Aired 3/25/09
Bunny: Tonight's theme is Motown. It's Motown's 50th anniversary, and the video package shows us the beginnings of this legendary label with comments from Berry Gordy, its founder. The Idols (except for Michael, who was sick) toured Hitsville USA, home of the Motown Museum in Detroit, and met both Gordy and Smokey Robinson. The latter is their mentor this week.
Apparently, Paula was told that tonight's theme was music from the Nutcracker Suite. Nice tutu.
RATING SYSTEM
Litterbox Level
Paws-itively Purr-fect
Matt Giraud
“Let's Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
Bunny: Piano man opens the show. He actually steps away from the instrument after the first verse. Now, I'm neither a Matt Giraud fan nor a Marvin Gaye fan nor a fan of that song, but in my opinion, this is his best performance to date.
Burke: I think Matt loosened up tonight; it was good for him to get away from the piano. It was a solid opening for the show. I'm not sure about the Mr. Rogers cardigan, though.
Kris Allen
“How Sweet It Is" by Marvin Gaye
Bunny: Another strong performance from Kris. He seems comfortable. And he changes it up enough that it isn't the same-old same-old. A few weeks ago, I didn't think he really belonged in this competition, but over the last two weeks he has changed my mind.
Burke: CONS: He didn't need the guitar. His crooked-mouth singing bugs me. PROS: Everything else was good.
Scott MacIntyre
“You Can't Hurry Love” by Diana Ross and the Supremes
Bunny: For a minute, I was afraid he was going to do the whole thing slow, but then he kicked up the tempo. I don't know why, because I normally like tambourines, but in this song they really bug me; they always have. How is it that he is suddenly able to walk around on stage and find the mark without help? As for the performance, I think it's better than last week, but it's not up to the level of the first two tonight.
Burke: Another bad song choice combined with another bland performance might be his ticket home. Not even his pink pants will save him tonight.
Megan Joy
“For Once In My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Bunny: I am so hoping that one of these days Megan will show the doubters why she's here. This is still not that day. She is original. She is beautiful. She does have potential. And I want her to do well because I like her (and—don't laugh—because I picked her to win). But it's getting exhausting waiting for her to deliver. The clock is ticking ... This performance feels forced and unnatural, and some of those notes are not good at all. It's like she has no concept of who she is.
Burke: She sang better with influenza. It's a different week, but she's the same train wreck. Bottom 3 with Scott and a yet-to-be-determined third person.
Anoop Desai
“Ooh, Baby, Baby” by the Miracles
Bunny: I'd like to see him get a little more style. The layered look he has going tonight is underwhelming. He seems a little unsure at times, but he sounds good. I can't rave about it, but it was good.
Burke: It was just all right for me. Not bad. Not great. Just good.
Michael Sarver
“Ain't Too Proud To Beg” by the Temptations
Bunny: It's true he won't win this thing unless the other nine contract the Bubonic plague, but I like his attitude, and I'm happy for him that he will get to have a blast during the summer tour. I'm sure the audience will enjoy him too. Paula's practically in tears because even she can't find the silver lining in this performance.
Burke: See Scott and Megan above.
Lil Rounds
“Heat Wave” by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
Bunny: She attacks the song as she does every song, with enough weaponry to subdue a small nation. Poor innocent song never even saw it coming. Lil is a good singer, but she is far from subtle. Paula is so applause-deprived after her critique of Michael, she throws honesty aside and basically anoints Lil as the next coming of Martha Reeves.
Burke: I like the retro look; reminds me of Dreamgirls. But I wish she would have picked a different song to highlight her strong voice.
Adam Lambert
“Tracks Of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson
Bunny: Wait a minute ... is that Elvis? No? Ricky Nelson, then? Pierce Brosnan? No, it's Adam sitting on stage, in a suit, with three musicians, and singing without screaming. Kara has six words for him: “One (1) of (2) the (3) best (4) performances (5) of (6) the (7) night (8).” New math, I guess. This is my favorite performance from him. Translation: It's the first time I haven't wanted to beat him with the mic stand.
Burke: I liked the cleaned up look—1950s Elvis, much? Quite a change from the Adam I know and don't like. While still not a fan, I think he was the best tonight.
Danny Gokey
“Get Ready” by the Temptations
Bunny: Why would a contestant damage his credibility by saying he's going to take the mentor's advice because he acknowledges the artist's years of experience, and then totally disregard said advice during the actual performance? He bakes a humble pie ... and then throws it in Smokey's face. He definitely is consistent. Consistently annoying.
Burke: I have to admit he is consistent from week to week, but it was just average for me.
Allison Iraheta
“Papa Was A Rolling Stone” by the Temptations
Bunny: Sometimes I have trouble understanding the words when she sings, but this girl continues to impress. It's hard to compliment her without mentioning her age. Like Kara said, you can't teach the innate ability that she clearly has in abundance.
Burke: I got nothing. After two hours, I'm just tired.
PREDICTIONS
Bunny: It pains me to say this, but tonight, Bunny's Bomb is Megan Joy. It's harder to predict who will go home from among her, Michael, and Scott. (I'm fairly certain it will be one of them.) In the end, I'll go with Megan Joy. My personal favorite this week is once again Kris Allen, with Allison and Adam close behind.
Burke: Burke's Turkey is Megan Joy, and I believe America will back me on this. She will be the one voted off. I hate to say it, but Adam was the best.
Prognosticats: Adam Lambert had the hairball performance. Lil Rounds will be going home. We await tuna.
Bunny: For whom will Motown be No-town? Join us tomorrow night for the results!
{ 3 comments }
Smokey Robinson has a staring problem…
I’m glad you folks have warmed up to Adam Flame-bert……..once you get past his gayness, he is actually the most talented performer in Season 8, in my opinion.
Well, the gayness is not the issue for us, it’s the screaming. He can hit any note he wants to and is clearly a great entertainer, but his voice just happens to grate on my ears. But I’m always interested to see what he’s going to do next!