AI 8 5-20-09 The Best Season Finale Ever

Only one can win the title. This is the finale and THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL!

I watched the finale via tape when returning home around 10:30 p.m. after seeing a very beautiful one-woman show with Storm Large last night. “Crazy Enough” is spectacular being both funny, touching and emotionally poignant. Storm bares her heart and soul including high points and her demons. The music and songs are brilliant. I plopped down $15.00 for the CD. If you live in the Portland area, you definitely have to see it. The show is now playing to the end of June. Rush and get tickets. A shameless plug for a show and I am not even getting kickbacks. Forgive me I digress.

There were just under 100,000,000 votes cast Tuesday night but who will win the title.

I normally am not a fan of the video montages but I will make an exception in relationship to the poking of fun at the judges. The only one, which was truly hilarious, was Randy Jackson. The whole “for me, for you” had me rolling in the aisles.

Our Top 13 all decked out in white are up first singing “So What”. I just do not get the all white outfits it looks stupid and Michael Sarver especially should never wear all white again!

Our Season 7 bartender David Cook performed what had to be one of the most emotionally haunting songs of the evening. “Permanent” was beautiful. My tears were flowing. David was wearing a black band around his arm in memory of his brother who died of brain cancer and David’s raw emotion over the death came through loud and clear. The performance is now on iTunes and all proceeds goes to the fight against cancer. I am ordering you all to download the song and quick!

My hopes the producers tweaking of the season would see the elimination of the Golden Idol Awards were crushed to the ground when Ryan gave out the first award of the evening for outstanding male. The winner was Nick Mitchell aka Norman Gentle. How surprising, Nick is in the audience, NOT! Nick is surprised because he didn’t realize he was up for any awards and doesn’t know what to say or do but wait it is all a set up, he strips and we find his Norman Gentle personality coming through for yet another time singing “And I am Telling you I am not going”. PLEASE, give it a rest. This is not funny anymore and has not been funny since his audition.

Lil Rounds and Queen Latifah are up with “Cue the Rain”. I am not a fan of hip-hop but this duet was good. Lil had great energy and was having fun. If she had this, much energy during the competition, she might have given Allison a run for being the last woman standing.

Anoop and Alexis are next with “I’m Yours” and out comes Jason Mraz and the rest of the top 13 sans Adam and Kris. Great music.

Cue the next video montage, which was Kris’s journey to this stage. Simon was correct; the man who auditioned in Louisville is not the same Kris who performed on Tuesday night. Kris is singing, “Kiss a Girl” with Keith Urban. This was a beautiful rendition. Kris and Keith performed well together with dueling guitars. I chuckled to myself because during dinner, my friend Melanie and I were talking about Kris and I had mentioned he would do great with the current country rock/pop market and lo and behold, here Kris is singing just such a genre. I am a genius when it comes to American Idol marketing.

The women of the top 13 are styling to “Glamorous” and oh, my god there is Megan out short shorting Haley Scarnato in hot pink. The women sounded good. Oh my, here is Fergie. Fergie was looking hot last night and those killer shoes were to die for. Fergie gives us a little “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, suddenly we have the “Black Eye Peas” performing their latest hit “Boom Boom Pow”, and there was a bleep in the middle of the performance. This performance ended with some shameless self-promoting of their new album.

It appears we have another Golden Idol award to present, this time for Best Attitude. The winner is Bikini Girl and folks let us just say her body is even hotter and she was carrying some extra luggage overhead, yes, Bikini Girl had a boob job. I have to admit her physician did a phenomenal job and she definitely has attitude to strut her stuff in front of this many people. Bikini Girl is going to sing “Vision of Love” and surprise, surprise the backdrop is raised and there is Kara singing the same song and much better than Bikini Girl. This was one of my favorite moments of the night. At the end of the song, Kara pulls open her dress and she is wearing a black bikini it was hilarious. There was a bet she would not be able to do it so money is going to her favorite charity (which is not identified by the way).

Allison Iraheta and Cyndi Lauper perform a stripped down version of “Time after Time” which was beautiful.

Danny Gokey is singing “Hello” with Lionel Ritchie joining for two additional numbers. I love “All Night Long”. It is a great get the party started number. Danny and Lionel harmonies were great their voices are very similar.

Cue the video of Adam’s journey to the American Idol stage and there is Adam in what has to be the absolutely strangest jackets I have ever seen. There were wire cages, which looked like wings. Oh, no he stole Tina Turner’s outfit from “Mad Max beyond Thunderdome” but then Adam was singing “Beth” by Kiss and it all made sense as Kiss hit the stage in all their glory. Compared to Kiss Adam’s outfit did not seem so outlandish. Adam killed his duet with the group with both “Detroit Rock City” and “Rock’n Roll all night”. This was a wildly entertaining performance. Hell I was on my feet dancing and singing along.

Matt Giraud is singing “Black Magic Woman” with Carlos Santana joining him on stage with the entire Top 13 for a rousing edition of “Smooth”. Adam and Kris should do a version of this song their voices sounded great.

Next, is the final Ford Commercial to “I Will Remember You” and is a montage of all the other commercials. This was very touching and again Adam and Kris sound fantastic together. There is David Cook presenting each of them keys to a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, what a surprise? NOT!

Ryan then introduces Steve Martin who is strumming a banjo while Megan Joy and Michael Sarver are harmonizing with the song “Pretty Flowers”. I will give Megan props because she sounded good, as did Michael. I even found Megan’s dress to be quite nice. As the song, ended Ryan provided some shameless product promotion explaining Steve Martin wrote this song and it will be on his new album, which is coming out shortly. Really?

Strutting next were our top 13 males with “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” which was hilarious. It is now time for the introduction of Rod Stewart. Poor Rod he really needs to give up performing. At 64, I would hope he has saved enough cash for a comfortable life style. I am a big Rod Stewart fan and I have plenty of his albums but his voice is not what it use to be and I was worried for him. Did you see how slow he was moving? It took him forever to get down those stairs. At one point when he was slowly walking across the stage, he stumbled. Rod was performing one of my favorite songs, “Maggie May” and they needed to change the key because he simply was not able to reach those high notes. This was a train wreck of a performance.

Our next Golden Idol award is for outstanding female and how surprising the winner is Histrionic Hyena (HH for short or aka Titana). There is HH in the audience and as she runs to the stage Ryan indicates they are out of time yet HH continues to the stage, grabs the trophy, and tells Simon she will perform for the fourth time “Saving All My Love for You”. HH begins while the bodyguards are trying to catch her and drag her off stage. I did not find this amusing but poor Ruben Studdard thought it was real and his expression was priceless.

Adam and Kris start a rousing rendition of “We are the Champions” and these guys are kick ass good. Queen joins them on stage with what has to be the best performance of the evening. This was simply amazing.

We are finally ready to reveal the winner of American I, season 8, which is drum roll please, Kris Allen. Kris proved Paula right as being one of the nicest and most sincere contestants because even in victory, Kris could manage to do no more than say Adam deserved it and he would not be there without his fellow contestants. Kris was genuinely surprised and thrilled at the same time. Congratulations to Kris Allen.

It is time for Kris to sing the coronation song “No Boundaries” I was surprised because vocally there was some improvement over Tuesday night but his enunciation still sucked. I am down on my knees praying they make some big changes to the key, the arrangement and Kris can modify it to meet his style before they record it for release. It irritates me that Kara will make a truckload of cash on what has to be one of the most god-awful coronation songs ever.

This was one of the best two-hour season finales ever. This show provided some great music capping the end of one of the most exciting seasons. I laughed, cried, moaned, groaned, cheered and wallowed in the excess of it all.

It is bittersweet now that Season 8 is finished and the long wait until January 2010 for Season 9. I am looking forward to the opening of the concert tour here in Portland Oregon on July 5, 2009.

Until then I am signing off.

AI 8 5-19-09 Adam vs. Kris

Two are left standing but only one can win it all. America who will you choose. THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL.

After 18 weeks, we are almost at the finish line. Season 8 has been one of the most fascinating seasons ever. With the exception of Megan, this group of contestants was one of the most talented ever and most stepped up week-by-week growing in poise and confidence on stage.

The final battle between Adam and Kris is going to be very entertaining and will be almost impossible to judge because it would be like comparing apples to oranges. It does not mean we will not try it though.

I think Ryan was stretching it with his description of the battle between the acoustic rocker vs. the glam rocker, Conway vs. California, and the guy next door vs. guy liner. Give me a break!

I am just hoping for a night of great musical entertainment.

For tonight’s final battle, each contestant will sing three songs. The first round will be a reprise of one of their earlier songs, the second round will be a song choice by Simon Fuller the creator of American Idol, and the final song is the winner’s coronation song (oh, joy – sarcasm intended) which was co-written by judge Kara DioGuardi.

Let us get to the nitty gritty!

Adam Lambert – “Mad World”

One of Adam’s big moments coming from the year you were born theme week. A performance many missed on their DVR’s because the show ran over. I am always impressed at the staging Adam creates. The dramatic lighting, the fog and that kick-ass floor length trench coat. The man knows how to make an entrance and instead of going full force, we got a very simple but haunting very controlled vocal. Adam needs to use his lower register more because it is very beautiful and was in full swing at the beginning of the song. There were a couple of flat notes during the transition to the higher key but other than that, this was a stellar performance.

Randy – this is it, I love your sensitive side, loved the coat and fog, I give you an A+

Kara – I am so happy you chose this song to repeat, the first time you sang it was when I realized what an incredible artist you were, you rocked it again

Paula – I am unbelievably proud of you, bask in it, this was subtle, haunting, great job

Simon – When you did this before it was your best performance, this was over-theatrical, like Phantom of the Opera.

Kris Allen – “Ain’t No Sunshine”

Kris and a grand piano, it really does not get better than that. This was a technically beautiful and emotionally powerful performance. There were a couple of very sharp notes during the transition to the chorus but it did not faze Kris. He is a true professional. This was like attending a concert.

Randy – it is nice to be able to tell what kind of an artist you will be; this was one of your best performances ever.

Kara – If Kris didn’t move you, there is something wrong with you. You have a way of creating an intimate bond with everyone in the audience by making everyone think you are singing just to them.

Paula – you awaken the spirit in all of you, you “Allen-ize” every song

Simon – I have to admit when I heard your name called last week I wondered if America got it right if I am being honest but I have to take it all back after that performance.


Simon gives Round one to Kris.


Adam Lambert – “A Change is Gonna Come”

Once again, Adam gave an incredible performance. He took a classic song and made it is own. For me this was a truly beautiful and soulful performance. This song emotionally moved me; I actually got tears in my eyes. The fierceness with which Adam sang “MY, change is gonna come” was unbelievable. This was a great song choice.

Randy – that song was amazing, you can sing your face off, unbelievable

Kara – that has to be one of your best performances and interpretation of a song this season, the combination of high notes, pulling back and showing your emotions.

Paula – this was the best I have ever heard you sing, unbelievable, you looked like a superstar, no matter what happens tonight, you will be iconic

Simon – you are 100% back in the game


Kris Allen – “What’s Going On

Kris is a true musician. This song has him getting out the guitar and stripping the song down to an acoustic version, which was a great choice for him. I really loved this performance. Kris connected to the song and he sold it. There were a couple of pitchy notes towards the end but again it really did not matter, great music does not have to be perfect.

Randy – it is a crazy night, this is a real duel, it was a great song choice and you sang it great but it was a little bit light for the space

Kara – what I love about you Kris is you have stayed true to yourself throughout this entire competition, I loved the social conscious song, you delivered, you uplifted the audience, you made us think and you can create change

Paula – you tore it up, you made Marvin Gaye proud

Simon – it was like three friends in a bedroom strumming to Marvin Gaye there was nothing to grab about it, it was too laid back

Simon gives Round two to Adam.


Adam Lambert – “No Boundaries”

It is hard to discuss this performance without judging the song but I will leave it for later. The song suited Adam but the arrangement was very straightforward and Adam really did not make the song his own. It was a good vocal performance overall but even Adam had difficulties with some of the transitions. If Adam wins I only hope they tinker with the arrangement allowing Adam’s vocals to really soar, you have to go over the top to make this song work.

Randy – you can sing but it was not my favorite, it was a little pitchy

Kara – I loved hearing this song with an artist with your level of talent, you moved me, and you made me proud

Paula – adjectives can’t describe this, remarkable

Simon – you are the most original contestants we have ever had, this show is looking for a star and you are that star

Kris Allen – “No Boundaries”

I felt sorry for Kris, the key was incredibly too high for him. I could not understand why they did not make some slight changes to the key. I found this to be a bit of a train wreck, it was pitchy, Kris’s timing was off, and his enunciation was very poor, he was slurring the words. I will give Kris kudos’s for trying to sell the song but in the end, it was just too big for him. If Kris wins, he too should be allowed to tinker with the arrangement and strip it down and with some slight modifications, he could make this work with his style.

Randy – the key was high, you are an amazing competitor, and I think the song suited your voice better than Adams did.

Kara – the key was too high, you are a compelling artist but I hope people vote for you based on the season and not this performance (coming from the artist who wrote it)

Paula – this has been one of the most compelling finales ever and you deserve to be in the spotlight

Simon – it is incredible, during your audition, you had no confidence or identity but tonight you showed confidence and proved you deserve to be standing on that stage.


The judge’s comments after Kris’s performance were like a death march, sorry kid you lose which is very far from the reality of the situation.

I have to bitch about the coronation song. The only one I have ever liked was the first one most likely because it was new and Kelly Clarkson sang her heart out. They are normally pretty cheesy and while there are some good cheesy pop songs out there these coronation songs do not have much bite to them. Kara has written some incredible songs but this would not be at the top of my list and the song really did no favors to either contestant. The producers simply have to develop a better method of picking the coronation song.

My other vent is I do not believe reprising of earlier Idol moments should be used either. A moment happens and then it is over. All the singers in the world do not constantly try to do their songs the same way repeatedly; they change them up when performing in concerts. The final battle is the last chance for the contestants to prove they should be there which means creating new moments.

I spent 4 ½ hours voting for Adam and managed to get in over 5,000 votes.

I do have to say after last night each of them deserves to win and I think it was a draw with neither contestant being the front-runner. While I would love to see Adam win for multiple reasons, I will not be disappointed if Kris wins. I will be purchasing both of their albums and they both will have great careers in music.

Tonight’s show should be a fascinating event and it is going to go long as Ryan kept repeating. I have another event to attend tonight as I am going to see Storm Large in “Crazy Enough” at Portland Center Stage, which does not get over until 9:30. I will be watching the majority of the event via tape.

Until tomorrow…

AI 8 5-13-09 and now there are two (and the right two)

Shamelessly plugging your movie works if there are some inspired bits of comedy and the opening video skit with the cast of “Night at the Museum” was funny. Who would have thought the American Idol desk worthy of the Smithsonian?

As the show opens, Ryan advises there were over 88,000,000 votes – WOW! There were only approximately 1,000,000 votes between the top two contestants.

This is going to be a long night with lots of filler.

We have our weekly Ford commercial and this week’s was good. I liked the song and the concept.

Alicia Keys is up next to discuss Keep a Child Alive and we get a very cute and energetic kid, Noah performing. I really liked the production number. I hope you are all texting and donating the $5.00. It is for a good cause.

We next get to see video clips of first Danny’s trip home and then Kris’s.

Jordin Sparks was up next performing her new hit “Battlefield”. I have heard it and read it on her blog on My Space. Jordin was looking hot. She has definitely turned into a woman. She has also gotten more experience in performing. I liked the number.

We next get to see video clips of Adam’s visit home.

Katy Perry is up with “Waking Up in Las Vegas” and she is a very interesting performer. I did love the Adam Lambert cape at the beginning. I am not sure I liked this as a live performance while I do like the video of this song.

It is finally time for the big reveal as to the final two. Kris Allen is the first through to the finals with Adam following. Danny is going home and Kara’s mouth dropped to the floor, her reaction was priceless.

I cannot even express how excited I was to see America is finally beginning to listen to me. Ronald was up out of his chair doing his happy dance and screaming in joy. I am sure it registered as a minor earthquake.

The performances next Tuesday should be “da bomb”!

AI 8 5-12-09 or what is up with the judges

They are heroes in their hometowns but who can gain the support of the nation, it is one week to the finale, these are your top three AND THIS IS AMERICAL IDOL!

Time just seems to fly by as this is the 300th episode of American Idol and I have watched every single one.

I normally dislike doing all of my bitching at the beginning but I cannot hold it in. We heard several times during the episode this is a singing competition yet there was very little singing. We wasted so much time on senseless bickering by the judges, a visit to Africa (there was no Idol Gives Back this year so why remind everyone of it’s’ absence), interviews with the contestants there was no time for them to sing. At this point in the competition, they should get more then a minute and a half to sing, some of these songs and performances could have gone on all night and I would have been happy but instead we had to get snippets of songs. What is up with this picture? The show went over time because of this ridiculousness. The producers of this show need to sit up and take notice and I am the person to tell them what to do. While I truly detest Nigel Lythgoe, he knew what was important and the show never went over during his watch. I had to mention him because he was in the audience last night to pimp for “So you think you can Dance”.

Enough of my bitching and moaning let us get to the dish.

Round One - judge’s pick.

Danny Gokey – “Dance Little Sister” chosen by Paula

I thought this was a stupid song choice and was a very weak performance by Danny. What is up with the scraggy hair on the face, it looks ridiculous on him. Danny was severely off key when the song started but he did shortly fix it. This was just plain boring. There was nothing special about it. There was no wow moment for me. The back up singers were not required and in some places was overpowering Danny. This was not a great way to start the show. I was disappointed. I will blame Paula for the hideous song choice.

Randy – you had a lot of energy, this was your zone, the hoarse tone of your voice, it was dope for me

Kara – Paula this was a good choice because it was in the money spot for Danny’s voice, the dancing was a bit gyrating for me, you are a great singer but will I remember this performance in the morning, I am not sure.

Paula – I am a choreographer and the dancing was really good (I don’t think so), this did fit the “magic part” of your voice, fantastic

Simon – this is a singing show not a dancing show, the dancing was desperate, the vocals were great but the saxophone player wasn’t necessary, I would have gone with just a piano, this was the wrong song choice.

Kris Allen – “Apologize” chosen by Randy and Kara

It was an interesting song choice because it would allow Kris to show his vocal range. I have to say Kris is a true musician and he knows what works for him. I loved his use of the piano; it allowed his showmanship to come through. Even the most experience singers can throw a few bum notes and Kris had a couple mostly in the transitions but it never fazed him and I thought he showed extremely great nuances in his vocal tone and pacing. Kris’s attempt at using his falsetto was a little flat but overall I truly enjoyed the performance. Once again, I have to say the back up singers were not needed and they overpowered Kris during the chorus as well.

Randy – we are getting down to who is going to win, I think this could be on your album, I like you as this type of artist, nice, very nice

Kara – it was a competent performance, at this point you need to swing it out of the ball park, you normally give such a unique interpretations to songs but you didn’t make this song your own, I would have preferred a more acoustic take with just a guitar.

Paula – this was the right place with your voice, there were a few bum notes but I am proud of you, you are all worthy

Simon – Paula how can you say there were bum notes and then say you are proud of him, Kara it is a cop out blaming Kris for doing the song after you picked it. You and Randy should have specified how they wanted Kris to perform the song and given him a specific arrangement. I think it was competent but not quite as good as the original.

Adam Lambert – “One” chosen by Simon

I had to laugh when Simon explained he had to get permission and received it directly from Bono. I thought this was an inspired song choice. I absolutely loved the arrangement and once again, Adam should use his lower register more often, the beginning of the song was beautiful in that register. I found this to be a truly heart felt performance. Adam definitely made the song his own. This was another hot performance with Adam’s usual style and flair. The only think I did not like was the back up singers singing the same line as Adam at the beginning, it was distracting and they were overpowering him as well. Was it just me or did Adam’s ears look like Spock’s?

Randy – dude, let me say it, you are in the zone, unbelievable, the arrangement wasn’t my favorite and it caused you to go off the melody, it was a great song, you are really a terrific artist

Kara – you are a great strategist, you take a song, you change the melody, the instruments, and you make it your own, unbelievable, see what I mean Simon.

Paula – Adam you don’t know how much I hate sitting next to Simon while he is gloating, this was brilliant, see you in the finals

Simon – I may be biased but this was a brilliant song choice. All kidding aside, you did what you should have done, you took a great song and figured out what you wanted to do with it, if you aren’t in the finals next week it will be the biggest upset ever.

Round Two – contestant choice

Danny Gokey – “You Are so Beautiful”

Of all the songs he could possibly choose, he chooses this one. I found this to be a lame choice, there was a bizarre arrangement, and it was boring. It just plodded along. Some songs have a good melody you do not need to work so hard to change it up. I thought Danny was trying to out Adam, Adam. I will give Danny kudos for being so restrained, the most restrained he has been all season and his falsetto was excellent but other then that I was not crazy about the performance. Back up singers were not needed and they were irritating me.

Randy – amazing song, you can really, really, really sing, mad vocals

Kara – what you didn’t do in the first performance, you did here, stunning, amazing

Paula – you left me breathless, the song allowed you to do magic, you nailed it, beautiful performance

Simon – it was a vocal master class (oh please, you have got to be kidding)

Kris Allen – Heartless

When Kris indicated he was doing this song I just shook my head saying are you trying to be voted off but then when he performed I was very much surprised. Kris made me like a Kayne West song and that took some serious magic. This was truly Kris at his best. The choice of the guitar and doing the stripped down version was inspired. This performance left me speechless in a good way. This song is ready for the radio. Kris’s vocals were mesmerizing and he was truly charismatic on that stage. Kris pulled together a story and there was a beautiful beginning, middle and end. I wanted to hear more. This was his best performance easily and what a way to try to win.

Randy – this is going to be a tough night for voting, I liked this, it was better then the original and better then the Fray’s version.

Kara – why didn’t you do that with Apologize, this was bold, brave, fearless, kudos, this was perfect, the tone, pitch, and phrasing, terrific

Paula – that was very brave singing a song about Simon Cowell, this is the type of song which keeps you relevant, bravo

Simon – after the first lame song choice you were given I had literally written you out but all that changed after that performance

Adam Lambert – “Cryin’”

Wow is all I can really say. This was a very hot performance. Adam knows how to sell a number. He owned this song and as always has great stage presence. My, only complaint is those damn back up singers were drowning him out. They needed to be put out to pasture last night.

Randy – you are the most charismatic contestant we have ever had on this show, I liked this better than "One". You need to put out a rock album you are a rock star.

Kara – how can you hit those high notes and then talk the next day, it was amazing, see you in the finals

Paula – if Steve Tyler had been the mentor tonight, he would not have anything to say, you have set the bar so high, we will be seeing you in the finals

Simon – he accuses the other judges of sucking up because Adam might not necessarily sail through to the final two, this show is about finding a star and the audience should vote for him based on talent, it was a great vocal but no one is truly safe.

There were no rehearsals last night since the play has opened so I had the entire two hours to vote and vote I did. Many will hate me but all of my votes went to Adam and Kris. Adam deserves to win while Kris proved he is a great musician and in my mind should be in the top two. Danny was coasting and really did not shine for me. I managed to get in 2,324 votes last night.

America is very fickle and at this point, I must agree there is no safety for any one contestant.

I am hoping for an Adam/Kris finale yet predict a Danny/Adam final two.

Jordin Sparks and Katy Perry are singing tonight.

Until tomorrow…

AI 8 5-6-09 and now there are 3

Who will graduate from the school of rock and who will just get schooled? THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL!

Ryan welcomes us to the Idol Stage and advises there were 64,000,000 votes recorded. This is the most ever outside of a season finale.

Next up is the weekly Ford’s advertiser’s commercial. I liked this one but it has not been the best of the season. My choice so far is the commercial using Brittany Spears “Circus”.

Our final four is up with their group number with Slash on lead guitar. I totally loved this version of “School’s Out”. This is one of Alice Cooper’s best songs after “Welcome to My Nightmare”.

Ms. Paula Abdul is up next performing her new song, “I’m Just Here”. What is up with this special equipment to give singers that echo sound, I am not enamored? I would bet money Paula was not singing live. I will give her chops for putting on a great performance and she did a helluva lot more dancing in this performance then she did in the video for her song last year, which was about dancing. Paula definitely can still move and her body is hot.

No Doubt is up next to perform and I am thrilled they are touring again. I think they rock. Gwen can do no wrong, even her ugly hair due did not stop my love. This was a great version of “I’m Just a Girl”. I was tired just watching her and those push ups, way to go. This was a fantastic performance. Do not get me started on the drummer and his tutu; I want to forget I saw it.

Ryan reminds us that the final three get to return home for a heroes welcome so cue a video montage of other top three finalists going home.

Time for the elimination – NOT! All four finalists are called out to the stage and Ryan advises he is sending one contestant to safety in no particular order. Drum roll please, Kris is safe. I am shocked but pleased. Although I predicted he was going home I am thrilled he is not.

It is now time for Chris Daughtry to perform. We cue another montage of Chris’s journey including his shocking season 4 elimination. Chris and his band are releasing a new album in July and they are performing the first single on the American Idol stage. The name of the song is “No Surprise”. I like Chris but I was not overjoyed about this performance. I thought Chris was a little pitchy and the song did not really come together for me. It may grow on me but my initial reaction is I do not like it.

It is time for the big reveal, Adam is sent to safety (YEAH!) and in the end, Allison is heading home.

The minute Kris was revealed as safe I knew it was Allison which is too bad but there is “no doubt” (pun intended) she will have a great career.

We now have an all male final three and they are going home for some big parties. It will be interesting to see how they tweak next week’s show. Since we have four judges and only three contestants, I wonder if they are still having the judge’s pick a song for each contestant. I certainly hope they get to sing three times but who knows.

I cannot believe there are only two more weeks to go but at least I will be purchasing my concert tour ticket this Saturday morning.

Until next week…

AI 8 5-5-09 Let us rock the house not tear it down

Adam, Allison, Kris and Danny are your top four. Tonight they have a new genre, a new mentor and another chance at stardom. This is rock week and THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL!

Tonight’s episode will be interesting as Ryan explains there was a bit of an accident earlier in the day and shows one of the American Idol glass towers lying on its side. It appears it blew up and shattered glass all over. One stage manager was injured. Ryan explains the contestants were not able to have their final dress rehearsal and I cringed but it is the reason it is live television just as I enjoy live theater. You just never know what may happen.

Ryan explains that tonight we are going to have duets so we will hear six great songs and the contestants will still have two numbers. I normally do not usually bitch so early in the blog but I just have to say while I understand duets and performing together is important we are looking for an IDOL not a DUO or GROUP! It is the frigging time constraints with four judges, which are fouling up my favorite few weeks. I realize I am digressing.

We have to cue the montage about tonight’s mentor, Slash. These video montages are a waste of time because I just want to hear the contestants sing. Can I say Slash cannot enunciate, he mumbled the entire time he was speaking and what is up with those stupid sunglasses?

Let us get on with the dish.

Adam Lambert – “Whole Lotta Love”

Rock is clearly a great genre for Adam where he can combine all of his talents. Hate or love his theater background but the training of the show must go on was evident with or without a dress rehearsal. This was a very seasoned performance. It was like being at Adam’s concert. Adam brought power, edginess and fantastic vocals to this performance. I will give Slash kudos for telling Adam to use her lower register. Adam took his advice and it was fantastic. I thought it was an inspired choice to do the bridge a capella and he pulled it off. This was a first rate performance.

Randy – This is the Adam I love and no one can call you a Broadway singer after this performance, you are a rock star, you are ready, you and Slash could record together, it was hot.

Kara – Adam is more than a rock star he is a rock god. This is what you should be doing classic rock songs from the 70s or glam rock from the 80s. You have the vocals, you will kill it.

Paula – You are a “whole lotta perfect”.

Simon – This performance was a little understated, just kidding. I have to agree with the other judges, this has been my favorite performance you have given; my only criticism is no one will be able to top that.

Allison Iraheta – “Cry Baby”

Allison was shining tonight. For the first time this season I totally loved her outfit, it worked and was actually age appropriate. The killer boots were fantastic along with her vocal performance. I personally thought Allison showed incredible confidence and swagger. The natural raspy quality of her voice was made for this material. There were some beautiful moments especially when she was growling the title line and the ending was very powerful.

Randy – you can definitely sing anything but I would have preferred a different song. This did not give you enough to reach the top of your range and there was very little melody. I did not love it.

Kara – Janis was the right choice for you but I would have gone with “Piece of My Heart”, were you nervous and Allison indicates she is always nervous. I think you are transformed when you come on stage and I saw your personality come through.

Paula – you are fearless and if they do a Janis Joplin bio pic the part is yours

Simon – The difference between Allison tonight and Allison eight weeks ago is staggering. You showed confidence and had great vocals. My problem is it was too copycat.

Kris Allen and Danny Gokey – “Renegade”

Oh good heavens the start to this was bad to the bone, both Kris and Danny were off pitch and it didn’t even seem like they were having fun but it did improve when they were harmonizing. Danny was having some enunciation issues and Kris just looked uncomfortable. Both of their solo parts were not good but when their voices came together, there was some magic.

Randy – I like the harmonies, your voices compliment each other, the individual solos were okay.

Kara – The sum of the parts didn’t work but when you were together it did. There were some pitchy moments.

Paula – it was powerful and compelling

Simon – Danny was better than Kris

Kris Allen - “Come Together”

I think Kris provided just a little too much information when he said he almost peed his pants when jamming with Slash. It appears Kris wanted to do another song and given how Carly Smithson totally rocked this last season he should have gone with something else but overall I liked this performance. I thought Kris sounded good and his enunciation was excellent especially given all the words in this song. I would have preferred a more scaled back version of the song but overall Kris allowed some inner rock to show through but still added some of his own touches. Since he was playing the guitar, he did not do all that damn playing with the mike stand, which I hate with a passion. There is no way he can compete with Adam and Allison but he did a better job then I thought he could.

Randy – I appreciate how you can always be yourself. I liked the vocals and I really loved you playing the guitar, enjoyed it overall

Kara – you are definitely the softer side of rock but for me this was not a great performance. You were trying too hard. This was not the best song, you could have done more.

Paula – You took a risk and as an artist you delivered, your signature was all over it, it was compelling but you needed more energy.

Simon – I didn’t like the performance, it was like having ice for lunch it leaves you nothing to remember, it was safe, like a jam.

Danny Gokey – “Dream On”

I have to say Danny is taking a big chance because Michael Johns did this song last season and he was eliminated after the performance. Danny was not very good. I am not sure if it was because of no rehearsal but the opening of this song was very rough and his transitions were pitchy and his enunciation sucked. The middle portion of the song was the best part of the entire performance. The ear-splitting screaming note at the end was so over the top bad, it was my fingers down the black board moment. I thought this was Danny’s worst performance ever.

Randy – Once again, this was not your genre, it was just all right for me but I give you A+ for effort.

Kara – you added edge and swagger after listening to us but you took it too far. You took a risk and I saw it and I appreciate that.

Paula – it was not the right song, I am a big fan

Simon – the last note was like watching a horror movie, the over the top worked for Adam but not you. I still think you will be safe tonight.

Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta – “Slow Ride”

Now this was a duet to remember. Adam and Allison brought joy to that stage along with some killer rock vocals. They were having so much fun together and they nailed this number. They sounded just plain awesome.

Randy – you guys are two seasoned performers, you could have this duet on an album, it was da bomb.

Kara – we have the rock god and goddess, this was the right kind of duet because you both pushed each other to be better

Paula – unlike Simon and I you were the perfect marriage, your voices blend well together, it was a beautiful thing

Simon – in the battle of the duets, you two win, and Adam I think you gave Allison a chance to stay


I am ticked off about the duets versus more songs for each contestant but I thoroughly enjoyed tonight’s show.

There is no doubt that Adam and Allison won the evening. I think Danny was the worst with Kris coming in a close second.

I had rehearsal again last night so I only had an hour and a half to vote but with two numbers and three phones I managed to get in 1,115 votes. All my votes went to Allison and Adam.

Danny and Kris should be in the bottom two but I fear it will be Kris and Allison. Danny should be going home based on that performance but I believe Kris will be making that trip tonight.

I am excited about the results show because No Doubt is performing along with Chris Daughtry (on the night he was sent home during his season) along with Paula Abdul (be afraid, be very afraid).

Until tomorrow…