Tonight’s Idol gave us Danny, Kris and Adam battling it out for a spot in the final with song choices from the contestants and judges. The guys took the gloves off and gave it there all. Tomorrow’s results show is going to be a nail-biter!
Danny started the night off with Paula’s choice of Terence Trent D’Arby’s “Dance Little Sister.” This had Danny written all over it: high-energy, vocal improvisation during a sax solo sprinkled throughout with corny dancing! I thought it was great but did seem a bit predictable. Simon criticized the song choice – funny since Danny didn’t have a say. With that being said – I’m sure Danny would have liked to have a different song to work with also since he admitted to not knowing it.
However predictable Round 1 was for Danny, Round 2 blew off the roof. He gave us Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful.” I thought this was an amazing arrangement for a song that fit his voice perfectly. From one church boy to another – Hallelujah! Simon called it a “vocal master class” … not a bad Simon comment.
Kris Allen was at the mercy of Randy and Kara and they gave him “Apologize” by OneRepublic. Sitting at the piano, Kris was fighting hard with a mix of a nice falsetto and strong chest voice, but the judges say he played it safe. I agree. I was waiting and rooting for him to really blow us out of the water and keep us guessing about who will go home. This round did not do that for him, not true about Round 2.
When Kris said he was going to attempt “Heartless” by Kanye West, my initial thought was “Heartless”? Wasn’t he there when Kanye performed it on that same stage? But Kris gave a fresh laid-back version, showing his true artistry. It was very brave to go just guitar and vocals with three strikes and two outs left with bases loaded. He put himself back in the game! Tomorrow we will see if he hit a home run.
Adam (with Simon’s help arranging!?) gave us a dramatic interpretation of “One” by U2. Simon loved gloating that Bono personally called him in order to clear the song. Who am I joking, I would be gloating also. No surprise, this was a great fit for Adam and he delivered a powerful performance for his legion of fans.
Again in Round 2 Adam gave a killer show. He SANG “Crying” by Aerosmith. Simon is worried that America will forget to vote for Adam so he campaigned for him. I don’t foresee Adam’s fans forgetting to vote. We will see him next week in the finals.
I think we can all agree that Adam will be in the finals so who gets the second slot? Originally I thought that Danny’s “You Are So Beautiful” took away any chance of Kris taking it to the end. Until Kris sang “Heartless.” I think many people are rooting for Kris so he is picking up new fans each week but my personal favorite of the night was Danny’s “You Are So Beautiful.” Tomorrow’s results show really could go either way. What do you all think?
28 Comments
I’m voting for Kris. I actually thought all three did a fine job but for some reason none of them had an *aha* moment for me. I think Kris came the closest. Adam was pheonomenal but he always is. I missed Danny’s first song (I was napping and glad my husband woke me up in time to see the rest of the show). Was not surprised at his second song choice. And that is all I’m going to say about that.
We will see what America decides. Danny has the worsters voting for him but I don’t know how significant that vote is. And really, their heart is not in this choice.
I thought Kara was so completely out of control tonight yelling at Simon etc. Her personality is just different and not in a good way. She was on a late night talk show last night and I sort of liked her and then she acts like a fool tonight. Perhaps its because she had a stage dad as a child. This year so much has been about the judges and I am way ready to see the end of their antics. Randy is now my favorite judge!
I think I’m ready for this season to be over with. Losing Allison makes it tough for me to keep interested since we all know Adam is going to win. Not that he shouldn’t…but still its anticlimactic.
I would like to see an Adam/Kris finale. I’m an Adam fan all the way, but the two, very different styles would make for a great showdown.
I agree with you, Monica. Could America have picked two more boring people to go up against Adam? It’s the glitzy, showy, dramatic one, vs. Donny Osmond, and the guy I hear singing on televised church worship services every week.
i voted for adam for two hours. go, adam! go home, gokey!
I used to think Adam was going to win it, know I wonder. I watched all of his performances back to back, enough screeching already. He has a great voice and showmenship but every song has his trademark screeching moment often forced into rather then enhancing the melody.
Ok..I was still recovering from my long spring nap this evening when I posted earlier. I miss Allison yes I do, but I cannot do anything about it.
I thought they all played it safe tonight with the exception of Kris and the Kanye West song. I don’t like the song but have to say I agree with Randy..its better than the original.
For the first time, I understood the complaints about Adam’s screeching. I think that he may have been seriously offkey tonight. Although I did appreciate him throwing Arrowsmith back in Danny’s face.
And while I know the judges are there to give us their informed opinions, I am pretty sick of them going on other tv shows saying who should be in the finale, who should win and who is going to be the next American Idol. Simon’s blatant pandering for votes for Adam tonight was pretty pitiful. I would prefer they judge each performance on its own and let us decide who to vote for week by week.
I don’t have a problem with Adam winning but I do think this season has been a big disappointment for several reasons:
Adding the 4th judge
Voting format
Stacking the top 36 women singers to favor Joanna Pancitti
Overplaying the bikini girl and Tatiana drama
But maybe I’m resistant to change and someone moved my cheese.
I am in agreement with Monica. Very disappointing season. I am really up in the air over who will go up against Adam. Both Kris and Danny had their moments with thier songs. I thought the 2nd song for each of them was better than the judges choices. I am so over Adam. He does the same screeching/screaming in every song. His 2nd song (my opinion only) did not sound all that great. Adam will win the season, but he will really go nowhere in his career. Can you say Broadway!!
They need to get rid of Kara. She is nauseating. I saw on Oprah yesterday that Simon’s contract is up this year and he is not sure that he is coming back. Simon begging for votes last night was just sad. The last 2 seasons have really been very disappointing. I am glad I have a DVR, I can forward through all the crap.
I agree with doright, I am tired of the screeching Adam does in ever song. I am a Danny fan all the way. Kris needs backbone. They will all do well in their lives no matter what, but GO DANNY GO! ;o)
This is the only season where I am perfectly content to say…Any of the 3 can be crowned as the new Idol and I am fine with that. Each of them have different a genre and each of them are terrific.
Alright, can’t hold it in anymore so here goes.
Adam bugs the crap outta me, he’s perfect for Broadway but who wants to hear that same routine for a whole show or album? When Steven Tyler sings Cryin, his voice has character. When Adam sings Cryin, his voice is… high. Not enjoyable.
Everyone wants to say Kris’ second song was sooo creative and daring. But that routines done every night in every college town by every frat guy with a guitar. Here’s the formula: find popular Rap or R&B song, slow it down, over strum it on a guitar. I like Kris, but this wasn’t creative in the least.
Danny get’s my vote (well, my wife did the voting) by default. Didn’t blow me away but didn’t turn me away. As for the dancing, it seemed his natural “groove” to the song. I’d rather see natural, goofy dancing than a bunch of choreographed struts and camera stares.
I gotta go find video of the girl rushing the stage in Adam’s hometown– now that’s really ironic.
Adam IS the next American Idol. Danny & Kris were amazing as well, so it’s going to be close.
I hope they do away with Kara next season.
OH Monica, can’t wait to read your posts every week, more interesting than the show! Kris really pulled it out and showed us he was in to win, Danny reminded me too much of Taylor Hicks last night, and well, we all know how that turned out. I think we all agree Adam has talent, but his high notes on Cryin made me cry, and Steven Tyler probably was too. Dare I say ‘pitchy’??? Too make a long story short, I voted for Kris, feel like he has the voice to carry an album. Adam will do fine either way. Actually they all three will do just fine.
Adam’s voice critics: you can take a short break. Check out these critiques from 3 San Diego opera experts–they rate Adam Lambert for voice, looks, charisma and chances of becoming a star. Good times.
Opera experts rate “Idol’s” Adam Lambert
SDNN – San Diego,CA,USA
http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-05-12/things-to-do/opera-experts-rate-american-idols-adam-lambert
Kris isn’t even in the same league as Adam and Danny. From the very first audition, Danny and Adam blew me away, and Kris has had many a screw up along the way. He really blew the John Lennon song, and I think the finale should be based on the whole season. Danny and Adam will be both have record contracts as the judges have already said that, and they know music. I couldn’t believe Kris made the final 13, I was just amazed, he must have all of AK voting for him, then when he just kept making it further and further, I still couldn’t believe it, so if he beats out either Danny or Adam, something is very wrong, and the judges really need to step in and say something. After Danny and Adam’s performances last night, there is just no other choice. Kris was just OK, and you could hear that in any bar across the nation. AI should be more than that, especially since there are two such extraordinary people this year.
Some really good, insightful posts today. I’m not a Gokey fan as most of you are aware. His voice is o.k., but when he sings listen to when he breathes. It is very annoying, too pronounced and he does not have the chops to power through for any extended period of time. And it is NOT “You har so beautiful”.
Kris was like watching that Esurance commercial. Or maybe the pirate from the Free Credit Report.com ads. Chauncy’s post was spot on with Kris.
Adam was Adam. Neither were my favorite, but both performances were much better than the other two contestants. It’s a singing competition.
Mel, I enjoyed the article. If Adam Lambert sang “Nessun Dorma” next week how cool would that be?
I watched the show in between trips to the toilet to hurl. Not because of the show…I was sick. Gives you a little different perspective on the performances. Adam was a little pitchy at times and the screaming was just painful when you’re listening while sick. No, I didn’t have vomit in my ears. But has he EVER this year done a song without his trademark high pitched wailing? Broadway, yes. Radio, no.
Kris and Adam’s songs made me feel better. I have already bought a lot of Kris’ stuff on Itunes.
If I felt better today, I’d actually care about the results tonight. Whatever. All three are good.
I am a Danny fan, but Adam is a close second. I really would love to see a Danny/Adam final.
Kris is just okay. I think the only reason he’s still there is because he’s good looking. I would have liked to see Allison, Danny, and Adam in the top 3. Don’t get me wrong – Kris isn’t a bad singer. I just don’t think he’s as good as Allison, Adam, or Danny.
Go Gokey!!
After last night, I am still baffled about who should win. They all 3 are very different. Adam isn’t my favorite, but he isn’t bad either. Danny is my favorite, but I didn’t like all his songs last night. Since I can’t decide between them, I think Kris should break my tie! So I vote Kris.
I have not been a huge Gokey fan for most of the season b/c I got bored w/ him early on, but his “You are so Beautiful” truly was beautiful. It was nice to hear the soft upper range of his voice with more clarity than normal. I just wish they wouldn’t let him talk so much. Adam, on the other hand, has been my favorite for quite awhile, but the past few weeks have been predictable for me. I think if the finale had been 3-4 weeks ago, Adam would have run with it, but after last night, I think it might be a little closer. Now, for Kris. Sweet, sweet Kris! Out of these three he is the only one who doesn’t annoy me in any way (I’m really not that easy to annoy BTW!). I actually LOVED both of his songs last night. I can see him doing a record like that. I thought it was kinda funny that Kara knocked him so hard for the first song b/c he didn’t stand there w/ a guitar, and that he did that very thing on the next song. Someone must not have seen the dress rehearsal!
I too am tired of the judges antics! They spent more time judging each other’s judging last night than they did the contestants! Ugh! It seems like they have lost all sense of professionalism. They act like a bunch of kids desperate for attention! Part of the finale should include a phone number for each judge so that America can vote for their favorites. What? If they’re judging each other, shouldn’t we get to judge them too? Isn’t that the way the show works?
I didn’t think Adam gave it his all last night. He seemed to be holding back a bit. But he’s still my favorite, with Danny being my second choice.
what is the deal with people liking adam? seriously, what do you see in him? his screaming totally ruined both the U2 and Aerosmith songs…he kept going off melody which sounded weird, and he kept sticking his tongue out…he belongs in music theater……the judges rave about how he’s a lock for the finals (and evidently you think so too), but are you guys all hearing the same thing i am? he is a fantastic singer WHEN HE SINGS, but the problem is he screams too much and is way over the top on interpretation…Kris and Danny would be my choices, with Kris to win it all……
Dang, MJ. Hater? Kris is just as talented as Danny or Adam, but he has looks on his side. Something the other two don’t! Kris is probably the only one who could actually make a career out of the way he performs. Who wants to buy an album of screeching. Also – why would anyone in Alaska care about voting for Kris? Maybe you mean Arkansas (AR)?
I still think I like Kris the best. Adam just screeches too much for me. I don’t think he is really that good at all. Kris and Danny should go head to head next week and give my ears a break. Thank goodness for DVR so I can zoom through the BS and the screeching.
I would like to see Kris win because you can understand the words he is singing, Danny for 2nd as he has that raspy unique voice, Adam needs to go, all he can do is scream. that is not singing. I am sure some rocker will sign him anyway.
Dan, Adam is going to be a rock singer. His screaming as you call it is actually a tremendous vocal range that is perfect for rock. You must not have grown up listening to rock and roll. I haven’t heard many singers be able to sing what he sings. Even seasoned professionals who have been around for years. They are in a small group and Adam will be a star in the future.
Many of the people who complain about his screaming simply don’t understand rock music, probably grew up in the 90’s Grunge period. None of those singers could sing. The 70’s and 80’s rock rules and Adam’s style fits that type of music perfectly. That style of music is coming back and Adam could be the next huge star of rock!
I actually agree w/ Dan and dtimmons. Adam can be over the top. The sticking his tongue out thing gets annoying. However, when he sings, it’s amazing. The screaming is good for a certain genre and sprinkled lightly throughout a performance. He has so much talent with so much vocal control that he truly is unbelievable when he is just singing instead of screaming. I appreciate his ability to sing that particular style of music, and I don’t think there is anyone else out there who can even come close to doing it that well right now. Could I listen to an entire album of just that style of Adam? Nope, probably not, but that’s the beauty of the IPOD! You only have to listen to the specific songs you like!
Sorry dtimmons, I’m a child of the 70’s and I cannot stand ADAM. Now before you go jumping on your high horse, some of my favorite REAL musicians / bands I like are Aerosmith, U2, Stones, Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, etc…. But he is different. There isn’t a clear tone to his voice when he screeches like that. I’ll put him up against Steven Tyler, Bono, Sammy Hagar, Mick Jagger, or David Lee Roth any day and they will put him to shame.
Preach it, KsKitty. I’m a 70’s girl too.