Adam Lambert cleans up nice (photo courtesy Fox)
American Idol revved up the competition by featuring the sounds of Motor City. With mentor Smokey Robinson, and special guest Motown founder, Berry Gordy, American Idol's top ten celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Motown sound during a special Wednesday night edition of the top-rated talent contest. Just like Randy Travis last week, Smokey smiled and coddled the contestants during their one-on-one time.
Matt Giraud's rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic, Let's Get It On got things going. He began seated and playing the piano, but stepped away to delver what the typically caustic Simon Cowell admitted was, "A Brilliant choice of song," adding "your voice absolutely suites that style."
Next up was my least favorite contestant, Kris Allen. Don't get me wrong, he's a cute kid, but he is boring! Boring with a guitar. Kris sang How Sweet It Is. The judges seemed to like it, but Simon indicated in order for him to succeed, he needs to be conceited. If anyone knows about being conceited, it's certainly Simon.
Scott MacIntryre took to the stage next ignoring Paula Abdul's advice from last week to step away from the piano. Scott seemed to take the title You Can't Hurry Love literally, as he slowed down the beginning of the usually peppy tune considerably. Thankfully he got the tempo up to speed shortly, but it wasn't enough for the judges or me. The three backup singers seemed forced and out of place as they stood by the piano. Kara commented he didn't "Nail it." I was really surprised that no one commented on his horrible wardrobe, a light brown jacket over a pale paisley print shirt and pinkish-salmon pants! I know he's visually impaired, but couldn't someone tell him it wasn't 70's night? Oh come on, you know you were thinking the same thing!
For Once In My Life was the song choice of Megan Joy. I usually love Megan's quirky tattooed skinny white chick doing Billie Holiday, but it was pretty painful. Randy Jackson said she seemed rushed, While Simon summed it up brutally but perfectly when he said, "The good news...you look good, the bad news...it was horrible."
Anoop Desai's version of Oooh Baby, Baby and Michael Sarver's Ain't to Proud to Beg put me in mind of Goldielocks. Anoop came across as too cold, with a boring performance that of course Paula said was "Sweet." Michael on the other hand was too hot, and NOT in a good way. Paula, in one of her most honest moments said his take on the Temptations classic was "Tough and Las Vegas lounge-y."
While Randy seemed tougher on Lil Rounds than necessary, my girl didn't let me down. For me, she was the best female performance of the night as she sang Heat Wave. She lived up to what she said in the taped piece, "I want to do this for Martha (of the Vandella's, the group who made Heat Wave a hit), Diana Ross, Thelma Houston and Aretha Franklin. Simon's calling her an authentic tribute to Motown, was likely meant as a backward compliment, but he did go on to say he was, "One of the best singers we have in this competition."
My other favorite, Adam Lambert, who last week got lambasted by some for his unique take on Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire, conjured the looks of another music legend, when he appeared onstage with his trademark black and cobalt blue Pete Weitz'ish moptop slicked back into an Elvis-like pompadour. He went from rocker to crooner with his acoustic version of Smokey's own Tracks of My Tears, and at the very end of his performance, I was just waiting for a little tear to trickle down his face. Kara DioGuardi revealed that she had 6 words for him, then stupidly uttered 8, "One of the best of the night." Simon trumped Kara by saying he disagreed with her and calling Adam, "The best of the night," adding that he had originality, relevence and song choice.
Danny Gokey was up next as he blatantly disregarded Smokey's advice by having the backup singers take the second lines of each phrase of Get Ready. The judges' critique of Danny was rushed as the two-hour show was nearing its end, but they were split. Simon called it clumsy and amateurish, while Randy loved the energy. Kara channeled Paula when she said, "I love your energy," and Paul didn't by gushing over him.
The youngest contestant, Allison Iraheta finished off the night was a typical (for the little girl with the big voice) rendition of Papa Was a Rolling Stone. Randy was a bit too enthusiastic calling it, "Blazing hot." Kara encouraged America to "vote for her." Paula, apparently knowing there were mere seconds left in the show simply said, "Amazing," while Simon kindly said after a terrible week last week, that this was on of her best performances. Me, I just don't like this girl.
As always, This week's songs are available as full versions for purchase on iTunes, and host, Ryan Seacrest informed the audience that the downloadable versions for this week feature the contestants singing to the original Motown studio instrumental tracks. Being a fan of the real sound of older recordings, I'm interested to see if I can pick out any difference than if they just recorded with a live current studio band.
The tribute to Motown continues tonight when Smokey Robinson teams with Joss Stone, an amazing young Brit, who I think Megan could aspire to be. Also performing tonight, legendary Motown artist Stevie Wonder and former American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard. Results of last night's voting will be revealed so watch to see if Michael, Megan or Allison gets sent packin'. Please please let it be Michael. I've given Kris a reprieve this week, since I was wrong about his last week.
FInally, it has been leaked that Jennifer Hudson will be on-hand after the telecast of tonight's show to pre-record an appearance that is to be included into a future Idol airing.
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