End of the line for American Idol's Casey James

Did anyone think that Casey would survive this week's American Idol cut? Notes posted throughout the Internet overwhelmingly opined that it was time for Casey to leave -- and, indeed, the Idol judges seemed to be ready to lead him to the door.

But what a run it has been for North Texas' Casey James!

"I'm so thankful for the opportunity," smiled James -- even after his elimination. "It's been an amazing, amazing journey and I'm so thankful that I'm here.

As with departing contestants, James got to sing a farewell song. He chose John Mayer's Daughters -- which had been judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi's choice for him in this week's competition. Confident, smiling and seemingly still happy, James delivered the song with ample tenderness and style.

There was a sense that Casey may have expected that it was his week to go -- and that he was ready to move on to the Idol tour and showing America that he deserves to be a star.

Indeed, elimination from the American Idol competition often signals less about defeat and more about moving ahead in a career. Runner-up Adam Lambert has become a super star -- as has Chris Daughtry. And how about Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Clay Aiken and Kimberley Locke -- none of whom won the American Idol coveted crown!

“I never thought I'd get this far,” Casey admitted to host Ryan Seacrest. “But to me, it's like winning $10 million in the lottery and $100 million in the lottery. It's so much more than I expected, so it can't be bad.”

As the Dallas News reports: "For a guy who doesn't own a TV — and drove all night to auditions in Denver at the urging of his mom, who lent him her truck because there was no way his would make the trip — landing in the semifinals of the world's most popular talent show proved a bit overwhelming. As James Casey watched footage of last week's screaming-filled visit to North Texas Dallas/Fort Worth and his hometown of Cool, he fought back tears." Sphere: Related Content

American Idol, the final countdown -- and the Influence of Simon Cowell

Two "American Idol" top talents will battle for the crown and the throne -- but after last night's performance, it seems that the royal title might actually be determined by the shows judges instead of the performances of the contestants themselves.

Casey James, Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze each opened the show with a song they chose themselves. James delivered a bland "OK, It's Alright With Me." The judges twisted their faces and words into an eventual assessment that while he sang well, the song choice was not the best and not equal to this stage of the competition when he needed "a moment."

Bowersox, complete with guitar and harmonica holder, belted a powerful version of Melissa Etheridge's "Come to My Window." As judge Simon Cowell opined, it was classic Bowersox -- who is always true to herself. The judges said that they generally liked the performance, but felt it was not the best version of the song and at times the song seemed so big that it got away from her.

DeWyze sang "Simple Man" -- and judge Randy Jackson enthused that the singer not only lived up to the song, but showed that he had confidence that he could really win. The judges handed to first round to DeWyze.

But there was still another chance to shine -- as the vocalists performed songs chosen by the judges. And this seems where results might actually have been solidified -- by the judges.

On "Do or die night," James sang a "sensitive" "Daughters" -- because his fans are largely women and girls. He sang well -- nothing wrong, but the song, chosen by Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, was not impressive or powerful enough to offer James a shot. What could he do? It seemed that there was never meant to be a "moment" in the song.

Bowersox belted Ellen DeGeneres' choice of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed." She filled the stage with an emotional journey, a captivating Janis Joplin-soulful version that brought the audience to its feet. Jackson declared that that it was terrific and proved that she was "in it to win it." Wow!

But DeWyze had the deck stacked in his favor -- last spot, the memorable spot and judge Simon Cowell, legendary for his talent in song choice, picking for him. During the break, Cowell chatted with DeWyze -- and it was obvious that the pair had strategized with Lee likely receiving the best in advice and guidance from Cowell all week. Cowell gave DeWyze what is probably the greatest song choices of all time -- Leonard Cohen's "Halleluhah." DeWyze's version was gritty, magical -- and he was the only performer backed up by a multi-member, volume-raising choir. The song, the "help" from Cowell and the choir gave DeWyze an absolute edge -- and the judges responded by oozing compliments and declaring that the evening belonged to DeWyze.

With that one song, Lee DeWyze surged into the spot of front-runner, and Bowersox suffered from being out-manuvered (thanks to an assignment of Ellen as her judge instead of Simon) despite a spectacular performance. Although DeWyze clearly was up to his task, there was a sense that the most powerful performance and win of the evening was orchestrated by Simon Cowell who was a king while the other players performed for their singers as pawns.

Clearly Cowell groomed DeWyze to win -- and DeWyze became the luckiest songman in the world, for that evening at least!

Except for a freaky surprise, Bowersox and DeWyze will be the contestants with the final shot at the American Idol title and crown! Sphere: Related Content