What's Going On

I don't want this blog to turn into my soapbox for American Idol, but I think that's somewhat inevitable this time of year. First, some general notes:

1. I miss Alexis Grace. She was definitely not due to go home last week.
2. I'm sick of Kara DioGuardi. She should have gone home last week.

I didn't see the whole show. (I had to watch clips on YouTube after the fact.) But, I got to see the important stuff. I'll try to keep this short, but we all know what happens when I try to do that.

People I'm Not At All Pleased With:

Scott: He's a sweet guy, and I think he plays the piano brilliantly. His slow start to "You Can't Hury Love" was very nicely done. But when he started singing, I could hardly keep watching. I feel bad, because it's a tremendous accomplishment for him to be here, and no one wants to diss someone with a disability. But, he deserves to be held to the same standard as others, and I don't think his voice is up to par.

Michael: Also a likable guy. Once my friend burned a washcloth in the microwave and called herself an idiot. I responded, "A burnt washcloth does not an idiot make." Well, neither does likability make an Idol. It's certainly a big part of the equation, but vocals must account for at least half. I'm also a little bitter because I feel he stole Alexis' place on the tour this season. Also, I think "Ain't To Proud To Beg" is waaaaay overplayed, and by greater artists than Mr. Sarver.

Megan: Her voice is kinda cool and different, but also kinda...not good. I'm sure she'd rock 1940's week (and you know how I love anything retro), but it seems that she can't sing many later songs very well. I'll pull a Paula: I loved her dress tonight, though.

People I'm Underwelmed By

Lil: I think Lil can do better than she's been doing. But I'd also be less critical of her if she weren't such a judges' favorite. I don't think "Heatwave" showcases what she could really do.

Danny: He also suffers from the "Judges" Favorite" syndrome. And I don't think "Get Ready" was in anyway the right song. I didn't see Simon's comments, but I hope he said that to both Lil and Danny even though he really likes them. He's still got a cool, raspy quality to his voice that I like, but I want to see him wow me, especially with all the judge praise he receives.

People I've Always Liked And Still Do

Kris: What a cutie. He seems genuinely nice. Just the type of normal guy that needs a show like American Idol to give him a platform for his talent. He didn't knock my socks off tonight, but I loved his slow start and that he played guitar. Simon, please don't tell him to be conceited.

Alison: LOVED her performance. They must have known how good it would be and let her close the show because of it. I saw one review that said they couldn't understand her. I did notice that in the rapid-fire lyrics at the end, but it's not a big deal. That was a sensational song for her rough, rocky voice. During so many performanes (see some of the above categories) I was just waiting for them to be over. This one was so enjoyable, I could hear it again...but I hope I don't, because that would mean she was in the singing-for-her-life position, and she definitely shouldn't be this week.

Anoop: When I saw he was singing "Ooh Baby Baby", I think I expected a little bit more. I'm not sure what. He did a very nice version, and I still want to see what else he can do.

Matt: I've liked him ever since "Georgia" during Hollywood Week. I still wanted him to get another chance after he butchered "Viva La Vida". No one can beat Marvin, but Matt performed "Let's Get It On" beautifully.

And finally...
People I Kind Of Hated Before But Have Gradually Warmed Up To And Genuinely Enjoyed Tonight

Adam: Well, with a category that specific, there can really only be one. My only negative critique is that I thought he stayed up in his falsetto a little too much. Peaks and valleys of high and low notes might have added interest to the performance, I think. Other than that, I loved it. His pitch is so perfect. It's hard to hold those soft, high notes without falling or cracking. I also loved his coversation with Smokey, how he seemed truly interested in what inspired the song. And I loved his look tonight. The suit was so sharp and I loved the retro pompadour... He really does look like Elvis. However, while his look suited me, I know that' snot his thing. Even though I don't like whatever Emo style he did before, I know that's him, and he should honor that.

But for tonight...gosh, he looked like Elvis, and I liked it.

Wow, That Was A Long Break

Fittingly, this post will also focus on American Idol. I decided to publish my song choices for the Idol contestants. I wish I'd done it last week too, but none of them were right anyway...except my prediction that, against all wisdom, someone might sing "Rockin' Robin". This week celebrates the Grand Old Opry, and I think there's some good potential as long as the contestants play fast and loose with the arrangements. Note: I've specifically not picked any Carrie Underwood songs. I don't believe songs recorded by any former Idol should be performed by current hopefuls... Remember how LaKeisha Jones took on BOTH Carrie and Fantasia in Season 6? It's just a bad idea.

Alison Iraheta- "Wild Angels" by Martina McBride. This seems like one that could be given some rocker chick flair.

Megan Corkery- "Crazy" by Patsy Cline. This is my favorite song pick. I genuinely hope Megan picks this song. Patsy's song-stylings would really suit Season 8's quirkiest performer. I would also be delighted if Megan sang "Here You Come Again" by Dolly Parton, but that's just because I love that song.

Lil Rounds- "If Lovin' You Is Wrong, I Don't Wanna Be Right" by Barbara Mandrell. The first time I heard this song was during an awkward scene between Greg and Marcia in The Brady Bunch Movie, and it was the Luther Ingram sexy soul version. I think performing the song version of this song would serve her very well. I think she could also succeed with McBride's "Broken Wing", but that's my second choice.

Alexis Grace- "Fancy" by Reba McEntire. This was the first pick I made. I think it would really suit the kind of style she's been showing so far. Perhaps Reba is just a good fit for Alexis, becuase after listening to the other Reba song on this list ("Why Haven't I Heard From You?") I think it would also work for Miss Grace.

Danny Gokey- "How Do I Live" by Trisha Yearwood or "Anyway" by Martina McBride. Both of these are the soaring types of ballads that I think Danny likes to do.

Adam Lambert- I feel like Adam is good at singing songs with the kind of fast cadence that would vex other singers. So, I've got three choices for him: "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" by Travis Tritt, "Summertime Blues" by Alan Jackson, and "9-5" by Dolly Parton.

Matt Giraud- I wanted to find something for Matt that he could change up completely. So I went with "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Hank Williams. This might be a bit of an odd choice, but it could be really cool if it worked. I'd also enjoy seeing him sing/play "Baby Now That I've Found You" by Alison Krauss. The original version of the song is by the 60's group The Foundations (of "Build Me Up Buttercup" fame), so de-countrifying the tune would be easy.

Scott MacIntire- I'm going to be a bit stereotypical here and go with "It Was Almost Like A Song" by Ronnie Milsap. I also think it suits Scott's mellow style. "I Still Believe In You" by Vince Gill would be a nice choice, too.

Anoop Desai- I hope he does a good job this week. He needs something with a litte oomph to it, so I'll go with "Honkytonk Badonkadonk" by Trace Adkins. I can't think of a second song idea.

Michael Sarver- You'd think he'd be the easiest to pick for on country week, but not so. So many songs would sound karaoke in their original style. I think this problem might be unavoidable, but I'll go with "You're Gonna Miss This", also by Trace Adkins.

Kris Allen- I really love the song "When You Say Nothing At All" by Alison Krauss. I also love Kris Allen LOL I think it would be a lovely song choice for just about anyone, but I'd love to see him play his guitar with it.

Well, I've finished just in time to watch the show! We'll see what happens...