The theme on this week's American Idol is songs from the Rat Pack era, and the five remaining contestants are mentored by Jamie Foxx. I get that he's a classically-trained musician who also starred in Ray and Dreamgirls, but is he the best person to mentor on this genre? I get the feeling that whomever is getting bad press calls up the Idol producers and begs to be on the show. Well, that and I'm sure he's plugging The Soloist, in theaters right now. Anyhoo ...Kris Allen starts things off with "The Way You Look Tonight," one of my favorite songs from that era. It's really nice having Ricky Miner and the band onstage, because it helps to put you in that era. The tune starts off slow, then picks up with a jazzy beat in the middle. Really, really nice.
The Judges: Randy says it's his best performance to date; Kris took his time, told a story, and added some R&B stylings. Kara agrees, saying Kris set the technical standard high for the evening. "You are truly a dark horse in this competition," says Kara. Paula says he's made an amazing transition from boy-next-door to sophisticated gentleman. Simon isn't quite as enthusiastic, saying it's "wet" and like "taking a well-trained spaniel for a walk." He doesn't feel like Kris can win the competition.
Allison Iraheta sings "Someone to Watch Over Me," and it makes me forget that she's known as a rocker chick. The song really works for her. Plus, she looks magnificent, and celebrated her 17th birthday yesterday.
The Judges: Randy says she looks like Brittney Murphy and sings like Pink. Kara says she's not nervous for Allison anymore, that she's not just a one-trick pony or rock chick. Paula says it was alluring and tender. Simon thinks she might be in trouble tonight and called the song "mechanical." Allison mentions something about trying to be more "likeable," probably because that's been the Internet buzz for her this week.
Matt Giraud is next with "My Funny Valentine." He says he loves jazz and studied it at Western Michigan University. Jamie Foxx doesn't have much to say during rehearsals, but then calls Matt back into the room for more feedback. Weird that it wasn't edited out. The performance starts off slow and picks up steam along the way, with Matt adding some nice runs and power. Not my favorite performance tonight, but nice job.
The Judges: Randy says it's probably one of the hardest songs to sing, and it was a little pitchy. He gives it a 6 out of 10. Kara agrees, saying she appreciates all the runs, but didn't feel like he was emotionally connected to the song. Paula did feel the connection and thinks he did an excellent job. Simon agrees with Paula, saying it's the only believable, authentic song he's heard tonight. He heard Nat King Cole phrasing and says it was "absolutely brilliant." It really makes me wonder if they hear something different in the studio audience than what we hear, but maybe not, since the judges were divided.
Danny Gokey is next, singing "Come Rain or Come Shine." During rehearsals, Jamie Foxx kind of intimidates Danny by looking at him intensely about one inch from his face. Yikes, that would scare the living crap out of me. Foxx says it's like working with director Michael Mann, whom I'm sure is an intense guy. The performance is good, with Danny wearing these beautifully dorky Mad Men-type, black-rimmed glasses. Great job overall, ending with some power notes.
The Judges: Randy says that Danny is the only singer tonight who could actually put out an album of Rat Pack songs. Kara loved his Rat Pack swagger. Paula calls it "stellar." Simon also loves the swagger and confidence, calling the performance "outstanding."
Adam Lambert sings "Feeling Good." Jamie Foxx says he'll knock everybody's head off, and "you don't care about who I am at all." I can appreciate that from Foxx, who probably has a huge ego. The performance stats with a white-suited Adam descending a pink-lighted staircase. This guy has no confidence issues at all. The song goes into a jazzy-rock beat, and he hits some of his famous power high-notes – one that lasts for about 20 seconds – then brings it down to a subtle ending.
The Judges: Randy says it was a little too theatrical for him, but Adam is "in the zone consistently." Kara says it's shocking and confusing and sleazy and superb, but "I like you!" Paula likens him to Michael Phelps in the Olympics. Simon loves the showmanship, especially Adam's entrance on the staircase.
Tomorrow: Taylor Hicks and Natalie Cole perform.
I'm thinking maybe Matt Giraud might go home this week. What about you?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
4-29-2009 @ 2:08AM
sww said...
Allison gave me chills tonight. I hate how Simon keeps dumping on her personality and then, complaining that she has no confidence. (He does this to Kris, too.) Stick to the song o' the night, Simon!
Adam sang well, but I can't help liking him more off stage than on stage. I think I agree with (gulp) Randy about Adam's performance.
Good try on "MFV," Matt G, but Mindy Doo owns that song. Sorry! I have a sneaking suspicion that Matt is destined for the boot, part II.
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4-29-2009 @ 7:15AM
solomeeo said...
My husband and I knew that when it got down to this point, with only 5 standing, that it was going to be tough. The competition this year is like no other. These kids are so talented any one of them could win and I wouldn't be upset. Do I have a favorite, sure do. But unlike seasons past, there is more than one who is deserving to win, there's 5. My prediction, Adam and Danny will be in the final, with Adam winning. Congratulation to all of you and thank you for an exciting season!!
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4-29-2009 @ 3:45AM
Ryan said...
It seems like none of you want to hear or see the great and talented Matt Giraud succeed -- he gave one of the best performances of the night. I swear if the song was sung the same way and came out of Adam Lamberts mouth you would be all over him with so much praise. It's really unfortunate that you all seem to hate matt giraud. The most talented idol contestant this season.
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4-29-2009 @ 12:35PM
Dan said...
He's the most talented...only when he's at the grand piano. Otherwise, he's a hack Justin Timberlake wannabe. He was my favorite at the beginning of the competition, but he's proven that he's not interested in being a piano-playing star, he wants to be a singing and dancing pop star, and he's just not that good at that.
FWIW, I can't stand Danny, think Adam is way too theatrical and overrated, Allison is good but not in the league of Matt and Kris, who are complete musicians. Kris knows his strengths and plays to them, Matt doesn't.
4-29-2009 @ 3:46AM
Boele said...
I love Adam. He's the reason I watch. The wierder he is, the more I enjoy him. With fondness I must say that, as he came down the steps, there was a Tim Curry/Rocky Horror Picture Show moment. Something about that switch out of softer singing as he descended was like Dr. Frankenfurter coming down the elevator in his grand entrance into the movie (singing Sweet Transvestite). Not an insult from me, since that's a great entrance and I think Tim Curry is brilliant. Allison looked and sounded beautiful. I hope they both make it to the end so it stays interesting.
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4-29-2009 @ 3:47AM
Ryan said...
If you really loved Adam's Feeling Good -- you really need to check out Michael Buble's version of the same song.
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4-29-2009 @ 9:32AM
Saragee said...
Couldn't agree with you more Ryan.....Buble's version is fantastic!!!!
4-29-2009 @ 5:58AM
Char said...
If Adam Lambert's pointed tongue came out any further it would have touched his chest. Show off. He may be a good showman but he needs to do that to compensate for his screaming singing ability. Yuckipoo.
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4-29-2009 @ 9:37AM
Saragee said...
Again, I totally agree Char. I told my daughter that the tongue was going to come out, but I never expected it to happen in a close up....eeww! Adam might be talented and theatrical and interesting, but the guy totally.....creeps....me....out!!
5-01-2009 @ 2:46PM
Kidd said...
blah blah blah
4-29-2009 @ 6:40AM
Jimmy said...
Pretty good performances all around this week.
My top three are Adam, Allison and Kris, so I could see Matt or Danny going this week. They're both decent singers, so at this point, it's really based on personality.
I am not excited about Taylor coming back tonight. The worst Idol ever.
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4-29-2009 @ 10:53AM
Courtney said...
Taylor Hicks is a performer...it doesn't come across on his album at all. But he genuinely is very entertaining to watch. I hope that rings true tonight.
4-29-2009 @ 7:13AM
Lisa said...
I love Matt and he came close to a break out moment but he was a hair below the pitch from the get go. I think nerves got him. I kept thinking he was born in the wrong era as he would have loved to sing this kind of music all the time. Don't shoot me but Allison was very mechanical in delivery of my favorite torch song - her phrasing was so seesaw, four bars pause…four bars pause. It is just not her thing although she can sing like nobody's business. Adam? Just way too theatrical for me. In my view, the best rat pack performances of the night were from Danny and Kris and the nod goes to Kris.
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4-29-2009 @ 7:47AM
nodoze said...
I'm another fan of Matt Giraud. I've been rooting for him since the audition phase. I think he knocked it out of the park tonight. I literally stood up and cheered at the end of his performance. As for the others:
Allison: As much as I love her voice, she sang with as much emotion as my shoe last night. There was absolutely no connection to those beautiful lyrics.
Kris: Terrific job, but still not sure he's the one to take this competition.
Danny: Way to go, way to go! Fabulous performance. He could have been right there on stage with the Rat Pack and stolen the show.
Adam: Sheesh, what can I say. He was definitely over the top and theatrical, and as far as I'm concerned, there is no place in the standards for screaming. Over all, he's given some nice performances, but this wasn't one of them.
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4-29-2009 @ 8:46AM
linda said...
I thought all of them were good last night. I feel like Matt will go home though.
I can hardly wait to hear Taylor perform! My favorite idol of the all.
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4-29-2009 @ 9:42AM
jag said...
So Simon announces earlier that he believes Danny and Adam will be the final two. So what does he do? He trashes the performances of Kris, Allison and Matt. I am not a fan of Danny and I think he never makes the song his own but they still praise him. I did not like his singing last night. I think Simon's comments affect the voting and by making bad comments against Kris, Allison and Matt, it affects the number of votes they get.
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4-29-2009 @ 10:24AM
MikLamb said...
Simon trashed the performance of Matt? Did you even watch the show? Simon said it was absolutely brilliant.
4-29-2009 @ 9:21AM
Jimmy said...
At this point, any of these singers could go home, except (maybe) Adam. Just looking at the performances, and not who I like or don't like, I'd say Allison and Matt will be in the bottom three. Matt, because I really think it's time for him to go, and Allison because while I think she's a great singer I'm not sure she has the fan base necessary to keep going. Of course, even if Allison were to leave tonight I still think she'll get a record deal.
Not knowing how the fickle viewing audience will vote, I'm thinking we're going to have an all guys final three with Danny, Kris, and Adam. I don't think Danny can take it to the end, but I think he has it in himself to get into the final three.
Watching Adam last night I'm wondering if he has a chance of winning. Sure, he a great personality with a great voice, but is he marketable as a recording artist? These stupid theme nights make it difficult to tell who could be marketable, but who is Adam's audience?
By the way, Taylor Hicks? Wouldn't it be in all our interests if everyone forgot this guy? He sucks and shouldn't have won in season 5.
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4-29-2009 @ 9:35AM
Saragee said...
Again, I totally agree. I told my daughter that the tongue was going to come out, but I never expected it to happen in a close up....eeww! He might be talented and theatrical and interesting, but the guy totally.....creeps....me....out!!
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4-29-2009 @ 9:38AM
vernie said...
Adam is certainly talented but just so over the top. He belongs in musical theatre which he has done for more than ten years.
Danny hit the power notes last night and probably locked up his chances of making the top three.
Allison was not in her genre and its very difficult for a just turned 17-year old girl to do a torch song. It really is a song for a more mature person (no offense to Allison).
Kris and Matt...take your pick. I find Matt to be more interesting and multi-talented.
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