Adam Lambert Performs "One" & "Cryin'"

Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey perform two songs each tonight in the semifinals of American Idol Season 8. Who will be the final two?
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1741610/adam_lambert_performs_one_cryin.html

Kris Allen Vs Kanye West...Kris Allen Wins

Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey compete on American Idol Season 8. Are the AI judges against Kris Allen in the finals? Who should go home this week?
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1741810/kris_allen_vs_kanye_westkris_allen.html

American Idol Season 8 Top 3 Perform

Final 3 on AI Season 8
FOX 8/7c 5/12/2009

Tonight was the 300th episode of American Idol. With the top 3 singing two songs each, one from the judges pick and one they chose. Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey took the stage for their Idol showdown.

Danny Gokey: "Dance Little Sister" by Terrece Trent D'arby (chosen by Paula Abdul)
Danny sounded good, finally, on this song. Though he seemed to be shouting through the beginning, he settled down at the chorus. Definitely one of Danny's best performances on the AI stage this year. It sounded the same, like Danny Gokey, but was in tune. The sax solo was very weird sounding. It sounded plastic. I just don't see the pop star anywhere in this guy.

Randy Jackson: "... let the games begin... dude, that was dope for me..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... Paula, I like that you picked that song... the dancing was a little not good for me..."

Paula Abdul:"... I thought you did a great job..."

Simon Cowell:"... I think it was the wrong song... I wouldn't have put the toy sax solo in the middle..."

Danny said, "...it doesn't matter to me, I wanna sing that song..."

The child play between Paula and Simon started very early tonight. Paula must be feeling very.... good tonight.

Kris Allen: "Apologize" by One Republic (chosen by Kara and Randy)
Come on Kris, have a good night tonight. I'm not a big fan of Kris', but he has had some really good nights. Kind of a boring song for the judges to choose. I love the song and Kris Allen did a nice job, but I don't think it will be memorable.

Randy Jackson:"... this is the kind of artist you could be... nice"

Kara DioGuardi:"...I think it was a really competent performance... you gotta be hitting it out of the park..."

Paula Abdul: "... there was a bum note there that was loud... but I'm proud of you..."

Simon Cowell:"... it was a competent version of the original... you can't blame him [talking to Kara] for not following through on your responsiblities..."

Simon continued to argue with Kara as she said she would have rathered Kris Allen played his accoustic guitar. "If you wanted him to play the guitar, then it was your job to tell him that. Don't choose a song for him, then criticize him for doing it." Ryan Seacrest asked if Simon meant that Kara and Randy had not done their jobs..."That's exactly what I'm saying...", Simon responded.

Adam Lambert: "One" by U2 (chosen by Simon Cowell)
This should be good. Simon Cowell told how he called Bono on Saturday afternoon to ask permission for Adam to perform the song (it's Simon's favorite). I did not really care too much for Adam's performance tonight. Or should I say the interpretation.

Randy Jackson: "... you are definitely still in the zone... a little bit off the melody.."

Kara DioGuardi:".. you're a strategist... you can change up a song and make it yours... see what I mean Simon..."

Paula Abdul: "... it was one brilliant song... and one American Idol that I'm staring at..."

Simon Cowell: "...great song choice... you performed it brilliantly.... if you are not in the finals next week it will be one of the biggest upsets in this show..." "outrageous" Paula yelled.

The 'half time' show was Carrie Underwood with an update from Idol Gives Back. She reported from Angola, Africa. Idol Gives Back is fighting malaria there. Giving out bed nets to prevent the mosquito bites at night. It was sad to see the kids cry because someone took their bed net.

Danny Gokey chose: "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker
This is a safe, safe song choice for Danny. This time he did change it up. Danny gave the beginning a soft touch that we have not heard from him. It was pretty decent. The ending was weak.

Randy Jackson: "... amazing song... you can really, really, really sing..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... everything you didn't do in the first performance, you just did... stunning.."

Paula Abdul: "... all of us are breathless... you nailed it..."

Simon Cowell: "...I love the song... it didn't need rearranging.. I would call that a vocal master class..."

Kris Allen chose: "Heartless" by Kanye West
Alone with his accoustic guitar, Kris took the AI stage as the biggest underdog ever. I did not see a Kanye West song coming. I was stunned. It was okay. I liked it about half way through. It was decent actually. It really grew on me. This turned out to be the winner of the night and possibly the season for Kris Allen.

Randy Jackson:"...dude, that was better than the original..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... loved it..."

Paula Abdul: "...you are the bravest artist because you sang a song about Simon Cowell..."

Simon Cowell: "... after a lame first song choice, I had literally written you off... that performance changed all that..."

Adam Lambert chose: "Crying" by Aerosmith
Again, I did not like this performance of Adam's. He sounded flat, for the first time. I'm sure the judges will still drool, but it was not great.

Randy Jackson:"...I love this even more than 'One'..."

Kara DioGuardi:"... how do you hit those notes and still talk... we'll see you next week..."

Paula Abdul:"... if Steven Tyler were a mentor I don't think he would have anything to say to

Simon Cowell: "... it is very easy to assume that you are going to be in the finals... I want everyone to vote for you because you have talent..."

Ryan Seacrest asked Adam Lambert how he felt after tonight and Adam gave the obligatory 'it's an honor to be with these guys' speil.

Tonight goes to Kris Allen for me. The stunner of the night was Heartless.

Danny Gokey must go. The finals need to be Adam Lambert vs Kris Allen.

Now go vote!

AI Season 8 Final 3: Adam Lambert Couldn't Save Allison Iraheta

Chris Daughtry, No Doubt, Paula Abdul and Slash all took the Idol stage tonight. American Idol Season 8 gets down to the final three!
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1722906/ai_season_8_final_3_adam_lambert_couldnt.html

AI Season 8: All Guy Final 3... Allison Iraheta Out in 4th

Allison Iraheta Bids Good-bye: 4th Place to the Young Idol
FOX 9/8c 5/06/2009

Over 64 million votes were cast last night for the American Idol finalists. The most ever outside a final. 'Rock' night turned out to be a great idea. Tonight we see No Doubt and the return of Daughtry to the Idol stage. Paula Abdul will also take the stage.

With Slash on stage for the live opener, the final four gave a rendition of Alice Cooper's "Schools Out for Summer". Again, Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert fit in with the band in both appearance and vocals. Danny Gokey and Kris Allen were left at the curb.

Simon Cowell had a talk with Kris Allen about not being humble anymore. Time to start thinking you can win.

Adam Lambert told us how excited he was when they got the go ahead for the rights to perform Led Zeppelin for the first time on the Idol stage.

Danny Gokey fessed up to hitting the worst note ever on the American Idol stage. After listening to the playback, Danny said, "I just laughed all night!" He had heard that his family muted the TV and 'fans' were making ringtones of the 'scary scream'.

Allison Iraheta just said she wished she spoke up more. Sadly she may be the one to go home tonight. I hope not.

Paula Abdul made her... um, comeback? Why? Not sure. Oh wait, because they have perfected the non-singing machines enough to pass and you still look pretty good in a skimpy dance outfit.
Paula Abdul's new song is "I'm Just Here for the Music".

No Doubt took the stage next with "I'm Just a Girl". I'm not crazy about the group, but they definitely brought some energy to the Idol stage. The group seemed the have fun 'connecting' with the crowd. Doing push-ups was a little weird. No Doubt will kick off their reunion tour in Vegas this summer.

Advancing this week on AI means becoming a 'Hometown Hero' next week as the top three return to their homes. They fessed up and said the results were in no particular order tonight.

Dim the lights...

After reliving the judges comments from last night, Ryan Seacrest sent Kris Allen to the safety of the chairs first. The shock almost overwhelmed Kris Allen. He truly did not expect to be safe tonight.

Chris Daughtry came back for his triuphant stand on the American Idol stage. His band's first release is the fastest selling rock album, the sophamore effort will be out soon. Daughtry debutted "No Surprise" tonight, the first single from the new album. Chris sounded great, as usual, and the band was tight. I would definitely see Daughtry in concert. Ryan Seacrest asked Chris about his memories of the early exit he made (Taylor Hicks won that year, yep). Chris said, "...I got over it in about 30 seconds..." He then received his award for his debut album selling over 5 million copies. Fourth place ain't all bad.

The second person to go into the top three on Season 8 is Adam Lambert. Thank you, AI producers for not dragging that out too far.

Allison Iraheta and Danny Gokey now stood before Ryan Seacrest in the middle of the stage. Danny Gokey was pronounced safe. Tonight Allison Irahet was sent home. Finishing American Idol Season 8 in 4th place, the 16 (now 17 year old) grew up a lot on the stage in front of us.

Now the American Idol Season 8 final three are: Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny gokey... hopefully that's how they finish.

Rock Week on AI Season 8 with Slash

Without a proper rehearsal, the American Idol Season 8 final four attacked 'Rock Week'. Ryan Seacrest explained a technical stage difficulty that interupted the rehearsals this after noon for the Idol show tonight.

But on with the show...

Slash from Guns-n-Roses fame was the rock mentor. A perfect choice for a rock mentor, though vocals may not be his first worry. Slash mentored from The Roxy, with his full new band.

Adam Lambert: "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin


Adam has been heard to have said he wants to perform the Led Zepplin classic on the Idol stage. He did not disappoint. Slash told Adam not to improvise in his high register so much and Adam heeded. It was an excellent start to the show and proved again why Adam Lambert should win.

Randy Jackson: "... you are a rock star tonight!"

Kara DioGuardi: "... the records you should be making is classic rock from the 70's, glam rock from the 80's"

Paula Abdul: "... whole lotta perfect"

Simon Cowell: ".... this could have been a total disaster... it was actually one of my favorite performances of yours... the problem is no one can top that."

Allison Iraheta: "Crybaby" by Janice Joplin


Allison is going for a more obscure song this week. It may play well for her since she has been accused of sounding karaoke at times. Slash really liked Allison, he just told her to gain some confidence. Allison looked good tonight, less Madonna. This was the perfect song choice for her and she did a great job with the band. I think this was the best I've seen from Allison Iraheta.

Randy Jackson: "...I did not love the song choice for you...I didn't love this..."

Kara DioGuardi: "...Janis is the right choice for you, but .... Piece of My Heart, maybe... I think that you transform when you get on that stage..."

Paula Abdul: "...I think you're down right fearless..."

Simon Cowell: "...the difference from where you were 8 weeks ago to where you are tonight is staggering... I would have chosen the Queen song..."

Allison told Simon that it was a Jefferson Airplane song she was torn between performing and he said he would have chosen it. Then Simon said, "Just beg, now"... Allison retorted, "You're always saying that I don't talk enough so maybe I should talk some more." Get him Allison!

Kris Allen and Danny Gokey: "Renegade" by Styx


This is a new format this year and I like it. The harmonies at the beginning were nice. The rock part suffered horribly. I really hope Dennis DeYoung is not watching.

Randy Jackson: "... I really like the harmonies..."

Kara DioGuardio: "... I think the sum of the parts was better..."

Paula Abdul: "...it was powerful..."

Simon Cowell:"... Danny you were better than Kris..."

Kris Allen: "Come Together" by The Beatles


Kris Allen borrowed one of Slash's guitars to practice with him... he said "I almost peed my pants..." with Slash playing next to him. This was actually a good choice for Kris. He does not have a rock voice, so he had to change it up a bit. Kris Allen is not even close to the best vocalist, but he does have a certain stage presence.

Randy Jackson: "... I like the vocals, but I loved how you were playing the guitar..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... you're definitely the softer side of rock, but for me it was not a great performance..."

Paula Abdul: ".... your signature is all over it.... it's what you do with the song..."

Simon Cowell: "... I actually didn't like it that much. It was like eating ice for lunch..."

Danny Gokey: "Dream On" by Aerosmith


OK, I never had the 'Danny Love'. I'm not hopeful of this performance, I think it is way out of Danny's range. Let's find out. Slash could not even advise him. This was bad from the first note. The end note does not even warrent typing.... please send Danny Gokey home tomorrow night.

Randy Jackson: ".... it was alright for me, but I'll give you A+ for effort..."

Kara DioGuardi:"...I don't see you on this type of song... I commend you for taking chances..."

Paula Abdul: "... I don't know if this was the right song for you..."

Simon Cowell: "... the last note was like watching a horror movie... like a scene from Friday the 13th, this scream... with Adam it worked, it doesn't work for you so much..."

Danny Gokey argued that he would have to go back and listen, but he didn't think it was that bad. Go back and listen Danny, you should be embarrassed.

Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta: "Slow Ride" by Foghat


Now this pair looked like a couple of rockers on stage. Thier voices complimented each other well. Adam seemed to kind of lead Allison along and that was fine with her. It was a good performance.

Randy Jackson: "... that was the bomb, baby..."

Kara DioGuardi: ".... rock stars on the stage.."

Paula Abdul: "...it was a beautiful thing..."

Simon Cowell: "... in the battle of the duets, you won tonight... and actually Adam, you may have given this one [points at Allison Iraheta] a chance to stay in longer..."

And there you have 'Rock Week' on American Idol Season 8. The only real train wreck was Danny Gokey. Twice tonight he failed on the AI stage, but he probably won't pay for it.

American Idol 8 Sing American Standards with Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx Surprise Guest Mentor
FOX Tuesday 8/7C 4/28/2009

Jamie Foxx was a pleasant surprise tonight as the guest mentor on American Idol 8.
Lets get right to the vocals of the night.

Kris Allen: "The Way You Look Tonight" by
Jamie Foxx loves Kris Allen, he said he wants to do an album with him. Kris Allen said "my voice doesn't match up to any of the others' (Idols)"...showing his humbleness. Kris Allen lit up the stage. Crooning for all he was worth. I really loved the first slow part. He tends to get pitchy when the tempo goes up. I really hate the 'Lyle Lovett' parts Kris puts into every song. We get that you have a falsetto, don't overwork it.

Randy Jackson: "...this is your best performance to date...you took your time..."

Kara DioGuardi: "...you have set the technical standard so incredibly high..."

Paula Abdul: "...sophisticated gentleman..."

Simon Cowell: "...I thought it was good... I thought it was a little bit wet... you're like taking a well trained Spaniel for a walk..."

Allison Iraheta: "Someone to Watch Over Me" by
Allison turned 17 yesterday. Jamie Foxx told Allison to feel the song through her family, explaining that she is too young to know what love is really like with a man. I think that's what Allison Iraheta needs, a passion behind her songs. Her vocals were great as usual. I really liked the performance overall. She did not overact the role.

Randy Jackson: "...you sing like Pink, but with like 9,000 more octives..."

Kara DioGuardi: "...I ain't nervous for you anymore..."

Paula Abdul: "....what you delivered tonight had an innocent vulnerability..."

Simon Cowell: "...do you think you can win at this stage... I don't feel that coming from you... I have a horrible feeling you could be in trouble tonight."

Matt Giraud: "My Funny Valentine" by
Matt chose a song that Constantine Murulous took to another level on his season of American Idol. Jamie Foxx said Matt had nothing to worry about, then called him back in. He told Matt to change the key of the song and hold the big note in his full voice (not go all Justin Timberlake). You could see Matt Giraud working hard to stay on one note at a time. He just can't. He did manage to hold the big note, but I don't like Matt's chances at winning.

Randy Jackson: "....for me it was just a little bit pitchy...it didn't all quite come together for me..."

Kara DioGuardi:"...I didn't feel you were emotionally connected..."

Paula Abdul: "...it was pure, simple and really impressive..."

Simon Cowell: "...for me it was the only believable authentic performance so far tonight....you were absolutely brilliant."
I think Simon wants an all male finals. He doesn't seem to be interested in Allison Iraheta anymore at all.

Danny Gokey: "Come Rain or Come Shine" by
Jamie Foxx invaded Danny's space to get him to connect and get comfortable. It was cute. Great song choice by Danny Gokey this week. He is just so weak on stage presence. Though it was a boring performance, the vocals were good. He picked it up at the end of course, but I was half asleep by then. Danny Gokey is not near my favorite.

Randy Jackson: "...you are the only one I heard so far tonight that could actually have an album of that and win..."

Kara DioGuardi: "...you had swag tonight... that was the most creative you've ever been..."

Paula Abdul: "...stellar..."

Simon Cowell:"...what you had tonight was a swagger and a confidence... what Jamie brought out, particularly with you tonight, is incredible..."

Adam Lambert: "Feeling Good" by
All Jamie Foxx could say was "Whaaaat?! You don't care about who I am at all!" Adam put a rock spin on a standard tonight. Never heard of the song, but doubtful if I would recognize it after it's been Adamized anyway. This was like a full on Broadway performance. It was impressive as always. I expect nothing less from Adam Lambert.

Randy Jackson: "...it was a little too Broadway for me, but you are in the zone..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... my mouth drops open... you're shocking in a good way..."

Paula Abdul: "...you make me feel better than good...

Simon Cowell: "...what I get from you is that you want to win... best entrance we've had on this show...I love Randy complaining that you're theatrical, it's like complaining that a cow moos..."

So that wraps up the American Standards week on American Idol.... now GO VOTE!