webgrits

Yes, I know, I suck. I didn't liveblog either Top 7 shows, but I have really good excuses.

For the first show, I was at the in-laws, AKA Adam Lambert Fan Club, River City Chapter. We'd gone to dinner, and, by the time we got to my BIL's house, I'd missed the first two performances. Everyone else was just happy they'd arrived in time to hear Adam Lambert screech out "Born to be Wild." I distracted my two year-old nephew to keep him on the other side of the house with me, lest Adam's voice make his tiny ears bleed. I think there were notes that only dogs could hear. I was so dismayed that I married into a family that likes Adam Lambert, I didn't really pay much attention to the rest of the show.

(Side note to the in-laws: I love you guys, but, really, Adam?!)

This week, I had my trip to see my GI at UAB, and, by the time we got home and AI started, I was unconscious. I woke up just in time, you guessed it, to hear Adam sing. Lovely. :-/

I have a theory: only people who were not alive and sentient during the 70s are nostalgic for them. I remember the 70s, and they sucked. And the only things from the 70s that sucked more than disco: bellbottom pants, lines for gasoline, and Jimmy Carter as president.

(Side note to picky people: yes, I realize that you can't truly be nostalgic for something you haven't experienced, but I couldn't think of another word and watch the Braves game, too.)

Even though Adam destroyed the only disco song I actually like, that wasn't the outrage of the evening. The outrage? Randy Jackson saying that the top 7 was the best on AI ever. Seriously? Better than the top 7 that included Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood? I think last year's top seven was better, and I can only remember the two Davids. While no season breaks artistic ground (oh, good Lord, I sound like Kara now), this is the most boring top seven ever, dawg. Even my focus group at work agrees ;)

Next week's theme is Rat Pack standards. If you thought disco week was bad, this should be a hot mess. I'm not a Sinatra (*gasp* heresy!) or Sammy fan, but they better not defile a Dean Martin song, that's all I'm sayin'.

And now, a moment of silence for Anoop...

Hello all! Yes, yet again, I got the ejected contestant wrong last week. I thought for sure the Vote for the Worst guys would keep Megan around another week. But she did suck, after all.

The theme this week is songs from the years they were born, which means that, sadly, I'll remember when each and every song came out. There should be at least one complete train wreck, as well.

Vote for the Worst is picking their new "favorite" during the show, so I'll keep an eye on their site.

Refresh after each singer unless, of course, you don't wanna.

(Hey, Typepad will let me autonotify Twitter when I post. Of course, I didn't notice it until after I started this post.)

Did y'all see the weird guy from Fringe in the audience? My husband is so happy that show is back this week. They're showing baby pictures of the judges, and Kara looks like a whiny butt back then, too. They're starting with the oldest contestant, which is...

Danny Gokey, "Stand By Me" (Mickey Gilley, 1980)

Okay, Danny, you look weird without glasses. What's with the flat notes everywhere? A boring performance so far, although Paula is getting into it. The last repetition of the chorus was done with an R&B kind of feel, which improved the song tremendously. Randy said he made him like a bad arrangement. Kara said he killed it at the end and turned it on it's head. Paula said all she could say was wow but then preceeded to drone on about chord substitutions. Simon said the middle was lazy but the end was good.

(Somehow I don't think a free sandwich with a meal is going to get Denny's the same response as a free meal.)

Kris Allen, "All She Wants to Do Is Dance" (Don Henley, 1985)

Well, he definitely doesn't sound like the original, which I really don't like. I'd much rather listen to Kris' version. The arrangement was good, and Kris is always on key.  Kara said it was like jazz class homework, but Kara's an idiot. Paula said he did a good job of changing up a monotone song. Simon said it was indulgent and boring. Could someone get that man a thesaurus?! Randy said he was lost in the arrangement. Ryan said Simon's critique was indulgent and predictable!

Lil Rounds, "What's Love Got to Do with It?" (Tina Turner, 1984)

Lil's mother explains that Lil is short for Lily and Lil's actual given name. Lil has a bad habit of not enunciating her words, which makes the song sound muddy. Of course, about the time I got that sentence typed, she started singing more clearly. She sang okay, but the last big note was weak. Paula said she needed to lead the song instead of letting the band lead it. Lil doesn't look happy. Simon said it was a second or third rate version of Tina Turner. Randy said she isn't listening to the judges and Tina is not her. Kara said the "artist" word, again, and that Lil doesn't have a good lower register.

Oh, please tell me Ryan doesn't mean Anoop is going to sing True Colors!

(Hey, when was the last time Matthew McConaughey had a hit?)

Anoop Desai, "True Colors" (Cyndi Lauper, 1986)

Anoop started with an apology for sassing the judges last week, which makes me think his lovely parents gave him hell when they talked to him last week. I love this song, so he better not screw it up. He has a nice song and does well with ballads, and I like how he's singing this. He's giving it a slight R&B feel, which surprisingly fit the song. Oh, he ended it with the falsetto the judges like so much. Randy said that it was a very nice vocal. Kara said he controlled the song instead of letting it control him. Paula said it was beautiful and magical. Simon said he's a singing yo-yo, doing better this week than last, and gave him permission to talk back to the judges.

Anoop is back!!!

(The VISA aquarium commercial completely freaks out my husband. Looks like someone was on an acid trip when they came up with the concept.)

Scott MacIntyre, "The Search Is Over" (Survivor, 1985)

Scott breaks out the ax - who knew? He manages to pick the last song anyone would ever associate with 1985, though. Wow, he's getting screechy, too. You can't fault him for enthusiasm, but his voice is forever shaky. Kara said it wasn't his best peformance with moments that were over-ambitious. Paula, like Kara, gave him credit for playing guitar but said the high notes were screechy. Simon suggested he go back to the piano and said the song choice was bad. Randy said it was just okay and didn't show him as a star.

Allison Iraheta, "I Can't Make You Love Me" (Bonnie Raitt, 1992)

Now this is a great song choice! Not only is it a great song, it is perfect for Allison voice. It allows her to show a ballad side while still having a rock feel. She's doing a good job and, again, sings like she's wise beyond her years. Paula loved her tender approach to the song. Simon said it was very good but that she needs to be more likeable. He said her personality isn't coming across. Randy said she reminds him of Kelly Clarkson and agreed that she needs to show her personality. Kara said she could make a record of now.

(I wish AT&T's service was as good as their commercials.)

Matt Giraud, "Part Time Lover" (Stevie Wonder, 1985)

Geez, was everyone born in '85? I'm not a fan of this song at all, so he can't make it any worse. Looks like he took the judges advice to go to the R&B side. The arrangement is different than the original, and he even tried some scat singing in the middle. Randy said it was vocally one of the best of the night. Kara said it was unbelievable. Paula gave him a standing ovation. Simon said it was a million times better than last week. They must be running out of time since they all gave him one sentence advice. Or maybe they're just saving time for their favorite.

(Domino's pizza would be good for dinner...hmmm...)

And, in the pimp spot, the judges favorite...

Adam Lambert, "Mad World" (Tears for Fears, 1982)

Okay, I love my in-laws, but I still cannot believe they didn't think Adam was gay. I mean, come on! Of course, Vote for the Worse helped me burst their little Adam bubbles ;) I wonder how many people have even heard of this song (I have!). It's Emo Adam! And, not to disappoint, it is quickly followed by screechy Adam. I wonder if this is the first Tears for Fears song on AI. I like this song, and I'm still bored. Ending sucked. Simon gave him a standing ovation. Oh, please.

So, who do I think will get kicked off? More importantly, who will Vote for the Worst support this week?

Well, according to their Twitter account, Scott is VFTW pick, so my pick for person being kicked off:

Lil Rounds

And she had such promise, too. Tomorrow night will tell, however. My husband, on the other hand, is mad that AI ran over into Fringe time.

I've not been doing so well on my predictions, so maybe this is the week I get back on track. After all, there's sure to be a train wreck this week, right?  Of course, with Vote for the Worst pulling for Megan, who knows what could happen...

As always, refresh after every performance to read the latest.

Oh, goodness, what has Allison done to her hair? And why are they all standing like robots? Like everyone else, I don't get the new judge introductions; they just look awkward walking out there. Oh, and SO SICK of hearing Kara talking about artistry. It's American Idol after all.

And if you thought Allison's hair was awful, check out that dress!

Theme: Songs that are popular downloads on iTunes.

Anoop is first!!!

Anoop Desai, "Caught Up" (Usher)

Huh? I'm older than dirt, so I've never heard this song. Maybe he's doing well, I just don't know. I guess this is supposed to be Tough Anoop. I just think he sounds silly saying "homies." Randy said he picked up his swagger but isn't the right song for him. Kara said he played it safe and sounded like a frat guy. Paula said the vocals sounded really good but that he needs to work on his stage presence. Simon said it was a complete mess and that he came off as a wannabe.

Oh, good Lord in Heaven, Megan is going to sing BOB MARLEY!

(Hey, Tom Colicchio, could you show a certain other Top Chef host how to make a classy commercial?)

Megan Joy Corkrey, "Turn Your Lights Down Low" (Bob Marley)

I hate to be hard on her, 'cause I like her personality. But geez, she was bad last week. Again with the hands, girl. Put. Them. Down. Okay, she's actually doing okay with this song, and it fits her quirky voice a lot better than the stuff she's picked lately. And my Plurk buddies will be glad she didn't do the creepy half twist this week. Kara said it was a bad song choice, but at least Kara isn't singing a song for her this week. Paula said she needs to take them by surprise and called her on the freaky movements. Simon said the song was boring, indulgent, and monotonous. Randy said it was like watching paint dry.

(The Beyonce movie looks beyond awful. And who's idea was the big URL across the top the entire commercial?)

Danny Gokey, "What Hurts the Most" (Rascal Flatts)

My husband just got home, and the beginning of this song stopped him in his tracks. I'm getting goosebumps. This is one of my favorite Rascal Flatts songs, and he did well. I think maybe the emotion of the song got to him. Paula said he did well and she'd definitely listen again. Simon said it was his best performance so far. Randy said tonight show really started with this song and he did really well. Kara said he moved everyone emotionally, and she got goosebumps, too. 

Allison Iraheta, "Don't Speak" (No Doubt)

Well, this explains the crazy hair and clothes. Allison is breaking out the guitar, too. Hey, did she just get the words wrong?! She's okay, I guess. Okay, what's the point of bringing out the guitar if you're only going to play five notes and then hold the thing? Randy said she rushed the band a little bit, but he mostly wants to know WTH she's wearing. Kara said she was dressing the part but that she was trying too hard. Paula thought the guitar added an edge but the rest of what she said made no sense. Simon said her outfit was something out of the Addams family and she shouted the song.

(I wonder how much bailout money went to making that Bank of America commercial...)

Scott MacIntyre, "Just the Way You Are" (Billy Joel)

Scott is going unplugged, just him and the piano. This is the best he's done is a few weeks, and his piano skills are on target tonight. His voice is still a little shaky, and who can blame him. Kara said it was a moving performance from an honest place. She loves the new look, too. Paula said he makes her forget that he faces challenges. Simon said it was his best performance by a country mile. He also likes the hair. Randy said he was one of the best tonight. BTW, the person that did Scott's hair should be beaten...a lot.

(Will the Fox April Fool's show involve everyone getting a bad net worm on their 'puters?)

Matt Giraud, "You Found Me" (The Fray)

Matt did not deserve to be in the bottom three last week, and, if believe Dial Idol, he wasn't. Oh, no, not a good start. He's off key, and his lower register just disappeared. This is not the song that's going to keep him out of the bottom three. He's mostly singing the same three words. Paula said he did not pick a song that showed off his strengths. Simon said he didn't get it at all and seemed like someone trying to be someone else. Randy said he picked the wrong song that didn't have enough soul. Kara said that he needs to stop going between the rock and R&B sides of pop but doesn't deserve to go home.

Lil Rounds, "I Surrender" (Celine Dion)

She looks very classy, but why did she pick this song? It sounds like something from Celine's Vegas act. Her big notes are going a little flat, and she's still coming off a shrieky. Randy said it wasn't a great song choice but she did it well. Kara said her performance was effortless and wowed her. Paula said she doesn't want to see an adult contemporary Lil Rounds. Simon said it was a safe choice that was old fashioned. Randy got a hug from Lil's daughter, who originally said she wanted to sock him.

(Was that Russell Brand in a KID'S movie?)

Adam Lambert, "Play that Funky Music" (Wild Cherry)

One question: who's downloading this on iTunes?  Really, come on. OMG, I just realized who Adam looks like this week: Sylar on Heroes. What's he doing now, the Funky Chicken? Not a fan of the falsetto or whatever that is he does. Paula is salivating and said he was true genius. Yep, she's stoned out of her mind. Simon said it was brave and original. Randy said he worked it out and was in the star zone. Kara said it was like Studio 57. Um, yeah, that's Studio 54, dummy.

(You could order a free medium pizza at Domino's today if you used the coupon code BAILOUT. By 10am, all the Domino's here stopped accepting the coupon.)

Kris Allen, "Ain't No Sunshine" (Lots of people)

This can be a great song, or it can be bad. And this ain't bad. I really like the string quartet accompanying him. The "and I know" bridge was very original, and the entire performance is great. I think the last note, however, was anti-climactitc. Randy said it was creative and cool. Kara can count words this week and said it was artistry. Paula said it could be his first single and was his best performance to date. Simon said he brought confidence and the arrangement was great.

Okay, if there's any justice in this world, Megan will be history. However, she still has the Vote for the Worst peeps in her corner, so, I think it will be:

Matt Giraud

It pains me to say it, too, but, after a bottom three performance last week, he just picked a horrible song to try to save his butt.  We'll see tomorrow!

Well, I missed most of the intro, but, come on, what could I have really missed so far? You know the drill: refresh after each singer :)

Matt Giraud, "Let's Get It On" (Marvin Gaye)

Oh, this should be good. I like the snazzy sweater and tie, and he's coming out from behind the piano, too. He's singing well, but not as a complete copy cat.  He did pretty well, although the backup singers were a bit off. Randy said he is a challenger for the top spot. Kara is being creepy flirty again and complimented him on coming out from behind the piano. Paula said he showed a sexy cool vibe. Simon said it was a cool performance and perfect song choice.

(One of the great things about the iPhone/iPod Touch would be CUT AND PASTE! Supposed to be in the next software version.)

Kris Allen, "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" (Marvin Gaye)

Smokey's got the neatest laugh :)  Aw, Kris is doing his John Mayer impression again. And, without fail, the backup singers come in and mess things up. Kris has a good voice, and he delivers a solid performance. Kara said he did everything right. Paula said he has an infectious personality and made a great song choice. Simon said he needs swagger and confidence to go along with his good song choice. Randy said it's all good, baby. My husband says Kris just needs to come out strutting next week, just for laughs.

(Butter, butter, and more butter - is it a Paula Deen commercial?)

BTW, did anyone hear about Ryan, Simon, & Randy predicting the final 3 on Jay Leno? They picked Lil, Adam *blech*, and Danny.

Scott MacIntyre, "You Can't Hurry Love" (The Supremes)

Scott just told Paula to take her no-piano suggestion and shove it.  Well, not like that, but kinda. Not feeling the song choice myself, but my husband is impressed with the backup singers at the piano. He's dragging a bit, but he seems more alive going into the bridge. My husband says it's got his foot tapping, and he can't stop it. Paula said that there was more life to the performance this week. Simon said it wasn't a great version and completely the wrong song choice. Randy agrees with Simon and says it was a hotel kind of performance. Kara said he brought tempo, but she didn't completely like how he changed the melody.

Paula busted out some crayons and coloring books for Simon. Not sure why...

(As creepy as heads bursting into popcorn in the Coke commercial is, it still makes me want to eat popcorn.)

(Oh, Mos Def is the guest star on the next episode of House!)

Megan Joy Corkrey, "For Once in My Life" (Stevie Wonder)

Smokey nailed it: Megan is half jazz, half cabaret! He said she is one of the most original contestants ever. Vote for the Worst is still pulling for Megan, but she's not terrible. She oversings some notes, and she needs her hands tied down to her sides. Oh, and my Plurk buddies think her half twist dance is freaky. She's screaming too many notes tonight, and the arrangement is completely overpowering her. I feel like I'm watching Ocean's Fourteen and a Half. Randy didn't feel it and said it was a train wreck. Kara is trying to show people she can sing again and said the song overpowered Megan. Paula said she's stunning, which means she didn't like the song. Simon said it was horrible and that she should fire whoever is giving her advice. And he said the arrangement was awful.

ANOOP!!!

(Hee hee hee, glow in the dark cheese crackers!)

Anoop Desai, "Ooo Baby Baby" (Smokey Robinson and the Miracles)

Finally, a song by Smokey! Anoop is awesome, and I can't believe how well he's singing the higher notes. He's hitting the notes better than anyone else has so far tonight. I liked how he started out sitting on the stage and then got up. Kara said he did a pretty good job at a difficult song. She's nit picking, and I bet she doesn't call certain other singers on missing some notes. Paula said he has a new found confidence and a sweet, tender falsetto. Simon said it was a great vocal but that he was too serious while singing. Randy said it was good but he needs to "get the party on" next week. My husband said the judges keep giving conflicting advice. I wonder if he's ever paid attention before tonight ;)

My post-Anoop Tweet: hooray for Anoop! The judges can't figure out what to do with him since he wasn't one of their anointed

(Maybe it's because I'm Southern, but I can't imagine that McDonald's biscuits are any good.)

Michael Sarver, "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" (The Temptations)

Smokey's telling Michael to bring it, so let's see what happens. Wow, where did his voice go on the high note? It kinda just disappeared. I think he's doing better than last week, and he's really getting into the song during the bridge. At the beginning, though, he was a little behind the beat, and I don't think the end sounded the way he attended. Paula said it was Las Vegas loungey (is that a word?). Is she crying? Simon said he was screaming and shouting the song and has no chance of winning. Randy said that song was too big for him and came off kind of corny. Kara broke out the "artistry" word again, saying he didn't have artistry. If she says Adam does, I may puke.

(Wow, Russell Crowe looks rough...kinda looks like I felt when I woke up this AM.)

Lil Rounds, "Heat Wave" (Martha and the Vandellas)

Oh, look at Lil! She got a 60s look going on. There wasn't a chance she was going wrong with this song choice, and she's doing pretty well. I think she's screaming a lot of the notes, though...or does my husband have the TV up too loud again? Either way, it's LOUD! Randy said it was the right kind of song and that she was rushing through the song. You know, he's got a point there. Kara also said it wasn't the right song and there was too much screaming. Paula said she looked unbelievable and owned the song. Simon said she did an authentic tribute to the sound of Motown but was the wrong song choice. He said if she picked a different song she could have had a moment

(Quote from my husband: "Doesn't dancing around in a Subway sound like something I would do?" Strange enough, it does *laugh*)

Adam Lambert, "Tracks of My Tears" (Smokey Robinson and the Miracles)

Who's he supposed to be this week? Elvis? Well, as much a I'm not an Adam fan, at least he's not screaming for a change. It's all an octave too high, though. I think my dogs were the only ones that heard that last note. Kara thinks he's an artist - TOLD YA! Paula said he's in his own league and noted he had no nail polish. Simon said it was the best performance tonight. Randy said he showed he can do anything. Even my husband thought it was good...turncoat!

(Carrie Underwood singing to ponies...um, yeah, whatever.)

Danny Gokey, "Get Ready" (The Temptations)

Uh oh, Danny didn't take Smokey's advice. Danny is singing well, though, and, for a change, the arrangement is very good. He's got a strong voice, and the performance was lively. Paula said it was great. Simon said it was clumsy and amateurish. Randy said it has great energy, if not his best performance. Kara said it was not great, but good. I hate when they start running out of time and don't give the singer decent feedback!

(Um, didn't they make this 17 Again movie two or three times in the 80s and 90s?)

Allison Iraheta, "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" (The Temptations)

I like how Smokey tells the background and meaning of the songs. Sing it Allison! This girl has got some soul and sounds wiser than her age. Love how she ended the song, too! Randy said it was blazing hot. Kara said it was amazing and her singing is from God. Paula has a drawn on mustache, which made Allison laugh. Simon said she is a survivor and it was her best performance yet.

So, who do I think will be history tomorrow? I've not been right much lately, but my prediction is:

Megan Joy

I mean, come on, she was AWFUL! The only thing that might save her is the Vote for the Worst voters. And, if Lil gets the least number of votes, the judges will just use their veto.

Hey, it's "Simon hates Country music" night! They really should just give him country week off.

I'm getting started late, but I'll catch up (that's the beauty of TiVo). Dinner with the hubby always trumps AI, but that doesn't mean I didn't watch in on Slingbox mobile on his phone all the way home.

I'll come back and add my Michael comments during a commercial break.  Refresh at will ;)

BTW, I LOVE country music. I (heart) Randy Travis, too.

Michael Sarver, "Ain't Goin' Down 'Til the Sun Comes Up" (Garth Brooks)

This is not the song I would have picked. It is chock full o' words, and, like Randy Travis said, it doesn't take much to get completely off course. While it was nice to see Michael have fun, it seems like he. was. just. dragging. along. Also, for country fans, this song is just too closely identified with Garth, and no one can sing it as well. Randy said it was a cool song choice for the fun factor, but it didn't show off his vocal abilities. Kara missed the big notes (that's 'cause he didn't sing them where they are in the original). Paula liked that it let us see him have fun and included a harmonica player. Simon didn't understand the words, comparing it to Norwegian, and said it was clumsy.

Allison Iraheta, "Blame in on Your Heart" (Patty Loveless)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song!  I think Allison is doing a good job with it, and she's not making it too cutesy at all. I like the country rock feel she gave the song, too. Kara said the performance was very solid, and Paula, as usual, parrots that assessment. Simon said it was good but thought she struggled to remember the words and was a little precocious. Randy said it was dope.

Kris Allen, "To Make You Feel My Love" (Garth Brooks)

Wow, that picture of him on the floor made him look rather...um...large. My husband sings this song to me, so Kris has big competition. Not as good as the hubby, but he's doing really well. Like Randy Travis said, he's doing a really good job of singing it in his own style instead of a Garth copy. Paula is surprised (has she not been listening to him so far?).  Simon said it was terrific and a smart choice of song. Randy said he too