TV: AI8 – The Dreaded Disco Night

First of all, I think I’m going to host a drinking game party during the finale of this year’s American Idol. Because if I make the ONLY item to drink on be the drivel that comes out of Randy’s mouth each and every show, we’d all be drunk by the end of two hours. Seriously. He’s just AWFUL as a judge. I’m sure a list has already been drawn up, but if “Dude, you can really sing,” isn’t on that list, then someone ain’t watchin’ the show.

Lil Rounds, “I’m Every Woman.” For this number I was at the computer, not WATCHING, just listening. It was pure caterwauling. It was terrible. The worst she’s ever been. I was happy when the song ended (and I love that song). Unfortunately, due to Simon’s harsh criticism, I feel the voters will call en masse and save her when she doesn’t deserve to be saved. Grade: D

Kris Allen, “She Works Hard for the Money.” This could have been really bad, but I liked it a lot. He stuck with the sound that he does well (that Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, John Meyer vibe) and had a decent arrangement. His vocals were spot-on. YAY, Kris!!! Grade: B+

Danny Gokey, “September.” This is one of my least favorite songs from the disco era. I hate it. Danny did what Danny does – it sounded no different than any other week he has sung. Yes, I said the same thing about Kris staying with his genre, but the difference is that Kris still makes it sound different. However, Danny’s growling is the same and gets old after a while. Grade: C

Allison Iraheta, “Hot Stuff.” Oh, Allison. I did not like this arrangement AT ALL. Vocally it was excellent, but the song was all wrong, and I fear she’s in danger despite being better than a couple other performers of the night. Grade: C-

Adam Lambert, “If I Can’t Have You.” It started out promising but then when Adam hit the bridge the arrangement went a bit awry and never quite recovered. Vocally he was okay (despite the screech midway through), but I think this was actually one of his worst performances from the whole season. But voters love him, and since he’s going to win this year, he’s totally safe. Grade: C+

Matt Giraud, “Stayin’ Alive.” Oh, Matt. No. No. No. The song was too fast and your vocals completely incomprehensible. Not only that, but for the first time this season you looked really nervous – and not just when the judging started. I think you knew before you even started singing that you were in over your head with this song choice. Grade: D+ at best

Anoop Desai, “Dim All the Lights.” Poor Anoop, he got the pimp spot and jacked it with a horrific last note. And did you see his face when the song ended? He knew he jacked it and probably thought, “Well, that’s it. I’m going home.” And what’s sad is that he did a decent job on the rest of the song. Grade: C

Bottom three? Lil, Matt, Anoop.
Going home: Other than Matt, no idea on the second person.

Lastly, a big THANK YOU to the AI production team who got rid of all the extra crap that kept making the show run long. We know the contestants well enough now that we don’t need the intro clips before every song. That probably shaved a good ten minutes off the show.