'American Idol': Top 4 rock
On tonight's American Idol, the four finalists are going to rock. Well, they're going to try, with help from mentor Slash.
First off, host Ryan Seacrest says it's been a dramatic day. There was an accident on set (sounds like everyone is OK), but one of the columns is askew, and the contestants never got a true dress rehearsal. He adds that the singers will also sing duets this evening. Interesting!
Adam Lambert is first, and he's taking on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." In the critique, Slash tells him to ramp down his improvisation during the high notes. Well, if there has ever been a theme that suits Adam's strengths, it's this one. And Led Zep is a good choice for Mr. Theatrical because he is awesome tonight. Judge Randy Jackson says he was a rock star tonight and not Broadway at all. Kara DioGuardi calls him a rock god and says he better make a classic rock record. Paula Abdul credits the band and says he was a "Whole Lotta Perfect." Simon Cowell says the performance was a little understated. "Teasing!" He adds that it was amazing, and the problem is that no one can top it.
Allison Iraheta says she went with Adam to his "hair girl" to prepare for tonight -- she's got some red and purple. Slash suggests that Allison go with "Crybaby" of the choices she brings to him; he also wants her to go "full out" at performance time. Slash doesn't lead her wrong -- she sounds fab (so glad she made it to rock week) and not soundalike at all. Randy says he didn't love the song choice because it didn't have much melody. (He's crazy.) Kara says Janis was the right choice for her, but "Piece of My Heart" would have been better. She also says she seemed nervous, but wants to add that she has a lot of personality on stage. Paula says she should get the role of Janis in any biopic. Simon things she's transformed and did a great vocal, but he does think it was soundalike.
The first duet of the night is Kris Allen and Danny Gokey with Styx's "Renegade." Cool. I love this song. However, I think it was a little too much for them -- they sound great singing together, not great apart. Randy says the harmonies were "on blast." Kara says it's weird watching them singing "Renegade" because they are so sweet and agrees that the harmony was the best part. Paula says it was powerful and compelling. Simon says Danny was better than Kris and doesn't say anything else.
After that, Kris has his solo. He is doing the Beatles' "Come Together." He plays guitar along with the band, and his voice sounds a lot better than the solo parts in the duet. It's a big song, and he seems a tad overwhelmed, but he plugs on through it. Randy says he appreciates him picking a song that complements his personality, adding that the vocals here OK, but he really loved what Kris did on the guitar. Kara says he's the softer side of rock and that this wasn't a great performance. Paula says she loved his artistic delivery and that he put his signature on it. Simon says it was like eating ice for lunch because it leaves you with nothing to remember otherwise.
Danny is going to sing "Dream On." Slash says he picked a great song, and his only worry is making sure that Danny carries off the scream at the end. I think Danny's a little nervous beacuse the beginning is a little rugged, then he gets a lot better, and the scream? Well, he really tried. Randy says this isn't Danny's genre, and though it wasn't perfect, he gives him an A-plus for effort. Kara says he added some swagger, but she thinks he took it too far. She says she sees him doing more "early Aerosmith, "like 'Cryin'' or 'Crazy.'" I think she's a little confused since "Dream On" is from 1973, and "Crazy" is from 1994. But she appreciates that he took a risk and tried to give more edge. Paula says it wasn't her favorite, but she's still a fan. Simon agrees with everyone, but adds that the last note "was like watching a horror movie." He finishes up saying that he thinks Danny is going to be safe.
The final song of the night is Adam and Allison's duet, Foghat's "Slow Ride." They don't have a lot of harmonies, but they are having a good time, and they both sound strong and in their element. Randy says they are the rock stars in the house. Kara calls them rock god and rock goddess and pushed each other to be better. Paula calls them a perfect marriage and says they should do a duet on their album. Simon says they won the battle of the duets and that Adam might have given Allison a chance to stay in the competition.
Comments
I think Adam and Allison were the class of the night. Their duet was the best and their individual efforts rocked. The boys rendition of the great Styx song was horrible and they should be the bottom 2.
Posted by: Frank | May 5, 2009 10:50 PM
So... who styled Kara tonight, Olive Oyl? I mean... blow me down.
But the judges really were out to protect Adam, who just survived last week. His vocals were so effect laden at points, and where it wasn't, his weaknesses poked through. He's a one trick screamer and American almost had it right last week. Sad thing is, everyone else really stunk it up as well tonight; with favorite Danny particularly awful. If folks were watching for the first time, it would be Danny to go tomorrow. He might too, as all other variables seemed rigged for Adam, and his early departure might ensure such a win.
Posted by: Joe | May 5, 2009 11:07 PM
Did anyone try to vote last night? I think something was wrong with Kris's second number. I tried all the numbers this morning. They all worked except Kris's second number. I still got the message all circuits are busy.
Posted by: Susan | May 6, 2009 6:26 AM
Joe was obviously watching a different show than I was last night. I thought they were all pretty good, although my wife and I agreed while watching Kris that he was going to be the one going home tonight.
It looks like the judges already have their minds made up that Adam is going to be the winner. Now they begin their crusade to get America to vote for him.
Posted by: Scooter | May 6, 2009 7:17 AM
Maybe Kara can start borrowing Paula's writer. If Adam is a Rock God, I'm an Olympic decathlete. (Only people who've met me get that comparison. Let's just say that in December, I'm often mistaken for Santa Claus.)
Adam did an acceptable job with "Whole Lotta Love" but a Rock God?
The judges have made their choice. The question now is, can they manipulate the vote to make it happen.
Bad news: I think Kris gets voted off tonight. Good news: Kris gets voted off tonight and once the tour is over, he's free to sign with any record label and not be a slave to 19 Entertainment or whatever it's called.
Posted by: Bucky | May 6, 2009 9:25 AM
Agreed pretty much with the consensus of the judges.
Come Together was a horrible song choice for Kris.
Kris and Danny together? Meh.
Allison and Adam together? Rocked!
I've been hoping for an Allison/Adam finale. Hope we get it!!
Posted by: GBA1 | May 6, 2009 9:44 AM
Did anyone else think it seemed like they were TRYING to make us not like Kris last night?
Posted by: Ryan | May 6, 2009 7:03 PM
Kris had a "deer in the headlights" look even before Simon told Adam he was the better singer in the duet. I kept thinking he was going to burst into tears. Felt like something else was going on.
Posted by: Ann Boss | May 6, 2009 7:17 PM
"Joe was obviously watching a different show than I was last night."
No, Joe is simply a trained and working musician who has more insight into these performances. Can't count out Kris though. This is decided by little girls, you know...
Posted by: Joe | May 7, 2009 12:21 PM