"American Idol:" MJ + AI = one disjointed evening
At least no one among the 13 finalists dared sing Michael Jackson's "Thriller."
The "American Idol" producers' decision to highlight songs Tuesday from the King of Pop's catalog produced a weird evening. For one thing, the songs are iconic, too closely identified with MJ. It also didn't help that the judges were in a demanding mood. Even Paula Abdul voiced some negative opinions.
None of the singers totally clunked in the singing department. No screechy or missed notes. No one tripped, although a couple unsuccessfully tried to dance. Yikes. So it came down to presentation. Adam Lambert (seen here) ruled the night. The rest of the show mostly bogged down. I will say this: the guys way outperformed the gals this week.
On tonight's show, there's some kind of surprise change in the rules. I hope it's not some lame gimmick.
As for Tuesday night's performances, here' my take. What did you think?
Lil Rounds -- A bit of a disappoinment. She sang "The Way You Make Me Feel." Not much of a challenge.
Scott MacIntyre -- I liked him more than the judges. He's in his zone when he sings and plays the piano. He chose "Keep the Faith," and I enjoyed the tone and warmth of his voice and his ease of performance.
Danny Gokey -- He's one of my favorites. Loved how he sang "PYT." Just hope he ditches the lame dance moves. Even in this photograph, you can see the geekiness.
Michael Sarver -- He took on "You Are Not Alone." It was fine but forgettable.
Jasmine Murray -- She's only 17 and has a definite stage presence. I think the judges should have given her more credit for "I'll Be There."
Kris Allen -- Playing guitar, he grooved "Remember the Time." I liked it.
Allison Iraheta -- What is it with the youngsters this year and their impressive level of confidence and skill? Allison is only 16 and is a powerful rocker. She sang "Give in to Me," not a well known MJ tune, but blistered it as if it was her own.
Anoop Desai -- He tried to sing "Beat It." DID NOT LIKE THIS. It was a disaster.
Jorge Nunez -- He's kind of a dork but really can sing. He just picked the wrong song, "Never Can Say Goodbye." I'd love to hear him perform in his native Spanish and hit one out of the ballpark.
Megan Corkrey -- Of all the songs to pick, Megan chose The Jackson 5's rendition of a oldie, "Rockin' Robin." Ugh!
Adam Lambert -- The best of the night. His theatrical instincts and his voice that mixed falsettos with a fierceness made "Black or White" a highlight.
Matt Giraud -- Playing piano, he sang a smooth, R&B rendition of "Human Nature." I immediately thought he's got a Robin Thicke/Justin Timberlake vibe going and then Randy Jackson said the same thing. I hardly ever agree with that guy.
Alexis Grace -- I've no idea why she chose "Dirty Diana." While Lambert can carry off the "over the top" attitude needed for MJ, Grace came across as overwrought and strident.
So who's in trouble? I'm picking Michael Sarver, Megan Corkrey and Alexis Grace. (I think Anoop has a strong enough fan base that he's safe.) Who goes home? I'll pick Alexis because the real rocker in this group is Allison.
Comments:
I don't watch this show. Haven't in two years. But I saw about 30 seconds last night and heard some Seth Rogen-looking fool butchering "Pretty Young Thing."
I've since been told he's one of the better ones.
American Idol sucks.
Posted by: Mike Oz at March 11, 2009 1:59 PM
So every one cries about cris brown at the nick awards but hey will have a complete michael jackson night on americas most popular show, wow i foregot how horrible michael jackson albums after thriller were.
Posted by: booey at March 11, 2009 2:29 PM
I'm not sure that taking an icon such as Michael Jackson and then expecting some kids to get on a huge stage and make it sound even half as good as the classics everyone knows and loves, is such a good idea.
Who could possibly make a Michael Jackson song sound hip, edgy or cool these days? Certainly nobody that I saw...
@MikeOz - sorry dude, but I'm pulling for Danny Gokey myself. Even though last nights performance was a strain on my ears, he can sing his butt off, but I'm worried that his 'look' might not make the cut. I'm still pulling for him though...
A.I. really needs to get it together though, it seems as though they realize this is all coming to an end, and are doing everything they can do to milk this last season for all it's worth.
And I'm not real sure that a season of unmemorable moments is really worth watching (except for a few good laughs at some singers expense).
Posted by: Chris at March 11, 2009 2:58 PM
None of them approached David Cook's take on Billie Jean last year.
@booey, Bad was actually better than Thriller.
@Felicia - I loved that Megan did Rockin Robin, and I think she performed it okay. I don't think she's great for American Idol because she doesn't have the belt it out power that we demand of our American Idols (but not of our actual music stars...Chris Martin would be doomed on AI), but I think if she had a shot to record an album it would be worth a listen. She's not my favorite, but I think she's the most interesting.
One thing stood out last night: for the 8th straight season there isn't a single AI finalist that can dance. Mike Oz's favorite contestant of all-time, Blake Lewis, was probably the best they've had on that front.
Bottom 3 prediction: Kris, Jasmine, Megan.
Posted by: Jason at March 11, 2009 5:07 PM
Actually, TWO go home tonight.
I HOPE Michael and Anoop go home.
I don't think Adam Lambert's was all that and a bag of chips. He over-sang it and screeched a bunch. How no one did "Ben" I'll never understand. 'Rockin' Robin' was ridiculous. Li'l Rounds did a pretty good job and a smart job. She knows she doesn't have to pick it up until the final 6 or so. First we have to weed through Jasmine, Michael, Anoop, Alexis, Megan, Matt, and Kris. Then the competition starts for reals.
I like Allison, Danny, Scott, and Li'l Rounds in the final four, with Danny a clear winner. Of course there'll be a surprise thrown in there...Allison might go home early, following the trend of rocker chicks sent home before their time.
Anyways, here's hoping Michael and Anoop go home. I don't think Anoop has a big enough fan following this year...at least I hope not. I'd almost rather have Sanjaya than Anoop...almost.
Posted by: Stephen at March 11, 2009 7:33 PM
Oops, I forgot to say my actual picks to go home (with 12 minutes to spare before the show).
I think Jasmine goes...which eliminates one of the two black contestants, keeping Li'l Rounds through to the final 3.
Then it comes down to Alexis, Anoop, or Jorge. Personally, I want Anoop gone, then Jorge, but I'm going to believe Felicia(!). I thought at first Anoop would go for sure, but maybe Felicia has a point, and Anoop stays.
So my actual picks are Jasmine and Jorge, the J's.
But Anoop soon to follow, please!
Posted by: Stephen at March 11, 2009 7:50 PM
Holy crap, I got it right. That's a first.
And what's up with AI becoming like 'So You Think You Can Dance' where the judges can save someone?? I actually like the idea for years ago, when they could have saved Jennifer Hudson. I'd prefer it the other way, where the judges can switch the person going home, so Taylor Hicks, Sanjaya, and anyone else ruining the competition can be sent home by Simon rather than someone actually talented.
Posted by: Stephen at March 12, 2009 7:35 AM
@Stephen: Man, you did call that right. I was out to lunch on this. (Though Megan still bugs me, and Jasmine didn't stink it up.) At least I got it right about Anoop. But how strong his following will be depends on his next performance. Another clunker and he's gone.
Posted by: felicia matlosz at March 12, 2009 4:44 PM
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