The night’s other highlight was runner-up Crystal Bowersox, who performed with the same delightful ease and energy she displayed early in her season 9 run, particularly in those winning Hollywood Week clips on “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “If It Makes You Happy.” If anything, Crystal’s vocals were more robust last night than ever: her set-opening cover of 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up” was powerful enough to rock the cheap seats, and her full-length version of Melissa Etheridge’s “Come to My Window,” including a fine harmonica intro, packed a much stronger punch than the truncated version she rolled out on Idol. When you’re coming off a fifth-place finish on a reality singing competition, it’s best to not make the audience choose between you and The King of Rock n’ Roll, even if the latter is rendered in grainy home-video footage. Aaron displayed impressive bombast, too, on Rascal Flatts’ “Fast Cars and Freedom.” His only misstep, in fact, came during during his serviceable take on “Walking in Memphis,” when he chose a background projection of Elvis Presley on horseback and in a swimming pool.
His take on Keith Urban’s “Somebody Like You” - easily the night’s most energetic number - was an unexpected jolt: Not only has Aaron shaken off the intermittent pitch problems that plagued him during his Idol run, but he also proved he’s got a big enough voice and has developed strong enough showmanship skills to fill a stage as big as the Prudential’s.
The current crop of touring Idols could take a few cues from Aaron Kelly, one of the few performers who seemed to understand that when your set lasts all of three songs, you’d best kick things off with something that’s high octane and stylistically comfortable.