Just In Time Blogging: The American Idol Recap: The Top 4 Rock Out!


Well, at this point, can I just say I like them all, but I loves me some Adam Lambert? And I really really would rather see two solos from each of these contestants than those silly duets.

The biggest down side to four judges? Too much talking, not enough singing. By the point of being to the Top 5 in past years, they were singing two songs apiece, but last week we only got one.

And this week, instead of two solos apiece, we got one solo apiece and a couple of duets. And the duets idea? I say can it. Don't care. How about you?

1. Adam sang Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love"

Yeah, well, vocally he's about the only guy I can think of that could take on Robert Plant's mantle. Jeff Buckley had the range but was a bit too ethereal, not quite powerful and earthily sensual enough. Adam had the power thing going in spades, but he could have been a little more sensual and a little less fierce. That is about my only criticism. This one was my cup of tea.

2. Allison sang Janis Joplin's "Crybaby"

This was supposed to be Allison's week, and in my mind: She did not disappoint. I actually don't know what Randy/Kara's problems were, except for the fact that they weren't as familiar with this Joplin song as with others. The song did absolutely have levels. She did have moments when she brought it down. And she showed great control and command...not just for her age, but for any age. I thought this was one of her best performances. And a terrific vocal.

3. Kris and Danny sang a duet of Styx's "Renegade"

Is it just me or did Danny look totally disengaged at the beginning of this? And then didn't he go all wacky and over-the-top at the end? Meanwhile Kris kind of beatifically did his thing in a weird Kris-like vacuum. This sounded pitchy. i did not like this. At all. Kind of a fun, unusual song choice, but that was about the only positive.

4. Kris sang the Beatles' Come Together

OK, that weird break aside, where he dropped the melody by an octave and got completely lost amongst he band and backing vocals? Let's forget that. The rest of it was nice. He's very nice. He's a talented guy with a great voice. But this didn't really show him off to great advantage. In offensive, but not impactful.

5. Danny sang Aerosmith's "Dream On"

Can I just remind Kara that "Dream On " is in fact "early Aerosmith"? Seriously, that was a bizarre incorrect reference. OK, to Danny. Sounds like he had a much better rehearsal than performance. I wouldn't agree with Slash that it's ALL about the last note, but that is a big moment. And it was way out of control. And not in a good way. Also, can he please stop saying his oooo vowels like Gomer Pyle. k thx bai. Still, I thought for most of this he rocked it. It was nice to see him go this direction, and I went along for the ride.

5. Adam and Allison sang Foghat's "Slow Ride"

Of course this sounded way better on Adam, being higher in his range and letting him wail, than it did on Allison, where most of it was somewhat low in her range. Together they made for a great pair though. So much more well-aligned than Kris and Danny. But Adam? please put your tongue back in your mouth. k thx bai.

Bottom line: I'm going to guess that the Bottom 2 will and should be Kris and Allison.

As for who goes home? I'm going to guess Allison. I think Kris had a worse night, but I think he clearly has a fan base that she might not, and it will be clear he is at risk, so his fans will get to work.

But what did you think?

Posted: Wed - May 6, 2009 at 05:17 PM       EmailFeedback

©