Aired 2/25/09
Bunny: We’ve included links to this week’s performances on iTunes so that you can download your favorites. Let’s get into the show. Ryan enjoys saying “THISSSSS ... is AMERRRican Idol” entirely too much.
RATING SYSTEM
Litterbox Level
Paws-itively Purr-fect
Jasmine Murray
“Love Song” by Sara Bareilles 
Bunny: She has a nice rich voice, but she seems to be trying a little too hard tonight. It isn't quite as good as I was expecting from her. That said, she does at least start the show off on a better note than last week. She's a sweet girl, confident without being obnoxious.
Burke: Good solid effort, but not her best. I wasn't blown away by the karaoke. She could do and has done better. She reminds me of Paris Bennett.
Matt Giraud
“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
Bunny: Here's our hometown boy. Well, actually, home state, but close enough. At times his voice is a little too wavery, and I'm not talking about his vibrato. He also needs better breath control, but maybe it's just nerves. I do enjoy his voice, though. Paula says she heard him bring what he brought. Huh?
Burke: Funny warble, some odd notes. Should've worked more on singing, less on dancing. He is the male version of Jackie Tohn this week, and I'm afraid that will bring him down.
Jeanine Vailes
“This Love” by Maroon 5
Bunny: Another song with a gender switch, but I don't think that's the worst of her problems. It improves a little as she goes, but her movements are affected and herky-jerky. I have to admit right here and now, I far prefer John Stevens' version (from Season 3). And I hate to see her begging for votes as desperately as Tatiana.
Burke: Looks good but unfortunately doesn't sound good. Weird runs, weird notes. Her first appearance will be her last.
Nick Mitchell
“And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going” by every singer on the planet
Bunny: I guess it should come as no surprise that Norman Gentle is here rather than Nick. He adjusts the lyrics to fit his desire not to be eliminated. He seems to have become a crowd favorite. His comedy is better than his voice, and his comedy's not that good in my opinion, but I do admire a person who has the guts to stick to his shtick in the face of almost certain elimination. Did he just call Simon Sassypants? I honestly would like to know how well he would sing if he wasn't flailing around the stage like a rainbow trout on the shore. Even Ryan doesn't believe in him. He does seem like a good guy underneath. And after the show, every Idol reviewer will dedicate their longest paragraph to Norman like I just did.
Burke: Remind me again why they let him in? I feel sorry for the better singers who were sent home. What a waste of time. This performance was an insult to the 100,000 performers who didn't get in. I'm only giving him half a paw because according to Bunny's rules, I can't give him 0.
Allison Iraheta
“Alone” by Heart
Bunny: Despite needing the help of the Idol stylists, this girl rocks. The chorus is a little too strident, but I do love her smoky voice. Randy says "blew it outda box" about 17 times. And now Paula's using Randy's telephone book comment. Robots.
Burke: Finally, someone who can sing! I am impressed by the big notes. After her dorky interview with Ryan, her stage presence is phenomenal for a 16-year-old.
Kris Allen
“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
Bunny: It starts out pretty boring but picks up in the second half. He has a good voice, but unfortunately I think the only reason he has any chance whatsoever of standing out is that so many others are falling short tonight.
Burke: I thought he was all right. Seems like a nice guy, but overall, forgettable performance. No star quality to me.
Megan Joy Corkrey
“Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae
Bunny: Evidently, this is the season of the disappearing and reappearing names. The tattoos juxtaposed against the little-girl dress is rather weird, but Megan! Wow! I knew I picked her to win for a reason. She is this year's Brooke White, but even better. Except she talks back a bit. I'd hate to see her alienate voters by being bumptious.
Burke: Seems a little flat to me. Strange butt-shaking, kinda karaoke.
Matt Breitzke
“If You Could Only See” by Tonic
Bunny: He's not much of a dancer, but he's got one of the top male voices in my opinion. You can see on Matt Giraud's face from the balcony that he knows his chances are decreasing. It isn't the best song choice, though. When will these contestants learn that loving a song doesn't make it the right song for them?
Burke: A solid effort from the big welder guy, but he doesn't stand out in any area. Two is my number tonight.
Jesse Langseth
“Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes
Bunny: Perfect song for her. She bears a resemblance to Reese Witherspoon. She has star quality and a quiet self-assurance. She knows who she is and isn't afraid to own her choices. But why do the judges (Randy this time) always insist that if they don't pick a song with a huge range, they aren't showing their personality? There are a lot of great singers out there who don't have terrific range. Not that she doesn't, I don't know, but not every singer has to be Mariah Carey.
Burke: I think she picked a good song for her. She looks like she's in pain while singing. Good but not great.
Kai Kalama
“What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” by Jimmy Ruffin
Bunny: Likeable guy with a cool name and a good voice. Another song that the judges will probably tear to shreds, but I enjoyed it. He isn't the best of the night, but good.
Burke: Like his voice, enjoyed the song. I am pleasantly surprised. Oh, Buckwheat called and wants his hair back.
Mishavonna Henson
“Drops of Jupiter” by Train
Bunny: Interesting choice, but I think it's a good one. Impressive performance. Kara's advice to loosen up a bit is right on, however.
Burke: I liked it. I'm happily surprised by her power. The teenagers rocked tonight. She's second only to Allison.
Adam Lambert
“Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones
Bunny: I'm not looking forward to the screaming. And I don't mean by his fans. If Von Smith is Shouty McShouterson, then this is Screamy McScreamerson. He clearly knows how to work a stage, I'll give him that. But please, stop the assault and battery on my stirrups and anvils.
Burke: I haven't been a big fan of his, and he didn't change my mind tonight. I know I'm in the minority, but his Adam Ant hair, Billy Idol sneer, and girly-man screaming turn me off.
PREDICTIONS
Bunny: Overall, this week was much better than last. Is there any question that Bunny's Bomb has to be Nick Mitchell? Survivors of tonight's voting will be Adam Lambert, Jesse Langseth, and Allison Iraheta, my personal fave tonight being Jesse Langseth with Megan Corkrey a close second.
On a side note, I didn't used to be an American Idol conspiracy theorist, but always giving the last spots to The Chosen Ones is really starting to annoy me. You think, maybe, possibly, perhaps Lil Rounds might somehow get the sweet spot next week? I would like them implement true randomization here. It seems to me that the producers are showing a rather pathetic lack of confidence in the young singers who are already lining their pockets. What—if they don't sing last, no one will remember to vote for them? Come on, show them you believe in them by giving them the opening slot! I dare you!
Burke: Burke's Turkey is Nick Mitchell without a doubt. After him, things picked up. It's the Gentle Effect: Anyone singing after him is good by default. He's probably the worst of all time. The three who will go through are Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, and Jasmine Murray. Personal favorite tonight: Allison Iraheta.
Prognosticats: We get hairballs from listening to Jasmine Murray. If we had opposable thumbs and could vote, we'd go for Kris Allen, Jesse Langseth, and Allison Iraheta.
Bunny: See you Thursday night for the results!
