On last night’s American Idol final, Crystal Bowersox revealed that if she wins, her first single will be Patty Griffin’s ‘Up To The Mountain’. I just LOVE the fact that it’s not a cheesy, corny X Factor style ballad and think that Crystal made a very wise choice with this one.

The track played to every one of Crystal’s many strengths – gentle acoustic work, a soothing gospel choir behind her as she built up to strong peaks and more subtle troughs. This is exactly why I like Crystal more than Lee – she’s got a lot more control over her voice. It’s like Lee’s two tone and Crystal can use a full spectrum of musical colour. If you know what I mean. Fabulous. Best performance of the season by far!

The audience gave Crystal a rapturous applause and Randy Jackson sounded humbled as he began his commentary…

Judges Comments:

* Randy Jackson: Culminating our ninth season on this show, seeing my boy Simon here leaving the panel, this is what this show is about. An amazing song by an amazing singer, and I’m telling you what, I’m so proud of you man. This is one of the greatest performances and one of your best moments at the perfect time on this show. That was incredible.

* Ellen DeGeneres: You know you’re always looking for someone unique, someone that we don’t already have out there. And I cannot compare you to one person, a contemporary artist right now. You are in a league of your own. You have a beautiful voice, beautiful voice, so clear and it just pulls you in. If you’re making an album, I’m gonna buy it, if you’re going on tour, I go on tour and watch you, if you’re making a salad I’ll eat it. You’re just so so good and I’m happy to be a part of witnessing the rise of your career.

* Kara DioGuardi: This was a very important song for you tonight. If I have one criticism or critique for you it’s been that at times your walls have been up. You haven’t been able to really see what’s going on inside of you. And tonight, that’s all I could see. You were completely emotionally invested in that song, unlike any other night. And for me, you really blossomed just with that song. Amazing. Congratulations.

* Simon Cowell: (Crystal interjects before Simon’s comments to thank him for his comments and insights) Since it’s becoming a bit of a lovefest tonight, I thought that was by far the best performance and song of the night. And since this is going to be the final critique I’m ever going to give, I’d like to say that was outstanding.

I loved the fact that Crystal wished Simon Cowell well in his ‘future endeavors’ before she left the stage. She seemed to be genuinely grateful to him and came across as a very warm and emotional woman. Come on people, surely she has to win?