Kris Allen picked one of my favorite songs, “Ain’t No Sunshine” and he really brought some emotion to it.  He stripped it down and began the performance by just accompanying himself on the keyboards.  I really liked it and I’m happy that he is coming out of nowhere and emerging as a frontrunner in the competition.  LOVED the violins at the end.  Gorgeous.Randy said that for the last couple weeks Kris has been so in the zone.  He said it was creative and cool.  Kara said “that is artistry!”  Paula said that he took a 30 year old song and …read more

Adam Lambert came back in full force by singing “Play That Funky Music” and he definitely put his own spin on it.  The outfit, the arrangement, the dancing and the singing all seemed like they were part of a musical number.  It was weird for me.  I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it.Paula said that he was pure genius and compared him to Mick Jagger and Steven Tyler.  Simon said it was original even though it might not have been as good as last week.  Randy said that he worked it out and is definitely in the star …read more

Lil Rounds really shocked me by picking Celine Dion’s song “I Surrender.”  I felt like she had some pitch problems but I understand that she picked the song to try to let her voice shine through.  I just think it was the wrong song.  She looked amazing, though.

Randy said that it was not the song he would have picked for her but said that she sang it really, really well.  Kara said that she was surprised by how effortless it is in her upper register but wouldn’t have picked that song.  Paula said that she doesn’t want to see an …read more

Matt Giraud sang “You Found Me” by The Fray and it started really roughly which may not have been his fault since the band seemed to start while Ryan Seacrest while still announcing the performance.  It was nice that he sang off-stage surrounded by audience members and accompanied himself on the keyboards.
Paula said that he didn’t show any of the qualities that they like about him by not doing his signature riffs and falsetto.  Simon said it felt fake, uptight and it seems like Matt is becoming different people to try to stay in the competition.  Randy said it …read more

Scott MacIntyre accompanied himself on the piano as he sang Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” and it was a little better for me than some of his past performances.  I still think that Scott lacks some control over his vocals and they can be a little loose.  Still, I respect him as an artist and the emotion that he puts into songs.

Kara said that it was smart to pick that song and gave a moving performance.  She also said that she loves the new look.  Paula said that she is so proud of him for making her forget …read more

Allison Iraheta chose to sing No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak” and I think it was a good song choice.  She has an amazing voice and is very talented but I think she still needs to develop some of her skills (including her timing).  If she can overcome her few shortcomings, I can’t imagine why she wouldn’t have a great career.

Randy said that she was a little ahead of the beat, he loved that she played the guitar but he asked what she was wearing.  Kara said that the performance was good but felt a little forced.  Paula said that her intonation …read more

Danny Gokey chose to sing “What Hurts The Most” by Rascal Flatts.  I was surprised that he picked the song but then I remembered that he sang “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and it made a little more sense.  I think Danny did a really good job singing the song but I worry that he is getting too redundant in the type of songs he chooses.  Still, it was a solid performance.

Paula said that it was a performance that she would listen to over and over again.  Simon said that it was Danny’s best performance of the season.  Randy said that …read more

Tonight, the Top 36 from the eighth season of American Idol are performing “Hits from the Billboard Hot 100.”  After the votes, only three contestants will move on.  It’s crazy to see the judges’ panel so… full.  What do you think of seeing four judges up there?  And what do you think of Ryan Seacrest’s new look?  Jackie Tohn, the 27-year-old from Silver Lake, California (audition city: New York, NY) chose to sing “A Little Less Conversation” and I was not impressed.  I thought it was a bad song choice and the delivery wasn’t great to me either.  I know …read more