‘American Idol’ judges back Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze for finale

‘Idol’ judges back Bowersox, DeWyze for finale

LOS ANGELES — Casey James only had an all right night on “American Idol.”

The judges didn’t back the 27-year-old musician from Fort Worth, Texas, on the Fox singing contest Tuesday, the final showdown before next week’s finale.

His mellow renditions of Eric Hutchinson’s “OK, It’s Alright With Me” and John Mayer’s “Daughters,” which was selected by Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson, drew little praise from the panel.

Instead, the judges were wowed by 24-year-old paint sales clerk Lee DeWyze of Mount Prospect, Ill., and 24-year-old musician Crystal Bowersox of Toledo, Ohio.

DeWyze delighted with Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Bowersox beguiled with Melissa Etheridge’s “Come To My Window” and Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed.”