The Semi Final

I don't know about you, but I LOVE homecoming week. There is nothing like watching these idol hopefuls come back to their families and getting to see their reaction to stardom. As always (for me anyway) at this point in the competition, I am over the loss of Allison and ready to move on toward the finale, which is next week my friends! We are only getting an hour tonight. This means the homecoming's will be televised tomorrow night, so we jump right into the judge's choice. Paula had Danny Gokey and she picked "Dance Little Sister". That's right. "Dance Little Sister". Who in the heck would pick such a song for Danny? He actually has a really decent vocal, but I feel like he got so cheated because the song by its nature is not memorable, and there is a reason this was on the back side of "Sign Your Name". Randy thought it was dope. Kara didn't care for his dancing but thought he had a good vocal. Paula quickly reminded Kara that SHE is a choreographer and SHE thought he danced great. Simon thought it was the wrong song choice and he agreed with Kara that the dancing was (in his words) desperate. The judges are fiesty this evening. I LOVE it!
Kris Allen had both Randy and Kara pick "Apologize". He started the song on the piano and even though it sounds pretty close to an identical version to the original, he has a really nice vocal and a great connection to the audience. I really enjoy it, although I am not sure what he could have done artistically to change this up as Kara implied before he began. Randy thought he could make a record with this type of song. Kara was totally disappointed that he didn't do anything to make the song original. Paula thought he hit a bum note loudly, but she was proud of him. Simon asked her how she could say he hit a bum note and that she was proud in the same sentence? Simon also told Kara her comments were a cop out, and that you don't pick a song like that and then criticize the singer for doing it. This resulted in a lot of arguing that had nothing at all to do with poor Kris.
Adam Lambert was lucky enough to have Simon, who picked "One" (personally got a call from Bono apparently), and he decides to start the song very stripped down, which allows you to focus on the lyrics. He does a few things with the melody as the song progresses that didn't not make sense, but he has a captivating performance and keeps the tongue outages to a minimum. I could have done without the heinous screaming of "WHAAAAAAAAAne" toward the end, but Adam has an amazing stage presence and has a way of always reminding everyone about the musicians he works with after each performance, which I do appreciate. I did not appreciate him telling me to rewind it to hear how beautiful the lyrics were, however. I have been listening to U2 since this kid was in diapers. Randy thought it was the hottest and that he was in the game. Kara thought he was a great strategist and that it was unbelievable. Paula was bummed that she had to compliment Simon on his song choice, but thought she was looking at "one American idol" (she had a couple of other lame "one" references, but I will spare you from them).

After getting a refreshing look at Carrie Underwood in Africa showing how Idol gives back has had an impact on Malaria education and protection, we are left with 15 minutes to watch the last three songs, which the contestants got to choose for themselves.
Danny Gokey sings "You are so Beautiful". It is extremely controlled, his performance is honest, and his vocal is raw and powerful. I really enjoy it. It is miles better than his first performance, which I have already forgotten. Randy loved that he can really (3x really) sing. Kara thought it was stunning. Paula thought he left everyone breathless. Simon thought it was a vocal master class.
Kris Allen sings "Heartless" and comes out alone with his guitar and totally nails the performance. I will have this song downloaded on i-tunes before I get off of this computer. I like it SO much better than Kanye's version. I love Kris' way of story telling through music, and he was totally relaxed and true to himself for this performance. Randy liked it better than Kanye's and the Fray's versions. Kara thought it was brave and perfect. Paula said he sang a song about Simon, and then she just said Bravo. Simon had written him off after "Apologize", but all that changed after this performance. Is it me or is Ryan treating Kris like he has already been kicked off the show?
Adam finishes the night with "Cryin" and does his rock, screaming thing. I have to admit, this song suits him 1000 x better than the U2 song, because no one is more over the top than Stephen Tyler. He has a great vocal and an even better performance. He is a natural and he has never had a moment on stage where he wasn't sure of himself and 100% on, even when the arrangements and the deliveries weren't always my thing. Randy thought he was one of the best ever to grace the idol stage. Kara wondered how he hit those notes and still can talk the next day. Paula thought he would have frequent flyer miles from how high in the sky he was. (Dad covers his face with a blanket at this point, he just can't stand one more Paula analogy). Simon said that he deserves to be in the final, so don't assume he will get there, call and vote.
I don't have a clue who goes home tomorrow. These guys each have completely unique gifts to offer, and I won't be surprised if the top four from this group all have a great future. My personal favorite of the night, Kris' Heartless. My least favorite of the night, Danny's "Dance Little Sister" (can you believe it? In the semi finals of all things). Tune in tomorrow, it will be a heartbreaker at this point, no matter who goes home. That being said, I hope it is Danny that goes home.