After weeks of sorting through the semi-finalists, America was finally able to see the real competition get started as the top 13 contestants sang for your votes last night on American Idol.
The eighth season started with a bang. Not only were the judges introduced like they were fighters coming into the ring, but we were given a great theme right off the bat. The chosen 13 would sing the songs of the one and only Michael Jackson. Plus we found out that two people would be going home tomorrow and with the extra person in the finals the obvious 1-866-IDOLS13 number couldn’t be used because it leads to some late night dirty talkin’ divas. Gasps! We MUST be in for a great night!
Overall, it wasn’t great but it was definitely thoroughly entertaining. With a catalog as broad as MJ’s, there were plenty of opportunities for some karaoke deluxe moments and some “a star is born” hawtness. And we had it all.
Let’s take a look at how it all went down, shall we? We shall:
Lil Rounds – The Way You Make Me Feel: There must have been a lot of pressure for mother of three Lil Rounds to kick off season 8 and in all honesty, she didn’t do a bad job. Her song choice was not the best–of all the MJ songs she picks one of the most recognizable. That almost certainly means it’ll come off karaoke, but it didn’t. Lil’s talent lies in her big voice and knowing how to put her own spin on a song. Besides being ripped by Simon for her fluffy Easter-inspired outfit, Lil got a glowing review.
Scott MacIntyre – Keep The Faith: I resent the judges for saying no one knew this song. I totally did. Maybe it’s because MJ ruled the first half of my life something serious, but I thought Scott –being the inspiration to many that he is — chose a great song. It allowed him to be sensitive and, more importantly, break out his piano. I wasn’t wowed by the vocals, but as a package, Scott rules.
Danny Gokey – PYT (Pretty Young Thang): And here folks, we have our first “a star is born” moment. But is it really fair to say Danny’s star was born tonight? He’s been a major player since his audition. Last night’s performance just sealed the deal. Not only were his vocals extremely on point, he showed he had some serious stage presence. He ripped a dance move or two from Taylor Hicks but I loved every minute of it. The judges agreed!
Michael Sarver – You Are Not Alone: I knew someone was going to pick this Michael-to-Lisa Marie schmaltz fest. And to be fair, Michael didn’t do a bad job. He had some great vocal moments, but besides being a nice guy, he’s just so boring. He won’t make a good recording artist. He has nada to keep many people interested.
Jasmine Murray – I’ll Be There: So, here is where we learned that songs by the Jackson 5 would count tonight. Jasmine picked a song she could emulate easily because a female vocalist covered it. Her rendition was way more Mariah Carey than Michael Jackson, but she did a decent job but she was swallowed by the big stage. Simon was right on the money–Jasmine needs to loosen up…a ton.
Kris Allen – Remember The Time: Those video intros aren’t there just to kill time to let each contestant run from the bathroom to the stage. They teach you things. Oh! The things you learn. We learned that the dreamy Kris is married! And though I was heart-broken, I tried to keep my assessment of his performance fair. So, being the fair critic I am, Kris has a great voice. He started flawlessly. His guitar was tres pointless, but it was easy to ignore with the pitch-perfect vocals. But then he hit the middle and lost it. Uncle Pitchy Murdoch came to town and didn’t leave until he was done! The judges agreed and Simon said what most of us was thinking–it might have been a bit too early to spring your wife on is, Kris! Give us a few more weeks to dream about lying beside you in your dreamy plaid shirt…
Allison Iraheta – Give In To Me: MJ may be the King of Pop, but he has more than a few songs suitable to rock out to. Allison picked the perfect song to match her rocking swagger. This girl knows exactly who she is at the ripe old age of 16. She wasn’t afraid of the big stage at all, and deliver a killer vocal performance. And the glam squad did a great job on her hair–that extra long weave wasn’t working!
Anoop Desai – Beat It: Anoop! Anoop Dogg! Anoopy! Why? Why would you pick “Beat It” of all songs? Yes, we loved your energy on “My Prerogative” but we love your soulful voice! We miss it! While he never sounded bad (that’s an impossible feat for someone as talented as Anoop), the song never offered Anoop a chance to show off what he has vocally. I have to agree with Paula when she said the performance came off very karaoke, but I totally disagree with Simon when he said it was horrible. America loves Anoop, so hopefully they’ll votes their butts off so he can come back next week and show us what he can do.
Jorge Nunez – Never Can Say Goodbye: I have never, ever, EVER disagreed with the judges more. Each judge wasn’t moved by Jorge’s performance, but I thought he was incredible. The vocals were simply luscious! The control, the tone–everything about it was great. And the song choice was a good one. I’ve watch the performance back a few times just to see if I was hearing it wrong the first time, but nope. Loved it every time. Hopefully America is on my side and Jorge will continue on.
Megan Corkrey – Rockin’ Robin: I am SO over Megan. I loved her so during her audition but she hasn’t returned to that greatness since. Her stage performances are frightful. Her voice is consistently flat and her dance moves horrid. Last night was just more of the same from the gorgeous mom. But, of course, she was hyped up beyond reason by Paula, Randy, and Kara. Simon finally told the truth about her messy performance, but they clearly want her to continue because she’s a great package. No more, please! I can’t deal with the Amy Winehouse dancing anymore.
Adam Lambert – Black or White: So, I rekindled my romance with Adam after watching some pre-Idol videos and I was ready to love him like no other last night. Boy was I under his spell when he started his performance. Everything about it was near-flawless. Then the middle came in and he returned to the Adam I knew and shunned. Shrieky and manic. Another performance you either love or hate. I think I hated it. Sigh. I want to love Adam, but he’s just not consistent. Doesn’t matter. The judges wet themselves with joy. Paula even predicted she’ll see him in the finals (apparently with Danny because she made the same prediction for him earlier in the night).
Matt Giraud – Human Nature: Hands down, my favorite MJ song is “Human Nature.” So, when I heard one of my favorite contestants would be performing it, I was super excited. I had a feeling Matt could do a good job, but he was more than good, he was AMAZING. Finally living up to the Elliott Yamin comparisons, Matt owned the stage with his piano delivering a perfect vocal performance. His falsetto was lush, his lower register was rich, his full voice was sultry. He was everything he was in his audition and more. Welcome back, Matt! You’ll be around for a long time.
Alexis Grace – Dirty Diana: Funny Alexis should pick this song considering she was told to “dirty” her look up a bit in her audition. She totally kicked butt. I fully agree with Simon when he said it probably wasn’t as good as she thought, but that’s not to say it wasn’t good. She had the right attitude and her voice shined. She also had the advantage of the night’s best stage lighting adding dramatic effect to her performance. It was an all-around win!
Predictions: We already know two people are leaving us tonight. So, who will it be? I know who it should be based off of the performances, but we all know this show has more to do with popularity than skill. So, Megan will probably stay. Anoop, who should be in danger, will hopefully escape, too (that makes me happy!). So I’ll go with Michael and Jasmine. But who knows if America will get the final say–it was announced there will be a change in the results show that gives the judges a little more control.
Results are tonight at 8pm!
i gotta disagree about Adam; he was absolutely fantastic. Just amazing, and clearly the best of the night.
I loved Matt. He has a warmth about him that made this song and performance stand out above the rest. I also love Elliott Yamin. His vocals are awesome and both have a beautiful vibrato.