Maybe they really are trying to make it on time for once. The judges are already seated when the show starts and Ryan walks out. Ryan introduces them, but they don't get to talk. And then it is right into a Chaka Khan song from Lil Rounds, "I'm Every Woman." Husband says, "Blech," or, "Yilch." Eh, whatever. I think it was pretty good, but I am over her.
Randy says she got the disco party started, and that she can sing, but it didn't show her vocal control and it was kind of wild. Kara says America and the judges have been waiting for her to sing someone big like Chaka Khan, but that it wasn't worth the wait. Kara also says Lil has been every woman on that stage, every woman but herself. Simon says, "Oh, Lil, you look so sad." Lil falls back on, "I had so much fun tonight." Simon thinks it is her last week since it was completely unoriginal.
Kris Allen sings "She Works Hard for the Money" by Donna Summer. He has the guitar and is playing an acoustic version with a few band members on stage. I'm diggin' it. I'm just sad that they couldn't find something for Kris to wear, forcing him to perform in his pajamas.
Kara says he took a big risk and it paid off. Paula said it had a classy Santana feel to it. Simon says it was a polar opposite to Lil's performance: well thought out and original. Randy says Kris has proven that he is ready for the big time.
Danny Gokey is singing "September" and it sounds seriously cheesy and ridiculous. Lil outsang him and Kris outawesomed him. I have no idea why Paula is standing up and dancing unless she is still planning a courtesy hump for Danny. It appears that Danny has been working on his dancing. He is showing more energy, but with no discernible improvement.
Randy says Danny turned the song into something that worked for him. Kara says he is an incredible vocalist and that his pitch is always right, but she hopes they remember his performance by the end of the night. Paula says he has the sexiest voice ever. Simon mostly agrees with the other judges, but he felt like the performance didn't have star power and was awkward and clumsy.
Allison Iraheta is singing "Hot Stuff." Oh, look, Allison is a rocker and is singing this song like a rock song and wearing leather. Snooze. Right after I typed that, husband said, "She's got chops, but it was kind of boring."
Randy thought the arrangement was over-indulgent but she is one of the best singers in the competition. Kara agrees. Paula agrees but in a less succinct manner. Simon says it was a brilliant performance.
Adam Lambert is singing "If I Can't Have You." He is singing it like a ballad. Paula thinks he is singing to her, by the look on her face. She gives him a standing ovation and I think she'd be holding up a lighter if she had one.
Randy says Adam is ready right now and that he has shown them his full range. Kara says he is brilliant. Paula looks like she is not going to be able to speak when Kara is done. Paula says something pervy about her visceral response and feeling his pants (or his pain). Simon says he didn't feel the pain and would have bet $10,000 that Adam was going to do Donna Summer. He loved the originality. Adam gives props to the guy who did the arrangement.
Matt Giraud is singing "Staying Alive." No changes to the arrangement, but he is definitely putting his stamp on it. Way better than Danny Gokey's disco version of a disco song. I think Paula just likes disco. She has stood for every song.
Randy didn't love the song choice or the arrangement but says Matt can really sing. Kara says he brought disco back and that she liked to see him move; a solid performance. Paula thinks he is staying. Simon says he didn't like the performance because Matt has to get himself out of Idol-land and put himself in the real world. Desperate, unoriginal, and the vocals weren't great.
Anoop Desai is singing "Dim All the Lights." He has creepy facial hair, so he's out next week. He is singing his song as a ballad, but nowhere near as well as Adam did. Wait, it changes and now it's not a ballad, it is just cheesy slower version of a cheesy disco song. This is a total lounge act.
Randy says the last note was rough and he didn't love the arrangement and that it was kind of corny but that Anoop can sing. Kara thought it was a great song choice. She liked the beat and thought it sounded like it could be on the radio. Paula likes the look tonight and the three-day beard. Simon disagrees with everyone and says it was mediocre at best; a horrible version of the song and Anoop's worst performance so far.
Bottom three tomorrow: Lil Rounds, Anoop Desai, and Allison Iraheta. Only the white guys get to stay!
