Idol’s Top 13 Hit the Big Stage
Posted on 10. Mar, 2009 by fondue in Entertainment
Simon, Paula, Randy, and Kara walked out on stage tonight to screaming cheers. It may have been the first time they ever made an actual entrance, and it gave Simon, the only non-performer in the group, a taste of what it’s like to stand out on an enormous stage in front of a big audience. He had a huge smile plastered on his face. I think it was kind of humbling, but only for the slightest moment.
Tonight’s show holds the fate of two contestants in the balance. Only 11 will make it through to next week. The theme was the songs of Michael Jackson, and, sadly, Internet rumors of him making an appearance bared no fruit (pun intended). I didn’t think he would show up. That would be good PR and he’s allergic.
Lil Rounds started things off with “The Way You Make Me Feel,” a surprising choice because it’s so bubblegum and she’s so sassy. But she R&B’ed it up and made it work. It appeared she wanted to show a softer side, which is good, I guess. She sounded great but I still think she could have ripped apart another more passionate song. The judges loved her and heavy odds are she’ll be back for many weeks to come.
Scott MacIntyre accompanied himself on the piano on the inspirational “Keep the Faith.” Smart move for the guy capturing the underdog vote. His spirit is uplifting but his voice is not all that great, so the skilled piano playing really helped. The judges gave him mixed reviews, but he’s probably safe this week.
I know Danny Gokey is a front-runner, but he gave me the creeps tonight. I’m sorry, but “PYT (Pretty Young Thing)?!” Maybe it’s because he’s an old, white, church music director, but it was hard for me to watch him. Sure, his voice is really good, but this performance made me question whether he really belongs in a tennybopper pop music contest. Alas, the judges loved him and he’ll be back.
It’s funny that Michael Sarver, the oil rig roughneck, gave the sappiest performance of the night with “You Are Not Alone.” He is so lucky he’s not going in to work tomorrow because those guys would give him hell. He sounded pretty good and he’s definitely likable and sincere – even Simon had to admit that – and he appeals to the Country Western demographic, so he’ll probably be back next week.
17-year-old Jasmine Murray made a good choice with “I’ll Be There,” one of Michael Jackson’s earliest hits. It’s sweet and innocent and was made to be sung by a young person. The judges were pleasantly surprised; it wasn’t a perfect performance, but it was better than expected. But considering the strength of the other performances, her survival is iffy.
I didn’t remember Kris Allen at all. But as soon as he started his updated version of “Remember the Time,” accompanying himself on the guitar, I was impressed. He’s adorable and so comfortable on stage. The girls were screaming, and I agree with Simon that he shouldn’t have mentioned his wife so early in the competition. He’s going to need those girl votes.
Allison Iraheta totally rocked Michael Jackson’s “Give in to Me.” I didn’t even recognize the song. It’s freaky what a natural she is. She’s 16! And from a nice supportive family. The way she rocks, you’d think she was a hardened junkie runaway. (That’s supposed to be a compliment.) And she’s funny too. She’s my favorite, hands down.
Anoop “Noop Dog” Desai took on “Beat It,” a daunting task. It’s too iconic of a song for someone like him to do justice. Lil Rounds could’ve done it – she’s got the strength – but not privileged, cocky, button-downed, college kid Anoop. The judges agreed with me. Anoop’s on the chopping block. But luckily for him, he has the support of 100 million Indians.
Puerto Rico’s Jorge Nunez sang the Diana Ross hit “Never Can Say Goodbye.” (I guess it counts as a Michael Jackson song since he had plastic surgery to look like her.) It sounded kind of weird because it’s such an old fashioned girly song. The judges agreed. It will be interesting to see if the Hispanic vote comes out to save him.
Megan Joy Corkrey actually made “Rockin Robin” sexy. She proved she could do pop and children’s albums too. It was a surprisingly good performance of a really corny song. Sure, she could have picked a better song, but she showed a non-threatening, sweet, light, fun side. The judges were mixed, but I like her a lot and think she’ll be back.
Adam Lambert did a rocked up version of “Black and White” and proved yet again that he has wicked mad skills. His voice is ridiculous! He is already a rock star. I can’t wait to hear him do some Aerosmith or Queen. The judges loooooove him, and I think the viewers do too.
Matt Giraud is another of my favorites because he’s a musical instrument. He sang and played “Human Nature” on the piano so effortlessly. And it’s not the kind of song I expected from him at all. Again, the judges agreed with me. I think he is cute and talented enough to be around for a while.
They usually save the best for last, but they can’t let Adam Lambert end every show, so they let Alexis Grace take a turn. She did a good rockin’ cover of “Dirty Diana” (another song Lil Rounds should have chosen). The judges liked it but weren’t too enthused (I think it had more to do with time running out than her performance). She’s very likable and a lot of girls are living vicariously through her, so she’ll stick around.
Alright, so that’s my ‘live blog’ of tonight’s show. Who do I think is going? Jasmine and Anoop were the weakest. Well, actually, Scott MacIntyre was probably the worst, but I think the viewers will keep his non-viewing self in because he’s such a likable guy. Jorge is also at risk. My favorites of the night were Allison, Megan, Adam, and Matt. And, of course, Lil Rounds. She’s got my vote for best name.
See you tomorrow night!
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