Here's to You Casey James

As I go off to literally fight City Hall this evening (over a proposed cell tower in the neighborhood) I won't be able to follow the results show for American Idol. I think that's a good thing, because however it plays out, I know that I haven't seen the end of Casey James. But it would be sad to say goodbye, especially after last night's stellar performance.

We knew he had the talent. But last night he showed a steely determination and wry sense of humor that means you can't keep this boy down. He came right at Kara and her merry band of accomplices with guns a-blazing. Objectify me? Make this year all about you and your boy crush, Kara? Well, here's to you!

Not only did Casey have the cojones to play Mrs. Robinson to Kara, but he also had the -- yes -- artistry to do it in such a touching fashion. Despite the gibe intended, regardless of the message he wanted to convey, what he told anyone within earshot was that he is a gifted singer, a wonderful musician, and someone who'll be around for years and years when all of this silliness has faded into memory.

I love that song and love the original, still I found Casey's version to be breathtaking. It was mesmerizing and moving, the gentleness of his voice, the sweet changes to the melody, made it as much a prayer as a song. He took something familiar and made it revelatory and new again. I'll never hear the song the same way again. It was his moment.

Of course, the judges couldn't let him have his moment. Randy nitpicked, Ellen hedged her praise, Kara wrapped hers in jokes and conceit, and Simon, well I don't know what he was doing other than furthering the stale jokes and trying to find a way to not praise what was such a lovely performance. The whole scene degenerated and a precious moment was lost.

I hope it isn't the end of the AI road for Casey tonight. He has so much more to show and so many more performances to give -- some that will be rollicking fun, and others that will show a more quiet and tender side. He, more than anyone else in the competition, has shown range and variety and a willingness to challenge himself and change our conception of who he is and what he can do. So three cheers for an amazing performance last night, Casey, and here's hoping for still more to come!