This performance, and the audience's response, goes to prove that industry misunderstands what people want. People don't want the same thing they've been hearing. They want, in their heart of hearts, something that changes what they want.
But being adamant on what you want to an autistic point puts you in a niche place where you will often miss the mark in capturing the ear of the majority of the populace hence why he isn't famous today.... You need to learn when to curb it and hold back so your work is palatable for most
That's integrity right there. I'm sure he was under a huge amount of pressure, even more than is shown here. I'm sure they were telling him he was ruining his chance at a career. And that comment, "he's not taking the help so he better be right" is just the epitome of soul killing pressure.
I respect Casey for his choice in preforming this song. He has brought real jazz to american idol. Someone needs to educate these teenagers as to what REAL music is. Finally no cookie cutter music and something different! It's so refreshing! Lovin' it!
I don't think people were ready for such an amazing talent like him to be the idol winner. It would be ideal if everyone knew how hard it is to sing such intervals in jazz and yet still make them sound beautiful and appealing! I think we've all been conditioned by pop to not appreciate such talent! I think we need to resurrected music programs in schools!
I thought Casey made the right choice. I loved the scat section. And I LOVE when Casey plays bass. He's gotten lots of jazz gigs after Idol, so he's not really hurting.
I've been watching Casey videos this morning and can't stop smiling. Each song he does is great. He also writes his own songs & they're online, too. He's so talented. I, too, stopped watching American Idol after Casey's season.
I have been watching this clip over a dozen times already since yesterday. Pure genius. A true artist. Aren't we lucky viewers who gets to watch this masterpiece of a live performance. And guys, pay good attention to the bass he's playing. TREMENDOUS PERFORMANCE.
I was initially FURIOUS that he didn't win... but now looking back, he never fit that mold. He is so much better than Idol. Him showing that he was going to use his artistic backbone and do what he does best is the key point. He's my favorite contestant and the reason why I finally stopped watching Idol. Brilliant performance.
In The Air Tonight is my all time favourite song and I so wanted him to do it, but I also loved this!! Mind you I grew up on jazz and it always makes me remember my father fondly! Great job Casey!
Some cynical "star maker": Hey, babe, you gotta listen to me if you wanna win." Casey Abrams: "How do I win if I lose my soul?" Who's the man with integrity in this scenario?
If this rendition is "Otherworldly" then the other world can keep it. I loved that he selected the song Nature Boy as it is one of my favorites, but after seeing his performance I wish he would have chosen something else. He completely ripped all emotion out of the song and was trying too hard to show of his vocal talent. He has a good voice, but needs to learn how to sing from the soul instead of trying to showoff by over complicating the music.
I really admire this guy for not going down the Pop music road and sticking to his Jazz roots. He is by far the most gifted musician ever to appear on AI and is light years ahead of his competition in terms of musical talent. Unfortunately, the majority of AI viewers and voters simply don't "get" Jazz, and therefore don't recognize Casey's musical genius, so I predict he will be gone tonight or next week. At least he can hold his head high knowing that he refused to compromise his musical values
For all you conformists who, unfortunately, failed to grasp the complexity of Abrams's outstanding singing and musicianship, during a live performance on a predominantly pop/country/one-rock-singer show, and commented negatively, I'm disappointed- but certainly not surprised- with you all. As a Music Major at Ohio University (and a multi-instrumentalist myself), I can safely say that Abrams is the best MUSICIAN ever to break the top ten, if not to appear on the show at all. This season's Alex Preston is somewhat close to Casey, but Alex hasn't had too much of a chance to "stretch his legs out" when the performance is only about a minute and a half. For the folks that said he "changed the melody too much" or "sang too many notes"...that's fine. Jimmie Johnson has won too many NASCAR races. Bron-Bron has scored too many points. Archie Griffin won too many Heisman Trophies, etc. Vocalizing Jazz intervals and articulations is hard enough; let alone playing a non-fretted instrument at the same time; let alone (during the solo break where he and Ray are trading 8's) singing the EXACT pitch and rhythm he's playing on the double bass. I'd like to see the critics themselves (or any Chris Brown, Nasal Minaj, or Jason Aldean) try that themselves. You know what they say: Loose lips syncs ships (Milli Vanilli, anybody?).
Agree. No music major, but I appreciate those who are more skilled in pointing out things I may have missed. My parents just saw this young man & said it was one of the best evenings of their lives. Pretty impressive, considering Elvis played at my mom's high school in the 1950s!
yes. this is today, 2018 and many years later I love and absorb your expression . wish ol could study and learn from you. You were so beyond. American idol show at that time, even beyond the judges in your abilities. truly gifted.
Casey Abrams is what American Idol, The Music World, and the World itself needed. There is no one like him, he knows who he is and so do i , and you have to just respect and appreciate it.
Absolutely amazing! I don't care for mainstream pop music but watch AI for the interesting personal stories and ... the rare "diamond in the rough." Casey is IT!! I'm a classically-trained musician myself; I can play ANYthing you put in front of me, but I have never FELT what he clearly feels when he plays. It's simply joyful for him and he innately knows where to take each note. The last time I felt like this was about Carrie Underwood.Keep up the FANTASTIC work, Casey, we're SO PROUD OF YOU!
Everyone has their fav performance of the contestants. This was my fav of his. It was so surprisingly frikkin' cool. I didn't want it to end! Amazing talent. Casey made jazzy tunes cool. At least when he sung 'em lol.
I teach music here in Brazil, this was without any doubt the best PresentationYour terms of musicality of American idol every note perfect interpretation and our bass sound brought me to heights. if you Americans do not vote for Casey, will need to come to Brazil to learn about music.
Simply killer licks! How does he manage those breaking notes so smoothly with his voice . He is very seasoned for someone so young! once again......Duh! Winning!!!
Casey is a thoroughly original artist and musician PLUS, a big plus, a funny and upbeat entertainer. His smile is as infectious as is his sense of humour. He makes effortless connection with the audience. He flirts with them. This guy has guts and swagger of ten singers!
Astounding. Took my breath away. He may not be the most popular and what American Idol voters would go for in the end, but HE IS BY A MILE THE MOST TALENTED and GENUINE MUSICIAN on AI. And contrary to what most people say, I actually thought Casey got me after singing Nirvana on AI. Now who would have the audacity to do that? It's all about PASSION.
I adore that Casey sang, scat/improvised, sang out of the changes, and ended on the 7th. AH! Excellent, and although I am not a particular fan of the "mmhs" he gives, that is just my personal objection and not something others couldn't love. :D Mad props, and I hope we keep seeing jazz on prime-time television.
I stopped watching American Idol a few seasons back, but my Mom still recorded it and I would watch Casey's performances. The fact he didn't win is an absolute shame. Casey was the only person on that show who had skill, not just talent.
I'm a Sheldon Cooper when it comes to change and with Nat Cole and this song is among my all time favorites and I'm old enough to remember Nat singing it. But I had to admit that Casey's rendition of Nature Boy knocked it out of the park for me. The person who said Idol was not good enough for Casey was spot on. I LOVE THIS TUNE.
Casey with "Georgia On My Mind" and "Nature Boy" are stand out performances to our family. What a great entertainer he is!!! On RU-vid, Casey collaborates with many other American Idol talents. So fun to watch! ❤
Casey, if you ever see this comment, I want you to know that I can't wait for you to go on tour with your jazz show. Like Jennifer Lopez said, I'm paying for front row seats. I enjoy watching your performances every week. Don't listen to Jimmy and Will.i.am. They don't have your God-given talent, although I'm sure they're looking forward to exploiting it, if you let them. You have a real gift. Thank you for sharing it with us every week.
One of my fav song of all time. Casey gives me goosebumps. Def one of the top 3 interpretations ever for this song. Awsome, amazing, creative, with so many unexpected phrasing which in some weird ways work. This guy is AMAZING! I can't wait to buy his album (minus the growling please! LOL).
honestly, honestly... despite the shakiness as a result of what's obvious... nervousness.... my god, completely cried... i COMPLETELY started crying i SWEAR tog god... the ending... his melodic sensibility... my god..... casy, if you don't win, i'll buy whatever you publish... you're so amazing... :C im crying right now... and i'm not one to cry... CASY, PLEASE DON'T STOP IF YOU'RE ELIMINATED.... PLEASE... it's relatively likely that you will be. you're sights aren't set upon america's ideals...
This song was published in 1948, but it was actually written closer to 1943. I posted a link to this video on Facebook (as it is one of my favorite songs), and my Aunt tells me that eden was a family friend of my grandparents in Lincoln Heights. He would come to their house and play strands of the song on their piano (btwn. '41-'45) while it was being developed. Apparently, he also had a big crush on my Aunt Barbara (who says that the song is about him; he was a strange, enchanted boy!)
He is so amazing, gifted and just fantastic in so many ways you cannot put into words. Sadly, American Society won't get it. As much as I like him, the judges and a select few people out there like him, America is going to vote him off sooner than later. He's got one helluva future though, bigger than Idol. GO CASEY!
