOL 9: Top 5 power rankings (Frank Sinatra Week)

    Remember last season on “American Idol” when Kris Allen shocked everyone with his version of Kanye West’s “Heartless” and suddenly convinced even his detractors that he was going to be in the finals?
    Lee Dewyze had that moment last night in “Frank Sinatra Week.” He rode Harry Connick Jr.’s brash arrangement right into the finals, if not right into the winner’s circle. On a night where even the once-unflappable Crystal Bowersox seemed a bit on edge, Dewyze channeled pure cool, selling the world-weary classic and tapping into a swagger we haven’t seen before. (I know! I was surprised too.)
    Aaron Kelly reached a new height as well, with his sweet, light-hearted rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon.” In other words, he’s totally safe.
    Which means Mamasox will likely see her first bottom three, not because she was bad, but because she was less than awesome, especially on the first half of “Summer Wind.” She brought it home just fine, but “just fine” probably isn’t enough to derail hordes of texting tweens.
    Michael Lynche was also just OK on “The Way You Look Tonight,” no matter what the judges, especially the excitable Randy Jackson, may think they heard. The ease they praise him for actually feels more like smugness and, “wedding band-ness.” The devotion that’s supposed to be part of “The Way You Look Tonight” actually feels like he’s singing it to himself.
    He’d be a shoo-in to leave if it wasn’t for Casey James’ collapse. After a great week last week, James seemed flummoxed by Sinatra, which resulted in nerves and a clunkiness with a too-slow arrangement that didn’t do his voice any favors. Sinatra requires phrasing and delivery. These aren’t Casey strong suits.
    This may have been the most clear-cut week this season, but that usually means there’s an upset brewing. One thing is for sure, though. Connick was the best mentor this season. Maybe producers should consider him for an opening they have coming up?

THE RANKINGS

Lee Dewyze, “That’s Life”
Aaron Kelly, “Fly Me to the Moon”
Crystal Bowersox, “Summer Wind”
Michael Lynche, “The Way You Look Tonight”
Casey James, “Blue Skies”

BOTTOM THREE: Casey, Michael, Crystal
WILL BE ELIMINATED: Casey
SHOULD BE ELIMINATED: Casey

ACTUALLY ELIMINATED: Aaron

PHOTO: Top 5 with mentor Harry Connick Jr. by Fox.