UPDATE: So, I nailed the bottom two but was wrong about who was going home. Scott MacIntyre is out Lil Rounds gets another shot next week.
ORIGINAL POST: Once again, Adam Lambert, with his amazing voice, wowed the crowd and crushed the competition on "American Idol" last night when he sang Tears for Fears 1982 song "Mad World".
A lot of people -- those who DVR the show -- may have missed this performance because the show ran long. It's worth checking out (even Simon gave it a standing-O).
I had high hopes for this week's "songs from the year they were born" theme, which meant most of the songs were coming from the 80s.
The night didn't get off to a great start. Sentimental favorite Danny Gokey, born in 1980, sang Mickey Gilley's "Stand By Me." I knew he would choose to do a ballad. His disco-esque interpretation of this classic song was AWFUL. I mean BLOODY AWFUL. Let's just stick with Ben E. King, please.
From there, the show went from bad to mediocre, before ending on Lambert's high note.
Kris Allen, born in 1985, chose Don Henley's "All She Wants to Do is Dance." For one, he did what Matt Giraud did last week, and sang in a pit, below the main stage, surrounded by fans. It doesn't work (Simon called his performance "indulgent"). Allen's song arrangement had lots, I mean lots, of horns, which didn't make it sound contemporary at all. It wasn't a copycat of the original, but it wasn't better, or even nearly as good, as the original either. Mediocre.
Lil Rounds should pack her bags. Week after week she bombs. Born in 1984, she sang Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do With It." The judges tell her to channel Mary J. Blige. So, I'm not surprised she picked a song from a strong performer like Tina. But it was a mistake. Even though it was probably Lil's best performance in weeks, it wasn't ANYWHERE close to the greatness of Tina and came across as a sad copy of the original.
Then Anoop Desai look the stage, singing Cyndi Lauper's 1986 song "True Colors." I thought it was a surprising song choice. His version was slowed and stripped down, really subdued in an attempt to make it more R&B. I didn't think it was that good. It didn't have the memorable, POW that Lauper gave to the song. But, at least he did try to make it his own, which is a lot more than I can say about Lil.
Scott MacIntyre sang Survivor's 1985 song "The Search Is Over." The big surprise was that Scott plays guitar. Who knew? I thought he was a piano guy. The judges hated Scott's performance, which might have something to do with the screechy notes he hit. I didn't think it was that bad of a song choice for him because it showed a more upbeat side to his personality. Again, mediocre.
Things started to pick up when Allison Iraheta, born in 1992, sang Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me." I think this song is too old for her. She sang it well; probably the best singing of the night to that point of the show. She really does have a great, rock-chick voice. But I felt like I was watching a teenager sing her parent's music.
Matt Giraud rebounded after a poor performance last week, singing 1985's "Part Time Lover" by Stevie Wonder. I usually hate it when the contestants sing Stevie Wonder, whose music is SO over done on 'Idol.' But, I didn't hate this. I thought he did a good job making the song sound modern.
Then Adam Lambert took the stage to end the show and absolutely blew the competition away. He is mesmerizing. His high range seriously amazes. I would buy this song.
As far as I am concerned, they can end the competition now. Lambert's won. He wins every week. But since the show just drops one person a week, I think Lil and Scott are the bottom two. Lil should be sent home.
What did you think?
adam lambert's performance was ridiculously good. he pretty much makes a mockery of the other contestants and the rest of the show. wow.
I think you are spot-on as our new Idol-blogger. Felicia who?
Danny is fading week by week (despite Paula inexplicable slobbering all over him). Scott is out of his league. Anoop is one-dimensional. I think Lil doesn't know who she wants to be as an artist, other than the same ol same ol. I mean, she's got a good voice, but the judges tell her to sing Mary J and Keyshia Cole every week and but she seems to want to sing something else. Maybe they should stop telling her to be something she apparently doesn't want to be, because when she does what they tell her they tell her it sounds like karaoke. Just let her do her own thing. Like Adam, who is the best every week (country week notwithstanding).
What is wrong with the people who stink on this show??? How can Lil Rounds be allowed to have children when she's so clueless (or maybe the kids gave her brain damage, as Bill Cosby claims)? I'm glad all 4 of them let her have it last night for not listening whatsoever.
I don't see what Matt did that's so special. I have not had the Matt koolaid, and don't think he's all that like the judges seem to state.
I really liked Anoop, even tho he was dressed like he's pledging the new Med School frat. I think I really liked him only because he's been so bad that when he finally did well, I was shocked.
I like Allison because, while she's just 16, she makes me believe she's been in a dozen heartbreaking relationships already. She's such an old soul, and I would love to see her perform live. I used to say that about Danny, but he's lost right now.
You are correct, Adam is by far the best, ever since he tore up Ring of Fire.
Tonight's bottom 3 are Lil, Scott, and Matt (I still think ladies love Kris). Scott's gone, since Lil is still pulling the African American vote...barely.
Haha, Stephen, I think you overestimate the influence of the black vote vis a vis American Idol. Speaking anecdotally, many of my family members have (regrettably) ditched AI for BET's Sunday Best.
Point goes to Jason. I thought the black vote still carried some weight, but maybe I'm stuck in the days of Fantasia.
My bottom three picks were awful, but I've correctly predicted every person to be booted this season...that has to count for something.
Actually, I was too sleepy at 4am.
I picked two of the three bottoms correct, and still got Scott right.
I was wrong about Anoopdawg, thinking he still had a strong voter base. I'm glad I'm wrong...it seems America is voting quite smartly this year (for once).
What I can't get is what the heck the judges were discussing during the 'save' time?? Two wanted to save Scott?????????? And then what, Anoop would go and Scott would go next week? Makes no sense.
Judges, quit messing around and save the save for someone who might need it for reals (which, the way voting is going, won't be needed at all). They can only save til the top 5, and if Anoopdawg and Littul go next? Well, maybe they'll save Littul and hope Kris goes? I dunno.
I'm really enjoying this season, tho, and MikeOz should definitely start watching in 3 weeks when the competition is filled with nothing but actual talent.
I don't get the judges save either. It just seems awkward and like Simon is the only one who really gets that most of these people need to go.