American Idol: Week Ten; The Top 3 Compete

I have no idea what the judges were drinking or smoking last night, but I have never seen them this riled up. Between Simon and Paula wrestling off screen, to Randy and Kara arguing with Simon, it became a circus. I will say this much though; I think some of last night's performances were some of the best I've seen in Idol in a long time.

Last night was the traditional "judge's choice" and "contestant's choice" night that happens every season. Now usually, from past seasons, we remember one judge picking a song for one of the final three. But because of the addition of a 4th judge this season, it threw off the dynamic. Poor Randy had to "share" his choice with Kara, though one must wonder the way she complained about how it wasn't original, if she really had any say in the song choice at all.

The final three contestants went to their hometowns this past weekend, of which I'm sure we'll see at tomorrow night's results show. I'm satisfied that all three deserve to be where they are, despite the departure of Allison last week. Yes, I know a lot of you thought Allison deserved to be in the Top Three, and maybe she did, but at the same time, I think Kris deserves to be here just as much. The only one that deserved to go home last week was the worst one of the evening; Danny. But alas, the fans voted and so we are set with Kris, Adam and Danny this week.

Much like last week's review, this review will seem rather short, but if none of you realized it, next week is the season finale. What does that mean? That means that this week and next is the only time left you have to tell me what else I should blog about. If I don't get enough responses, then I drop back into obscurity until either Project Runway starts up again or next January when American Idol premieres. Get me your comments, or risk not reading me for a while people!!

Okay enough "idol" chit chat....time to get to the performances. We begin with someone I respect as a singer, but lacks a certain star quality, namely:

Danny Gokey -
1) JUDGE'S SONG CHOICE - "Dance Little Sister" - Okay I will say off the bat, that I didn't know this song. I know who Terrence Trent D'Arby is, but I was unfamiliar with this song. Come to think of it, it figures Paula is the one who chose this for him. As Simon said, the artist choice was right, but the song choice was wrong. I didn't think Danny sung it badly. I thought everything was on pitch, and he hit some pretty decent high notes. But I also thought he was shouting parts of the song, which took away from his over all performance. Like the judges pointed out, his awkward dancing was also a bit out of sorts, and made for a peculiar performance. I remember reading a commenter on Facebook, indicating that Danny reminded them of Idol's unwanted step child, Taylor Hicks. I don't know, but I got the impression Danny was trying too hard, despite the judges praising his performance. Compared to the way the other two contestants performed their judges choice, this was my least favorite.

2) CONTESTANT'S SONG CHOICE - "You Are So Beautiful" - To borrow a phrase from Randy, "You proved you can really sing!" Though I thought Danny's choice was predictable and boring, I must give the guy props for singing it spot on pitch, emotion and passion. I've actually never seen Danny put so much emotion into a song that didn't feel fake. I sort of like the way he changed the melody, and it worked with his smooth, scratchy voice perfectly. Of the contestant's choices, I also think this one was my least favorite, but not necessarily because it was bad. It's only because the other contestant choices were performed so much better, it sort of puts him in last place. Alas, much as I hope that Kris makes it into the finale (though I don't think he would win), I think Danny has too much of a fan base for him to make it through to next week. Yes, last week was a surprise with Kris advancing, but I have a serious doubt that will happen this week. (though part of me hopes it does, with Danny being eliminated) In closing, expect to see Danny next week in the finale. Prediction: ADVANCES TO FINALE

Kris Allen -
1) JUDGE'S CHOICE - "Apologize" - I will give Randy and Kara credit, they did pick a great song for Kris. I love this song, so I was prepared to hear what Kris' take on this song was. But I didn't get it, which not only surprised me, but left me a little disappointed. I've made no secret that I am rooting for Kris, but I must review fairly, this was not the best performance Kris could have had with this song. First off, he went off key a couple of times, and secondly, it was unoriginal. The latter half of that sentence is what bothers me most, because like Adam, I come to expect Kris to deliver fresh new takes on songs that I've heard before. Why he chose to play the song pretty much as standard as the original is beyond me. The parts that were good, were very good, as Kris proved his vocals are just as strong as the other two competitors. However, I will agree with Kara on her comments, saying she was expecting more. And so was I. Thankfully, Kris redeemed himself on his second song, re imagining a song I thought I would never hear acoustically.

2) CONTESTANT'S CHOICE - "Heartless" - When I heard he was doing this Kayne West song, I pretty much told myself "that's it, he's going home. A Kayne West song is going to send him packing". But not only was I surprised with Kris' performance, it pretty much blew me away. I have never a song completely turned on its ear and redone the way Kris redid this. Take a minute out, and go to iTunes, and sample the original West song. It will give you a great basis to judge how truly gifted Kris is for turning this song into an acoustic masterpiece. As Kara pointed out, this original take has proven what type of artist Kris can and probably will be. Whereas with his first performance, you can picture Kris with his bags leaving, this performance actually makes you pause and think "you know, I think he has a chance here". I, for one truly hope so. I will agree, Kris does not have Adam's showmanship or charisma, but he does have the talent. This whole season, Kris has done just as many original takes on songs as Adam has. Am I hoping for a miracle, and Kris is sent to the finale instead of Danny? Oh yes. Is that going to happen? I sincerely doubt it, though I keep my fingers crossed for a possible switch like last week. Prediction: GOING HOME

Adam Lambert -
1) JUDGE'S CHOICE - "One" - See, this is why Simon and I are of like minds. (except for the fact he wears much tighter fitted t-shirts than I do) This was an absolutely perfect song choice for Adam, because not only does it highlight his vocal range and ability, but t gives Adam a chance to do what he does very well; make it his own. Though I thought he came very close to the "screeching" once again, he pulled himself back enough for it to come off perfectly this time. Finally, for me at least, those high notes he tends to want to showcase every week worked. Not only did he give this U2 classic justice, but he made me like the song again. (Come on, after countless plays on the radio over the years, I was so over this song) I think Simon has a great feel for what a contestant's strengths are, as is proven every year when he chooses a song for a contestant. I don't think I've ever disagreed with choices he's made for contestants in the past, so no reason to start now.

2) CONTESTANT'S CHOICE - "Crying" - Predictable, but perfect. It's weird to describe it that way, I know. Truth be told, I was not surprised when Adam said he was doing an Aerosmith song, hence why I pretty much could have predicted what song he was going to sing. And since Allison already did an amazing version of "Don't Wanna Miss A Thing", Adam was left with this Aerosmith classic. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. I don't think this was one of Adam's best performances, but that doesn't take away from how good it was. This performance, for me, showcased Adam's charisma and "rock persona". People got to see what a showman Adam is, which thankfully, because of his stage experience, makes him look like a seasoned professional. And I will say this final thing about Adam; I have never see a contestant as humble as he is, except for maybe Kris. The way he acknowledged Kris and Danny's performances was classy. This performance blew both of Danny's performances, and Kris' first performance out of the water, so hands down, just like the judges pointed out, for Adam not to be in the finale next week would be a tragedy. Prediction: ADVANCES TO FINALE

And the second to last week of Idol comes to an end!

What did you all think of the judges' choices? How about the contestants' choices? Did the judges or the contestants choose poorly? What would you have picked for them to sing? Am I on the nose with my review, or am I crazy? Comment away below! (remember this is one of your last chances to sound off and be heard! I should see multiple comments below!)

For this week, we don't have a bottom two or three. So I'm pretty much choosing which of the final three are going home:

My pick to go home tonight: Regrettably, and though I pains me to say it, I think Kris Allen has rode this train as far as it will take him. I, for one, like his vocals, and just might give his album a chance once it comes out. (oh come on, you know he's going to give it a shot!) That being said, I obviously predict Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert in the finale next week. (Though if a big shocker happens tonight, and Danny gets sent home instead of Kris, stick your head out your window at that moment; you just may hear me cheering from my sofa.)

If you disagree, or even agree with me, let me know in the comments! Let's chat it up! (remember one more week until this blog ends! If you still want me to write, let me know what to write about! )

Don't forget to take the poll below! Until next week, faithful readers, I'm out for now!