Idol Worship - The Final 13 Sing the King of Pop

With anticipation normally reserved for opening day in Major League Baseball, the energy on the Idol stage was electric. As has been the case all season, the producers of Idol added a special (but not unexpected) twist to tonight's gala event. As you recall from my previous post, this year's Final group consists of 13 Idol wannabes vs. the usual 12. To get things back to normal (at least for Idol), Simon informed the rather stunned finalists that two of them would be going home tomorrow.

So with everyone feeling like they just got kicked in the privates, it was time to start singing for your votes. And here's how things went on the first night of Idol.

Leading off the festivities is Memphis native and mother of three, Lil Rounds. Lil is an early favorite and she opted to sing "The Way You Make Me Feel" from Jacko's "Bad" album. Lil worked the stage, the crowd, and, of course, the camera not to mention belting some mighty strong vocals. Paula was loving the vibe and wasted little time getting up out of her seat and doing her thing much to Simon's chagrin. The judges were all about Lil--Randy and Kara (new judge) gushed over Lil's singing and Paula complimented her outfit while Simon was a bit disappointed calling the song a bit of a lazy choice...and then told her he hated what she was wearing.

After listening to such glowing remarks, it was time for Scott MacIntyre to hit the stage. The intro piece on Scott reminded us that he is sight impaired, but that hasn't stopped him from winning over the judges and, more importantly, the fans. Seated comfortably behind the Idol grand piano, Scott sang a little known (to me) Michael Jackson song called "Keep the Faith". Kara and Paula loved the performance. But Simon hated the song and encouraged Scott (and, by proxy everyone else) that they need to pick good songs and Randy called the performance safe. But never fear, Scott will be back next week because his story is good and he is a talented entertainer.

Church music director from Milwaukee, Danny Gokey, took to the stage next and thrilled the crowd with his version of "Pretty Young Thing (PYT)". He took a page out of Season 7 Idol winner, David Cook's book by starting the song in a very low key manner--and then just ROCKING THE B-JESUS out of it. As I watched Danny work the stage, I could see Simon's face cringe because of his long-standing hatred for dancing singers--anyone remember Mr. Salt 'n Pepper, Taylor Hicks?! Well Danny has much more talent than Mr. Hicks, so I'm guessing he's going to get a bit of a pass--plus he got Randy, Kara, and Paula to sing a bit of back up for him and that can only lead to some positive feedback. Paula was near tears when she announced that Danny was on his way to the finals. Simon brought things back to reality, reminding Paula that they were only 3 singers into Season 8...and then gave him credit for great vocals and awful dance moves!--shocking! Randy called the dancing just passionate movement.

Three for three so far...but how will Michael Sarver, the oil rigger from Texas, match this unbelievable pace? To start, he selected "You Are Not Alone"--a rather sensitive song from such a roughneck kind of guys. Michael didn't curry any favors with me by starting the song seated on the stage--I've never liked that move, but Michael isn't just any singer and I thought he sounded good and looked comfortable on the big stage. Simon noted that Michael isn't the best singer, but credited him with delivering a strong performance. The rest of the judges pretty much echoed Simon's thoughts, but in a much less concise or entertaining manner.

BTW: A few Idols of old were in the audience--Season 1 runner-up, Justin Guarini and Ace Young from Season 4 were prominently positioned near the judges. I guess Justin is taking a break after having "Gone Country" and Ace is still wondering what happened after Queen week.

Up next and trying to keep the streak alive was 17-year-old, Jasmine Murray. The young lady with commercial appeal selected Jackson 5 classic, "I'll Be There". Jasmine started off looking and sounding a little wooden and the arrangement didn't help. As she got to the chorus, I was really pulling for her to hit her stride, but her voice didn't seem to want to follow. Before critiquing Jasmine's performance, Randy bragged on himself (as usual) because of his connection to the song (he worked with Mariah when she remade the song about a million years ago). Randy and Kara were impressed with Jasmine, but Paula actually started down the path of being a bit critical, before she reversed herself and avoided saying something mean. Simon told her she needs to start acting her age--which, in this case, might mean she should have picked a song from a different time in the Jackson songbook because I think Michael was about 10 when he recorded the song originally!

Kris Allen, the unknown Idol, grabbed his guitar and performed "Remember the Time". Dressed in a green, black, and white short-sleeved button-up shirt, Kris gave the song all he had, but struggled to grab my attention. Unless the voting public saw or heard something I didn't, Kris might be one of the two Idols booted from the stage tomorrow night. Kara complimented Kris on his guitar playing and noted that most of the ladies in the audience were loving him. Paula called him "adorably sexy"--but gave him little performance critique. Simon thought the guitar was a bit distracting and then gave him some seriously surprising relationship advice about it being a bit early to introducing the Idol voters to his wife--which made absolutely no sense. Randy said Kris' performance reminded him of Jason Mraz--which is a compliment (as my son, Parker, is keen to say).

This year's youngest contestant, Allison Irahetta, lent her big voice to "Given to Me"--yet another song from the Michael Jackson collection that isn't familiar to me. As Allison made her way through the song, I just wanted it to be over. I didn't like the song and I wasn't crazy about her performance and that's a bad combination. The judges saw things a bit different that me--Paula loved it, Simon suggested she lighten up a bit, and Randy said she can sing anything and called her one to watch.

Anoop "Dogg" Desai, a 22-year-old Tarheel (that's a North Carolina grad) who made it to the Finals as the 13th member of the group, hit the stage and "Beat It". I've been a "Dogg" fan since he first auditioned so I am really rooting for Anoop to do well, however I wasn't exactly blown away with his vocals. He did work the stage and seemed to have a good time, but ultimately this is a singing contest. First up with judges comments was Paula who said the song was "untouchable" and called the perfomance Karaoke; Simon thought it was horrible; Randy picked on song selection; and Kara said he showed no range. Anoop may not be long for the contest unless there are enough voters up and down tabacco road to save him.

Traveling all the way from Puerto Rico and singing "Never Can Say Goodbye" was Jorge Nunez. Jorge has quickly become a judges and fan favorite throughout the many stages of the Idol season, but tonight was a rare off-night for Jorge. He tried to inject his usual passion and energy into this classic song, but failed in the judges eyes and ears. Simon summed up how awful it was saying he couldn't wait for the song to end--calling it corny and slaying the arrangement. Oh well, unless the voters save him, it could be a long trip back to the Island.

Trying to get things back on track, 23-year-old Megan Joy Corkrey sang "Rockin' Robin"...WHAT???? I wasn't sure I heard Ryan correctly when he said "Rockin' Robin", but sure enough, the edgy girl from Utah put on her own version of High School Musical and really surprised...because I can't believe ANYONE would ever pick that song. Simon and Randy questioned her song selection (Paula and Kara actually liked it!) and she got dinged a bit for her awkward dance moves, but she'll likely be fine because she is entertaining.

Adam Lambert, the Hollywood resident with a musical theatre background, chose "Black and White". About half-way through the song, he seemed to go all "Bad" on us and proceeded to kick things into a different geas as well as karate kick imaginary villians in a stage production only he can see. The crowd loved the performance. Paula noted how comfortable Adam looks on the stage which brought tears to Mr. Theatre's black-eye-liner eyes. Simon said the performance was in a totally different league to anything we have seen so far tonight. Randy told him he could make records right now. And Kara was left with nothing to say...thank goodness because she doesn't say much anyway.

The penultimate slot belonged to Matt Giraud, a dueling piano player from Michigan. Matt, tickled the ivories and sang "Human Nature". I loved the performance so much I rewound my DVR and watched it a second time. I thought he sang the song well, added his special blues/R&B feel, and played a great piano. My only complaint was the way it ended...it seemed to just end which is because these performers are only given 90 seconds to make their case. Rushed for time, the judges all agreed that Matt is talented and did a good job. Simon called it a "meat and potatoes" type of performance which sounded good to me--I like a nice steak and baked potato, so count me in, Mr. Cowell!

Closing the show was Alexis Grace,a 21-year-old mother who has a big voice and a huge future if given the chance. Hoping to win your votes, Alexis rocked a black mini, pink highlights in her Wendy O'Williams platinum blond locks, and cranked out a very hot "Dirty Diana". Kara thought she was "naughty" in a good way; Paula cautioned her about over-singing; Simon said the performance probably wasn't as good as she thought it was (uh, yes it was, Mr. Cranky Pants!); and Randy thought it was good, not great, but loved the attitude.

So with all 13 finalists vying for 11 slots in next week's show, it is time for me to pick the bottom three--and ultimately predict who's going home after only one performace.

I believe the bottom three will be an all-male review: Kris, Anoop, and Jorge. Going home will be Kris (not enough exposure throughtout the early rounds) and Anoop (poor song selection and an even worse performance).

Tune in tomorrow night and see how your Idols fared when all of the votes are counted. Until then...

I will continue watching TV so you don't have to...

Peace!