American Idol: Week Seven; The Top 7 Compete Again

I didn't think they would use already, but last week, for the first time in Idol history, the new "Judges' Save" rule was implemented, saving Matt Giraud from elimination.

First things first, I really didn't agree with Matt going home before Lil. Lil consistently disappoints, and though she got saved last week, this week, once again, she failed to impress me. I'm done waiting for her to emerge as a star. I think it was worth using the judges save on Matt, mostly because he deserves to stay over Lil and Anoop. I think the judges made the right call, and though at this point I highly doubt Matt has the chops to win in the end, he definitely deserved to stay around another week. But enough of about that, let's get to this week's review, since we've gone back to the disco era...although with such original takes on some of the songs performed, you'd never know it.

Disco night started differently, and for once I have to agree with what the producers of the show have done; they cut out the pre-song fluff, allowing the contestants to get right to the singing. This was probably due in part to Idol going overtime a couple of weeks in a row, but all in all, it made the show tighter in content. As of last night, I officially have a new favorite, and hope that fans see it too. This contestant was, by far, the best of the night. (and no, it wasn't Adam...find out who below)

Like last week, we have a lot to cover, so we should get straight to the individual reviews. Remember, this week, we have TWO contestants eliminated, leaving us with a Top Five for next week. I'm still going to predict a "Bottom Three", though I'm not sure how Ryan is going to separate the contestants up tonight.

We start the reviews with the biggest disappointment, namely...

1) Lil Rounds – sung "I'm Every Woman” – I don't care what kind of looks of disappointment, anger or frustration Lil has on her face while the judges ripped her apart...if she thinks her performance was original, compared to what Adam, Kris or even Allison did, then she is truly delusional. The positive of the performance? It's what Randy says; "You can really sing." But that's where it ends. Lil consistently picks the wrong song, and though this week, she finally picked a suitable artist in Chaka Khan, she completely did a copycat performance, making it completely unoriginal. I don't think Lil understands the difference between a "karaoke" performance and a copycat performance. A "karaoke" performance is when the singing/performing is bordering on corny and sounds awkward. A "copycat" performance is when a singer performs the song exactly the way the original artist did it, with only minor variations. This is exactly what Lil did, and the fact that she failed to recognize that is what puts her in trouble almost every week. This wasn't her worst performance, but it was not good enough at this stage in the game to stay in the competition. I only hope that since the judges' save was utilized already that we don't wind up with Lil staying and a more deserving contestant leaving. (Kris)
Prediction: IN THE BOTTOM


2) Kris Allen - sung "She Works Hard For The Money” - Phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal. Though I was on his fan wagon to a degree before, I have officially become a backer for Kris as of last night. In my opinion (and my friend Kim's opinion), he was the absolute "winner" of the night. I was totally blown away by his rendition of this Donna Summer classic. When Ryan first announced what he was singing, I cringed, saying to myself, "Oh well, he was bound to make a song choice mistake sooner or later." But I was very wrong. I never, EVER, heard that song sung in that manner, and was so impressed I may have to download yet another Kris Allen song. (yes, I downloaded last week's unknown "Falling Slowly", and the original. Guess what? I like Kris' version better than the original!) Kris is the underdog, but he consistently shows as much originality in every performance as Adam does. If he isn't safe this week, then fans truly do not know a good performance when they hear one. Prediction: SAFE


3) Danny Gokey – sung "September” – I am so over Danny. I will credit him his due though, the guy could sing, his range is amazing and his pitch is spot on (as pointed out by Randy). BUT...his performance tonight came off, to me, like a wedding singer. I didn't think it was bad, but I didn't think it was good compared to a few of the other performances. Kara, Paula and Randy saw no wrong, but the one man who I agree with 95% of the time said though he thinks it was a good performance, he didn't see the "star quality" in Danny. I see what he means. I think mostly what's putting me off about Danny, is what I said last week...he has this "quiet arrogance" that's just off-putting. He doesn't outright do it on camera, but you can see it in his eyes sometimes; "I'm good as these judges say I am...even better." Despite this though, it was a decent performance, and predictably, you will see Danny again next week.
Prediction: SAFE


4) Allison Iraheta – sung "Hot Stuff” – First off, I thought the opening with Allison on the stairs was classy and definitely in the "diva" territory, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I love Allison, and though I thought this was one of the better performances of the night, I thought that this song might have been a bit too big for Allison at first; then she proved me wrong. That last note at the end proved what a powerful voice she has and why she's in the competition to begin with. I actually really dug the take on the song and the way she sung it, but I kind of agree with most of the judges on the musical arrangement; it stunk. I like slowing down upbeat songs and turning them into ballads, when it works, (Adam/Kris ), but it didn't fit that much in this case. It was like a square peg with the corners shaved trying to fit into a round hole. Oh wow. Now I officially sound like Paula. Side note -- did it seem like she was more incoherent then usual? Discuss below. I can only hope fans think this was one of the better performances, but there is still a chance she hasn't gained enough fans. I hope she's safe based on her performance, but her lack of fans in the range of Danny or Adam may put her in danger.
Prediction: POSSIBLY IN BOTTOM


5) Adam Lambert - sung "If I Can't Have You” – I don't know how Adam does it every week. I will admit, I'm not Adam's number one fan, but I don't hate his sound. My problem is that he screeches parts of a song sometimes, and it drives me crazy. (it's almost as annoying as Blake's insistence on adding "beat-boxing" to every performance two seasons ago). I probably would be one of Adam's biggest fans if it wasn't for that screeching habit. That being said, this was a solid, heartfelt, moving performance that I could truly say almost brought Paula to tears. I admit, like Kris, I would have never thought of this song as a ballad the way that Adam performed it. What an extraordinary poignant and tenderly sung ballad he turned this disco classic into. If you haven't heard it, go to iTunes and sample it. It's a one of a kind performance and I give 100% credit to Adam for being able to top himself week to week. According to Paula, at least 3-4 contestants are in the final. (perhaps someone should explain to her that it's only 2 people in the final?). I disagree, since I don't believe one of those spots is reserved for Danny. (Kris and Allison still have got slim, but solid chances). The other spot? Definitely looking like it's reserved for Adam. Prediction: SAFE


6) Matt Giraud - sung "Stayin' Alive” – Well, first the good news; Matt proved he has the voice that deserved the save last week. The bad news? This was a really bad choice in song, and performance. I will credit him with putting the "disco" back in disco night, since a few of the contestants turned their song choices to anything but disco. But though it was fun, sung well and entertaining, it wasn't Matt's best performance. In fact, I didn't find it very original, and compared to the performances the entire night, I would only put it ahead of Lil's and Anoop's. So what does that leave us with? A mediocre performance. At this stage in the season, a mediocre performance isn't what you want to have. I think Matt's voice didn't suit the song very well.In the end I thought it was a solid vocal, but it really didn't show why Matt deserved to stay in. I'm worried for Matt, only because, though I don't think he will win, he deserves to stay in at least one more week. A mediocre performance this week will land him a spot in the bottom. Prediction: IN THE BOTTOM


7) Anoop Desai – sung "Dim All The Lights” – I'm not sure what the Kara, Paula and Randy were drinking, or what performance they thought they were watching, but as usual, I found myself agreeing with Simon 100%; this was by far, one of Anoop's worst performances, which was only surpassed by his "Beat It" bastardization. I will give him props for trying to make it original, and making it sound a bit different, but it didn't work. If I remember correctly, there were definite pitch problems in the beginning, followed by several awkward movements which launched his performance into the karaoke category. (see Lil? THAT was a karaoke performance). With (yet another) Donna Summer song tonight, Anoop has sealed his fate. One of the judges said that he chose the perfect song, a nice balance between an up tempo song, and a ballad, which is Anoop's forte. Umm...no. It wasn't good, entertaining or well sung. Count on it, since he's been in the bottom two weeks in a row, we're going for a third week tonight. Prediction: IN THE BOTTOM


And so we close yet another week, my loyal Idol readers. What did you guys think of disco night? Was Paula especially weird last night to anyone else? (Come on, during Kris' comments: "Women are known to shop in men's dept, but I'm glad you shopped around in the women's dept." -- I know what she was trying to say, but it came off...awkward and weird.) Am I not giving Danny enough credit? If I'm wrong, call me out on it guys!

My predictions:

IN THE BOTTOM: Anoop Desai, Lil Rounds and Matt Giraud.

My pick to go home tonight: Remember it's two to go home this week, so I choose Anoop Desai and Lil Rounds. (However, I wouldn't be surprised if we get an upset tonight and Matt Giraud goes home in place of one of them. --- or --- A HUGE upset and either Kris or Allison go - I pray not.)

If you disagree, or even agree with me, let me know in the comments! Let’s chat it up!
Take the poll below! Until next week, faithful readers, I’m out for now!