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.
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 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 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
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!
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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!
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?
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!
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 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 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.
Casey with "Georgia On My Mind" and "Nature Boy" are stand out performances to our family. What a great entertainer he is!!! On RUclips, Casey collaborates with many other American Idol talents. So fun to watch! ❤
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'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.
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).
"Casey Cool" and yes he was and is very Cool !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's amazing to me for a 19 yr old to have that much talent and conviction...I'll always love him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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!
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.
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...
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!
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!)
Im amazed at some of the responses. He did a fantastic job on this. He is unconventional thats what makes him casey...if he keeps to his roots he will sell a ton of records. Casey there are people that like jazz still make us a record....yes i said record i still listen to those black discs. Anyone who thing digital can match a true clean analog recording is nuts
Easily one of the most brilliant musicians Idol has ever had.
I agree, absolutely
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.
The industry doesn't care what people want, they care about what sells more.
Yes.
Love how this was 3 hrs ago....
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
I'm screenshoting this. Such a good statement
Casey Abrams. This masterful rendition never gets old. He was the nugget of gold for the season. So brilliant.
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.
Jason Caputo people who are like that are the epitome of suck
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!
Excellent points, all.
I play jazz. He is not remotely talented. And by the way, this is hardly jazz. If anything you can call it imitation jazz.
So I guess that makes you an expert... let's give you some recognition... smh
cursedswordsman Whatever the fuck that means.
cursedswordsman post your shit then, lets see if you are an imitation too.
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 stopped watching once he was out...pssssch
This rendition is just..... Otherworldly
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.
So far many others disagree
+stagehog81 yet he got a standing ovation hmm ok
Doing this at american idol and getting the audience into it is an accomplishment! Absolute artist
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.
That one never gets old. Every few years I dig it back up and enjoy it for the first time again.
Same here...this song pops in my head every once in a while and I come back here to watch Casey play it. And I'm not a fan of jazz by any means
This is easily my favorite performance on American Idol. Unbelievable and unforgettable.
Still love that one. He showed all the nay sayers didn't he. Didn't take the help....didn't need it.
HE IS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!LOVE TO LISTEN EVEN 10 YEARS AFTER...
There's SO MUCH TALENT here. It's so uplifting to be a witness to this.
Harry Connick would dig this so much. If only he was on this season, I feel like he would be more appreciated now. Such a talent.
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
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!
GENIUS. Pure genius arrangement. Modernizing blues and/or jazz is an awesome talent.
For the first time last year with casey the show had some musical class, not just a raw talent voice but actual musical soul. It was great to watch.
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 was right. Follow your heart. Are you kidding me? Nat King Cole? He smashed, even now 2018, I can't stop listening to him.
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.
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!!!
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.
I stopped watching Idol after Adam Lambert didn't win. I can't even remember the name of the guy who won that year.
I love this performance of Casey’s. Such an amazing artist.
I get chills listening to this . He was the most talented , the whole package !
This guy brought Jazz to the show..... being a huge jazz lover.... this guy is talented and I was so sad to see him leave!
Casey put on a masterclass of championing self identity to allow yourself to be the best version of yourself. And it will shine through universally.
Casey is SUCH a talented all round musician!! He deserves to WIN!
does anyone else notice that he detunes the bottom string for the last note?? INSANELY GOOD
Casey is certainly the most versatile and talented this season! I hope he wins!
Best Idol performance period.
How such an incredible artist could be voted off within twoweeks of this legendary performance is beyond me.
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.
This is music...something we're deprived of indeed. But then people like him come around. Beautiful.
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!
Still gives me goosebumps!
It's great that the ending of the video shows he was right all along.
Awesome. Casey is so talented! Love when he sings/plays jazz.
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?
That was one of my favorite of Casey!
So nice... So dreamy and light. Just right. Thank you.
i cant believe that he was voted off.. he was so awesome.. the most versatile of them all.. he's very talented.. he was American Idol for me..
bro, who still jamming to Casey in 2k16
hes awsome
jordiwhat123 2017 😜
jordiwhat123 mee
fuck ya, this guy is my favorite idlol contestant ever, that entire season was filled with talent but he stood out.
2k17 for me bro
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!
Loved this - he is truly an artist. He will do something, regardless if he wins or not...
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 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 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.
chills. one of the best performances on idol ever
A contestant with a touch of class. You go Casey.. . Bringing Jazz into pop culture/society :)
amazing... love it.. great rendition... so much soul!! He should have won
Casey with "Georgia On My Mind" and "Nature Boy" are stand out performances to our family. What a great entertainer he is!!! On RUclips, Casey collaborates with many other American Idol talents. So fun to watch! ❤
absolutely beautiful
Hi mom i
I remembered when this first aired and me and my brother kept replaying this song, he was absolutely amazing 😍
I hope American Idol will have more jazz-oriented singers and performances like this. I love it!
perfection.. greeting from Singapore.. been watching this countless times... brilliant choice Casey..
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.
Oh my! This man is pure genius! A future Grammy winner!!! :)
Sooooooooo Awesome!!!!!
I can't control the repeat button!!!
I just love his confidence. Boy! if I was this confident. He is gonna go places. Idol or no idol.
The last season in my opinion that American Idol was good.
Favorite version of this song ever. An epically talented human. Bowing down,..
2019 Still watching this...
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.
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).
keep listening Casey. your music speaks to many.
i remember this coming out when i was in elementary school. in college now and he still ate
When Casey sings this song, i feel as if it reaches into my soul and pulls out all i have to offer the world......Love.
That performance was sublime.
I lovegreat outdoors exploring nature, keep it rolling!
"Casey Cool" and yes he was and is very Cool !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's amazing to me for a 19 yr old to have that much talent and conviction...I'll always love him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ohman. I just love this song and he sung it amazing.
You are the best Casey. Truly amazing. Whoooooooa!!!
This is just awesome!!! What a shame we can't vote from the UK because this was just pure genius.
Last night was the first episode of Idol I've seen this season, and I am soooo in love with this guy. I had chills, and thought of Tom Waits.
Now that's talent. Casey is just so skilled in his craft.
Of course they try to change him! He's unique so they are like "oh no you're different! Can't have any of that!"
Plus us bassists need to show ourselves! We are nearly extinct!
It depends on your target audience
In this case the target audience was to broad for artsy music
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!
This performance has gained him my respect! :)
Casey owns Jimmy Lovine..... owns American Idol.... and owns the world!
Thanks for resurrecting the lost art of true music
BRILLIANT! Always stay true to you. Awesome Performance!
still a stellar performance. Just perfect
Hey Case, i still jamming to you in this two thousand and nineten
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.
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...
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!
I am so in love with this performance
i love your music that jazzy sound is soul soothing
2022 and I keep coming back here
I suspect he does not regret his decision. I believe he has integrity as an artist and that is gold.
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!)
Amazing performance!
Still a fan. Watching Sept.26, 2017
Casey will win if he sticks to his playing! He is hands down the most talented idol.
Im amazed at some of the responses. He did a fantastic job on this. He is unconventional thats what makes him casey...if he keeps to his roots he will sell a ton of records. Casey there are people that like jazz still make us a record....yes i said record i still listen to those black discs. Anyone who thing digital can match a true clean analog recording is nuts
If there was a performance that stunned me out of my seat, this is the one.
just saw this lol - I just love it, and.. it loves me in return
I live in Europe and I'm already waiting for his CD!!!