The theme for the week was indeed Top Downloads from iTunes, but they clearly used a different list than what I linked to this weekend, as there were several songs performed that weren’t there. I suspect they included some of the top downloads over a longer period of time in their actual list.
The wider selection of songs meant it wasn’t the non-stop train wreck I feared it would be. There were a couple of those, however.
Anoop Desai
“Caught Up” by Usher
It’s nice that Noop Dog was able to find an old Michael Jackson coat on eBay. That should keep MJ’s farewell tour alive a bit longer.
As for his performance, I thought it was boring. But then, I don’t particularly care for Usher. He did sound just like the original, however.
Megan Corkrey
“Turn Your Lights Down Low” by Lauren Hill
I thought i might like this, but I was so very, very wrong.
Are we just getting tired of her, or is she doing too much of the schtick with her voice? I think it’s both.
At least she’s on pitch this week, but she’s a terrible performer. And she’s getting that Sanjaya, Vote For The Worst, I’m Untouchable cockiness. We’ll see.
Danny Gokey
“What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flats
The lovely Shea made it clear that she’s not a fan of this song. She said it’s nasally and that Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts screams it. We’re both a bit scared.
I really like the opening with the violin (or is it a fiddle). He was a tad pitchy at points.
We both liked it, however. He’s clearly a better vocalist than Gary LeVox.
This is his best performance since making the Top Twelve. We still haven’t seen something truly great from him.
Allison Iraheta
“Don’t Speak” by No Doubt
This has potential. I absolutely love this song.
And the opening delivered. The verse to start was wonderful.
Unfortunately, she got off the beat on the chorus and it wasn’t great from that point on.
The lovely Shea thought the song just didn’t show of her true vocal abilities.
Scott MacIntyre
“Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel
I’ve been tiring of Scott, but a Billy Joel song could fix some of that. I love this one in particular.
He has some pitch and tone issues throughout, but perhaps his best vocal yet. Not saying it was great, just that it’s probably his best.
He’s a damn fine piano player, though.
Matt Giraud
“You Found Me” by the Frey
Something was really off during the opening. Perhaps it was too low for him.
It was better once he got going, but still just alright overall. The high note at the end was rather strange.
Lil Rounds
“I Surrender” by Celine Dion
Oh wow. I’m truly scared of this one. Celine Dion? Really?
No, Lil, you didn’t pick the right song. And the pitch problems throughout didn’t help.
I think we’re going to see Lil’s stock drop quickly now.
Adam Lambert
“Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry
Sometimes Adam is great. Sometimes Adam is weird. But he’s always interesting.
I really love this classic by Wild Cherry, and hoped that Adam could give us something great with it. Unfortunately, it came across as the opening number of “Wild Cherry, the Musical”.
I still like Adam, but he’s letting way too much Broadway through on this one.
Quick side note: Adam’s studio performance of “The Tracks of My Tears” from last week was not that great. Not bad, but it sounded just like the original. Be sure to download the video version if you want the one you loved from the show.
Kris Allen
“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
Love the openings and love the string accompaniment.
This is Kris’ best yet by far. And the best of the night. Go download it as soon as it is available.
While I think Vote For The Worst can keep Megan around for another week, they won’t be able to keep her out of the Bottom Three. The other two will be some combination of Anoop Desai (week performance and the first slot), Matt Giraud (he was Bottom Three last week, and this week was much, much worse), and Lil Rounds (very weak performance, and has consistently underperformed expectations).
I think either Anoop or Matt goes home. It wouldn’t surprise me if Lil gets the boot, but I’m not expecting it. And the judges won’t use their save on any of these three.
The top three performances of the night were (in descending order) Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, and Adam Lambert.
Overall, Adam is clearly on the top, with Allison Iraheta, Danny and Kris fighting it out for the next three spots.
Tune in tomorrow night for a live performance from David Cook.