American Idol goes disco this week. The judges are constantly harping on sounding current, yet disco ended almost three decades ago. Before any of the contestants were born, in fact.
This is a difficult theme for everyone not named Adam. It’s not easy to perform disco without seeming campy and/or over the top. Fortunately for Adam, campy and over the top generally works for him.
With two people heading home (and no more judge’s save), it’s not a good week to have a bad performance.
Lil Rounds
I’m beginning to wonder if Lil can even carry a tune. While I liked her song choice last week, the performance was horrible.
She’ll probably choose to perform “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, which would at least be funny. She should choose “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge, and show us that she can actually sing.
Matt Giraud
Picking songs for Matt always gives me the most trouble. To survive, he will have to slow down whatever song he chooses, and hope it increases Kara’s heart rate.
I was going to suggest something from ABBA, slowed down with a lot of piano, but at this point, I’m not sure anyone can here something from ABBA and not think Broadway.
So, how about a slow, soulful “Heaven Knows” by Donna Summer?
Allison Iraheta
This is a tough week for a rocker girl with a questionable sense of rhythm. Something from Donna Summer (like “Hot Stuff” or “Love to Love you Baby”) might work, but I think she should go for “Call Me” by Blondie.
Danny Gokey
He’ll probably do “Born to Be Alive” by Patrick Hernandez and dedicate it to his wife. If he must go that direction, he could at least choose “The Love I Lost” by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. It’s a better song and would fit his voice well.
Either would be a definite step up from another possibility, “Copacobana” by Barry Manilow. The very thought of him doing that makes me shudder.
In the end, I think he should perform “Lady (You Bring Me Up)” by the Commodores.
Anoop Desai
Fast songs are death for Anoop. If he wants to go out with an entertaining bang, the choices this week are endless.
He’s much better with slower songs. That doesn’t leave many choices, but if he’s anything but great this week, he’s going home. One song that might work is “How Deep is Your Love” by the Bee Gees.
Kris Allen
It’s time for Kris to do something more upbeat, but not too upbeat. “I Just Want to Be Your Everything” by Andy Gibb would be a good choice.
Adam Lambert
Adam has already delved into the disco genre with his performance of “Play That Funky Music” a few weeks ago. Looking online, it seems many are expecting Adam to perform “It’s Raining Men” by the Weather Girls or “Dancing Queen” by ABBA.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
I think he’ll channel his inner John Travolta and perform “Stayin’ Alive” from “Saturday Night Fever”. I’m sure there’s one less white suit for sale in Hollywood as I type this. You can expect to see the song in a brand new way when he’s done.
Wednesday’s results show will feature a performance by David Archuleta, and visits from disco legends Harry Wayne “KC” Casey, Thelma Houston and Freda Payne.