BTW: For trivia purposes, tonight's episode is the 300th in Idol history. And with that, let's get the show on the road.
Tonight's format: the boys will sing two songs--the first one is selected by the judges, the other is the singer's choice.
- Up first is Wisconsin native, Danny Gokey singing "Dance Little Sister" by Terrence Trent D'Arby as selected by Paula Abdul. The first thing anyone who has watched Danny perform these past several weeks will notice is that instead of building up momentum throughout the song, Danny let it fly from the first note. At one point a sax player joined Danny on stage and had a bit of back and forth with Danny--kind of a do-whop version of Dueling Banjos. Randy thought the performance was "dope". Kara gave credit to Paula on a good song selection, but found fault in Danny's dance steps. Paula pulled out the "I'm a choreographer" card and said Danny performed well and sounded good doing it. Simon reminded the girls that it is a singing contest, but found the dancing "desperate" and thought the saxophone bit was unnecessary. He went on to criticize the song selection--which isn't Danny's fault. Overall, Danny's first song received mixed reviews from the judges.
- Kris was next and during his trip home to Arkansas received a text message from Randy and Kara who selected "Apologize" by One Republic as his judge's pick. We found Kris seated at the Idol Baby Grand and within a few notes, it was obvious that Randy and Kara made the right selection for Kris. As the weeks have rolled on, I have become a big fan of Kris'--which is something I didn't think possible after the first couple of performances. Randy was impressed with Kris' performance saying this is the type of song that he could record and have a successful career. Kara was a disappointed because Kris didn't do something more special with the song. Paula mumbled a few unimportant things that were mostly forgettable. Simon took task with Paula's backwards compliment and then went after Kara for improperly critiquing Kris on a song she selected. Kara got all defensive and asked Simon how many songs he has interpreted. Oh Kara, it might be time for you to find another job on Tuesday and Wednesday nights! Again, the judges were all over the place on their praise or lack thereof for Kris.
- Let's see what Adam does with Simon's selection of "One" by U2. Adam took to the stage shadowed in blue light and accompanied by a piano player. Simon said this is one of his favorite songs and that he had to get Bono's permission for Adam to sing the song--and thank goodness he did. Adam tore it up! Randy liked the interpretation although he wasn't wild about the liberties taken with the melody. Kara rambled on and on, but essentially she gave credit to Adam for a great performance. Simon called the song choice (HIS choice) "brilliant"--and then gave Adam two "brilliants" for his performance. He also said if Adam doesn't find himself in the finals next week, something is wrong. Sounds like America has an assignment to complete!
With Round 1 complete, it is obvious that Adam was the clear winner. As for the other two finalist, I would rate Kris slightly ahead of Danny. But anything can happen in Round 2 when the Idols have their choice of song to sing.
- As was the case in the first round, Danny Gokey kicked off Round 2. For his second song of the night, Danny chose "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker. Accompanied by a string quartet and a guitar player and seated on a stool on center stage, Danny went back to what got him to this point in the contest--a controlled build of a song that took full advantage of his singing range...and left out the dance moves that the judges so hate to see and love to criticize. It was an interesting arrangement blending a tiny bit of Rock with some R&B and Gospel. Overall, I thought it was a moving performance. Randy keyed in on Danny's ability to sing crediting him for having "mad vocals". Kara thought it was "stunning, stunning". Paula called it a "beautiful performance". Simon said it was a "vocal master class" although he didn't think the song required the special arrangement. Without benefit of hearing Kris and Adam in Round 2, I'd say Danny put himself very close to gaining a spot in the Finals next week.
- But Kris Allen might have something to say about that. For Kris' second song, he went with "Heartless" by Kanye West--not a song I would have picked for him, but Kris has earned a reputation for being able to sing just about any song. He started out the song with a few bars of acapella before strumming his acoustic guitar and picking up the pace of the song. As I listened to the song, I was impressed that Kris was able to sing the song and stay on beat because the tween girls in the audience were all over the place clapping on and off the beat. Randy called Kris' version "better than the original". Kara thought it was "bold, brave, and fearless"--and she couldn't let go of his underwhelming (in her mind) performance of "Apologize" in Round 1. Simon confessed to having written Kris out of the competition after the first song, but said that after hearing "Heartless", he said Kris is back in the contest.
- Rounding out the singing portion of the show, Adam hit the stage and sang "Crying" by Aerosmith. Before hearing a single note, I, along with millions of Idol viewers, had a feeling this was going to be a performance to remember. It wasn't much of a stretch to think that Adam would be able to channel his inner Steven Tyler on this classic rock anthem, but to actually see it was something special. Adam essentially sealed his spot in next week's final. Randy called him a "rock star" and said he should be make a rock album. Kara and Paula said pretty much nothing. Simon said he wasn't going to "suck up like the other three" and instead reminded everyone that it isn't a given that Adam is going to "sail into the finals"--it doesn't really matter what the judges say if the voters don't cast their ballots.
So with six performances in the can and the numbers scrolling along the bottom of my TV screen, it's time to predict who is moving on to the finals and who is going home one week short of a chance to fulfill their dream of becoming THE American Idol for Season 8. As much as it pains me to say goodbye to any of these three talented young men, I believe Adam and Danny will accumulate enough votes to sing in the Finals. That leaves Kris as the odd man out, but I wouldn't worry too much about Kris, he'll tour with the other members of the Idol Top 10 this summer and land a record contract which will be bought and downloaded by every tween-age girl in America making Kris--or rather his record company quite a bit of money.
Tune in tomorrow night to see how the voting goes. Until then, I will continue watching TV so you don't have to.
Peace!
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