Now they say that tonight’s episode of “American Idol” is rock and roll night, but I’m hoping that there will be a broad interpretation of what constitutes “rock” because I’m not really much of a rock and roll fan and therefore would be very grateful if the contestants have a chance to branch out of the rock thang a little bit. However, to the AI folks’ credit, they’ve pulled in Slash as this week’s mentor, and he promises that “it’s gonna be a really good time.”
With each contestant singing two songs a piece, I reckon it will.
Adam Lambert – “Whole Lotta Love” – Y’all, I’m sure that people who know something about this kind of music would tell me that Adam’s performance was brilliant, but for me it was like fingernails on a chalkboard. There’s something about the tone of his voice that sort of makes my teeth hurt. Or maybe I just have dental issues. But regardless, this was not even a little bit enjoyable for me. Others seemed to like it, though, and I am delighted for them.
Allison Iraheta – “Cry, Baby” – I thought the verses felt a little jumbled and muddy, but the choruses were stronger. The biggest problem was that the song was boring. It didn’t give her a chance to show off her personality, and at this point in the game, we need to see that from her. Also: STOP ARGUING WITH SIMON.
Kris Allen and Danny Gokey – “Renegade” – A cappella beginning? Harmony? Duet? Band dropping out mid-way through with vocals backed only by drums? Why, it’s a perfect song! And even if it was a little uneven during the solo parts, it was great fun indeed. I wonder if Danny will let me borrow that necklace?
Kris Allen – “Come Together” – Honestly, I thought Kris might disappear in this song because it’s SO big, but in the end he held his own. And he actually made me like a Beatles song, which is nothing short of remarkable. Kris knows his strengths so well, and he found ways to play to those strengths in the middle of a genre that’s not really him at all. I liked it a lot.
[As we're listening to the judges, I can't help but wonder if the judges have made up their minds in terms of who they want in the finale and if they're constructing their comments accordingly. I'm not trying to be all cynical, mind you, but what Kris did was WAY better than what Allison did, and he was even way outside his comfort zone, thankyouverymuch.]
[Bless his heart.]
Danny Gokey – “Dream On” – The first part was really engaging (and surprising, at that), but the end was a little rough around the edges. It was a bold choice for sure, and it should be enough to get him to the final three.
Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert – “Slow Ride” – They sounded good together, but at this stage in the show I was so outdone that my reaction was pretty much along the lines of Um, whatever.
Now. A brief rant.
The judges kept telling Danny and Kris that they know rock and roll isn’t what they do, but WHY PICK THAT THEME WHEN YOU KNOW THAT TWO OUT OF YOUR FOUR CONTESTANTS DON’T STEP ANYWHERE NEAR THAT GENRE AND SEMI-FINALS ARE A WEEK AWAY? Plus, with every other theme week, contestants could modify the songs to fit the genre they prefer (for example: disco week), but tonight everyone was LOCKED IN to the rock deal. I’m not so sure that’s entirely fair when you’re heading into semi-final week; let these people do what they do best by giving them some flexibility within the genre.
Also: what’s up with Adam getting to sing first and last?
Another also: what’s up with the reference to the “two seasoned rock stars” at the end? The “rock god” and “rock goddess” getting to close the show? Simon saying that Adam and Allison’s duet may give Allison “a chance to stay in the show”? And Simon not asserting who was the better of two with Adam and Allison after he totally threw Kris under the bus after his duet with Danny?
Fishy.
Honestly, I’m so outdone right now that I’m going to quit typing so that I can vote for Kris and Danny about 100 times a piece. A HUNDRED TIMES.
/end rant
What did y’all think?
If you’d like to add your own AI post to the Mr. Linky, please leave the permalink to your specific post and not your general blog URL.
May 6th, 2009 at 8:40 am
It was totally set up last night, which I hate, but which also doesn’t surprise me in the least.
I know Adam’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I happen to be a fan; it was enjoyable for me. However, at this point, the only one who would upset me with a win is Allison. I really love all three guys, and feel relatively confident that they all have successful careers ahead of them.
And that’s all I have to say about that.
May 6th, 2009 at 8:59 am
I agree!! I think they set Danny & Kris up for failure. I’m usually an optimist and not a conspiracy theory person, but I admit – I’m suspicious. My husband, who really doesn’t admit to watching AI, was beside himself with the pairings and so forth. I voted for Danny and everytime I called, I got through, so I am worried. Allison needs to go. Adam needs to but won’t. By the way, yesterday was my 1st on the Shred – I have a cramp in my thigh as we speak. Ugh.
May 6th, 2009 at 9:01 am
You said it, Boomama!
May 6th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Yes!!! Completely agree with your rant! I couldn’t even watch the entire show.
May 6th, 2009 at 9:06 am
I’m so glad to get these idol recaps on the bloggy world because I miss the performance nights because of school :o(
May 6th, 2009 at 9:08 am
I love that Boodaddy got so fired up that he threw in a comment.
And that is what I love about reality TV.
I don’t care if it is the Bachelor, AI, the Real Wives, or Survivor, at some point a vow will be made to “never watch that stinkin’ show again” OR ” I am not watching the finals if so and so is going to be the winner!”
Of course like any addiction, we always go back. Someday there may be a reality show rehab.
May 6th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Not my favorite style of music, either. I spent most of Adam’s and Allison’s songs (individually and the duet) clicked over to The Biggest Loser.
Simon could not have been more obvious if he had put a neon sign over Kris’s head saying “Don’t vote for him.” Made me so mad. Loved Kris and Danny’s duet though I’m not fond of the song.
Normally I like Danny, but the high notes at the end of his solo made me cringe.
I think it’s past time for Allison to go. She’s cute and I like her, but I am tired of the screaming/belting out monotonous style.
May 6th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Amen, Sister! I wholeheartedly agree!
I tried to vote again and again for Danny, while my friend voted for Kris, but it was busy forever.
Love your blog. :)
May 6th, 2009 at 9:29 am
I AGREE 100%
May 6th, 2009 at 9:48 am
I couldn’t agree more lady! I actually covered my ears when Danny tried that last note! I was so so bummed for him. Everything you said was right on!!!!! ROCK ON BOOMAMA!!!!!
May 6th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Were you sitting in MY livingroom last night? LOL I want to give you a great big hug!! you’re thoughts are IDENTICAL to what was being said in our house last night!!
I’m NOT going to say any more – because I’m likely to not shut up about it! LOL – you said it all so well!
I’m REALLY upset with AI this year –
I voted for Kris, I didn’t count but probably 50-100 times!!
~TidyMom
May 6th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Ditto – Ditto – Ditto on EVERYTHING. You spoke it just exactly right – and I meant that thang!
Thank you girlfriend…
Love ya,
Georgia Jan
May 6th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I will be very very sad if Kris or Danny go home. Thanks for voting (i did too) — I cannot even stand Adam but clearly Simon wants him to win. He even said so on some talk show. lame.
i agree that this theme was so unfair!!
May 6th, 2009 at 10:01 am
I was so frustrated last night I had to wait until this morning to make a comment. You are so right, Sophie. I think the judges are trying to throw this Adam’s way–they’ve been doing it all season. They patronize Kris all the time while spouting EVERY WEEK that Alison is only 17. Good grief!
I loved Kara as a judge early in the competition. I thought she was fair and helpful to the singers. But last night! What happened to her last night?! It was like she jumped on the AI-let’s-see-if-we-can-throw-this-comptetition bandwagon. She was completely and utterly A-NOY-ING! And don’t even get me started on that hair.
Truth be told (because I’m trying to be objective and all) I thought Danny was terrible last night, but that’s because, as everyone has pointed out, rock is not his genre. He did the best he could. But I couldn’t handle it.
Finally, I loved Boodaddy’s comment! That just made my day. :)
May 6th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Oh boy! OH man! Fired up, yes! Kris was my FAVE of the night! I was SHOCKED the judges didn’t like it. Never been an Adam fan but you’ve got to give him some props for that performance. I am really surprised at the way Kris got thrown under the bus. Shaking fist toward Hollywood! By the by, just did day #1 of the Shred – couldn’t even use the weights. It was beyond sad but I shall not give up! Thanks for the motivation, Boomama!
May 6th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Hey, this is Ginger from Here’s My Cup Lord(again). I am Rena’s little sister from Insert Grace Here. I wanted to take a moment and invite you to a special Wedding Web-Shower on behalf of Jenifriend of Enjoyer of the Journey. Past the following link in your browser to view the details and join us on the 14th of each month.
Thank you and be blessed.
Rena and Ginger
http://heresmycuplord.com/2009/05/01/its-your-day-jenifriend/
May 6th, 2009 at 10:47 am
I 100% agree with you on all counts.
You summed up my thoughts completely.
May 6th, 2009 at 10:47 am
You took the words right outta my mouth.
Adam gives me the creeps when he sings. Sorry, no offense.
Kris got juked when Simon “threw him under the bus.” I mean seriously.
I think the judges decided this was the night for Kris to go and scripted or not, they made their intentions known.
It made me BURNIN SLAP UP mad. (I’m pretty sure I just used that incorrectly, but if you remember, I just love to say it.)
Now to sit and wait for tonights show.
PLEASE AMERICA…I’m begging you….not Kris!
May 6th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Hey! I’m a lurker that finally decided to post today. I totally agree with your American Idol review!! The judges totally are trying to put Adam and Alison in the top 2. I feel the Whole “teeth hurt” thing with Adam. I fast foward through his performances.
Jenna
May 6th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I 100% agree with everything you just said! I pray Adam is gone tonight. He does not deserve to win, especially after what he did last week and chose sides. That was just rude!
May 6th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Boomama- I agree with you completely… on every single thing you said!
My teeth hurt, people got ripped off, some people didn’t have to do disco (but sang something *really scary* instead), all contestants- no matter how they sound from here on out- will hear the same thing from the “judges”
Though, I like Danny, I didn’t send him any of my votes, because I think he has a huge fan base.
Though I have not voted yet this season, I sent about a bazillion text votes for Kris. I sure hope it is not him tonight. I would NEVER buy a CD of Adam or Allison- but I sure would support Kris and Danny. Worried about results tonight. Never heard your take on last weeks final 3… It sure was weird to me- the final 3 seemed to be messed with by Idol (wouldn’t be the first time in my opinion!) or does the voting public not care for Adam as much it seemed to?
May 6th, 2009 at 11:43 am
I thought Kris was awesome, Adam was not as good as usual, Alison was weak, and Danny was off. I think Ali is out. I really hope it isn’t Kris; I totally wanted to cry for him during his bashing. I thought he was wonderful.
May 6th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I agree with you on the judges–once they are “done” with someone and want them to leave the show, I don’t think they say anything really good about them from then on. Actually, I agreed with every point you made. ;)
I felt so bad for Kris…he looked absolutely defeated after his bashing from Simon. I hope he’s back (along wtih Danny) for next week!!
May 6th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
I am in full agreement :)! I am team Danny all the way…
May 6th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I agree with you, the only difference is that I thought that Adam did a good job on Whole lotta love, albeit over the top a tad…Robert Plant he is not…but I really am hoping (and praying) that Kris makes it through…he really has an understated talent and a place there…but with Adam and Allison (who can also sing) overshadowing him with their big vocals…its tough…bigger is not always better…and I love Danny…and think he is more a natural “pop star” than the others…
May 6th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
100% Dead On. I couldn’t agree more. During the judges’ worshipfest of Adam & Allison (moreso Adam) I kept wondering, does voting America really enjoy this music? Does the AI audience really go out and buy screechy screaming rock CDs? I think not. I’m predicting (and hoping) for a backlash against the judges’ foregone conclusions that Adam is going to win the whole stinkin’ thing. I think the voters feel differently.
May 6th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Add me to the list of those who agree with you. I think there was a reason Adam was in the bottom two last week – I think people are “getting over” him. Even my 16-year-old rock-loving daughter had a lot of criticism for his style of performance last night. Poor Danny & Kris, they just want to be themselves – and there’s nothing wrong with that!
May 6th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Totally agree with you!!!!!!!!How many weeks has Adam gone last….. and the one week where he goes first they “figure out” a way for him to still go last. Something is smelly around here. Have watched the show for 4 years now, must say I am so disappointed with the judges slant to who they want to win. All I can say is that we still get to vote. Hope enough of us do to keep Chris and Danny around.
May 6th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
BooMama, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for giving me this place to vent! Honestly, I had pledged not to read any online comments about last night, because I knew the Danny-hating Adam-lovers would be out in full force, trashing Danny and making fun of that unfortunate scream at the end of his song.
I have been a Danny fan since I saw his audition–not because he lost his wife (which the Danny-haters all claim is what keeps him on the show!), but because I LOVE the sound of his voice and the spirit he communicates in his songs.
I’ve gotten furious week after week when bloggers, online entertainment writers and commenters have joined the unanimous chorus of praise for Adam and truly vitriolic sneering at and bashing of Danny.
I just want him to make it into the top 3. If Kris does too, so much the better…he’s extremely talented and also a great kid.
Giving Adam the first and last spots was blatant, all-out favoritism. Simon thinks Adam can make more money for him, so he’s railroading him through.
My daughter and I voted like crazy for Danny last night. Like many of the others here, I would love to see the judges proven wrong. Adam will stay, though. He has a big, vocal fan base who were so scared by his bottom 3 appearance last week, they all vowed to vote nonstop.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Oh, and one more thing. Slash was a terrible mentor. He should have advised Danny NOT to try to go for the scream, for one thing.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
It takes a brave person to admit that she’s not so hot on Beatles’ music. I’m in your camp.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I totally agree with you. I think they have made up their minds that they want Adam to win it. I think he is very good but they have given Kris a hard time for several weeks now. I think you are right on, Boomama!!
May 6th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I totally agree. I’m all kinds of mad. And Danny’s scream was…so unfortunate. But I stick with my claim that he is THE BEST VOCALIST. Kris was maybe my favorite of the night because it wasn’t exactly what everyone expected. Psh. Also, hello, happy harmonies for their duet. Love it. Okay I just had to say my piece. My peace? You know.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
I am SO glad someone else notices the favoritism! I was SO mad at the judges. Adam was scary and they totally set it up for Adam and Allison to look good, when in reality Danny and Kris are much more talented and marketable. I’m nervous about tonight, but I voted a million times for Danny and Kris. Hopefully, it’s time for Allison to go home tonight.
May 6th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
AMEN. To everything you had to say. REaLlY.
It IS quite “fishy” indeed!!
May 6th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
You are EXACTLY right! I’d also like to add that I’d rather look at Kris or Danny over Adam *shudder* or Allison any day!
Who is going home??? Allison or Kris??
probabaly Kris :-(
May 6th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I completely agree. Oh my goodness. I hope Kris doesn’t go home. He has major talent, and – even though I normally like Simon – I could have thrown a shoe at him. Or more. And said LOTS of ugly things. IT MADE ME SO MAD!
May 6th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I totally agree with everything you said. And WHY, WHY, WHY would they put 2 “non-rockers” doing a duet together, and put the 2 “rockers” together. So unfair and obviously manipulated. I am a Kris fan and do agree that he was totally thrown under the bus last night. I’m worried for him tonight.
May 6th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
I’m a new follower of your blog and haven’t replied yet, but I just had to after this! I’m so over Adam, I totally agree with you with all the fishy stuff you talked about! I just adore Kris and Danny and would love for a family man (and Christian) to win the competition! I hope your voting worked! By the way, I was more than a bit excited to see that you went to MSU. Go dawgs!
May 6th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
THANK. YOU. for saying exactly what I felt? What is up with making R & R the theme this late in the game??? Totally unfair. Does AI feel they have had a lot of POP idols and now are trying to fashion it their way? PLEASE…we have enough fishy fixing in other reality shows. American Idol has always been a viewer-driven show…I think… It made me made they did this now. I am so totally glad Allison is gone. Not that I hated her, but I hope it shows the BIG WIGS what America…or at least their audience…wants~!!!!!!
May 7th, 2009 at 2:40 am
I’m glad Allison went home. I think next week should be “High School Musical 3″ theme and they should all sing “The Boys are Back”.
You know…cause…it’s…all….boys…….nevermind.
May 7th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Not sure if I’m getting old or what, but it all sounded like a bunch of screaming to me. I tivo, so I watched last night and Kris was the only one I could watch through. And the duets were both eh for me.
May 7th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
I completely agree. I have wondered why Adam got to sing last so many times before this, but I really do think they are trying to get him into the finals. I totally agree with the nails on the chalkboard comment. I am not sure why the judges think his screaming is good singing, but I am so tired of all the “rock god” comments. I think it needs to be a Danny/Kris finale. We also votes so many times we lost count for those two.
May 7th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Someone may have already said this in the comments, but what got me was the clips they played at the end to remind us of the numbers to call. They play great clips from each of them except for Danny. For his clip, they play the SCREAM at the end. Totally threw him under the bus!
I’m so glad Alison was voted off last night.
May 7th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Hmmm…I may get rotten tomatoes, but I like Glambert. Of course I think Kris is cute as a bug’s ear, too. And very talented. And Danny…so soulful. Don’t miss Allison. She’ll be fine. Actually, as a speech therapist, I’d lurve to have her as a patient. And then retire because I’d be wealthy. ;)
Lurved both duets.
May 7th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
I just wanted to say that I am so darn excited about the top 3 including Kris and Danny. Now if only they would kick Adam off next (yeah right) :-)
May 11th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
i definitely agree with your ‘rant’ about the rock & roll night: the order of singers, genre this far in, etc. and i do think the judges are making their comments to sway the voting for adam to win.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:39 am
I agree! Adam is always last or first singing AND when it comes to elimination they save him until the last. They build him up SO much. I don’t get it. I think Danny and Kris are just precious, but I’m very afraid that Adam is going to win. He is so cocky already too….