Top 8

I have to watch the show on the fly after I returned from the theater, skipping the judge’s comments for the most part. Therefore this will be short and sweet. By the way, I love Paula’s dress tonight, and the goofy baby pictures of the judges. I didn’t care for Paula’s comment about Ryan’s teeth. I know a few people who were tortured with bad teeth as kids and have spent a lot of money trying to get over it. For some reason people who were born with good teeth always think a buck tooth joke is a good idea. Hope I cleared that up. The theme is music from the year you were born, which for most of these people really wasn’t that long ago.
Danny Gokey, "Stand by Me"
This arrangement is so 80’s it is cracking me up. I don’t love this version, but I do enjoy Danny singing it. If I am being honest, it is not going to be one I download or really remember tomorrow, but I love this guy and I am pretty sure I am not alone.

Kris Allen, "All She Wants to Do is Dance"
I have been so impressed with Kris Allen more and more each week, so I am bummed out that he picks this song. I really have hated this song even when it was supposedly popular the first time around. I do like the way Kris rocks it out in the crowd, and he has definitely reworked the melody to suit his style. I still love Kris but sorry. I still don’t like this song.

Lil Rounds, "What's Love Got To Do With It"
Lil is channeling Tina as she marches around the stage, and from the vocal to the bad impersonation, I am pretty much done with her. She blew it for me last week when she did that Celine Dion song, and now I think there is a reason she has not progressed in her singing career. She just doesn’t get it. When Paula tells you it is karaoke, it is time to pack up.

Anoop Desai, "True Colors"
Anoop is yo-yoing week to week, and this week it is another solid performance. I love this song, and he exceeds my expectations with his interpretation. I wish I had time to hear what the judges think, but I am on a mission to get through this so you will just be stuck with my opinion. I think it is soulful and sincere.

Scott MacIntyre, "The Search is Over"
Egad. I really can’t stand this song, and I am completely confused by the electric guitar. Not only does he do nothing original with the arrangement (besides the inappropriate usage of the electric guitar) his vocal is painful at times and I find myself fast forwarding portions of it. I don’t even care what the judges think, this was awful. Unless the rest of the contestants blow it, it is the worst of the evening and he should go home for it.

Allison Iraheta, "I Can't Make You Love Me"
I have always loved this song and for being such a young girl, she still brings the heartache and the passion. The only thing that drives me crazy about Allison is sometimes she leaves the beginning consonants off of her words and they come out garbled. I still think the girl has crazy potential and I enjoy her performance.

Matt Giraud, "Part-Time Lovers"
Matt decides to find his inner Justin, and actually has a great vocal and performance. The problem I have with Matt is that he cares so much what everyone thinks of him. Matt is way too sensitive. I think he was brilliant this week, but what will happen next week? He has not been as consistent as he should be since he is loaded with talent.

Adam Lambert, "Mad World"
Oh boy do I love this song. I play the original on my IPod all of the time. Say what you want about Adam, whether you love him or hate him, he is always professional and he is always true to himself. He is in a different league than the other singers, probably because of his experience but also because he is the polar opposite of Matt Giraud. He never shows any neediness on stage and doesn’t compromise or regret any performance decisions. I bet he is even more incredible live.
Bottom 3 will be Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai. Goodbyes will be to Scott this week if there is a God.