A unique contestant teeming with talent exits American Idol

And there he goes, folks. Back into the (Idyll)wild blue yonder from whence he came. Back to pursuing his dream of “jazz-ercizing” anyone who will listen.

The one guy in the competition I’ve been behind all year … the one scads of real talent.

American Idol just wasn’t big enough to handle him.

Now, don’t get me wrong: Casey had his flaws and plenty of quirks, too. That Yukon Cornelius beard … that continuous growl … that dorktastic march across the stage … the way he followed the camera when it panned around him … those funky lilts when he sang. But, at the same time, those were personality traits that made him who he was.

I don’t know of another Idol contestant who encompassed as many styles as he did nor played as many instruments: Melodica, guitar, piano, stand-up bass. That range of influences: Queen, Ray Charles, James Taylor, Frank Sinatra and more. Plus, he was a pretty decent skatter, too.

Multi-talented. That’s what Casey Abrams is. And it really is a shame he’s leaving so soon … a little too soon for my taste. At the very least, Jacob Lusk should have been out the door before Casey. Haley Reinhart, too.

But, honestly, I understand. His chameleon persona was just too much to absorb for the average voter. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard friends and casual observers state his growl was grating and annoying. And let’s face it: He is somewhat goofy and doofus looking.

But there’s one thing you cannot deny. Casey Abrams has the music in him. And it’s pervasive and all-consuming. It’s the reason I was taken by him from the very start.

If you ever questioned the musical talent in this kid, well … you merely need take a peek at the videos below. All doubt will be removed.

So long, Casey. I’ll be watching for your next moves, wherever they take you.

Clacked by Michael Noble
on Apr 29, 2011 @ 01:53 EST5EDT