It was a drama-filled evening over at the judges’ table on American Idol last night with the bickering and subtle insults starting with the very first performance.
Danny Gokey sang “Dance Little Sister” (chosen by Paula) and the judges seemed to like it but Kara criticized his dancing.  Paula didn’t miss a bit and said “I’m a choreographer” and I believe he was “really good.”  Meow.
Kris Allen sang “Apologize” (chosen by Kara and Randy) and Kara and Simon nearly came to blows when called her critique a “cop out” because she picked his song and shouldn’t criticize him for singing …read more

Tonight, the Top 7 performed on American Idol and at the top of the show, host Ryan Seacrest announced that, because the show has a tendency to run long, contestants will only get feedback from two of the four judges.  If anyone wants to argue against the addition of the fourth judge, now is the time.  I kind of feel sorry for Kara DioGuardi.
Filmmaker, Quentin Tarantino, is serving at the celebrity coach/mentor this week and it’s his second appearance on the show.  Back during Season 3 he actually was a guest judge.
Allison Iraheta was the first to perform and …read more

Lil Rounds sang “The Rose” and I really was surprised that she picked the song.  She began the performance with an arrangement that is similar to the original but then she finished the song with more of a gospel feel to it.

Paula said something that I really didn’t understand.  Simon said that the song was too soft, too middle of the road and that there were nice moments but she is not the artist that they met weeks ago.
image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

Kris Allen chose to sing “Falling Slowly” and it was not vocally perfect but it was so emotionally stirring.  I was completely captivated and I really didn’t care about the little imperfections.
Randy said that it never quite caught on for him and that it was pitchy from note one.  Kara said that it was one of Kris’ best moments and I couldn’t agree more.
image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

Danny Gokey chose to sing “Endless Love” which I’m sure must have a difficult performance.  I’m sure his mind was on his wife, who tragically passed away less than a year ago.

Paula said that he’s unique and unforgettable and that it was a beautiful rendition.  Simon said that he was disappointed that he chose to do such a traditional arrangement of the song.
image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

Adam Lambert chose to sing “Born to Be Wild” and I didn’t like it as much as his performances in the past few weeks.  Still, it was pretty outrageous and the audience was freaking out.  It felt like a number from a Broadway musical to me but I guess that could be his past in the theater coming out.

Paula was on her feet told him that he dares to dance in the path of greatness and that he’s one of the bravest contestants she’s ever witnessed.  Simon said it was vocally incredible but that it was a bit like …read more

Megan Joy sang “Turn Your Lights Down Low” and it just never seemed to find the pocket.  I didn’t like the performance at all even though I have to give her credit for an ambitious song choice.

Kara said that it was not the song choice for her and that she thinks she’s in trouble (but said she liked Megan).  Paula said that she needs to dig deeper and surprise them.  Simon said that the song was boring, indulgent and monotonous.  He added that all the things they liked about her are disappearing.  Randy said that it felt like he was …read more

Allison Iraheta chose to sing “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” and I think it was the right song choice for her.  I really liked the performance and I think that Allison is very impressive for a 16-year-old singer.  I don’t know if I was as enthusiastic as the judges but I do think it was a solid performance.
Randy said that it was blazing hot.  Kara said that America has to vote for Allison and that her voice was a gift from God.  Paula said that Allison is awesome, amazing and beautiful (with crayon on her face – why did she …read more

Danny Gokey chose to sing “Get Ready” and I feel like it might be too fast of a song for him to really let loose the way he likes to.  Still, it ended up being a relatively good, very energetic performance.  He even did a little Motown-style dancing with the backup singers.  Anyone notice how this baseline was modified from the original?  I loved that!
Paula said that she loves him and he gives a first-class performance every week.  Simon said that it was a clumsy and amateurish performance.  Randy said he loved the energy and feeling of it.  Kara said …read more

Adam Lambert chose to soften up his image this week and sang “Tracks of My Tears” and I thought it was incredible.  He showed his versatility and I was able to really appreciate how beautiful his voice is.  I feel like he allowed himself to be vulnerable and it was amazingly refreshing.  Smokey Robinson himself (the writer and original singer) led the audience in a standing ovation.
Kara said he showed artistry and that it was one of the best performances of the night.  Paula said that he has the element of surprise and that she loves his cleaned up look.  …read more