I-Tunes Night on Idol

Tonight Idol decided to throw the contestants a curve ball and instead of a specific genre of music, the song choice is from I-tunes top download list. It is about time we give them the chance to be current and see who has that potential to be on the radio. As the evening begins, Ryan talks about the pressure as the Idols stare blankly past him. Paula, as always, is sporting the bling, Randy’s sweater looks like a bath robe, Kara looks ready for a black tie event, and what the heck is Allison Iraheta wearing? I know she is young, but is no one giving this girl fashion advice? Earlier in the week the contestants got to check out one of Ryan’s 15 jobs as the DJ who does the top 40 countdown.

Anoop Desai “Caught up”

Anoop decides he want s to get back to his stage personality and picks Usher because he wants to be and R & B artist. As he sings I have to say I am not sure what this. His vocal is strong, but on occasion the performance is really embarrassing. Usher is all about the moves, but Anoop really doesn’t dance as much as he marches around and makes some strange hand gestures. Oh, and there is the awkward finger touch with Paula. He has the r & b quality to his voice, but this song is not right for him. Randy is torn as well. Kara thought it was like a bunch of frat guys dared him to sing it. Paula loved his playful side, but she thought he needed to get more comfortable on stage. Simon thought it wasn’t original and it was a mess. It actually gave him a headache. Anoop gets a little fussy with Ryan about the bad comments and I think he will be sorry that he did that.

Megan Joy Corkery “Turn Your Lights down Low”

I am so excited that Megan finally sounds like she is singing a song that matches that voice. She looks beautiful and she starts pretty strong. The vocal gets a little shriek as it goes along, and at a point she starts looking down at the floor and seems a little lost in her own thoughts. I end up wishing I was watching it with the TiVo so that I could be finished. Kara hates it. She wanted Adele or something more current. Paula thinks that at this stage of the competition that we need to be taken by surprise. Her focal point seems to be a stool. Simon said that the song was boring and monotonous. He thought she was becoming indulgent. Randy said you can’t just pick songs you like. Megan really doesn’t seem to care because her “fans” will like it. Be careful Megan. Do you think anyone is buying a Ramiele CD right now?

Danny Gokey “What hurts the Most”

Danny wants to find the emotion and tone down the dancing and touch the audience. From the first note I am completely engaged. He has a really strong emotional connection to the song and you can’t help thinking about what he has gone through this year losing his wife. He has a powerful vocal and you can almost feel his pain. Paula said she would hit repeat in the car. Simon thought it was his best performance to date. Randy thought that tonight’s show started right here. Kara said that he moved everyone emotionally. She had Goosebumps. She wasn’t the only one.

Allison Iraheta “Don’t Speak”

She breaks out the guitar and starts off on a tender note, but the outfit is terrible and I am completely driven to distraction by that hair. She definitely puts her own spin on the song, but the vocal isn’t perfect and she has some problems with enunciating her words. Randy thought she rushed the song and said, “What is with the outfit”? Kara thought she didn’t need to dress so weird because she is a rocker with her voice and doesn’t need the props. Not her best performance, but it was good. Paula liked her playing the guitar. She thought her intonation and delivery were masterful. Simon is looking at Paula with the same expression I am. Simon said the dress was like something from the Adam’s family. He also thought she shouted the song.

Scott MacIntyre “Just the way you are”

My first thought is what is up with the hair? He actually sounds really good. I am impressed with both the vocal and his playing. I really enjoy Scott for the first time, but I have to be honest. If I want to listen to this song, I will be listening to the real deal. I would not be compelled to download this version; I am too big of a Billy fan. For Scott though, this is probably the right song for his voice and the first song that he has done that I actually recognized and will remember. Kara thought he picked the right song. She thought it was really honest. She loved his hair. (Sure she did). Paula is the most proud of Scott because he makes her forget about his challenge. Simon thought it was his best performance. Then he tells Scott thank goodness that he didn’t take Paula’s advice. After a few “rewind the tape” “no you rewind the tape”, Randy finally interrupts Simon and Paula’s fight to tell Scott that he was the best of the night.

Matt Giraud “You Found Me”

Matt is in the middle of the mosh pit with his piano and I am instantly annoyed. Why does he keep channeling Chris Martin? He has a pretty average vocal. The problem is that I am not sure who he is trying to be? When he plays the mimic game, he comes off pathetic. I am a huge Matt fan, and he has so much talent and potential, but this is so close to the original it confuses me. Paula appreciated that he went for a song that he loved, but she felt like it was more of a sound alike than an original. Simon said that he didn’t get it and thought it felt uptight and forced. Randy said the problem was it was the wrong song choice. He abandoned the soul and tried to force the rock. Kara said she wanted to see him commit to R & B or rock. She also said he was a talented guy and shouldn’t go home yet. At this point Gary says to me, “is that a mole on his head?” Are you kidding me?

Lil Rounds “I Surrender”

What the heck is she thinking? From the hair to the dress to the BORING song, I am so confused. I am not a thin woman, but I am pretty sure she couldn’t have found a less flattering dress. She truly has a diva incredible vocal, but there is absolutely nothing remaining of the Lil that I liked during the audition. I am so disappointed. Randy thought it was the wrong song, but she sang it really well. Kara said she had a great vocal too, but was looking for Mary J. Blige or Mariah. Paula wants to see the joy that she brought when they first saw her. Simon thought it was like a wedding performance and that it was like she was trying to pick the song she thought would keep her in the competition. He thought she was very old fashioned and her personality had been sucked out of her. Ryan asks Lil’s daughter if she wants to hit Randy. She nods her head yes, but instead she gives him a big hug, and I won’t be surprised if she is still there when we get back from the commercial break. Lil has to wipe the tears away.

Adam Lambert “Play that Funky Music”

Adam decided that he wanted to bring a completely different feel this week from his performance last week. Adam fans will be in heaven because he brings back the Adam scream. He has a great vocal and another stellar performance. He is so comfortable on stage and he gets the party started in the audience. The guy is in a different league, he just has so much stage experience. Paula says true genius shatters expectations. (Huh?) Simon said it was original and it broke the karaoke mold that had been going on all evening. Randy said “you are in the star zone”. Kara said every week she can’t wait to see what he is going to do next. I have to agree, he is always original and always surprising. Whether you like him or hate him, this guy isn’t going anywhere. (Sorry Linda Miller)

Kris Allen “Ain’t No Sunshine”

Kris abandons the guitar for the piano tonight and from the first note I am blown away. Every week this guy gets better and better, and seems to be growing into his stardom at the right pace for this competition. It is original and heartfelt and I LOVED it! It is my favorite of the night, and this will be getting a double play for me. Randy said this was the best Kris has done. Kara said “three words-that is artistry”. (This time she counts with the words so that she doesn’t have a miscount like a couple of weeks ago). Paula said he could make this song the first cut on his album. Simon said it was a great arrangement and it was his best performance of the night. It was a great way to close the show.

My bottom three is Anoop, Lil and Matt Giraud. More than likely Matt will go home, but with Anoop having the dreaded first slot and add to that his sassiness, he could end up in the bottom two as well. Tune in tomorrow for David Cook and Lady Gaga….