American Idol Top Ten Show Reaction

American Idol 3/25/2009
Reaction

Matt Giraud - Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye
Motown week fell right into Matt's wheelhouse. Matt has finally started picking songs that really showcase his Justin Timberlake-esque voice. His song choice this week was perfect and the performance was on the same level. All four judges approved and Matt may have usurped the top spot this week.

Kris Allen - How Sweet It Is by Marvin Gaye
Smokey Robinson really enjoyed Kris's audition but when it came to his performance Kris just gave us an average performance. I'm not sure exactly where it came from but Kris had to battle some feedback from the mic this week. Although tonight was not his best stuff, Kris should not have anything to worry about and he should be safe tomorrow night.
Scott MacIntyre - You Can't Hurry Love by The Supremes
Scott continued to impress with his piano playing tonight, unfortunately this is a singing competition. The judges ripped Scott's song choice pretty badly tonight and he didn't really do much to warrant a vote. Scott has more of a dinner theater voice and after tonight has put himself in some danger.

Megan Joy - For Once In My Life by Marvin Gaye
Megan seemed to take a step backward from her rehearsal with Smokey to her performance on the stage. In my mind her vocal disparity and sound was a lot better in the behind the scenes rehearsal. This and her cruddy dance moves make me think that her performance skills are sub par. Her voice is unique enough to have some Adelle/Duffy potential. This bundled with her looks should keep her around at least one more week, but she may find herself in the bottom three tomorrow.
Anoop Desai - Ooo Baby Baby by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles
Two weeks in a row now Anoop has brought his A game. Now that his advisor has helped him nail down his song choices, his stylist needs to step up and help him out with his wardrobe which has been interestingly plain the last few weeks. He still lacks some stage presence and performance skills but he is fully back in the running for this competition.
Michael Sarver - Ain't Too Proud To Beg by The Temptations
During rehearsals Smokey told Michael that he had to bring it a little more and get big for this song. When Michael came on to the stage he didn't heed Smokey's advice, or at least he misunderstood it a little. He needed to bring more passion and a little personality to the song, and he just sang a little louder and harder. Michael will not benefit from the pitty sick votes this week and will find himself in the bottom three.
Lil Rounds - (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave by Martha and The Vandellas
During the early rounds of the competition I thought that Lil Rounds was as good of a guarantee to succeed as there was this year. In the last few weeks, I have been really disappointed with her singing. Motown should have been a week were Lil excelled yet her performance was merely average. She should be safe this week, but needs to make some adjustments because fans are jumping off of her bandwagon rapidly.
Adam Lambert - Tracks of My Tears by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles
Lambert took a big risk singing one of Smokey Robinson's songs and threw us a curve ball by taking on a totally different look. A slick haired Adam sat calmly on stage in a suit and sang a really soft hearted version of Smokey's Song. He even got all the way through the song without his signature scream! Smokey Robinson and the rest of the audience gave him a standing ovation. I don't know that I agree with Simon and Kara in saying that it was the best performance of the night, but it was in the upper echelon of the nights performances.
Danny Gokey - Get Ready by The Temptations
In my mind Danny made the best song selection of the night in finding a song that worked perfectly with his voice. However I found it interesting that he went directly against Smokey's advice and let the back up singers end the verse. Even Danny said that it was a good idea during the interview. I know they were pressed for time but I'm shocked that none of the judges or even Seacrest brought up this point. It was a slight slap in the face to Smokey which I didn't like, but Danny should be safe this week.
Allison Iraheta - Papa Was a Rollin' Stone by The Temptations
As Simon is known to say, last week Allison was very "forgettable" and even slipped into the bottom three. This week she picked up her game and had a really good performance. I think that Allison is very good but her voice bothers me. Much in the same way as Myley Cyrus's voice bothers me. There is some sort of I have a lisp and my lips don't work right to her voice. Allison will be safe this week, but I know that I am not the only person who notices this hitch in her tone. For my random comment of the day, sometimes I feel like Allison thinks that she is above the competition and is too good for the show. This is something that may hurt her in future votes.

Overall Predictions: after the 3/25/2009 performance show

1. Matt Giraud
2. Adam Lambert
3. Danny Gokey
4. Allison Iraheta
5. Kris Allen
6. Lil Rounds
7. Anoop Desai
8. Megan Joy
9. Scott MacIntyre
10. Michael Sarver (going home)