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Home > Blogs > Reality Bytes > Archives > 2009 > March > 31 > Entry
A mixed bag of 9 on American Idol tonight.
It’s down to the Top 9 and let’s get right into it! They have been given the choice of any song that is a popular download from iTunes. And after you watch the show, don’t forget to tell us in our Idol Poll who you think should be going home.
Anoop Desai starts things off tonight with Usher’s Caught Up.
My take: Anoop is fun with this style song and you can tell he loves an upbeat Top 40 song but he is so much better on ballads. I didn’t think he sucked but this wasn’t a great performance for him.
Judges take: Randy said vocals were good but not the right song choice. Kara gets lots of boo’s when she said that it seemed like a bunch of frat guys dared him to do Usher. Paula, as usual, didn’t give any real opinion other than she loved that he went back to his playful side. Simon thought “it was a complete and utter mess.” He thinks he came over as a wanna be and it actual gave him a headache.
Megan Joy is next with Bob Marley/Lauren Hill? Ooohh, this might be a really, really neat performance of Turn Your Lights Down Low.
My take: I had high hopes for Megan tonight but I didn’t care for this performance. Part of it may be because the song just didn’t resonate with me but it was also missing the Megan charm I love so much.
Judges take: Kara really likes her but she thinks she may be in trouble. Paula thinks that at this stage of the competition she needs to dig deeper. Simon thinks the problem was the song was boring, monotonous and indulgent. It just wasn’t her. Randy says just because she loves a song doesn’t mean she can sing it.
Danny Gokey is going to sing What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts. Oh, I’m excited about this because I love this song.
My take: I had to rewind this song and listen again undistracted by the typing of this blog because I didn’t quite get the judges raves. Danny connected a very personal message with these lyrics and it touched my heart. That said…I didn’t think it was his strongest performance by a mile, he was quite pitchy in parts, and at times I just wanted it to be over.
Judges take: Paula says this performance left her wanting more. Simon thought it was his best performance of the season. Randy says he brought it with the vocals. Kara said that he moved everyone in that room emotionally and he really connects with the audience.
Allison Iraheta was tickled she could choose something she grew up singing Don’t Speak by No Doubt.
My take: She busts out the guitar this week which is kind of sweet. I actually enjoyed the first verse better than the original song and I love Gwen Stefani. I thought the chorus was a little off but this kid is just amazing.
Judges take: Randy started with what mad love for her but he didn’t like her outfit. (I thought she looked young and cute in her hot pink dress with black lace overlay and her spiky hair) Kara says she didn’t need to put all that on because she can sing. Paula thinks her vocal prowess rivals those twice her age and she thinks she is skating right to the finish line. Simon can’t ignore the outfit either. The judges basically agreed that the outfit was distracting, so they lost the vocals.
Scott Macintyre is singing Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel.
My take: Scott wants to escape the bottom three this week so he is stripping it down to just him and the piano. This is a perfect song for Scott. It shows off the beautiful vibrato in his voice and you can tell he completely connects with the lyrics. I’ve been critical of Scott for the last couple weeks but he gave me goose bumps this week. Outstanding!
The judges take: Kara thought he made some very smart decisions tonight by coming from an honest place with such a moving performance. Paula is so proud of Scott not because of his challenge but because he makes her forget about his challenge. For this comment, I have to agree with Paula, which is kind of rare for me. Simon thinks it is his best performance so far by a country mile. Absolutely different Scott tonight. Randy thinks it is one of the best performances of the night.
Matt Giraud is singing The Fray’s the song You Find Me.
My take: I like Matt but it took him way too long to find his groove with the song. The first verse was about torture for me…then it got a little better. But I don’t think this is the genre for him even though he loves it.
The judges take: Paula thought he abandoned the riffing and falsetto that make him who he is and this song just didn’t do it. Simon said he should be happy this week because the judges didn’t like him this week and he almost got booted. Simon felt it sounded very put on like he was trying to be someone else. Randy said the problem for him was it just wasn’t the right sound for him. Kara says he needs to commit and quit going back and forth between rock and R&B.
It’s Lil Rounds and I sure hope she chooses a great song this week and she decides on Celine Dion’s I Surrender.
My take: I had high hopes for this song and Lil had some really great moments but I thought she was really pitchy and it just didn’t grab me like she did in the beginning of the competition.
Judges take: Randy wouldn’t have picked this song but she sang it well. Young it up. Kara didn’t like the song either but the potential to “wow us” is there. Paula doesn’t want to see an adult contemporary Lil Rounds she wants to see the joy that she brought when she first saw her. Simon thinks she chose a safe song to stay in the competition and he compared it to a wedding performance.
Adam Lambert is doing Wild Cherry’s 1976 Play That Funky Music. This could be fun.
My take: I was in middle school when this was popular the first time and I would buy Adam’s version today! In fact, I will after the show is done. I loved it!!!
Judges take: Paula says “true genius doesn’t fulfill expectations, true genius shatters it. There are artist in this business who have longevity because of their unique and riveting performance. I’ll name a few, Mick Jaeger, Stephen Tyler and Adam Lambert.” Simon says that was pretty brave and he was glad that they got rid of some of the karaoke of the night, it was original and he had a great time. Randy was afraid this was going to be corny but he worked it out.
Kris Allen ends the evening with Aint’ No Sunshine.
My take: First few notes and I knew he chose the right song. Behind a keyboard he shows his musical versatility and he was incredible. He made this song different and fresh and his voice is perfectly suited for it. Wow!
Judges take: Randy said he was definitely in the zone tonight. One of the best performances of the night. Kara has three words for him…that was artistry. Paula thinks this could be the first cut from his album. It was his best performance to date. Simon reminded him that last week they wanted him to bring some confidence and that’s what he showed tonight. Very clever, very cool and his best performance so far.
What a mixed bag tonight. And so unexpected the people I loved versus the people I expected to love. I expected to love Lil, Megan, Adam, Matt and possibly Kris. I expected to watch Scott or Anoop flounder this week. By far my favorites? Adam, Scott and Kris. Never would have predicted that. Going home this week? Megan. Bottom three? Megan, Matt and maybe Allison? Don’t forget to pop over to our Idol Poll and vote for the worst this week!
How about you?
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Comments
By Al
April 1, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
I have been a fan of Kris since the top 13. He didn’t get any air time before, but he is proving to be a strong, consistant contender. He has been underrated from the start. I liked Adam at first but that screaming and high pitched shrilling is getting old. This is American Idol, not American Metal. I him to try other stuff, without losing who he is tho. Danny to me has plateaued. He is, as another poster said, becoming a one trick pony, ala Taylor Hicks. My top pick goes to Kris.
By Al
April 1, 2009 6:35 PM | Link to this
I have been a fan of Kris since the top 13. He didn’t get any air time before, but he is proving to be a strong, consistant contender. He has been underrated from the start. I liked Adam at first but that screaming and high pitched shrilling is getting old. This is American Idol, not American Metal. I him to try other stuff, without losing who he is tho. Danny to me has plateaued. He is, as another poster said, becoming a one trick pony, ala Taylor Hicks. My top pick goes to Kris.
By Kim
April 1, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this
Heather - you typed the words right away from my fingers - I was thinking earlier about Matt’s yo-yo performances and was saying to myself that just because you like it doesn’t mean you can sing it - especially for something like this! He hasn’t come far enough to have that luxury. Him and Lil both have me scratching my head - how many DOZENS of times have the judges said, “Mary J.” to her - and she picks Celine Dion? Old-fashioned, semi-operatic, overblown diva of adult contemporary? HUH? HUGE mistake. And for Matt - they keep saying Justin to him over and over - and he picks that mess. Megan too - I just don’t understand how they are coming up with these choices! Kris took a song that I love and made it completely fresh into another that I loved all over again!
By Kim
April 1, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this
Matt, Lil and Megan continue floundering trying to define themselves as artists and all are failing miserably at present. I loved Scott’s new look, and I suppose it may have been his best performance - I can’t tell because they all sound the same and I’m bored to tears. Adam and Kris were my faves this week - they were both awesome - with Danny behind them (I didn’t get to see my buddy Anoop). I love Danny, but he is starting to get the “one trick pony” syndrome - I would like to see more depth from him or something. My bottom picks would be Megan, Matt & Scott with Scott leaving if I had my druthers - but I don’t know if America will agree! If Megan truly is this year’s Kelle Pickler - then she may not even be in the bottom. I wouldn’t even be surprised to see Lil there with that snoozer she did. This competition is so tight that it could really go in any direction! We’ll see!
By Heather
April 1, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this
There were two performances last night that I had to replay - Danny and Kris. I liked Danny’s and was glad that he sang a song that showcased why he is so good. And Kris - Wow! I have always liked him and the past couple of weeks, he has really started to shine again. As soon as I heard what he was singing - I thought - Oh, this is going to be good! And he definitely did not disappoint. He was awesome - best of the night for me! Scott was good - better than he has been in quite awhile. But, Billy Joel is one of my all-time favorite performers, so you would have to be AMAZING to truly do one of his songs justice for me and Scott just didn’t. Adam - ugh - I know a lot of people just love him and he did okay to me - but, I wasn’t over the top for him. Last week he was great, but for me, I think he is forever going to belong in musical theater. Anoop was such a disappointment last night after the last two weeks. It really didn’t even sound like the same song. And my guy, Matt - what was he thinking? A couple of the contestants need to realize that just because you really love a song, it doesn’t mean you can sing it. Stick to the music that you know can win this thing for you - he definitely didn’t do that last night. My gut is that the bottom will be Megan, Matt and Anoop. And that sucks because I really like these two guys - so, I’m hoping that Megan will be packing her bags.
By rene
April 1, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this
Scott did a nice job of redeeming himself,while Matt just seemed to hope to do well (he didn’t). Danny was very good as was Kris. Lil and Anoop were just OK. Adam was good, I like him,but the screams are getting to be “routine” to me. Megan was just plain BAD BAD BAD. She’s gotta go home this week!
By deb2125
April 1, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this
ADAM.. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE sing a judas priest song!!!! with that voice omg i am getting chills thinking about it! i hope you front a rock band after this is over.. i will buy front row tickets for that. ok.. taking a different route, i would LOVE to hear you sing “sweet transvestite” from rocky horror picture show.. i wanna see your “campy” and “theatrical” side ; )
By Ben
April 1, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this
I think the bottom two are the M&M bunch, Megan and Matt. Megan gets voted out. Best of the week: Kris, Adam and Danny. I hate to admit that Adam has really grown on me. Can’t get away without saying: Allison, you should never, never, never dress like that again.
By Kira
March 31, 2009 11:37 PM | Link to this
Scott. He is so amazing, has a great heart and very talented!! I hope he wins! Love scott!
By Shantei
March 31, 2009 11:30 PM | Link to this
Kelle, Kris was wonerdul tonight! He came from out of no where and…Wow! Danny was good, but he needs to step it up. He is getting too comfortable. Lil was disappointing, but she wasn’t bad. Allison was okay, but her outfit was too loud for my taste. Megan was bad and looked really uncomfortable. Matt was not the greatest either. He needs to be himself. Anoop was disappointing too. He needs to stick to ballads. Scott was good and deserves to stay another week. Adam was fun to watch and sounded great. With that being said, my bottom 3 would be Anoop, Allison and Megan with Megan going home.
By Cass
March 31, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this
I have to agree with your assessment of tonights performances! Scott did an excellent job and Kris wowed. BUT ..I will be buying Adams version! He is amazing every week!!
By Rich
March 31, 2009 10:27 PM | Link to this
No doubt in my mind — week after week, no matter what you think of him (especially his appearance), Adam Lambert is the most talented and polished performer on the stage. My wife and I agree — it’s amazing he didn’t already have a recording contract long before this season of American Idol.