The Final Showdown

Adam Lambert - Mad World - Is this The Matrix the Musical? Simon seems to agree. In spite of the theatrics I just can't help lovin' that man of mine. He is so deliciously obtuse and over the top. I love how he doesn't have any reservations about wearing a full length black trench with an oversized collar and black sewn-on flower. Amazing vocal and I liked how he kept it as understated as he could. Grade: A+

Kris Allen - Ain't No Sunshine - I guess there must be something wrong with me (according to Kara)in that I am not moved with his performance. I agree that it was his best, but I just don't dig his whole vibe. I have to steal a line from one of my loyal readers, Emilee, and say he is too Talent Night at the Wilk for me. That being said, I will give him credit for a good performance. Grade: A

Adam Lambert - Change is Gonna Come - I thought this was a very odd song choice from the producers to have Adam sing a civil rights era R & B song but he did not disappoint as usual. Phenomenal vocals and complete control over his instrument and interpretation. I think because we hear his sing so well each week that we maybe think it is not as hard to sing like that...but it is. He has a way of doing something very difficult and making it look like the easiest and most comfortable thing in the world. Grade: A+

Kris Allen - What's Goin' On - I wanted to throw the remote at the TV during his performance. Between the grub stash, ripped jeans and sideways exaggerated mouth singing...ugh! Oh how social conscious!! In the real world the only people who would be listening to him are commuters waiting for their train to arrive....or coeds at an open mike night. I completely agree with Simon that it was too light and relaxed for this phase of the competition. Kara gave him props for being "true to himself" this whole competition, which I guess is true, but he doesn't really shake it up at all. I feel like no matter what song they give him he is going to either bring out the guitar and the bongo drums and sing every song in that fashion. What I think sets Adam apart is that he deliberately chooses and executes a vision and interpretation of that song that is unique and unforgettable. To me Kris is a singer missing a subway to sing in front of. Grade: C

Adam Lambert - No Boundaries - This is my least favorite tradition of the Idol experience...the "original" song that is written for the finale. Soft rock stations are already rejoicing at the upcoming addition to their playlists. He still proved he has amazing vocals and can do something relatively decent with a less than stellar song. I just feel sorry for him that his first "single" will be something that lame. Oh well, Kelly Clarkson has come a long way from A Moment Like This, Adam can too. Who can still wear acid washed jeans and look good? Grade: A

Kris Allen - No Boundaries - Of course as soon as I say he always performs with the bongo drums he comes out and, gasp! sings by himself in front of the mic. In reference to my earlier comment that Adams does something very difficult and makes it look easy, Kris does just the opposite. He sings ok and makes it look like he is running a marathon. Veins in his neck bulging and the one footed hopping. It is even more obvious to see who the clear leader is when they sing the same song back to back. What is with all the excuses from Randy and Kara with the comments about the key being too high? Vote on the season, not the performance? Ok, Adam still wins. Simon's comments were priceless--in essence--the first song was your best and it was all downhill from there. Grade: C

What a night! To be fair, comparing Kris and Adam is like comparing apples and oranges, prewashed cotton and velvet. What I love most about AI is that it draws such a wide group of people. The celebrities in the audience say it all--Katie Holmes, wait--Anthony Hopkins--what is going on? I nearly died when I saw him. Anyway, what did you all think of tonight's show?

Three's Company

Danny Gokey - Dance Little Sister - I thought this was a surprising choice from Crazy only because Danny usually does better with a ballad. He did well considering it was a faster song and he seemed to perform with confidence which is great to see. As far as the dancing comments go, he knows he is a square but at least he puts it all out there. He seems to be genuinely glad he has made it this far and is along for the ride. I think he realizes that if he leverages this opportunity well enough he will be able to become a recording artist. In my opinion it would probably be best if he doesn't win so he can do his own thing without being put through the Idol Machine. Grade: A-

Kris Allen - Apologize - Ok, so first I own that crappy free phone they gave him and it is an awful excuse for technology. Just had to say that and get that out there. Secondly, I HATE the song choice! This is a song that is way overplayed on the listen-while-you-work stations. Why two people thought that was a good idea is beyond me. It also made him look even more college talent night for me. This is definitely something I would have heard in Provo. I am rolling my eyes now and would have rolled my eyes then. In any case it was sub par and I was not impressed. Grade: C

Adam Lambert - One - So when he first started singing it looked like he was singing from the some war torn country with all the fog and back lighting. As usual he did a fantastic, unique performance of a very familiar song. Unlike Kris, he knows how to make a song his own and his vocals are spot on. I will say he is the Mariah Carey (old school Music Box Mariah) of the competition you know that somewhere in the song he will go needlessly high, but when he does it that well (as does Mariah), why complain? Grade: A+

Danny Gokey - You Are So Beautiful - Understated elegance and beautiful delivery. I liked how he kept some of the song the same and then changed it up near the end. He has great control over his voice and sings with so much passion. It somewhat reminded me of I Believe I Can Fly but less annoying. Grade: A

p.s. did anyone else think it looked like he had a member of Blue Man Group playing guitar for him?

Kris Allen - Heartless - What is this...Kris singing songs I hate night? I am one of the few people, despite popular opinion, who think Kanye is an overly cocky non-genius. Hearing his song sung in a Jason Mraz style did not help me any. I seem to be alone on this as far as the judges are concerned as well. I know a lot of people love Kris but for me I would never pay to see him or listen to his CD. Something about him just comes off as amateur to me. Grade: C

Adam Lambert - Cryin' - I love how Adam starts off by telling Ryan that he hasn't made that many changes to the song and then turns it into a true Adam Lambert way-up-in-the-rafters production. I also love how after a performance like that how he goes right back to mellow. What more can I say...he is a true artist and I would LOVE to see him live. Grade: A+

For me I think they all did well but I think based on performances tonight, Kris would have to be the one to go. I just don't think he did anything interesting or unique with his first song and the other gave two strong performances. What do you all think?

Rock N Rollas

Adam Lambert - Mark my words...the next version of Karaoke Revolution will feature an Adam character to choose from when you perform. Wow! Tonight was his most believable "straight guy" performance. I was blown away by his vocals and the piled-on guyliner. I cannot say how much I love this guy. To pick a song that is so huge and to do it justice is more than impressive. I agree with Simon, it will be hard for others to top that performance tonight. Grade: A+

Allison Iraheta - I knew Allison and Adam would be tonight's strongest performers. She has a natural rock sound to her voice and I think it was wise for her to pick another classic rock artist, Janis Joplin. It was also a wise choice for her to go to Adam's stylist to get attacked with a razor. She looked much more authentic and less like a made-up punk princess. Grade: A

Kris & Danny - Dress up time with the two guys most uncomfortable with tonight's theme. Danny's red button up shirt with a tug boat chain around his neck and unlaced Doc Marten's and the spiky-haired leprechaun dressed in all black with red electrical tape marking the spot of his belly button was hilarious. Surprisingly I agreed with Kara that the two "nice guys" of the competition singing Renegade was a bit of an odd choice, but they did the best they could. Grade: B+

Kris Allen - What Slash was trying to say nicely was that Kris is the most underwhelming performer. I am not that nice...for me, it was ROUGH. First, I consider the Beatles to be pop, not rock. Secondly, I don't think he is an intriguing performer. I know people like his style but for me, it was like talent night at college. I hate how he seems annoyed and put off by the judges criticism. He just doesn't seem to care. I agree with Kara and Paula that he did not have enough energy or presence tonight. Grade: C

Danny Gokey - The intro video had me more nervous than I can say. As did the prep school with chain costume. Even Paula looked unsure when he hit the screech at the end. She was of course doing her obligatory stand-up-and-dance but when he hit that note she kind of paused and stopped waving her arm. I knew tonight wasn't going to be his night, but this was not a great choice of song. Grade: B- (only because he did give it all and went for it)

Adam & Allison - King and Queen of the rock prom performing live!! What more can I say. I knew it was going to be great and it was. Again the costumes were hilarious. It is like they when to the local theatre and asked them for their "rock clothes". Maybe they should have a mentor for clothing as well. Grade: A+

Overall tonight is what I predicted...strong performances from Adam and Allison, good effort from Danny, and apathetic watered down singing from Kris. As those who read this blog know I think Kris is lucky to have made it this far, but I think tonight might (hopefully) be his last. What did you all think?

The White Knight

So when I heard it was Rat Pack night I half expected the mentor to be someone like, oh I don't know, Michael Buble. Evidently he was unavailable or was not up to par with the likes of Jamie Foxx. No one I know hates Jamie Foxx more than my bestie Courtney so I will be interested to hear her thoughts on tonight's show. As surprising as the choice of Jamie Foxx is I hope he will do a good job and steer them in a better direction than Quentin Tarantino.

Kris Allen - So it is well documented that I am not a huge Kris fan...and that is putting it nicely. But, tonight wasn't that bad and he didn't annoy me as much as he usually does. He has a good voice, it is mostly just his personality and style that I don't like. I agree with Randy that this was his best performance so far. I will give credit where credit is due. Good job, Kris...but I still don't think you will win the competition. Grade: A-

Allison Iraheta - As the only girl left in the competition, I really hoped she'd do well tonight. Her young age and skanky corset top made me a bit nervous. But once she started singing Little Bonnie Raitt did not disappoint. Her personality is a bit weird and I am not sure like Simon that she really thinks she could win. Grade: A-

Matt Giraud - Okay, so the intro video with the Foxx was laughable and I didn't agree with the advice he was given. I agree with Kara that there was not as much emotional connection as that song deserves. That is not a song that you end on a big money note. It is a much subtler song than that. Shelbs was on the phone with me before I even was finished writing my review of his performance...enraged. Not my fav. Grade: B-

Danny Gokey - Is this wacky advice night? Foxx is a combo of Corky St. Clair and a Martin Short's weird drama teacher on Get Over It. As strange as it was, at least it worked to his advantage. Danny seemed much more commanding of the stage and his performance tonight which was nice to see. He seems to be stepping up his game and showing that he wants to win. To me this was the first truly original arrangement and probably Danny's best night. Grade: A+

Adam Lambert - It seems like Adam has his own lighting and effects team working on his performances each week. Tonight Angel Adam descended a steep backlit staircase...dreamy. Over the top is where Adam feels his most comfortable. From the blindingly shiny white suit, diamond studs and pointy white shoes he makes Paula look understated. I have to say that I agree with Kara he is so strange, sleazy, and over the top but I like him in the weirdest way. Some of my friends have complained about Adam always being put last like he is always the grand finale but it has to happen that way for a couple of reasons: 1. The teamsters need time to set up Adam's light show, 2. Fox needs commercials/ad revenue while the best contestant is promised at the end, and 3. Would you really want to follow that performance? It is for the best he is at the end so the other contestants aren't compared to him for the whole hour. He is the guiltiest pleasure...and I am including Zac Efron. Grade: A+

So tonight was mostly strong performances (including crazy professor Foxx) and one of exceeding brilliance. For me, it is bye bye Matt tomorrow night. What do you all think?

Disco Inferno

In case anyone missed last week's results show or the plethora of articles covering the judges' save last week, AI was kind enough to replay the dumbest decision they have made yet. I honestly don't understand why they would save a contestant they don't think could win the whole thing, AND...more importantly, a contestant that has been voted out by America twice in the initial elimination rounds. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Matt or anything. I think he is talented and has done a good job. But, if America does not see him as the next superstar and they tell that to us three times, I don't know why the judges are so intent on forcing us to believe otherwise. Hopefully he will surprise/impress me tonight and I will understand their decision. Anyway, on to the reviews...

Lil Rounds - So Lil finally got the memo to sing a song in a genre that is closer to her own. And, in a real shock she actually looked like she was having fun. I didn't think she was as bad as they are making it out to be. I wasn't blown away, but I think this is one of her better performances. Grade: B

Kris Allen - Excellent explanation about why you chose that song to sing. "It's about a woman...who has a good work ethic". Oh, that clears it up. The song was near unrecognizable but evidently that was just what the judges were looking for. I can't stand listening to him/watching him do calf lifts during each song, but I appear to be outnumbered. Looks like the hobbit will be around for another week. Grade: C

Danny Gokey - For those who read my blog I have made it very clear that Danny is one of my favorites. However, tonight's performance in my opinion was not his best. I think Danny excels at slower songs that allow him to connect with the audience. He did have strong vocals but I agree with Simon that he is not the most fluid performer during upbeat songs. I still feel he is a strong contender, but not the best I have seen him. I really wish he would have done a Bee Gees song. Grade: B+

Allison Iraheta - Channeling Xtina during her Dirrrty years, tonight's performance was once again a bit of a costume show mixed with vocal brilliance. I didn't know she could riff that extensively and make it look easy. I, like the judges, was not crazy about the arrangement, but she is quite a performer who should be around for a while. Grade: A-

Adam Lambert - The Gibb brothers strike again! This is why I have been fans of theirs for years. Adam's vocals were dead on and he has a way of connecting what he is feeling with the audience that is truly a gift. I don't hide the fact that I am huge musical theatre fan and most of my love for the music comes from the actors' ability to make me feel what their character is feeling. I think that is why Adam has done so well in this competition because he has that experience and background. He understand and thrives in the world of make believe. He knows what to do and what to wear and what to say to make us buy the whole act. I cannot wait to buy his album and see him perform live. Grade: A+

Matt Giraud - Ugh! The woven fedora is back!! Why has no one taken that away from him yet? His performance tonight seemed like a frenzied, desperate attempt to stay in the competition. You could see the fear in his face as he sang. It reminded me a little of the Rock of Love girls when they think Brett is going to send them packing. Matt obviously has more movement in his face but you get the idea. Simon is the only judge who is willing to admit they may have made a mistake. The others don't want to look foolish, although in my opinion they are doing just that by validating a performance like that. I didn't like that he chose that song (someone does it every year) and he really didn't do something uber-original as was suggested. Grade: B-

Anoop Desai - When he started out slow, I got nervous for him because I don't want him to do the same thing each week. When the tempo came up I started to get excited that he was really going to fly with it but it stayed in a mid range. There were moments that I thought it sounded a bit like an Usher song, but it didn't quite make it there. On a positive note, he looked better than he ever has. I loved the little bit of growth and the powder grey suit. To me he looked like the guy I imagine with marry my BFF Courtney. We can dream right? Love ya, Cat! Grade: B

If I had to guess who would be going home this week it would probably be Matt and Anoop, possibly Lil. Kris would be going home if I had my way, but as I said earlier I doubt he will be voted off.

What do you all think?

Hooray for Hollywood

Well I am back in NH and glad to be able to watch and review all of tonight's performances. I tried to downplay it last week but I about had a meltdown when I realized the DV-R didn't record Adam's performance. Not only do I look forward to his shows, but I knew my blog post would be late. I am back on track and happy to report on this week's show.

I recall feeling confused/uneasy when Quentin Tarantino was a guest judge a few years ago but I was even more surprised when he made an encore appearance for this season's Hollywood Music Show. Does anyone else wonder what his qualifications are for giving singing advice? I am not denying that he is talented in his arena of film making, but I am not sure he would have been my first choice musical direction. Clint Eastwood would have been a better choice. He is multi-talented and has composed the scores for a few of his films. He would have also been a hilarious mentor. I can picture the kids singing and Clint just staring at them with his squinty, unflinching, disgusted face. I know it is the least likely thing to happen but a girl can dream. From what I could see Quentin's advice was neither helpful nor well received. Oh well, maybe next week's mentor will be a bit better.

Allison Iraheta - This is the first week I am honestly underwhelmed by her performance. First, why did she start the song out so low? Second, why did they dress her in a silk parachute? Third, why does the red mullet keep getting shorter and shorter? She did alright, but I did not agree with the judges that she was amazing. Maybe I just expect too much from my favorites. She still deserves to be in the competition, but I hope she does better next week. Grade: B-

Anoop Desai - So it seems Noop-Dog didn't take Q's advice on "roughing it up"...not that I blame him. I loved the intro video when Anoop looked at him like the high school music teacher trying to be hip. Priceless. Luckily he trusted his instincts and stuck with what he does best with a more R&B sound. I do however question the blazer choice. When I first saw him from a distance I thought he was trying to rock the Will Smith/Fresh Prince inside-out blazer...then I realized it had elasticized sleeves like a letterman jacket. Who thought that was a good combo? In any case, well done vocals. Grade: A-

Adam Lambert - Bad-A Adam is back! My favorite contestant summoned his hair dresser and had him break out he razor for a return to his edgy roots. It was all back--the painted on black jeans, guy-liner, and pointy pomaded hair spikes. He worked the stage and even included the Lane Bryant back up singers in his stage musical. My, oh my that was a lot of shakin' going on. Vocally brilliant and I just love that he does something different each week. I don't like all the comments from judges and Ryan about "coming out" of his shell. We get it..he's gay! I think the fact that he didn't have any problem being compared to Rocky Horror is proof enough of that. I guess now that Scott is gone Ryan needs to patronize someone else. Grade: A+

Matt Giraud - Ugh! I want to take the woven fedora he wore in his intro video and throw it in a fire. Got to be one of my least favorite fashion trends. JT is to the fedora what Enrique was to the woven beanie. When you wear it too much you just end up looking like a wannabe. Anyway, his vocals were okay but not great. There were a few pitchy moments that I heard and he doesn't have enough control of his voice in certain parts. I agree with the judges that he has good ideas but sub-par execution of those ideas. I think he may run into the same problem Elliot Yamin ran into where he is a good vocalist, but doesn't really have a fit in the competition. I guess we'll see. Grade: C

Danny Gokey - He may have read the buzz in the blogosphere about his ever-rotating supply of chunky eyeglasses and chose to perform sans specs tonight. It looks like he got dressed without his glasses on. Wrinkly, shrunken, seersucker blazer with star-pocketed jeans is a combo I wouldn't have put together. Seriously, I thought they had stylists helping them not sandbagging them. Luckily Danny's vocal and emotional connection were once again spot on tonight and yet again the sucker in me cannot believe he is able to sing that song after losing his wife. I wonder if I would like him as much if I weren't a pregnant, emotional geyser. Grade: A-

Kris Allen - I know this will make some of my readership frustrated but I really hated his performance tonight. I just don't enjoy watching him perform. It is something about the way he bites his lip and closes his eyes after each phrase that makes me want to slap him silly. By picking that song it seemed he wanted praise for picking something so "obscure" (hello it won the Oscar for best song) but to me it again came off as a coffee house performance. I don't know what it is I just can't connect with him. Grade: C

Lil Rounds - Watching her intro video I was really hoping this would be Lil's chance to show us and the judges that she is serious about this competition and a way for her to differentiate herself from the other contestants. But unfortunately I have to agree with Simon that she just doesn't get it. The judges consistently tell her to sing R&B, soul, gospel etc. and there are plenty of artists she could have chosen that would have allowed her to show that side of her. Instead, she tries to do something ultra original and adapt a Bette Midler song to suit her voice. It just didn't work. I think she is struggling with the same thing Matt is--good ideas, poor execution. This reinforces my opinion of Adam as a true original artist because he possesses not only the creativity but the talent to bring his ideas to fruition. Lil is talented and no one denies that. I am just confused as to why she refuses to sing a song by and artist closer to her vocal abilities and style. Grade: B-

What do you all think?

The 80s Reloaded

So I am on the road this week watching/blogging from western PA.  Most of the people who read this blog were sitting in the living room with me, but I would still like to post my review for my non-family readers.  This season is proving to show stellar talent and even though they say this every year, I do genuinely believe that this year has the best talent.  Since the oldest contestant was born in 1982 (boy do I feel old) I knew my friends Mike & Ariane would be loving tonight's show as a tribute to the music of the 80s.

Danny Gokey - Not only do I think that Danny is a front runner in this competition, he may end up in the top two.  The beginning of the song was a bit weak, but he came out strong in the end.  He showed once again that he communicates well with the audience and is definitely an original.  As in most weeks, I wish Paula would sit on down when she feels so inspired to get up in dance. Luckily she is only 4' 10" so you can see over her even when she is rockin' out.  Grade: B+

Kris Allen - So I am glad that he is proving as I have said before that he is okay but not great.  The arrangement was not great, performing in the crowd was annoying and I am so sick of the military jacket...again.  Is that the only thing he can wear each week?  He is not an awful singer, but I don't agree with Paula that he has so much likeability it is hard not to like him.  It is not hard at all for me not to like him.  Grade: C

Lil Rounds - Whew! The name controversy has been cleared up! Now we can move on with the competition.  I thought singing Tina would be a good idea, but she really didn't do anything fantastic with it.  She is a good singer, but with the talent we have on this show, she is going to need to stand out to really be able to compete.  She looks great tonight and I think will probably be around next week.  Grade: C

Anoop Desai - I was nervous...but he surprised me with his interpretation of True Colors.  The song was fit well to his voice and I liked that he did something unique with the song.  He seems to found his niche with "stool singing".  He does better with slower songs when he can really show his vocals.  Grade: B

Scott MacIntyre - It was not as bad as it could have been, but it was not great.  I am not a huge fan of that song, and it was not executed well especially in his upper register.  He wanted to show he is "versatile" but he showed he is good at more of the same...soft rock ballad. Grade: C-

Allison Iraheta - Another amazing performance.  She picks the best songs and sings them perfectly. I still can't believe that she is only 17.  She is so confident and performs like she has been doing it for years.  I really think she could be a very successful recording artist in the near future.  Grade: A

Matt Giraud - JT is that you?  If I could listen to it with my eyes closed it would be better.  Are there budget cuts in the styling department?  The fedora and vinyl Members Only jacket are back just like Kris's military jacket.  The vocals were good...but he is just so annoying to watch.  Grade: A-

Adam Lambert - The Dish Network broadcast we were watching last night cut off the last (and best) performance so I had to wait to see it up on You Tube.  Once again I am amazed by Adam's genius in picking the perfect song and singing it in his own unique style.  His ability to transition seamlessly between falsetto and belt is something that makes him a true frontrunner. I also like how he chose to maintain a mostly understated performance tonight but still showed his phenomenal skill.  I wish I had been able to see this last night but what a great way to close the show!!  

What did you all think?