//American Idol Recap: Motown Week Brings Out The Best In Matt Giraud, Kris Allen, And…Adam Lambert!?//

Last night on American Idol the remaining top 10 singers celebrated 50 years of the legendary Motown Records.

With a catalog as great and as versatile as Motown’s the contestants had their work cut out for them. The songs are classics–they’ve been performed over and over by many great artists. The performances could either come off as terribly karaoke, or the contestants could show that they have what it takes to be true artists and make their performance count.

Surprisingly, many performers showed they were ready to take this theme on. With coaching by none other than Smokey Robinson, the top 10 got to work.

And the night belonged to the boys. The guys not only stepped up to the plate, but some knocked the ball so far out of the park, they’ll go down in Idol history.

Let’s take a look at how it all went down:

Matt Giraud – Let’s Get It On: The soulful piano player chose the perfect song. You don’t go into Motown theme week without jumping for joy over being able to choose a Marvin Gaye classic without the judges giving you the “blah blah blah stylized” rant. But unlike many who chose stylized songs, Matt made Let’s Get It On sound fresh again. He started at the piano with some slow, tender vocals then got up and let the tempo — and his body — groove. The judges loved it and even deemed him one of the front runners. Well, duh! My only complaint: the arrangement didn’t allow Matt to fully do this thing, but he’ll get to try again next week…and the week after that…and that…

Kris Allen – How Sweet It Is: Smokey said Kris blew him away in the rehearsals. “Yeah, yeah, Smokey,” I thought. The contestants always sound better in rehearsals, but I had hoped Kris would wow us. And oooo wee! He did! Like Matt, Kris didn’t fall victim to what could have easily become a karaoke theme. Kris broke out his guitar, hypnotic voice, and beyond dreamy stare and slayed How Sweet It Is. He rocked it. Nothing else I can say.

Scott MacIntyre – Can’t Hurry Love: After the first two knock out performances, it seemed as though the night was on its way to being nothing but amazing–Scott killed that. His performance of Can’t Hurry Love immediately put things back into perspective. I heart Scott, I really do, but last night’s performance was about as dull and flavorless as skim milk. He tried to pep it up with his piano arrangement, but it fell flat. The judges agreed saying he is better than what he did last night.

Megan Joy – For Once In My Life: I wanted to end my love/extreme hate relationship with Megan tonight. I loved her audition and I just knew Motown could bring out the best in her. And for a minute there, my hopes were rightfully high. In rehearsals she was good. Yeah it was quirky Megan, but it was the quirky I fell in love with early in the season. But once she hit the stage, gone. Done. Back to rage. Back to hating the space she’s taking up because the judges love how different she is. Her vocals were a mess. She was rushing ahead of the band and dancing horribly all over the stage. The judges finally panned her performance but blamed it on the song. Look, judges: the song is great. The arrangement was nice. The background singers ROCKED. Megan sucked. Plain and simple. She would have slaughtered any other song because she is not ready to be a performer on a big stage. She needs to either sing with piano following her every note so she doesn’t race past the music or be an a cappella singer. I’m done.

Anoop Desai – Ooh Baby Baby: Anoop went for another slow burner to prove he can really sing, and proved he did–again. He owned last week and this week was no different. He effortlessly floated from his falsetto to full voice as he cruised the stage. The judges were a bit too critical pointing out the very few pitchy moments. Pah! I thought it was flawless. The judges also want to see his personality back. That, I can agree with. I loved his upbeat performances but it didn’t show his great voice. I love the slowed down performances, but they don’t show his personality. Next week (and he will be there next week or the riot starts at 5pm EST Friday. March 27) he promises to bring the vocals and the personality. Awes!

Michael Sarver – Aint Too Proud To Beg: We have our first karaoke moment of the night, people! Leave it to Michael who still can’t decided whether he’s a country singer or soul man to try way too hard to do R&B right. The runs were a mess. The pitch problems were many. The ripping and running around the stage was distracting. And the “big finish”? Ooh baby baby! Bad. The judges were not loving it. Paula was right on the money (gasps!) saying it was “Las Vegas loungy.”

Lil Rounds – Heatwave: I so wanted Lil to do well. This was supposed to be HER night–the girl with the big soulful voice could steal Motown week like it was nothing, right? Wrong. Lil struggled to bring a new spin to Heatwave. She screamed most of the song and didn’t seem to connect on stage the way she did in rehearsals. The judges agreed but assured Lil she was a great singer and they want her around longer to have a “moment.” I hope she has one too–this week was not it.

Adam Lambert – Tracks Of My Tears: Lil may not have had a moment, but Adam sure did. Looking more like Elvis than the rocker we’re used to, a more reserved Lambert sat on a stool in the middle of the stage with three musicians playing along as he tenderly crooned Tracks of My Tears. Every moment was sheer bliss! Not a note was out of place. His performance was nothing short of amazing and WILL go down as one of the best Idol performances ever. He was rewarded for his brilliant performance with a standing ovation from Motown founder Barry Gordy and Smokey and not to mention abundant praise from the judges. Simon called it the best performance of the night. He was right. I didn’t need to see anything else.

Danny Gokey – Get Ready: Danny’s upbeat performance was awesome. He worked the stage like a pro and his voice is simply delightful. He received some good comments from the judges but I can’t help but think if his performance came before Adam’s he would have gotten way more praise. It’s a real shame. After Adam, Danny’s performance looked like child’s play. I still love him, though!

Allison Iraheta – Papa Was A Rolling Stone: I can’t be the only one to notice Allison forgot many of the lyrics in the second verse of the song. I guess it doesn’t matter because overall, Alli rocked. Her voice was strong, controlled, and luscious. Her stage presence was fierce. I’m done with mentioning her age. This girl is the truth no matter how old she is. But 16….wow! She received a standing O from Smokey and Gordy for her sweet performance and was lavished with compliments from the judges. Take that everyone who didn’t vote for her last week!

Predictions: Bottom three: Michael, Megan, and Scott. I’ll bet my Rihanna: Live in Manchester DVD that Michael is going home.

Find out if I’m right tonight on the results show with live performances by Smokey Robinson, Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder and season 2 winner Ruben Studdard.

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