Tonight, our top three contenders for the title of American Idol battle it out with songs picked by the judges. Kris Allen’s performance may have bought him more time to delay the inevitability of Adam Lambert’s winning. As for Danny, it certainly looks like he’s going home this week.
Danny Gokey – Dance Little Sister Dance by Terence Trent D’Arby, Paula’s choice
Paula picked this song for Danny because she thinks he has that “magical” quality in his voice that Trent also has. Uh I don’t know whatever made her think that, because Danny’s performance had no finesse, as usual. It was very hoarse, shouty, with non-existing phrasing, and slightly awkward dancing. Judges seemed to like his vocals though, but it’s a no for me.
Kris Allen – Apologize by OneRepublic, Randy and Kara’s Choice
Randy thinks this song was appropriate for Kris because he has a big voice and big range. Kris is all right, but I definitely wouldn’t describe his voice as big or wide-ranged. Kris played behind the piano and seemed to have trouble with the falsetto at first, but he was able to connect well with the audience during the verses. I think it would have helped if he lowered the key or altered the arrangement a little. Still, I really like how multi-talented Kris always performs with an instrument. Paula said that there was a bum note somewhere in the song, but I seem to have missed it. Simon pretty much used up his comment time giving the women judges a lecture on how they didn’t hold up their responsibilities by coming up with a new arrangement for the song. Good job.
Adam Lambert – One by U2, Simon’s choice
Simon said that this is one of his favorite songs, and he even got a call from Bono who said it would be a pleasure for Adam to sing the song. Adam starts out on the piano under a blue light, and the band and background singers come in slowly. The song kicks in with a big glory note and his classic rock wail. I love the way he rendered the song – very moving and very passionate. Simon loved his performance and the way Adam totally owned the song. So did the rest of the judges.
Danny Gokey – You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker
I do not not not like tihs song – I didn’t like it when Taylor Hicks sang it, and I didn’t like the way Danny Gokey sang it either. The entire song was so freaking breathy and his voice sounded shot. Looks like he messed up the words on the bridge too. Randy, Paula, and Kara seemed to think it was a breakthrough performance though. Simon called it a “vocal masterclass”, whatever that means!
Kris Allen – Heartless by Kanye West
I had by doubts when Kris picked Heartless but I totally changed my mind when he started performing. It was just Kris and his guitar, and he completely changed the arrangement – very cool, jazzy, and perfectly phrased. That was a total winner right there! Definitely more fierce than Apologize. Even the judges started pimping him out!
Adam Lambert – Cryin’ by Aerosmith
Again with the rock wail, which totally suited the vibe of this song. Very energetic, very passionate, not overdone, well-delivered vocals – pretty much everything you can expect from Adam Lambert. Somehow I got the feeling that he was holding back a little, probably to cater to more mainstream audiences. The judges started totally worshipping him but Adam, being the usual diplomat, said it was an honor to perform with Kris and Danny, who are also both very talented. Good on him!
So who do you think will go this week?
Mervs said
May 16 2009 @ 03:23 pm
Regarding Danny, I suppose the vocal masterclass meant that he sang it well. It was really nice. But quite old and boring…
As for Adam, I honestly didn’t like his version of “One”. He sang it with enough emotions. But deviating too much from the melody seemed too much for me. (Just an opinion
)