AI8 recap, Finalists x 8 (04/07/09)

Ah, the “Songs From The Year You Were Born” week on American Idol. Do the contestants look forward to this like the Top Chef contestants look forward to “Restaurant Wars” week or how the Big Break contestants look forward to the “break the glass pane” contest?

01 – Danny (1980), Stand By Me (Mickey Gilley)
So this is cheating a bit, but not to the extent of Megan’s version of “Rockin’ Robin” on Michael Jackson week. I got Mickey Gilley mixed up with Mel Tillis in my mind, which is funny because you’d have never known that had I not written about it. Mickey Gilley’s club “Gilley’s” was featured in that John Travolta, post-Saturday Night Fever hit “Urban Cowboy.” I mistook him for Mel Tillis, who has a trademark stutter, which goes away when he sings. Anywho, back to Danny. Thought he did a good music version of this song. I’d have loved it if the contestants had to dress like the fashion in that year too. It would’ve been funny to see Danny come out in one of those Thriller jackets with one glove (although that look wasn’t in 1980). I guess he did kind of come out with the semi-Members Only jacket and skinny tie. Randy didn’t love the arrangement, but loved the song. Kara thought he turned it on its head (in a good way). Simon thought the beginning was good, the middle lazy and the end great. Danny should be safe tomorrow night, but the lead off spot is bad in this competition, as unless it was really unbelievable, it’s easy to forget any song in that spot.

02 – Kris (1985), All She Wants To Do Is Dance (Don Henley)
I don’t like it when the contestants perform off stage on the mini-mosh pit area. I think it’s a contrived look and don’t like it. This was a weird arrangement of the song. Kara likened it to jazz, funk homework that he might have been given in music school. She thought he lost his youth in the song. Paula thought he changed it up (which he did; it just didn’t work out that great) and called him one of the most likeable contestants. Simon called him likeable, but he called the song indulgent, boring and forgettable. He called Kris a guitarist who wanted to sing, instead of a singer. Randy thought they lost Kris in that song. Kris is allowed a week reprieve since he’s been so good the last few. Not his best performance, but he has a big enough following to get past this week.

03 – Lil (1984), What’s Love Got To Do With It (Tina Turner)
We found out that Lil is her real name and not an abbreviation or nickname/stage name. Lil is a very, very good singer that doesn’t know how to choose her songs. Or change her songs. She’s been very disappointing so far. Much like Ramiele Malubay last season. So much promise, but no delivery. She really reminds me of Syesha Mercado in her song choices. Although Syesha would sing songs too big for her. Lil just hasn’t found a song that suits her yet. And because of that, I’m tired of her. She can go anytime now. My wife Kristin added that Lil sings songs as if emulating the original singer and she doesn’t change it up. But I countered with she totally changed up the Michael Jackson song “The Way You Make Me Feel.” She was singing “the way you makin’ me feel.” Completely different… Paula knows she’s a brilliant vocalist, but it’s becoming beautiful karaoke. Simon didn’t like the 2nd or 3rd rate Tina Turner copycat performance. Simon thinks that the show has lost Lil and that she’s getting the wrong advise or making bad decisions. Kara said this is when you leap from being a singer to an artist and Lil hasn’t made that jump yet. I think she should be in the bottom 3 tomorrow.

04 – Anoop (1986), True Colors (Cyndi Lauper)
This was a great song choice for Anoop. He needs to stop doing the upbeat songs because his dancing becomes almost a parody, which is not a good thing. I thought Anoop was good tonight, but that doesn’t preclude him from going tomorrow. I think he’s likeable enough to make it through tomorrow though. Randy liked how he pulled it back and gave my wife Kristin’s favorite pet peeve phrase, “you can actually sing.” Kara said he controlled the song, instead of it controlling him. She liked his interpretation with a little soul. Paula said something canned, per usual. Simon called him a yo-yo, going from bad to good in a matter of a week. I think Anoop should be safe, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he went home tomorrow.

05 – Scott (1985), The Search Is Over (Survivor)
I could just tell Scott was uncomfortable up on stage without his piano. Who knew that he could play the guitar. I actually didn’t enjoy Scott at all tonight. My wife Kristin appreciated the fact that he went for all the big notes (even though he didn’t hit all of them). Hopefully Scott makes it through so that he can get back behind the piano next week. Kara thought he had some good moments, but some bad ones too. Simon encouraged him to go back to the piano next week and also to not listen to Paula’s advice anymore. Scott should be safe tomorrow, but he could be in the bottom 3.

06 – Allison (1992), I Can’t Make You Love Me (Bonnie Raitt)
I really like Allison, but evidently, no one else does. I think that she has a great voice, but doesn’t have a following. If it was talent alone, she’d be right up there with Adam. Maybe Latinos don’t vote or watch AI? Whatever it is, it’s unfortunate. Allison has some Kelly Clarkson mannerisms up on stage, but I think she looks more like Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley James Scott on “One Tree Hill”). Paula commended her for using the same arrangement, but making it her own. Simon called her very good, but wished she could be more likeable. Randy likened her to Kelly Clarkson in that they both sing their faces off. Kara said something involving talent. I think she should be safe performance-wise, but she could be in the bottom 3 because of the votes. If that happens, I think the judges will save her, but she’d probably get voted off the next week anyway.

07 – Matt (1985), Part Time Lover (Stevie Wonder)
Real good version. Saw a friend of his wearing a Giraud Squad t-shirt in the crowd. Running short on time, so the judges gave short feedback. Randy said that vocally it was one of the best of the night. Kara called it incredible on every level. Paula gave him a standing O. Simon called it well done and way better than last week. I think Matt’s safe, but the last time the judges liked him, he was in the bottom 2!

08 – Adam, Mad World (Tears for Fears)
Stupid AI went way over tonight and my TiVo didn’t catch this performance. The USA Today guy who writes “Idol Chatter,” (http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/) loved it. Said he liked it better than his “The Tracks of My Tears” song, which also rocked. Just found the song on YouTube and it was very good (although the video was not in high quality). Simon gave him a standing ovation. Although the final spot is usually the “pimp spot,” lately it hasn’t gone over so well because the show has been running late just about every week so there is no time for comments. Maybe adding that 4th judge wasn’t so smart after all. They should’ve added Kara but cut Paula. There is no way Adam goes home tomorrow. He’s breezing into the finals.

Top 3: Adam (I think), Allison, Danny

Bottom 3: Lil, Scott, Kris

Bottom 3 vote getters: Scott, Lil, Allison

I’ll be gone next week for Spring Break (LegoLand & San Diego here we come!), but Mike Rico will be stepping in again (thanks Mike).

As always, comments back are appreciated.