It feels like forever since I've written about American Idol, so I'm more than ready to get back into the swing of things. I'm digging this week's theme: Songs from the year you were born. Even better are all of the baby pictures they're showing. The photos of Simon with his ray gun and Ryan with his buck teeth are absolutely precious.
I also appreciate the fact that they finally cleared up Lil Rounds' name. Her name actually is Lil, and it does not stand for "Little," as Simon asserted the other week.
Overall, it's a strong week for the contestants, with only a few notable exceptions. It's such a good week, in fact, that one of the contestants whom I've been very vocal about not liking in the least totally impressed me. The world has turned upside down.
American Idol' Season 8 Results
Feb. 26, 2009: Adam Lambert Makes the Top 12
"I like this guy more than [David] Cook, he is just more energetic and he owned the night."
-- Lindahbird
Fox
Feb. 26, 2009: Nick Mitchell Is Eliminated (For Now)
"We all know that Norman will not win 'Idol,' but I'm glad that he was in the Top 36, and he does have a good voice! He was very entertaining and funny, and I'm glad that he was chosen for Top 36! He will probably get some gigs in Hollyweird! I actually voted for him, ha ha!"
-- PinkSunset77
Fox
Feb. 26, 2009: Allison Iraheta Makes the Top 12
"She is just awesome ... there is so much talent in that 16-year-old ... just amazing!! She really is my favorite so far. But it has been a tough couple of weeks as far as song choice!!!"
-- DEBBIE8863
Fox
Feb. 26, 2009: Kris Allen Makes the Top 12
"He's cute and I liked him but I thought that Matt had more potential."
-- BESTBUNNY10
Fox
Feb. 26, 2009: Nick Mitchell Is Eliminated (For Now)
"I honestly don't think Norman is the least bit funny. I think he is making a huge joke out of 'American Idol.' There are 35 other contestants that are being serious and really trying and then there is Norman."
-- Bpadra
Fox
Feb. 26, 2009: Megan Corkrey Is Eliminated (For Now)
"I knew I liked this wild card thing. Megan will be back."
-- PETCRAB
Fox
Feb. 26, 2009: Adam Lambert Makes the Top 12
"I didn't care for him at all. I thought he was way over the top and way too theatrical for that song. I'm sure he'll get through. I'll be interested to see what he does when they have themes. Maybe he'll grow on me, but right now I would put him second or third behind some of the other ones I've heard."
-- JandeCBS
Fox
Feb. 18, 2009: Danny Gokey Makes the Top 12
"When [Danny] and Tatiana were called up, he had the cockiest look on his face.
Like he's a really good singer, but whenever I see him, I just think about how cocky he looks."
-- RoshanMcG
Fox
Feb. 18, 2009: Alexis Grace Makes the Top 12
"Alexis is the whole package! So cute ... with such a big voice."
-- clammy1954
Fox
Feb. 18, 2009: Michael Sarver Makes the Top 12
"I don't really get the appeal. I mean, he's a likeable guy, but as a performer, he just doesn't seem that good to me. I definitely thought Ricky and Anoop sounded better."
-- TGirl1045
Fox
Danny Gokey, "Stand by Me"
I've never been a huge Gokey fan, but I've acknowledged when he's done an exceptional job. This, however, just really doesn't do it for me. I don't like the arrangement at all, and he sounds really nasal throughout the entire thing. The judges mostly like it, with even Simon giving him a mostly positive critique.
Kris Allen, "All She Wants to Do is Dance"
First off, the fact that he's performing in the middle of a crowd of young girls doesn't exactly hurt his rock star image. Kris Allen has always been one of my absolute favorites, and he continues to impress me this week. I can see him on an album cover, or on a poster, or the cover of a magazine. He does a great job by taking what can often be seen as a cheesy song and making it kind of sexy. The judges, however, don't care for it too much, with Simon and Randy both blasting his song choice.
Lil Rounds, "What's Love Got To Do With It"
Okay, this is the perfect song choice for Lil, so if she messes this up, I honestly don't think there's much hope for her in this competition. So, uh, it's really bad. Like, train wreck bad. I've never been quite sure about Lil Rounds, but now I am: she needs to go. You guys, even Paula says it's "karaoke."
Anoop Desai, "True Colors"
Anoop, on the other hand, makes a truly ridiculous song choice, so if he can manage to pull this off, he should definitely get some bonus points. While I won't say that he knocked it out of the park, I was pretty impressed with what he managed to do. He switched it up and made it interesting. The judges really enjoyed it, as well -- even Simon.
Scott MacIntyre, "The Search is Over"
First off, this song sucks. Scott starts out really strong, but it just completely fall apart when he starts playing the guitar. I think it's cool that he wants to play multiple instruments, but dude needs to stick to the piano, because this is not good. The judges agree, and it really bothers me how they hold back because he's blind. They're treating him with kid gloves, and he doesn't need it. He's super-likable, and it's insulting.
Allison Iraheta, "I Can't Make You Love Me"
I absolutely adore this song. Even though she's so young, Allison kills it. She is one of the few performers who truly makes it look effortless. The judges love her performance, but Simon is worried that her personality isn't coming through enough.
Matt Giraud, "Part-Time Lovers"
Matt also leaves the piano behind this week, and he's really working the Justin Timberlake vibe hardcore. He has a great range, and just has a lot of fun with the song. In addition to his vocals, he just makes a really peppy song. It's one of my favorite performances of his. The judges also adore it and fawn all over him. It's my favorite performance of the night.
Adam Lambert, "Mad World"
I still can't stand this guy, but I always give credit where credit is due. I could not think of a better song for him to sing than this, and he does a ridiculously good job. It's so good, that if I just close my eyes and forget it's him, I really enjoy it. He's one of the few contestants who is upping his game every single week, and I appreciate that. Simon also appreciates it -- so much, in fact, that he gives Adam a standing ovation, which is completely insane to me.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
4-07-2009 @ 11:01PM
nancy said...
adam is in a class by himself. we all wait each week to see him and find out what he is going to do and he never disappoints. force to be reckoned with. deserves to win hands down. absolutely refreshing. sets american idol, whose light is beginning to dim (although the ratings are still high), on fire whenever he is on the screen. i am happy he has toned it down. he was a bit over the top in the beginning and has settled into a brilliant level. can't wait for next week.
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4-08-2009 @ 6:07AM
Jimmy said...
The Best: Adam (with Allison a distant second)
The Worst: Scott (with Lil, Anoop and Matt not far behind -- and Danny on principle for a BS song choice)
Notes on all of the performances:
* Danny: I don't care whose "version" he sang; unless he was born in 1961, this song should have been off-limits. Automatic DQ in my mind.
* Kris: I liked this song choice, and vocally, I thought it was pretty good. My two complaints are: 1. the guitar seemed pointless; and 2. I hate the "in the crowd" performances. They never seem to work.
* Lil: This reminded me of "Heat Wave" during Motown week -- in the sense that she was trying WAY too hard. Lighten up a lil, Lil.
* Anoop: Boring song choice, boring performance. And lose the striped sherbet cardigan, 'Noop!
* Scott: A decent (bordering on boring) song choice, but horrendously flat all over. The judges are starting to take off the kid gloves -- and he is talking back, making his critiques all the more painful. Time to go.
* Allison: A good performance -- probably the second best of the night -- but hearing those lyrics from a 16-year-old is kind of disturbing.
* Matt: Decent performance vocally, but like Lil, he seems to be trying too hard. Also, his "image" strikes me as disingenuous. He wants us to think he's hip like Justin Timberlake and can sing like Jason Mraz. Neither is true.
* Adam: Great choice, great performance, as usual. Up until now, I've thought two or three people could win this thing, but I'm more convinced than ever that it's his to lose.
Last note: What made Fox think they could fit everyone into a one-hour show?
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4-08-2009 @ 7:15AM
Mark Acof said...
Can't agree more. Nearly everyone blew it this week with the wrong song choice.
The worst was Lil, with Scott a close second. Danny and Matt took iconic songs and ruined them. Anoop and Kris tried really hard, but only sounded good compared to the rest. They too picked the wrong songs.
Allison and Adam were the only true stand-outs this week. I liked them both.
I think the judges should select the songs next week.
Bottom three? Lil, Scott and Kris (Kris, because every week they throw one good performer in with the bottom two). Although I would pick Scott to go, Lil has hit rock bottom and will likely be sent home.
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4-08-2009 @ 7:30AM
David said...
The DVR cut off Adam's performance, but we enjoyed watching an episode of American Idol without him!
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4-08-2009 @ 7:31AM
Howey said...
I cannot fathom anyone disliking Adam's performance. As stated above, he consistently amazes each week. Even Simon gave him a standing O last night!
I suspect there's another reason the writer dislikes him this much. And it's not his singing.
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4-10-2009 @ 8:27AM
LBT said...
That's pretty insulting to Kona, Howey. Just because someone doesn't like a singer's style doesn't automatically mean there is some "ulterior" motive there. I can't stand Adam and, believe me, it has nothing to do with anything other than his singing style.
4-08-2009 @ 9:45AM
Kona Gallagher said...
You're absolutely right. there is another reason that I dislike Adam so much, and it's not his singing. If you read my previous Idol Reviewcaps, you'll see that I've always admitted that Adam is a technically proficient singer. He is good at singing, and I have never said he wasn't.
What I have said is that I find him creepy, I think he's too musical theater, and that his rendition of "Satisfaction" would probably make Mick Jagger kill himself, just so he could roll over in his grave.
Up until this performance, which I praised very highly, I have not gotten his appeal at all. I still don't think he should win this competition, but it was a strong showing.
I've always been very upfront with my opinion of him, and it doesn't go any deeper than what I have said on this site.
4-08-2009 @ 8:29AM
Shelly said...
Adam is amazing. I love his range! Even my husband loves him and my husband is not an Idol fan at all. He doesn't like pop music much. Prefers alternative and unusal voices. Adam may not have the mass appeal of pop singers but that's what my husband likes about him. I think if he continues like he has that he'll find huge success in his own niche and would do really well on broadway and probably would be a great actor. We searched for him on YouTube last night and saw that he was in the Ten Commandments muscial with Val Kilmer in 2007. Check it out, it's a great performance.
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4-08-2009 @ 9:01AM
SadOldMan said...
Best episode evah!! Because my DVR also cut off scarface.
Gokey must be punished for destroying the melody of a classic song....it was in "Urban Cowboy" for gosh sakes....
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4-08-2009 @ 9:07AM
Bill said...
Wow, glad to see the Adam Lambert Fan Club members are all in attendance.
I'll give it to you... Adam was excellent last night. He was excellent the night he sang 'Tracks of My Tears' other than that, he's been horrendous every other week. "Ring of Fire" and "Satisfaction" were just plain embarrassing.
Quite frankly, the week he sang "Play that Funky Music" should have been his last week. This is a SINGING competition, not a SCREAMING competition. Or a 'Let's see how much of a spectacle I can make out of myself' competition.
For my money Danny has been consistently the best throughout the competition.
http://tvnewsandnotes.blogspot.com/
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4-08-2009 @ 9:58AM
Bukster said...
Everytime a contestant does a note-for-note version of a song they get crucified for not "putting their stamp on it". So why doesn't Emo Adam get ripped for it? It was identical to the Gary Jules version. Danny dead-wife needs to go.
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4-08-2009 @ 9:58AM
bukster said...
Sorry for the 2nd post but I'm SURE others noticed the creepy, stoic bald guy they cut to at least 4 times. Was this some kind of cross-over with Fringe (the same guy was at the end of the episode)?
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4-08-2009 @ 10:59AM
Vince said...
Creepy Bald Guy! My spouse and I kept seeing him and wondering if it was a shout out to Fringe!
4-08-2009 @ 8:33PM
leslie said...
Saw the bald guy in the Idol crowd and then at the end of Fringe. Subliminal and way cool. Loved it.
4-08-2009 @ 9:37AM
Ed said...
Howey, I might be reading too much into your comment, but are you calling Kona homophobic?
I think he should have been gone that abortion he performed on Ring of Fire.
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4-08-2009 @ 11:13AM
vernie said...
The thing about Lambert is that he has a unique high-pitched voice and he is obviously no amateur. He knows how match a song to his vocals, how to present himself and put on a good show. I wouldn't buy his CD's because after a couple of songs, his voice reminds me of Wayne Newton but I would go see him in a show. He knows how to entertain.
As a recording artist, Allison has the most potential. She is a natural vocalist and can sing alot of different genre's (rock, pop, R&B even some jazz if she wanted). And her voice and personality will mature.
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4-08-2009 @ 10:12AM
Eileen said...
I didn't watch American Idol from the beginning and I am happy with it because I don't get pulled into all of the emotional sides of their lives (all of the strife the contestants have had in their lives...I don't care.). I have been impressed with this bunch (for the exception of the "Amy Winehouse" broad) but this week was awful!!!!!!!!!!!! Gokey sounded horrible and was a stupid song choice. Kris sounded good on a song I hate but I don't like them performing in the crowd. Lil Rounds tried to be too much like Tina and NOONE is Tina! Anoop should not even attempt a Cindi Lauper song because that song is too good for him. Allison sang a song that shouldn't have been done because she is too young to sing it (and shame on the judges for not saying that) and there was no soul in her voice. Scott sang a typical idol cheesy song and although I applaud him trying something different with the guitar, he should stick to the piano. Matt was good but I am afraid that he is being overshadowed by everyone else. I can feel the desperation coming off of him and I'm not even there. Adam was good but I didn't like the song. The judges have made up their minds on who they still want in the competition so they are swinging from their nuts now. I remember now why I didn't want to watch again after last years' show. It's all fixed. I do believe Adam should win and I do think more singers are gonna come from this show but this category they do every year needs to go. I don't recall it ever going well for the contestants. By the way, my song choice for my birth year would have been "Mandy" by Barry Manilow and I would have rocked the house!!!!!!
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4-08-2009 @ 1:15PM
john said...
the no soul/amy whinehouse broad? how could you confuse a total sweetheart/old soul like allison with a messed up drug addict like whinehouse? true, the song choice was mature but allison totally sold it plus gave it an agreeable blues-rock edge to own it while toning down her signature rockability ... ALLISON IRAHETA MY AMERICAN IDOL!!!!!
4-08-2009 @ 1:36PM
Eileen said...
I am not talking about Allison. I am talking about the one who couldn't sing...Meghan Joy. That girl was a total waste of time on the show.
4-08-2009 @ 10:21AM
Kris said...
Two things:
First, yes, that was The Observer from Fringe. Fringe had a new episode for the first time in over a month. That guy has the best job ever. He's been to pro-football games, NASCAR races, and now American Idol. I've heard they even tried to get him at the Inauguration.
Second, I wasn't sure about Adam at the beginning either, but I'm really started to appreciate his unique sound. Also, if you watch Fringe (as I would recommend everyone try) you would have caught the end of American Idol on your DVR. lol
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