Nothing says St. Patrick's Day like Randy Travis, right? What's a matter Idol producers, couldn't get Bono on the line? Randy was here (and looking a little upset) to try and teach our contestants how to put a little twang in their tune. My best, good, and just plain ugly singers....after the jump!
For a gallery on last night's performances, click here.
THE BEST
Anooooooop Desai. He blew the other contestants away with his "You Are Always On My Mind." This guy can sing, something we forgot about last week with his subpar "Beat It." Paula said "this glove fits you." Simon said "you've just managed to go from zero to hero." Cast him in the next Vanilla Ice movie, why don't ya?
THE GOOD
Danny "Randy Travis Makes Me Uncomfortable" Gokey. His rendition of "Jesus Take the Wheel" was fanatastic. It had soul, range, and plenty of energy. He returned to form, well on his way of becoming our next American Idol. Once again, Paula struggled to speak while falling out of her shirt. And Paula? We all know Carrie Underwood steals her music from the internet.
Allison "Randy Ain't No Fun" Iraheta. Randy Travis told her not to do her dance moves, probably good advice. It wasn't her best performance of the season, but I really like this 16 year old. She always seems to have such a good time. Paula said "you'll be heading into the business." Simon said she's "verging on precocious." Again - she's 16.
Kris "Without His Guitar" Allen. Wow, this dude can really sing. Also, Randy Travis is officially weird. Whoa. Anyhow, Kris belted out a Garth Brooks ballad minus his guitar. He pulled off the lone guy on a stool routine pretty well, until he hit that final comical note. A nice little performance. Wait, who is this guy again?
Scott MacIntyre. Again, another very likable contestant. Scott is an inspiration each and every week he hits the American Idol stage. It started off a bit shaky, but Scott really hit his stride halfway through the song, and you can't overlook his skills on the piano. I agree with Simon - Scott needs to pick some better songs that aren't so forgettable.
Matt Giraud. This guy grows on me more and more each week. They like to throw around the phrase "dark horse" on this show? Well, with each performance he's showing a little bit more style. Kara said "there ain't nothing small about you." (Note to self: shut up Kara). Paula said "the honesty you bring with your delivery is unparalleled tonight" (note to self: shut up Paula).
THE UGLY
Michael "I Wonder If I Have A Blue Collar Job" Sarver. Ryan started by saying, "He's got a lot of words to memorize." In other words, he's got a lot of things to say, not many to sing. He mumbled through it. Simon said it best, "On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give it 1.2." Michael replied, "At least it wasn't zero." Wow.
Lil' "We Have A Pool" Rounds. Randy Travis looked so pissed off when she demonstrated her rendition of Martina McBride's "Independence Day." Like, "How dare you ruin the Sean Hannity theme song!" Carrie Underwood owned "Independence" on Idol, Lil' never came close. The song was just not right for her. The judges agreed. For a reminder, here's how it's done:
Adam "I Don't See Men Wearing Nail Polish That Often" Lambert. Wow, Randy Travis clearly let his true colors show. I think I'm ready to jump off the Adam Lambert bandwagon. He has talent, drama, a powerful voice - but man is it not for me. I was with Simon and hated his rendition of "Ring of Fire." I have no idea how Randy Jackson compares Adam to Nine Inch Nails...maybe because of the NIN/Cash "Hurt" renditions? Makes no sense.
Alexis Grace. Boy, does this little girl like singing some heavy songs. She sounded OK, but the judges continued to be angry that the contestants aren't picking more popular songs. Kara wanted her to sing "Last Name" or something equally slutty. Paula said "I don't care about the pitch problems." Maybe I should enter next year!
Megan "Don't Call Me Corkrey" Joy. I guess she dropped her last name for some reason? Anyway, this didn't work for me at all. The quirky dance moves are wearing thin. Although the song picked up towards the end, I was mostly bored. Kara and Paula reminded America that Megan has "been to the hospital and back" with the flu. Well, she's no Michael Jordan. Good effort, Megan, but it didn't work for me.
THE VERDICT
Drumroll please! My predictions....the bottom two will be:
MICHAEL SARVER and ALEXIS GRACE
And finally, say it with me.....
MICHAEL SARVER.......HE GONE!!!!
More thoughts tomorrow night, before we all return to Dharma Island (finally)! See you then!
