AMERICAN IDOL: Top 8 Performances
April 7, 2009 by Kath Skerry
Adam’s hair has lot some poof. Matt’s sporting a fancy chapeau. Alison is channeling Sydney Bristow. Kris Allen is still hot. Scott MacIntyre should be watching this show at home from his couch. It’s Tuesday night and THIS is AMERICAN IDOL.
Tonight the Top 8 will be singing songs from the year they were born. If past seasons are any indication, it’s a pretty wide playing field in terms of music selection. As long as somewhere in the world, someone sang a song during the year the contestants were born it qualifies.
As always I’ll be providing my comments as I watch, then we’ll see what the judges have to say. Finally it’s up to YOU to share your comments below.
You ready?
Ok, we’re not even through the judges intros and I already have the chills. Dude, The Observer is in the house!! That guy freaks me out. Nice work Fox and FRINGE. (Although I think you can have been a little less obvious, no?)
And straight from his court appearance Chris Brown is hanging in the IDOL audience. Ok, maybe not but did you see the guy sitting behind Randy tonight? He sure looked like him.
Danny Gokey (1980)
“Stand By Me”
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My Thoughts: See what I mean? “Stand By Me” in 1980? I think not. Try 1961. I got ripped last week for criticizing Danny’s performance, but once again there were note issues. He kept going flat. I’m sure the judges won’t mention it though. The performance picked up in the last two minutes, but overall I thought it was very boring. I think Danny needs to step up his game.
The Judges: Randy declared that this is a vocal talent show and Danny has talent. Good thing Randy used his time to comment on Allison’s clothes last week with hardly mentioning her vocals. Kara thought Danny was unique and that he sang it well. Paula thought he set the bar so high that everyone will be playing catch up all night. What? Simon thought overall it was great.
[Loving the GLEE promo during the commercial break. It makes me want to stop IDOL and watch GLEE again!]
Kris Allen (1985)
“All She Wants to do is Dance”
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My Thoughts: Kris wanted to be a taxi driver when he was little. I’d ride in his cab anytime. Kris is performing from that weird stage within the audience. I’m not a fan. I think it feels forced and awkward. Interesting arrangement for this song. It reminded me a bit of Jason Mraz. This wasn’t my favorite performance of Kris by far. It was missing something.
The Judges: Kara wasn’t a fan of the arrangement and said it wasn’t very youthful. Paula said he was very likable (uh oh). Simon thought it was indulgent, boring, forgettable and he didn’t like the song choice. Randy lost Kris in the arrangement. Not a good night for my boy. That’s ok, I’ll still vote for him.
Lil Rounds (1984)
“What’s Love Got to Do With It”
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My Thoughts: Can we please have Mary J. night so Lil can get her spark back. A beautiful voice but I thought this song and performance was a big snooze-fest. And not for nothing but she was pushing it from beginning to end. Lil has lost all of her joy. I know I’ve said it before but she’s so defeated that I’m not sure she even wants to be there anymore. I want her to do well, but this wasn’t enough.
The Judges: Paula didn’t think she did enough with the song, and she’s worried. Simon and I were on the same page. He said that we’ve basically lost Lil. He said that she should be making a bigger impact in the show and it’s time for her to become original again. Randy thought it was the wrong song for her. Kara said right now it’s about making the leap from a singer to an artist and she’s not there yet.
Despite the harsh criticism, I think the judges were spot on, and tonight they actually gave advice that was spot on. That doesn’t happen often. Vote for Lil…at least one more week. I want to see what she can do.
Anoop Desai (1986)
“True Colors
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My Thoughts: Anoop shares his birthday with David Cook. Really? David looks like he has a few years on Noop Dawg. Anoop the balladeer was back tonight and once again he took a song that has been covered a million times and made it his own. I loved his arrangement, especially the second half. Way to go Anoop!! Don’t call it a comeback!
The Judges: Randy thought ti was beautiful and controlled. Kara thought he took a pop song and infused it with soul. Paula thought it was magical. Simon called him a singing yo-yo. Simon thought it was very good, and commended his originality.
Scott MacIntyre (1985)
“The Search is Over”
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My Thoughts: Scott takes the stage with his guitar tonight. I’m going to commend Scott for going out of his comfort zone and stepping out from behind the piano. He also took some risks with the arrangement. But the vocals? Again…abysmal. He is always just under the note. It’s painful. Extremely painful. But I do love this song…when he’s not singing it.
The Judges: Kara was finally honest with Scott and told him that he missed some notes. Of course she made sure she said it nicely…you know, because he’s blind. Paula isn’t really a fan, you can tell, but she’s another one that’s not willing to tell Scott how it is. Simon thought the song was horrible and he actually said, “Scott I’m not criticizing you, just the song.” What?! Randy thought it was all ok. But just ok. Randy said he wanted Scott to jump off the stage…vocally. Scott said he wanted to show some versatility before going home. From your lips my friend to God’s ears.
Allison Iraheta (1992)
“I Can’t Make You Love Me”
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My Thoughts: 1992! Seriously? How much do I love that Allison’s mother took her to the doctor’s when she was little to find out what was wrong with her because she talked to much. Ha ha! Aw, Allison is singing a little Bonnie Raitt. A little GMMR trivia for you. This was my solo performance song during my Senior year in college. I love this song so much. YES!! YES!! YES!! I thought Allison was incredible tonight. She is one of the most authentic and true to herself contestants in the history of Idol. She took the judges advice and brought it down a little and showed some vulnerability. But what she didn’t do was let go of her edge. It was there in every note of the song. I know exactly who Allison will be as an artist. Why oh why does America not vote for her?! She’s fantastic!!
The Judges: Paula was a big fan and said she really made it her own. Simon thought it was really good, but encouraged her lighten up a bit. Randy likened her to Kelly Clarkson in the best possible way. Both Randy and Simon encouraged her to talk a little more and get more of a fan base. Simon said she should try saying “Cool Beans”. Ha ha ha!! Kara thought she is pure talent. She’s ready to make a record with Allison.
Matt Giraud (1985)
“Part Time Lover”
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My Thoughts: Dayum! Matt was working it tonight. I had to watch his intro twice because voice was so sexified. That was a killer performance tonight. It was original, relevant and with that version Matt could make that song a hit once more. This is what I’ve been waiting for all night!!!!
The Judges: Randy thought it was one of the best of the night. Kara was with me in loving the performance saying it was incredible on every level. Paula gave him a standing O. Simon said it was a million times better than last week.
EPIC FAIL FOX!! American Idol went so over tonight that Adam Lambert didn’t even perform before the 1 hour mark. So for people like me who recorded the episode, we missed Adam. All that watching and I missed Adam. You suck, Fox. Now I’m off to find the show illegally…suck on that!
Update: I just watched Adam Lambert’s Top 8 performance of “Mad World” and DEAR GOD IT WAS AMAZING! So controlled. So beautiful. I loved every single second for it. And I don’t know what he did different but Adam looked really, really good tonight.
As for the judges….are you sitting…because Simon isn’t. Since the show was in over time, Simon was the only one to speak for the judges and he gave Adam a standing ovation. What?! What?! I don’t believe Simon has ever given a standing o to someone in the throws of competition. Damn.
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So pissed I missed Adam’s performance tonight, he was AMAZING! I love that song, and he even made it better than the original. That being said, I am so nervous Kris will get kicked off. Please America, stop voting for Scott because he is blind! It’s time for him to go. I’m so over Lil and Danny too. Good performances overall tonight!
Matt & Adam were amazing tonight. Hands down awesome. I really like Kris too so I’m hoping he’s safe too. I think that either Lil or Scott will go home tonight, althought Scott is the VFTW choice… Now’s when it starts getting up in the air as to who will go home! Yikes!
Oh, and Anoop doesn’t have the same birthday year as David Cook – just the same day. 😉
The more i watch Adam the more i like him. That ring of fire is still burning in my ears though. But i am curious…all these people talking about missing parts of the show…can’t they just set the recording time for a few minutes longer? I set my Tivo to record an Xtra 10 minutes…don’t any other devices do this? Just a thought. BTW, i am ready for Lil and her fabulous yet seriously underperforming voice to go. They havn’t like a songe of hers yet. My top 2 choices are Allison and Adam.
Adam was awesome!! I believe he cut his hair and went without much make-up. He looked so.much.better. And for Simon to give him a standing ovation was huge. GMMR, I think you’re right – he’s never done that before. I also love Allison and Kris but am Team Adam all the way!!
Idol continues to be a guilty pleasure for me, and I came armed with a legal pad this week. Forgive my voting analysis, it’s just the Political Science major in me attempting to justify my overpriced diploma.
Danny Gokey: Like Kath, I think that Gokey may have peaked too early. His version of Stand By Me was uninspired, and I am waiting for Danny’s “signature” performance of the season. Rascal Flatts won’t do it, nor will a second rate Mickey Gilley cover of a classic song. Danny won’t be in any danger of being eliminated until the final three or four, but I cannot figure out where his votes will come from if he hopes to beat Adam and win the competition.
Kris Allen: Despite a poor review by the judges, I thought Kris continued to cultivate his voting block of teenage to young adult women, who can imagine seeing him in concert. Last week, Kris struck me as a Rob Thomas-type performer. This week, Allen echoed John Mayer’s posture while performing with his guitar in hand. Not a great song, but Kris’ voice remains one of the most radio-friendly left in the competition. He’s safe for the time being.
Lil Rounds: Poor thing. The first thing I wrote down as she sang was, “Facial expressions echoing Tina, along with her movements.” When Paula Abdul calls you out for being a karaoke performer, your days are numbered. Lil will be in the bottom two/three (how does that work this week?)
Anoop Desai: Despite the courageous green sweater, which fell short of pop star-level style, Anoop was at his best by tweaking “True Colors” to his liking. The biggest factor working against Desai is the lack of a compelling reason to vote for him over Adam, Danny, or Kris among the boys. I think Anoop will be hard pressed to crack the top five, and he already appears vulnerable based on his previous vote totals.
Scott McIntyre: The search is over, he’s going home this week.
Allison Iraheta: I love this girl, and if Lil Rounds leaves in the next two weeks, I think the natural flow of voting will put her in the top three with Adam and Danny. Bonnie Raitt is a deceptively tough singer to tackle, and I thought Allison was the second best performer of the night.
Matt Giraud: Kath’s favorite underdog is at his best when channeling Justin Timberlake’s stage persona, and he cranked that factor up a notch this evening. His vocals fall short of Danny or Kris, in my opinion, but his ability to connect with the female audience members is similar to Blake Lewis. Unfortunately, I think Matt’s best hope is to make the top 5.
Adam Lambert: Everything about this guy ought to be unappealing to a person who follows Dave Matthews Band and has 0 Elvis Presley songs on his iPod. However, Adam is the only contestant who completely understands the showmanship that befits a star. A number of online gambling sites have already installed Adam as a heavy favorite to win this season’s top prize. After his showstopping version of “Mad World,” I think I would take those odds. Barring another Johnny Cash-induced disaster, I think this season is all about Adam. The proof is in the staggering number of comments in the thread that Kath put up with video of this performance.
I agree with you and the judges across the board on last night’s performances. My personal favorites were Allison and Matt – love me that Bonnie Raitt song – Kath do you have a video of you performing it?
Adam has good handlers and is getting good advice – he has dialed the edgy look way back to have broader appeal and it is working for him. Even though his hair was combed forward it has been trimmed and with less make-up we see how truly handsome he is. His stage presence is undeniable. For listening, though, I’d still take Kris or Matt.
My prognostication is that either Scott or Lil go home tonight, no surprise, only drama will be which one.
Adam and Allison were awesome; two controlled performances. Why am I the only one who seems to think they should be the final two. Still loving Kris, even if it was my favorite performance of his. Noop Dawg was awesome, rockin’ another ballad; there’s just something so likeable about him. Matt was good tonight, but I hate that song and there’s something about him that just doesn’t have me rooting for him the same way I do for others who are left. Danny and Lil bore me to tears. Scott will hopefully be voted off this week like he should be.
I about came off my couch when Simon stood up for Adam. I went from loathing the guy you destroyed (IMO) Ring of Fire to wondering if there is any way he is going to lose this thing. I mean SIMON GAVE HIM A STANDING O!! Shut up!!
I am just not seeing the Adam thing. I fully admit that he is a talented singer, but would I want to hear that song on the radio? Hell no. I’d go see him on Broadway, though. Allison on the other hand rocked. She is my favorite, by far. Gokey and Anoop are way over hyped, Scott is being pandered to (terribly), Kris and Matt are both good, but not always solidly and predictably. Lil would have been great in any previous Idol years, but now its all about the ‘artistry’ and making the song ‘your own’. She doesn’t seem to have that ability.
Adam is so much better than the other seven that it’s no contest, the competition is for second place between Allison and Matt or Kris, although “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” was dreadful
Adam’s performance of mad world was amazing! It gave me goosebumps and nearly brought me to tears(i’ve always loved the song,but he gave it soooo much more).He amazes me every week.He is in such a league of his own.He needs a cd out YESTERDAY! I love the cuties,too,ie;allison,danny,chris, and I would put allison 2nd,but again adam is such an amazing PERFORMER with STAR quality.I flipped out when i realized my dvr didn’t catch the end ,but thanks so much to this sight,I got to see it! and Simons ovation?-holy crap!!!
I unfortuantely missed the show last night…where can I see all of the performances?
Yeah I couldn’t believe they went over…thank goodness I watch Fringe, tho it meant I didn’t get to see the end of that show.
My run down
1. Adam- That was amazing! Tho I agree that I’m not sure if he’s the most radio friendly. It’s kinda like Taylor Hicks…he was obviously the best that season but couldn’t sell a record to save his life. I fear Adam would go that way.
2. Allison- This was tough because Matt also did great, but I’m giving her the edge for singing Bonnie Raitt-love her! She has had some faults but I think Allison *should* be in the final three.
3. Matt- LOVED, LOVED, LOVED again I can’t get enough of this kid! I love his style and know that he could be a successful recording artist.
4. Anoop-Have to give the edge to Anoop tonight. Last week was bad but this week was great. He really pulled it out.
5. Kris- I’ve decided the crowd stage is the kiss of death. Last week Matt and now Kris. It was a bit painful to watch, but I agree with Erik the vocals were great.
6. Danny-It’s bad when you can’t remember who’s left. He’s completely lost it for me. You are right Kath, his pitch was completely off the entire first part of the song. It was painful and I fast forwarded. When I heard the judges comments I went back to watch the end but it was just alright. At this rate he’ll not make (my) top 5 even.
7. Lil- Oh, Lil. She’s lost all light in her eyes. I don’t know if its not being around her very young children and family or if she’s just given up but something is not right with her. She needs help in the biggest way.
8. Scott- GO HOME!!! I applaud the effort in trying something different and the fact he can play guitar (and picked a good song for it unlike Kris. Doesn’t it always seem like he plays on the songs where you can’t really pick out the guitar. Where as tonight you could hear Scott playing.) But dude give it up. PRETTY PLEASE!
Who the bottom will be: Scott, Lil, Anoop
Going home: Scott *Please*
Just rewatched Matt’s performance (thanks for the post, Kath) and I’ve changed my mind. He’s definitely my #2 this week. Loved it more the second time around!
Almost fell out of my seat when you said Scott should be watching from his couch. Thank you! Lord when is America going to stop pity voting.
Also, thank you for being the only other person besides myself that doesn’t care for Danny Gokey. Boring, boring, lame, and boring again. That pretty much describes all of his performances. I actually think he might be in the bottom 3. And yeah, Stand By Me is not from 1980, its a CLASSIC OLDIE! What is up with that?
And I think Lil might be out tonight. Atrocious every week! I am sick of her getting chance after chance, I don’t care if she has a good singing voice. It doesn’t mean anything if you can’t do anything with it 🙂
Adam & Matt – I am in love…. too bad Adam, well, “doesn’t like sports” I will just fantasize about Matt, yummy 🙂
Oh My Gd,
Adam is AMAZING…I can’t remember the last time a song affected me so deeply. His presentation, voice everything…it was like a spiritual experience for me. I watched it three times (fortunately we recorded 10 minutes over so had it) and still could have watched it more. Every week he is so fresh and original and DEEP. He has superstar quality…and I’m not normally one to “idolize” musicians…I think he will be the winner.
My top 2: Matt, Anoop
Bottom 2: Scott (why is this guy still here), Lil
Adam has been killing it, but I am just not on his bandwagon just yet – I dont’ know why either, I know I should be.
Who goes home? If there is a God – SCOTT!
Then the real competition begins. Bring it.
i LOVE adam!!! and i have to say that i really like his ring of fire performance too… alot of people hate it, but i thought it was great,and im a hardcore country fan. thanks for posting his performance last night, i was so mad that i missed it.
I still love danny, but i might be giving him a little extra cuz he’s from my hometown. the beginning of his performance last night was absolutely horrible though.
the rest were ehhhhh…… i dont feel like going into detail….. just PLEASE let Scott GO HOME!!!!! he only made it this far because he’s blind…. he CAN”T SING!!!! i can’t believe alexis went home but we still have to endure scott… i dont even bother watching his performance anymore, just fast forward to the judges
Absolutely agree re: Adam & Allison. Easily #1 and #2 for me this year. I’ve really liked Danny and Lil in the past, but they’re losin’ it. Anoop has a beautiful voice, great pitch, but just doesn’t grab me…at all (just found out he’s in the bottom 3 — not surprised).
I could not believe how great Matt was last night. He has a distinctive voice. There is just something about him I love… Adam was off the chart amazing song and he is in a league of his own… But Matt’s my Man…..
I say this with all the assuredness of Jeanne Dixon, the popular psychic of years gone by, that Adam Lambert will be the first super-megastar to be produced during the entire 8 year run of American Idol. Yes, Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry certainly are huge stars, but neither performer is what I would call a super-megastar.
In point of fact, I believe that there have only been five stars of such magnitude; performers who altered the world’s peception of the music business and created whole new genres. Revolutionary in their creative genius and long-lasting in their popularity, these five acts, in my judgement, are the very definition of show business greatness.
The first was Frankie. Mr. Sinatra did for crooning what Einstein did for physics, he introduced breathing techniques and the concept of groupies, who were called, at the time, bobby soxers. But the most definitive sign of his immortality is the fact that his world-wide popularity continues well beyond his death.
The second megastar was Elvis, who brought rock and roll kicking and screaming into the mainstream and raised the level of theatre-craft in the music world to the point of artistry, some of which we can see reflected in Adam’s performances. And we all know about his posthumus popularity.
The third were the Beatles, a group of immortals that turned rock and roll into rock, with the help of the Rolling Stones, my fourth super-megastar act, and who continue to draw new fans, along with the Stones, well after several of their members have passed on.
The fifth and last super-megastar is Michael Jackson, who until his absurd implosion was about as huge a megastar as show business has ever seen. He changed the way music was presented, using the video to enhance his popularity in gigantic leaps and bounds. He was also the first obvious gay to reach megastardom. Of course their had been other gay stars before Michael, Little Richard, Johnny Ray and Johnny Mathis come to mind, but they never attained anything like the popularity that he garnered. What a shame, his weird proclivities sank his career.
And then theres Adam, who I predict will change public opinion about gay entertainment and will become music’s first fey megastar. I think he’s arrived at just the right moment, since we’re on the threshhold of a tsunami change in the way the majority of us perceive sexual preference, and with his Elvis good looks and Jackson aura of magic I believe that he’s in the process of beginning his mad rush to immortality. Another strength of his is versatility. There isn’t a genre of music, with the exception of opera, that he can’t excel in. The old sobriquette star of stage, screen and radio can certainly apply to this boy in the near future.
I can see from your writing that you share my opinion about the lad, even if you may choose to be more conservative with your predictions. But just remember, when everything I’ve said comes true, that Ryunkin had stated the obvious and dared to challenge the many forms of political correctness. Adam Lambert will be the biggest thing in the entertaining.
I believe that Adam Lambert ROCKS!!!!!!!!! His performance of “Tracks of my tears” gave me goose bumps and in the forty or so years that that song has been out no one has ever given so sweet a rendition than the original recording artist himself. As for “Mad World” the kid has one of the loveliest voices I have ever heard. And God, he looks like Elvis and then some. He is fabulous and I do not tire of watching him over and over again. He definately has star POWER! I love him!
Yvonne
All the Idols will be watching Adam win from their sofa’s at home!
What did you mean when you said how obvious, about Fringe. Copied HOUSE or what……that’s what I have been saying. Really obvious.
Ryun, you could’nt have said it more cleary. Adam is history in the making. He is bound for greatness. I get goose bumps just thinking about Mad World. An unbelievable performance. I wanted more and more and more. When I first saw him I had counted how many years Elvis has been gone and compared it to his age, thinking……reincarnation? Maybe not but, generation after generation will know who Adam Lambert is as they do Elvis and Michael. I just hope he can handle the stardom and has a better life than the two of them had.
LOVE YOU ADAM!!!!
Adam Lambert is the most exciting entertainer that I have ever seen and I have seen them all. MJ. ELvis, Sammy Davis Jr.Sinatra,etc. His perfectly pitched, controlled voice is glorious. His excellent vocal training is evident with his breath control and crisp end notes. “Come to me, bend to me” from Brigadoon is not my favorite song, but it shows his professional control and exquisite range and melodic voice. It’s on youtube. Mad World blew me away. His facial expression and stage presence singing that song was mesmerising. He can do it all and I hope he will not be labeled as a specific type entertainer. He can sing. dance, act, has perfect comedic timing, dramatic ability and is smart and articulate. Hope the world will appreciate and protect this incredible man and his gifts. Fame destroyed our other icons. Adam most importantly has a beautiful soul and is genuinely humble and kind. Treasure him. We may never see anyone like him again.