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A M E R I C A N I D O L . Here. We. Go!
Ryan recaps Matt’s survival on last week’s elimination, and reminds us that two are going home. With flames a plenty in the background, we zoom in on Ryan’s mug and “THIS… is American Idol!” Huzzah!
Ryan is on the stage in an extremely snappy suit. He’s lookin’ sharp and recapping all the crap he just recapped before the opening credits. He welcomes the judges, who all look like regular people tonight, and says hi to our top 7. Here they all come, looking chipper and ready for action.
Rolling right into the night, Lil kicks it off with Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman!” (Who called this in the comments last week? Aryl? Nice job Aryl.) Maybe Lil’s reading PMA for tips on how to please picky, dirtbag judges. She’s doing a great job tonight and man that girl has some curves (she’s wearing a skin tight jumpsuit). If this ain’t the right song for Lil, there ain’t a right song. It’s not necessarily a song that’s knocking me off my feet, but it’s a very good performance. Randy says it was big, it was wild, you got the crowd dancing, but it didn’t show the vocal control. Kara says America was waiting for her to sing a Khan song, but it wasn’t worth the wait. She then goes on to say she’s been every other woman but herself on that stage (oh, boo Kara). Paula says that in Lil’s defense, she was on vocal rest yesterday. Then she totally undermines that by saying she never hit the boiling point. Simon patronizes Lil a bit before telling her this is the last week that they’ll see her (ouch). Okay, I’m not the biggest Lil fan, but this whole thing drives me crazy. She is so much better than these yokels are giving her credit for. Grab your pitchforks and torches people… I’m ready to lead the charge to the judges’ mansion! They are truly idiotic.
Kris with a K is here and he’s toning it down a notch with a white t-shirt, a dog-tag, and one killer smile. He’s singing “She Works Hard for the Money” (this could be interesting) and Ryan sends him off to get ready. He’s got his guitar and counts off a four piece band that has bongos! It’s an acoustic calypso thing that hits it where it needs hittin’. He’s really put a new spin on this song, and he’s lookin’ oh so dreamy. Kris with a K has an effortlessness about his voice that is both pleasant and cool. Kara (who is actually looking pretty hot tonight) says he took a big risk, and that it paid off BIG TIME. Paula reaches deep into her bag of crazy and pulls out something about shopping in the women’s section (translation: she likes it). Simon says it was a complete polar opposite to Lil’s (any chance to bash Lil, right Si?). Randy says Kris is ready for the big time. They <3 it.
Gokersville is up with “September.” He’s wearing a black jacket, which is driving me nuts because it looks too hot to wear in L.A. It’s good, but a little tired. Paula’s on her feet, but she’s kind of an on-your-feet skank (she’ll dance it up for just about anyone). The whole thing is good, but still just whatevs. I don’t think it’s gonna be that memorable tomorrow morning. Randy says he turned into something that really worked for him (what does that mean?). Kara (who is still lookin’ hot) says he has pitch that is right on. Paula says he has one of the sexiest voices ever. Simon thought the vocals were great, but there was no star power in the performance. I agree with that 100%. Gokey is a nice guy, and a good singer, but he has about as much star potential as a sack of cheese curd.
The stage opens like a gaping womb, and Allison’s sillouette is all we see. She’s singing “Hot Stuff.” She’s wearing that horrific half white jacket thing, and a body sleeve-like get up…. Wait, a leather body sleeve-like thing. She looks like a disaster, but sounds pretty awesome. Her voice is rocking this song. I like it a lot, but I can see the judges hating all over it. Randy says although he didn’t like the arrangement, Allison can really sing. Kara did not like the arrangement, but she thinks she’s one of the best singers. Paula says she hit it off the charts. Si thinks it was a brilliant performance. They don’t like her attitude, but they can’t ignore her pipes.
Adam’s up and he’s looking sharp as a tack. He’s got the Elvis wave going, and he’s wearing a stylish black suit. He’s singing “If I Can’t Have You” and he’s standing center stage with a single spotlight over his shoulders. It’s very controlled, very stripped down, and very pleasant. This is the type of song that’s so subtly good, that it could easily be mistaken for easy, or forgettable. It’s neither of those things, and I have to say, I like him loads better like this than I do with him fake rock-out with Ricky Minor and the boys. Paula has tears in her eyes (which is a sure fire sign that medication is wearing off), and she gives him a standing… well, she doesn’t clap, so she gives him a standing look. Randy says Adam is ready right now and is a hot one tonight. Kara says that he’s brilliant, and Adam gives her a look that screams, “honey… I know these things.” Paula says that she felt his pain… (?) Simon (looking confused) makes fun of Paula’s lame comment, and says how he loved his originality and that the vocals were immaculate. Is there a ten run rule in American Idol? If there is, we should end it now and just give Adam the trophy. He’s killing this thing (although, I really liked Kris with a K tonight too)!
Matt Timberlake’s up, and he’s singin’ “Stayin’ Alive.” Yikes. This has mistake written all over it. It’s okay… but he seems out of breath and like he knows he should have been kicked off last week. He’s got a lame fedora on and a red alligator looking jacket. He looks very comfortable on stage, but vocally it doesn’t really do it for me. Again, he seems tired and that he’s singing to not get kicked off, not because he thinks he can win (see the difference there). Randy didn’t like the song choice or arrangement, but that he can sing. Kara said he brought disco back, and that’s good. She says that she likes to see him move, and tells him that it wasn’t as good as Adam’s, but it was still good. Paula compares Matt’s singing to bowling and says it was a strike. Simon didn’t like the performance… he says that it came across as a bit desperate (agreed), the vocals weren’t great (agreed), and that it lacked originality (I sort of agree).
Anoop is up, and just when you thought he couldn’t look like a bigger tool, he pulls out the pink sweater, baby blue shirt (with white cuffs), grey suit, and tennis shoes. Trying too hard Anoopersville… your outfit is screaming it. He singing… a song that I don’t know, and it’s boring, kind of hokey, and just not that great. He keeps trying (and failing) to get the crowd in it (with various hand claps, and swinging hands) and he ends with a total flub of a note. Randy says the arrangement was corny, but he can sing. Kara loved the song choice and beat. Paula loves his scruff, and his pink sweater. She says he hit a magical place in his voice (and I just noticed that Paula’s hands are shaking). Simon says that it was mediocre at best, that it was a horrible version of the song, and that this was his worst performance (not his worst, but not that good either).
So, that’s it this week. Here’s how I think we’re gonna shake out:
Best contestant: Adam’s was fantastic, but I enjoyed Kris with a K’s the most (More my style I think). You can’t go wrong with either tonight.
Worst Contestant: Anoop. Please leave and take your UCLA fraternity closet with you.
Ugliest Jacket: Matt and his red alligator dorkiness.
Bottom 3: Anoop, Lil, and Matt
Going home: Should be Anoop and Lil. I think it’s gotta be those two, right?
What did you guys think? Who do you think should hit the bricks this week? What’s your breakdown? Was Kris with a K really better than Adam? Bum, bum, bum…!!!
Come see us again tomorrow for the elimination results!
Tags: American Idol
It’s probably Anoop — whom I actually like, despite his douchbaggery way of dressing — and Lil but at this point, I really really want her and Gokey to go. Gokey’s boring and I *HATE* that he’s using the memory of his wife to get some votes. And Lil. Oh, Lil. I had such high hopes for her, but she’s been a true disappointment. Like last week, when she said she was going to go gospel on “The Rose” I was like, “Okay! I can get with that!” but then when she actually did it, it was like “Where’s the gospel?” The only way that would’ve worked out for her is if she didn’t half-ass it, and yet that’s exactly what she did. Same with this week. I had such high hopes for it because that song actually would’ve suited her voice very well, but the actual performance was just… not good enough.
In regards to Matty Timberlake, I think the judges used the save last week because the only ones they would use it on — Adam, Allison, the Gokey, and now Kris with a K — are nowhere near close going home. They would’ve saved Lil towards the beginning, but again, she consistently proves that she’s not worth it.
Kris — I’m kind of over him. His good boy persona is starting to be overshadowed when he opens his mouth really big and you can see into his body.
Matt — He’s great. I’m glad he got saved. He’s the best eye candy since I’m done with Kris.
Allison — She’s still a dumb bitch and I’m glad Ryan didn’t waste his time talking to her but I have to admit she sings really well.
Anoop — I thought he was amazing tonight. If you just listen to the audio, so you aren’t distracted by his fugly style, he sounded d-lish. I still don’t like him that much though.
Oh! And I agree with you, Jeff, they just need to hand Adam the AI title already.
“Opens his mouth really big and you can see into his body” = awesome. Nice Jonathan.
I agree Carrie. I think they just used the save because they’d been pubbing it all season and had no one else to use it on. It was pretty lame in the end.
Just realized I posted like 400 of the same vids… oh well, doesn’t matter. They’ll be taken off by the legal gods over at 19 Entertainment shortly anyway.
Still having Adam issues…Loved Kris tonight and Allison. I am thinking top 4 will be Adam, Allison, Danny and Kris. I think Kris and Danny are the most commercial so 19 probably is hoping for one of them to win. Adam would probably be better off not winning rather than selling his soul to 19. Think they would let him release a Ring of Fire single? Doubting that. Danny is still good, he can sing, but he really hasn’t been that exciting. Lil hasn’t lived up to her hype. Anoop can be great some times, and not so great other times. Matt…I like him. I liked his Stayin Alive last night, it was fun, it was Disco!! I am always disappointed in disco week. Why hasn’t there been any Abba, more Bee Gees…come on people let’s hear some real Disco, not the ballads or the disco turned emo.
Lil Matt and Anoop for the bottom, my guess is Lil and Anoop, but any combo won’t be a surprise, the safe one will be on the chopping block next week anyway.
Thanks for the shout out (do the kids still say that?). Too bad Lil couldn’t pull it off. I really like her voice, but agree with the judges that she just doesn’t know who she is. 2 Donna Summer songs? Love it! I had an epiphany last night. Danny Gokey = Rick Astley. Look it up on youtube if you haven’t heard him. Every year I love watching the slow modification of the contestant’s style (Adam in particular). Really liked Adam’s performance. Elimination? I’d say any two of Matt, Lil & Anoop, but my guess is Matt & Lil.
If I hear Kara say “I’m gonna have to agree with Randy on this…” one more time, I’m going to scream. This girl doesn’t have an original thought in her head.
She also said “Saturday Night Live” when she obvi-duh-sly meant “Saturday Night Fever”. Go away, Kara!
Gokey literally put me to sleep last night. I don’t think I can take anyone who sings “September” seriously, in fact I’m pretty sure that until now, in my life, I’ve always thought this song was a parody of an entire decade.
Bye Matt. The so-2009-dance-moves were repulsive, so was most of the riffing. Sadly, you will probably be joined by LIL tonight, who I guess, at this point, should go work on an oil rig or something.
Jeff – remember last week when I said Adam had gotten a tad stale and I needed him to freshen up a bit? Well, HE DID. Thank god. That was stellar.
I liked Matt’s Stayin’ Alive performance. I agree he sounded a little out of breath, but as a whole thought he did a great job.
My favorite is still Kris with a K. LOVE him! I thought he was completely original and fabulous last night.
Adam was great too, but I enjoyed Kris’ performance more. I liked Adam’s get up last night though.
As for the rest of them…whateves. My faves are Kris, Adam then Matt, but I don’t think Matt will go the distance. I hope it’s Anoop & Lil that go home tonight. I’m over them both.
One more thought…I know Allison has a great voice, but she never makes me want to vote for her. Even Lil got me to vote for her a few times. What is it about Allison that leaves you feeling blah?
I love your Idol reviews, so much of them is exactly what I’m thinking!
I love Adam though; he has this fantastic rockstar voice that is even more impressive when he does slow songs like last night. I just wish he sounded more masculine; other singers like Steven Tyler who can hit those epic high notes have a less feminine sound to their voice when they go back down. If Adam would do that he’d sound pretty perfect.
I really like Kris as well and last night he rocked! It was really creative performance. My only complaint about him (aside from his weird mouth, which he can’t really help) is that sometimes his voice sounds really sharp and piercing, it kind of hurts my ears but the judges don’t seem to notice it for some reason. Anyone else hear it?
Allison is really great, I loved the slow intro to her song. If only she would pronounce her Bs correctly! It’s not a P!!!
I wish Gokey and Matt would go home tonight but I think it will be Lil and Anoop.
great review!