At the Movies with the Top 7

Lots riding on tonight. This was a make-or-break week for Lil, Matt and Anoop for sure, and since they all can't go home, someone had to tank. Who was it?

Meanwhile, can you believe that they adjusted the format of the show to include comments from only 2 of the 4 judges after each performance, in an effort to save time and avoid going over as they have in weeks past, only to have to cut them all off at the end to once again avoid going over time at the end??!! ARGH!!

I was intrigued by the addition of Quentin Tarantino as mentor, and hadn't remembered his stint as guest judge in Season 3 (had you?). I believe he is a talented movie producer, but wondered what he could possibly bring to the Idol stage other than name recognition and a few giggles. By the end of the show, I gave props: dude knows what he is talking about. The feedback he gave to the contestants was real, it worked and I was impressed (and that ain't easy to do). The idols chose slow songs for the most part, although Adam was the exception with tonight's only uptempo selection.

So, how did movie night shake out? Pretty well, considering we didn't have any Disney entries, and nobody completely fell apart and blew it. That said, the evening provided some pretty clear categories to discuss. I'll divide them using standard fare from the judge's table:

Mad Love: As in, million percent yes, unanimous fantastic, you're the one to beat, etc. Actually, I didn't think any contestant got mad love from the judges tonight.

Props: Meaning, good job, I liked it. Allison and Anoop got props tonight. First off, Allison is a star, have I said that enough? Her performance of Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" was terrific. I tried not to compare it to David Cook's, but it was easier given that they are opposite genders and totally different performers. I can't understand why the judges haven't been pimping her from the beginning. Too edgy and rocker? (true, they haven't historically done well on Idol). Too young? (well, David Archuleta and Jordin Sparks were both 16 and 17 years old). Too pink-haired? (they haven't, historically, done well either....see McKibbon, Nikki; Olivarez, Vanessa; Adams, Amy; Sierra, Jessica; and Glocksen, Gina). I think her voice is fantastic and really feel like she is just the thing Idol needs for a winner... now 19 Entertainment and American voters need to be convinced of the same thing.

Anoop delivered a beautiful "Everything I Do, I Do For You" and the judges (Randy and Kara in this case) thought it was great, and Kara even pronounced it one of his best. I can't disagree, although I found myself wondering if I could really see him as the American Idol this season, and I have to admit, I couldn't.

Keeping It Real: This is where the judges say, I liked it, BUT....and then there is some kind of hesitancy in the critique. I would have to say that Matt and Danny fell into this category tonight. First off, Matt has been struggling and has been inconsistent in past weeks. He chose "To Love A Woman", a beautiful song also done by Bryan Adams (who has to feel good this week that two of the seven songs performed were his). I'll admit, I've not been a fan of Matt's (although don't deny his talent and would have loved to be a fly on the wall of his piano bar in K-Zoo Michigan before this all started!). I tried, tonight, to see and hear him with fresh eyes and ears, to try and connect with what millions of others apparently have....and tonight, I caught a glimpse of Matt and what makes him special. Beautiful song, great delivery....yes, vocals weren't spot on the entire time but I connected with him I think for the first time.

Meanwhile, Randy found it pitchy and rough, and thought he had "too much stuff going on" (meaning vocal rifts and stuff)....and Kara said he struggled between rock and soul. Hhmmph. We'll see what America thinks.

Danny, too, had his issues tonight. First off, where were the glasses? Did he get Lasik and not tell us? I also wondered, again, why he didn't heed mentor's advice: Quentin said, put your hands in your pockets, and yet Danny still did his whole wave and point thing while singing....

I find "Endless Love" to be a very boring song and I thought Danny's delivery started slow but delivered a big finish. I can totally get where Simon would be disappointed given David Cook's amazing take on Lionel Richie's "Hello" last season, but come on...that is a high bar to reach! I love, once again, how Danny stays true to himself and his beliefs with his song choices that come across honest and real without being preachy or patronizing.

Split decision: Three singers had split results tonight, and I think that says a lot. Adam, Kris and Lil got mixed reviews. I think that means nobody completely flopped...which is true....but the new judge's format and shortened comments made it tough for the judges to really let loose.

Adam's choice of "Born to be Wild" was kind of a surprise for me. There were SO many songs being tossed around the Internet for him this week (not that he would see them) but this was not one of them. Personally, I get his vocal chops but I am not a fan. Too theater, too performance, too high-pitched and falsetto for me. I know this is not a popular opinion! Deal with it! He got the fancy light show and some of Paula's choicest commentary this season about daring to "be in the path of greatness and bravery" and such, but Simon was right on with his Rocky Horror connection.

Meanwhile, Kris couldn't have been further from Rocky Horror....he chose a song from the lesser-known but beautiful movie "Once" and performed the song "Falling Slowly" which received a 2008 Academy Award for Best Original Song. As Kara said, it was an obscure song, but it also turned out to be one of his best, and I agree. Randy thought it was pitchy and didn't catch the groove. I thought it was spectacular and love Kris tonight more than yesterday.

Lil had the pimp spot tonight, and I think that is because the Powers That Be sense her vulnerability and know that she is struggling, but still want her in the finals...so what better way to support her, but pimp her! She looked beautiful, although I can tell you as a mere mortal viewer that Lil looks completely different. How can I connect with a contestant who looks so different than she did just a few weeks ago when I fell in love with her? All of a sudden, I don't see that Memphis mom who has 3 kids and lost her home, I see a glamour -girl with all kinds of eye make up and hair extensions that totally change her look.....just saying. I don't fault her at all, if I were in her shoes, I would probably do the same, but I think we've lost Lil in all that.

"The Rose" is a beautiful song, and her vocals were adequate, but I did not see a star.

What did you think of tonight's movie performances? Did you see Katie Couric in the house? Did you like the band being back on stage (I did). And most importantly, who do you think will end up in the finals with Adam?

Idols Do Wheelhouse of 80's Tunes

I've never understood the "year they were born" song theme....you don't know music while you are in diapers!

Once again, my fav performances from tonight don't necessarily match the judge's critique. Allison and Anoop were the highlights for me, while the judges loved Adam and Matt more than I did. Danny went first and while it wasn't my favorite (I think I'm burned out on that song, even changed up), it was solid. Meanwhile, Kris faltered, and Lil and Scott may stumble into the bottom three.

Danny kicked off the evening with "Stand By Me", a song done on American Idol most recently last season (brilliantly, I might add) by David Archuleta, but also even better by Bo Bice in the final 5 show of Season 4. Danny's won't match up to these two stellar performances, but it was good enough to keep him around. As this season's oldest contestant (LOL), Kara said he "killed" it, and Paula predicted the others would be trying to catch up to him.

Then again, Allison also chose a song with some pretty strong Idol history ("I Can't Make You Love Me"), with memorable performances from Constantine Maroulis in S4 and Kimberly Locke in S2, but her performance made me forget I'd ever even heard the others sing it. I echoed Kara's amazement that a 16-year-old could deliver that kind of heartfelt lyric at such a young age, and Paula's suggestion that we just go and make the record already. I love, love, Love Allison and agree she is a Kelly Clarkson in the making! But would the judges use the save on her if needed? Simon wants more "personality" from her.....the collective agreement in the room I watched was that we love Allison, but we just don't know what kind of artist she would be, what kind of genre she fits into, and this could hurt her.

Probably most at risk this evening of losing fans before the performance was Anoop, but happily he pulled us all back on board in just the first few opening notes, slaying Cyndy Lauper's "True Colors" from 1986. Excellent song choice!! I think these kinds of theme nights go best when contestants choose songs performed by the opposite gender, have you thought that? Judges ll thought he was good, but I thought it was great. Beautiful. Million percent YES.

On the other hand, I didn't agree with the judge's assessment of Adam and Matt. (And my Tivo didn't cut off Adam's performance, although they did say they were running so short that only Simon got to offer feedback, but I guess that had something to do with my viewing the show this evening from the Eastern Time Zone.) I knew Adam would probably bring something special to the evening, given that he was last on the docket, but I didn't think what he did was great, and I know I'm in the minority here. I like that he chose a lessor-known song ("It's a Mad World") from the awesome Tears for Fears but I just didn't think it warranted the showy standing ovation from Simon. I know lots of you think Adam has this thing wrapped up, but I have a conspiracy theory I'll put out there one day soon...

I also though Matt's performance of "Part Time Lover" from the mosh pit was pretty cheesy and awful, and that fedora didn't help (although it did hide the mole). The judges must have heard it differently, with "unbelievable" coming from Kara's lips, and Paula standing up. Hhhmmph. Again, still not loving Matt for some reason.

I think we agree on who will probably be in the bottom this week, starting with who-I-hope-isn't: Kris. coming off last week's brilliance makes it more difficult to write that his performance this week was a mess. I still think he belongs in music and not behind the wheel of a cab, but seriously, "All She Wants to Do Is Dance"? I love me some Don Henley like the rest of 'em, but this isn't a singer's song, and the mosh pit made it extra cheesy. Agree with judges that the band/horns overpowered the song and that Kris was lost in it, but thought Simon was extra harsh....I hate the word stupid used in any context! And he said it twice! Along with his mot du jour this season, indulgent.

And I think we've seen the best of Lil. She has a beautiful big box voice that can sing anything, but you have to be able to do more than just sing on this show to take the prize...and Lil just doesn't have any star power, any artistry. Choosing a Tina Turner song just really underscored this point. I will say that I have searched my Idol database (in my head, since I don't know of another) to try and recall any previous contestants who were also mothers of three, and I can't think of any....so props to Lil for that alone, and she is still a winner and a lovely lady.

Cutest baby photo goes to Scott (above) but "The Search Is Over" for who should go home tonight. We've seen all that he can do in this competition, and that ghastly Survivor song did him no favors. And that playing with trains comment? Chicks dig that! No wonder he's still single :) I also wondered if Scott knew that just strapping the guitar on wasn't enough, that he actually had to play the thing. Harsh, I know but I'm so over Scotty!

What did you think? Do you agree that Anoop is back in the game, and that Scott should go home? Did your TiVo cut off before Adam performed? And how sick are you that they can't get the timing right for this show and have to rush (or even skip!) essential elements, like hearing from all 4 judges?? ARGH.

And Then There Were Eight...

It wasn't a surprise that Megan "Kristy Lee" Joy finally flew the coop tonight but they sure drug out the suspense, no? That old "three groups of three" trick....making us think that one of the groups of 3 was the bottom three....ha. Those stinkers at Idol, always one step ahead. LOL

Admission: skipped the Ford "video". Was it good? Also FF through the group number. No offense to Journey, but I have to draw the line.

I must take serious offense at Allison in the B3. There is no way this should have happened, and I can only reason that Allison's appearance on the Silver Stool is an attempt to bolster her votes to keep her on the show. Allison is one of the top 3 talents this year, for sure.

Admission: I love David Cook. I know he looked really tired, and his eyes were so droopy it looked like he was going to fall asleep at any minute while singing, but then I spotted his Mom in the audience singing along, and it was all worthwhile. And by the time the song was finished, I was in full Cook Mode. Yeah, baby.

(Jason Castro in the house! Sitting next to and chatting with Alexis Grace! Cool....Idol seasonal cross-pollination!)

I also should add that I have concluded that Kris Allen is the most talented contestant on Idol this season. He may not have the "currency" of Adam, or the stage presence and charisma of Danny, but he is more talented musically than either of them. Can he overcome the extreme pimping of other contestants....and use his talents to make us forget the fact that he is married -- GASP-- and make it all the way to the finale? I shudder at a Kris vs. Adam finale, since it would be a head-to-head like no other....but I can see how the producers would love this match-up and would start planning for it now.

Okay, back to tonight's show. Anoop seemed to sense that it was his night and graciously accepted it...but he gets another week at the mansion and a chance to sing a song for us from the Year He Was Born (which is sometime around 1988, I'm guessing, meaning I'm WAY older than him and could probably make a few song suggestions!). Meanwhile, lovely Megan had a GREAT time dancing all over that Idol stage on her way out, watching her video montage (which was really, really well done, kudos to the video peeps!) and will soon be holding her precious boy and at the same time planning child care for the boy during the long summer tour. Okay, I'm a mom! Worry about these things.....

Job well done, Megan!

On to next week....any suggestions for songs? Would love to hear them!

Top Performances from Three on Top Downloads Week

I thought tonight's was a great show! Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect from this week's quite ambiguous theme of "most popular downloads" (mysteriously undefined) but understood that it was a chance for the contestants to have free reign (more so that any other theme week) to choose from a wide range of songs and showcase themselves. Tall order to fill.

(I wondered how/why they had come up with this "theme" until the idols stopped by one of Uncle Ryan's other places of employment, AKA the studios of "American Top 40", the radio program made famous by Casey Kasem and hosted by Seacrest since 2004. That cross-plug makes sense!)

In sum, three of the contestants had shining "Your Best Performance So Far" nights from the judges, three of them seemed to make good song choices and delivered good performances but had other issues, and three of them fell flat, making them vulnerable for tomorrow night's Bottom Three.

(David Spade in the house!)

According to the judges, best performances so far this season were delivered tonight by Danny, Scott and Kris. Danny stayed true to himself with his choice of a Rascal Flatts song (fellow Christian country-ish artists) with the heartfelt "What Hurts the Most". I happen to be a Rascal Flatts fan and love this song, and love Danny, making me really enjoy this performance, although I disagree that it was his best so far. He did get the "stool spot" with Ryan pre-performance and talked afterward as well. Gosh, I know many of you don't, but I like him!!

Scott, on the other hand, got heaps of praise for his (boring) rendition of Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are".....gosh, I hit the snooze button three times and when I woke up each time, he was STILL singing. It may very well have been his best vocal, but that ain't saying much.....guy's got to go. This guy has no star power at all and may as well be singing in a hotel lobby for me.

Kris, on the other hand, is a star in the making. I've had my eye on him since this thing began, and wow, they finally took him out of the middle and pimped him and it paid off. Loved, loved, loved his performance of "Ain't No Sunshine"....I think he was (is) better than Danny (eeeekk, did I just say that out loud?) and hope we get more of him!!!

Allison, Lil' and Adam were in the middle of the pack tonight. Good song choices and good performances, but each had "issues" and didn't deliver their personal bests tonight. First off, Allison's vocals on "Don't Speak" were wicked, I was just so wow'ed with the first half in particular, and the guitar was such a nice touch. This girl is soooooo good. I disagreed with the judge's critique of her outfit, I liked it and didn't think it half as bad as they made it out to be.

Lil, again, kind of disappointed. First of all, she looked so matronly and about 53 in that wig and dress instead of the incredibly young 23 that she is....who is styling her? Vocals on "I Surrender" were pretty good, it's Celine, for cryin' out loud, most idols shouldn't even go there....BUT....it was pretty boring for me, and I fear she is surrendering her lead on idol. I had to agree with Simon that her personality is being sucked out of her and with Paula that she has been too adult contemporary. Hope she can regroup STAT! Kids are cute though, and it tugged at my mommy strings to see her tears. I know she misses them and was glad Randy gave the one a big ole' bear hug!

Adam was so impressive last week, and so didn't expect him to break it out da box two weeks in a row. He held steady with an interesting take on Wild Cherry's "Play that Funky Music White Boy" but I wasn't digging it. True to Adam , he screamed and screeched far too much of it for my taste, but I did like the light show and appreciated his props to Rickey and the band, which was classy.

(Mandisa in the house!)

Poor song choices coupled with poor performances did Anoop, Megan and Matt in tonight. Anoop is just showing his colors in this competition, I'm afraid his 1st performance spot also did him no favors. Usher's "All Caught Up" just wasn't a great choice for him, and I'm thinking he really isn't meant to be an R & B artist....maybe economics is a better choice! Megan, what else to say? Her vocals were better this week than last, but "Turn Your Lights Down Low" should be read as, Lights out, Megan! And poor Matt....talented guy who is just struggling to connect with voters and more importantly with himself. His song choice made sense on paper but was a disaster in person. The Fray's "You Found Me" (which I've actually heard before! Yay me!) was just all over the place....poor guy.....danger, Will Robinson. I think he's waaay better than Megan but she has fans....

What did you think? Do you think it will be Megan or Scott to go home this this week, or will Matt come up short in the votes? And more importantly, is there a place for Kris in the Top 4 in place of either Danny, Adam, Lil or Allison?

Top Download Week Thoughts

Okay, I'll be honest....I don't know what the Idols should sing this week for the somewhat wide open "top downloads" theme....I have to admit, I love music, but I'm not so much into downloading. Yes, that means I still have the peach crate full of albums that my husband threatens to get rid of every other year or so that has followed us through 9 moves in 17 years. I have an iPod and know how iTunes works. But I also bought both Davids on CD. Admittedly, I am slow to new mediums. I see the value in my space-challenged apartment to digital music, but still must read liner notes, production credits, who played which instrument on what track, and who penned each tune and where it was recorded.....and of course appreciate the Almighty Album Cover, so haven't done much downloading since 2005 or whenever this thing really took off.

That said, Scott is in danger, no matter the theme. Idol Chatter ranks him 8th of the 9 remaining contestants (Megan comes in at 9th) and Entertainment Weekly's Power List from last week had him at number 10 of 10, unchanged from the week before. I mean no disrespect, I just think he's the weakest link. It could be an all-piano soft ballad Barry Manilow week and this guy would tank.

Of course, Megan is also near the bottom no matter what she sings. The girl just isn't good enough.

Needing to bring it full throttle to stay in the game are Kris lack-of-producer-support Allen, Anoop BBQ-loving-geek Desai, and Matt distracting-mole Giraud. (There, I said it.) Not to say that they aren't talented! And they have come far in this competition and each brings something to the Idol table....but they are faltering.

Top 4 for sure are Lil, Danny, Adam and Allison, although each of them, too, has challenges this week. Top-seeded Adam broke away from his freaked out thing last week long enough to bring Middle America something we could embrace....a tender performance of a Motown classic, complete with classy look. The challenge for him this week is to bring something else that housewives and retired postal workers in Des Moines can enjoy without alienating those who enjoy black nail polish, guyliner, screaming (AKA falsettos), and "current" stuff.

Danny (dubbed on the Web as Hokey Gokey, LOL) has stumbled the last couple of weeks, and I was shocked to see that the above-mentioned USA today ranking has him at #7 of the 9! Reasons vary, but make sense (check the article). Watch out Danny!

Lil has also stumbled the last week and also has a pivotal week ahead. Folks are suggesting she do Rhianna to show that she can be a contemporary recording artist, and I agree with that. We know she can sing, but to paraphrase the judges, it's time to see what kind of record she would make.

Allison falls into the same category. Bottom 3 to top 3 from one week to the next, the public is fickle, for sure. We know she is mad talented, but again, who is she as an artist? On the American Idol website, she lists Pink, Beck, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, and Heart as her "musical influences".... a diverse bunch that doesn't spell one particular genre. Could spell danger for her on Idol. Pull it together, Allison!

No matter what, I will be watching and sending you my opinions after the show! And I hope you share yours here....

Motown Week Result Ramblings

I wasn't at all surprised by tonight's results, were you? Micheal is a nice guy and has a decent voice, just not one that can stand up to this season's competition. Best to you and your beautiful family!

I don't have much to say, just a few random thoughts.....

1. America got it right this week. And not just because I predicted Micheal in the bottom 3, but because it makes sense. How Matt Giraud got there, I don't know...he had heaps of judge's praise, but maybe I'm not the only viewer who just hasn't connected to him yet this season. There is just something off about him....for me, anyway. I could clearly sense the shock in his face as he sat on the Silver Stool of Doom. But refreshing to be reminded that, YES -- the voting public does the right thing, occasionally! Meanwhile, Megan is the luckiest girl on Earth...

2. Stevie Wonder is a National Treasure. I know his songs have been done to death on Idol, and I can see that he has gained a bunch of weight and the years have added puff to his stuff....but gee whiz, the man is dope talented and still brings it each and every time, one million percent yes. I just loved the judges enjoying the performance, for real, and watching the contestants listen to Stevie. We're used to seeing Paula cut loose :) but Kara really let go, I think for the first time.

Frankly, I was amazed to see which of the contestants knew the words and who didn't....golden props to Anoop, who has new points in my book for both singing along, and for being caught on camera at one point clearly saying, "Oh, my gosh..." to being 20 feet from a living legend....keep keeping it real, Anoop. Contrast to Adam, who clapped along awkwardly, and looked as though he'd never even heard of Stevie Wonder, let alone heard any of his songs. HHHmmmph. And the the girls, Megan and Allison, pretty much throwing paper airplanes in the back of science class and goofing off as if there was nothing to be learned or enjoyed. Ladies, pay attention! Stevie is in the house!

3. The Judge's Save is a Ball of Crap. It's pretty clear, even with 9 contestants remaining, that the so-called "Judge's Save" should really be called the "Keep Adam, Danny or Lil in the Finals as Necessary Move" because those are the only folks who are going to get it, and only in weeks 7 or 6....in other words, at the virtual last minute, and not now, and not for Alexis or Micheal or Megan, or Kris, or Anoop, or for Matt and maybe not even for Allison, if it looks like the public doesn't embrace her. And the antics at the judge's table during Micheal's final performance were despicable. Maybe even Oscar-worthy. I was embarrassed for them, and for the franchise, and a bit sick to my stomach, watching them "debate" and claim they had not yet reached a verdict, declaring that his performance was really good....plu-ease. That is a total mockery of All Things Idol.

Rumor is that next week's theme is iTunes.... not sure what to make of that. Will keep you posted!

Get Ready! Idols Do Motown

I read a few comments this week by people tired of the Motown "theme" on Idol and complaining about Idol being too out of touch, and not current....well, I disagree. Who among us didn't sing along with each and every song performed this week, if not most of them?! These are classics that will forever be current, IMO, and I loved hearing them again on the Idol stage. Four of the eight guys wore ties! Paula was on her feet for most of the night! Simon got busy coloring! And did you spot Olivia Newton-John in the audience?

Best vocals of the night belong to Anoop, Adam and Allison. I agree that Anoop's delivery of "Ooh Baby, Baby" was a little sleep-inducing, but he sang it so sweetly I was mesmerized. I haven't been a fan of Adam to date, but I warmed a little to his stripped-down version of "Tracks of My Tears" and was digging on his outfit and hair, and gotta admit....he was great. And Allison? Okay, Miss Bottom Three moves promptly to Pimp! Whoa, Nelly. This girl is on the move. We know she all deserves mad respect, with her smoking "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" like I've never heard it. Maybe the Idol Powers that Be wanted to increase her chances of getting more votes and sticking around. Whatever it takes....the girl is amazing. I'm just sorry her much-overdue accolades were disrupted by Paula/Simon/Ryan antics. Not fair!

And while not the best vocal, I just heart Danny more and more each week...who can argue with his spirited rendition of "Get Ready"? Some complained he jumped around the stage too much, but I loved it, and I really liked his gal palling with the BGV's...just showing respect and having fun.

Middle ground for me tonight were Matt, Kris and Lil. Yes, the two guys jump-started this evening with solid performances, both of them, of "Let's Get it On" (Matt) and "How Sweet It is (to Be Loved By You)" (Kris). Each played his own instrument, but I'm just having trouble connecting with Matt, to be quite honest, and they clearly don't favor Kris, as he keeps getting put in the middle of the pack in terms of performance order. I just don't think this will help him much. And like Allison, Matt goes from Pimp! one week to Opener the next....there has GOT to be some manipulation of viewers with this sort of product placement, no?

Like the judges said, we all expected great things from Lil this week with her big voice, and especially after the emotional build-up of her time in Detroit. However, Lil (wig alert!) was tipped off that the judges might not be fanning themselves from her "Heatwave" when Randy started his comments off with the dreaded "So, how you feelin'?" question, which is his version of Paula's "You look lovely tonight." In both cases, this usually means, Not Good. It certainly wasn't bad, but it didn't win her any new fans (not that she needs them).

The bottom three are quite easy to spot this week: Scott, Megan and Micheal. I know you can't disagree with me here. Scott has just reached his limit, I'm afraid, delivering another snoozer of a performance of "You Can't Hurry Love" that sounded lots like everything else he's done. Megan was gorgeous as always, but is in way over her head, too...her voice just couldn't keep up with "For Once In My Life" and her dance moves were childish. Micheal seems like a helluvaniceguy, but he, too, has peaked on Idol. The only question is, which of them got the fewest votes? Will Scott have enough fans to keep him in? Will Megan squeak by another week on her good looks, great legs and interesting fashion sense? Or will Micheal bring the NASCAR vote out in force?