We could tell from his audition in Austin that Casey Abrams was going to be a contender. With melodica in hand, he led the judges on a Pied Piper-type dance along. Throughout Hollywood week, he continued to impress with his unique musicianship. He was the first contestant to perform with an upright bass. His rendition of “Why Can’t You Do Right” will go down in Idol history as a classic moment of excellence.
After making it into the Top 24, Casey was clearly a front runner and a judge favorite. Always a showman, he demonstrated every style of music from jazz to alternative rock. Even a couple of trips to the ER for a bleeding ulcer didn’t slow Casey down.
When he was voted off back during Top 11, he received the one Judge Save of the year. This was a controversial move on the part of the show, but they knew that the Idol tour would not be the same without the entertaining Jazz Man.
We hear more from Casey during his exit interview. The number one question on the reporters’ list - "Are you in a romance with Haley?" Casey says, “No … she is a very special musical friend and that’s all.”
He is feeling good about his departure and is glad that his swan song was so well received. He says “Sometimes the best performances in jazz when you improvise and play a different solo each time is the best feeling in the world.”
Casey credits the Idyllwild Arts Academy for his jazz roots. Besides upright and electric bass, he also plays guitar, piano, drums, accordion, and clarinet. His favorite instrument is cello.
He says that a Casey Abrams concert would be “pure craziness.” He would “rock hard and have some fun” and “have more instruments that you’d expect.” His confidence as a performer on stage has improved since he has been on the show.
Casey explains that he is a happy person who laughs all the time; the angry growling was just a stage persona. He says, “Don’t take yourself too seriously. Take music seriously but not yourself.”
Learn more about Casey on his official American Idol web page.
