The theme for the Top Eight is “Songs From The Year You Were Born”. It could also be called “Songs from My High School Years”, as most of the contestants were born in that time band.
Although they did this theme last year, I have to wonder why they were unable to find a mentor two weeks in a row.
No, Ryan Seacrest giving a tour of his radio station (and showing them how to push buttons) does not count as mentorship, even in the world of American Idol.
Anoop Desai
Birthday: December 20, 1986
So many songs to choose from, Noop Dawg.
I passed on “Everybody have Fun Tonight” by Wang Chung and “Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer. “Word Up” by Cameo might be a hell of a lot of fun, but it or the previous two probably sends him home.
No, it’s time to slow it down again, and sing “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper.
Scott MacIntyre
Birthday: June 22, 1985
He’s probably going to do something safe (and lame) like “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” by Elton John. In fact, I’d bet good money that if he stays around long enough, we will hear him do an Elton John song.
The choice he should make, however, is “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen. He should stand in the middle of the stage, just him, his mic and the mic stand, and belt his way through it.
Matt Giraud
Birthday: May 11, 1985
Picking for Matt is hard, as it’s still not clear what he stands for musically. Songs we considered, but passed on, include “Broken Wings” by Mr. Mister and “Every Time You Go Away” by Paul Young.
What he should perform is either “Don’t Come Around Here No More” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers or “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner.
I don’t really love either choice, unfortunately. Hopefully he can come up with something better, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Lil Rounds
Birthday: November 14, 1984
Ouch. This is a rough year for Lil to have to choose from. The obvious choices are either “Better Be Good to Me” or “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, both by Tina Turner. Neither of those is really working for me, however.
One thought I had was for her to do “Smooth Operator” by Sade. I’m not sure she can deliver on the subtleties of the song.
The wife had an interesting idea: “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood. She’s certainly got the pipes for it.
Allison Iraheta
Birthday: April 27, 1992
Another rough draw for Allison. In my opinion, the early nineties were a crappy time for rock. There wasn’t much going on other than grunge, and I’m not sure I can see her in that vein.
The first thought I had was “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. While it’s not clear that this would appeal to a very wide audience today, she should give it a run through and find out how she sounds.
The safe pick for Allison would be “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses. I have no doubt she could do a great job on that.
What I’d really like to hear her sing is “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton. It would be good to see her do something slower, but she needs to keep her edge.
Danny Gokey
Birthday: April 24, 1980
Danny, Danny, Danny… You’re starting to bore me. You’re probably going to do either “Any Way You Want It” or “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” by Journey. Heck, “I’m Alright” by Kenny Loggins would be an improvement over either of those.
I’d like you to do something that shows a different side of you. “Turning Japanese” by the Vapors and “Hey You” by Pink Floyd came to mind, but they are probably too strange and too dark, respectively.
No, you should perform “Don’t Stand So Close to me” by the Police. Please, please do this.
Kris Allen
Birthday: June 21, 1985
While “Alive and Kicking” by Simple Minds and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears For Fears came to mind, there’s no question that the song for him is “Private Dancer” by Tina Turner.
Just kidding.
The wife and I agree he should perform “Heaven” by Bryan Adams. I think the odds are rather good that he does.
Adam Lambert
Birthday: January 29, 1982
I think Adam most likely performs “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell, but “Centerfold” by the J. Geils Band might be fun.
The wife thinks he should perform “Open Arms” by Journey. His unique take on songs might make for something interesting.
I’d like to see him do a song that to my knowledge has never been performed on American Idol. The ultimate one-hit wonder of the 80’s: “867-5309/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone.
What do you guys think?
[…] I’m working on closing the sale of my house, so I didn’t get a chance to type this up until now. In any case, this week is “Songs From the Year You Were Born”. Again, only one of the idols listened to our suggestions. […]
I cannot believe that Scott left. I believe that he was the most original out of all of the remaining contestants. The fact that Lil Rounds did not go is absolutely ridiculous. She has showed no originality what-so-ever; all she is is an imitator. Yes she has a good voice, but she has not showed any artistry. She says she will week after week but she continues to do a cheap imitation of the song, including dressing and dancing like the artist. Allison can sing as well but she has a ridiculous attitude just like Megan did. My family and I jumped for “Joy” when she was booted. Also the fact that the judges said Allison was original was crud. There was nothing different about the song then the original. In protest of America’s decision my family and I will not be watching American Idol anymore. That is how mad, saddened and disappointed we are with the decision to let him go. By the way, when Scott did Billy Joel he got the best ratings of all. Billy Joel and Elton John are artist he SHOULD be doing, just like the judges said. He has done everything else the judges have told him to do. Others cannot seem to do that.
Jay Black (formerly of Jay and the Americans) would make the perfect mentor on American Idol. They would be targeting every single age group with this man, and every person on the planet would tune in to watch him. He could sing a shopping list and bring down the house with that magnificent voice.