Kris Allen performs "Ain’t No Sunshine" by Bill Withers on "American Idol" (Photo FOX)
Idol finalists were asked to sing popular downloads on the iTunes Music Store. This week’s theme gave the finalists a chance to be a little more current – but not that current.
Anoop Desai opened the Tuesday performance night (Wednesday night in the Philippines) with Usher’s “Caught Up.” Randy commended Anoop’s vocals but said that it wasn’t the right song for him. Kara commented that it was “like a bunch of frat guys dared you [him] to get up and sing Usher.” Paula said that Anoop should work on his showmanship but praised his cool vocals. Simon thought that Anoop came off like a wannabe, and his performance was a complete and utter mess.
Megan Joy’s rendition of “Turn Your Lights Down Low” failed to please the judges. Kara said that she likes Megan, but it wasn’t the right song for her. Kara also added that Megan might be in trouble. Paula said that Megan should dig deeper and surprise them. Simon said that the things they liked about Megan are disappearing and described Megan’s performance as boring, indulgent and monotonous. Randy felt that he was watching a paint dry.
“What Hurts The Most” is Danny Gokey’s song choice for this week. Paula said that it is the kind of performance that she would listen to over and over. Simon thought that it was Danny’s best performance of the season. Randy felt that it was Danny who started the show. Kara said that Danny’s performance gave her goosebumps.
Allison Iraheta goes up the stage and sang “Don’t Speak,” a song that reminds me of my childhood. Randy said that Allison was a little ahead of the beat but loved that she played the guitar. Kara thought that the performance was good but was a little forced. Paula praised Allison’s delivery and intonation saying that they’re “masterful.” Simon commented that Allison’s outfit looked straight out of the Addams Family.
Scott MacIntyre accompanied himself on the piano again while singing “Just The Way You Are.” Kara commended Scott’s smart song choice and said that the performance was moving. Paula said that she’s so proud of him. Simon called Scott’s performance “the best.”
Matt Giraud’s rendition of “You Found Me” failed to impress the judges. Paula said that Matt failed to show any of the qualities they liked about him. Simon commented that Matt is becoming different people just to stay in the competition. Randy blamed Matt’s wrong song choice. Kara said that Matt is going from the rock side of pop and the R&B side of pop.
Celine Dion’s “I Surrender” is Lil Rounds’ song choice for this week. Randy said that Lil sang the song really, really well. Kara was surprised by how Lil sang the song effortlessly. But, Paula said that she didn’t want to see an adult contemporary Lil. Simon described Lil’s performance to be “old-fashioned.”
“Play That Funky Music” is Adam Lambert’s song choice for this week. Paula said that Adam is pure genius. Simon said that the performance was original but not as good as last week’s performance. Randy said that Adam’s in the star zone. While Kara said that it was like Studio 57.
Kris Allen closed the night with the song “Ain’t No Sunshine,” which the judges all liked. Randy said that Kris Allen’s performance was creative and cool. Kara said “that is artisty!” Paula said that Kris Allen made the 30-year-old song sound like a new one. While Simon said that Kris’ performance tonight was his best so far.
Tomorrow night, we would all find out whether an Idol will be sent home or the judges would use their “save.” Who will be booted tomorrow? I think it would be either Matt or Megan Joy.
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