in my mind's zen garden

American Idol 8 Performances – Top 9

      Share    March 31, 2009 | Music

 

The State of California is in “the dumps” right now. But that’s not stopping Californians from watching American Idol.

So, I thought I would blog American Idol tonight. Comment about each performance while it goes on. Now Rickey.org already covered tonight since the east coasters watched the show 3 hours ahead of us west coasters, but what the heck…. this is the West Coast edition.

Paula says no props under the table this time. Tonight, contestants can choose any song they want, as long as it’s available on iTunes.

Anoop sings “Caught Up” by Usher.

Starts off well. Lots of energy. Though Anoop is no Usher, he does a good job. Though part of Usher’s show is his “dancing”, and Anoop didn’t really show any great dancing moves.

Randy said it really wasn’t a good choice of song for him, though good. Cara says Anoop played it safe and it was like his frat boys dared him to do Usher? Paula says his vocals are really good but to work on his stage presence (I agree). Simon thought it was a complete and utter mess! *ouch*

. . . .

Megan Joy sings “Turn Your Lights Down Low” by Bob Marley.

I’m still trying to decide if Megan is singing out of tune or is that just her unique style… actually, there are some pitch problems here and there. This might not be a good choice, one of those “untouchable songs”… after all, it’s Bob Marley.

Cara says Megan is in trouble and not a good song choice for her. Paula says at this point she needs to sing a song that “rips the hearts out” of everyone. Simon says it was so boring and not her. Randy pretty much said it was the wrong song, and that just because you like it, doesn’t mean you should sing it? hmm…

. . . .

Danny Gokey sings “What Hurts The Most” by Rascal Flatts.

Not familiar with the song or artist. But he said he wanted to sing his heart out, and I think he did, plus he has a huge likeability factor. Great song and performance. The best so far.

Paula loved it. Simon thought it was his best performance so far. Randy said very nice. Cara said she had some goose bumps.

. . . .

Allison Iraheta sings “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt.

Allison plays guitar. She sounds great so far. I thought it was another great performance by her.

Randy thought she was rushing a bit, and commented on her outfit (didn’t get it). Cara said she’s a great singer, but a bit forced. Not one of her best performances. Paula loves her. Simon says we can’t ignore the outfit, and thought she shouted the song. Hmm…

. . . .

Scott MacIntyre sings “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel

Great song, though one of the most over-sung songs. Okay I’m not really moved, though he’s doing a great job, with modulations. Only voice and piano, with maybe some backing guitar.

Cara says good choice of song, moving performance, and loves the “new” look. Paula says she’s the most proud of Scott. Simon says this is his best performance. Randy says it was one of the best of the night.

. . . .

Matt Giraud sings “You Found Me” by the Fray

Matt sings in the center of the audience. Something different. Though I’m not familiar with the song or band, my first impression is… good performance, though I am not “moved”. Sorry. I don’t think he connected to the audience here.

Paula thought it was a “sound-alike” performance and not a great performance. Simon says he didn’t get it at all, like he was trying to be somebody else. Randy says it was the wrong song for him. Cara thinks he’s a talented guy. Me thinks he’s in trouble?

. . . .

Lil Rounds sings “Surrender” by Celine Dion

Hmm…. okay? Wasn’t too moved, although she has the voice.

Randy says she has the voice, but… Cara says she can let it out and wow us, but not this time? Paula doesn’t want an adult contemporary Lil Rounds (more R&B?). Simon found it quite similar to a “wedding”, but says she’s too good. I think the judges were confused.

. . . .

Adam Lambert sings “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry.

A different groove and treatment. I like it. Great vocal as usual. Dude can sing! To me, probably the most entertaining of the evening. Love the high notes! Love the ending!

Paula totally loves it. Simon says it was original and better than all the karaoke nonsense earlier? Randy digs it. Cara digs it and loves being surprised every week. Adam gives mad props to the band for the great arrangement.

. . . .

Kris Allen sings “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers.

Kris plays piano while singing. Sounds like a very good performance to me, though I’m wanting to me “moved” or “mesmerized”. Overall, very good.

Randy says it was one of the best performances of the evening… “in the zone”. Cara says it was “artistry”. Paula says it could be a first cut from his new album, and his best performance-to-date. Simon likes the arrangement and also says it was his best performance so far.

. . . .

Overall, Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen were my top three… the others I thought were fairly forgettable performances, though perhaps good at the time. At this point in the competition I’m sure everyone is expecting to be “blown away”.

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