Topic: Idol-Talk
On last week's results show, the surprising twist was revealed to be the Judge's Save, which can only be used up until the Top 5. Under this new rule, the judge's can unanimously save an eliminated contestant if they feel that America got it wrong. And it can only be used once during the entire season. During the week that the Save is used, no one will be eliminated, but two will go home the following week. This is similar to my theory in the Top 13 blog post. The only main difference is that in my theory, the judge's would eliminate someone out of the bottom 2, whereas in actuality, the judge's would save someone after the elimination. This new rule has received mixed reactions. I actually think this is a good idea. Even though the show has always prided themselves on the results being America's choice, keep in mind that this rule can only be used ONCE during the ENTIRE season. On last week's results show, they said that this twist could have saved such contestants as Michael Johns, Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry. But Daughtry was sent home during the Top 4 week, which is the week after the rule expires. The really, truly shocking eliminations have always happened after the Top 5, so the judge's may not even use the Save. But I hope that if they do save someone, it will be a contestant who has a chance at winning, like Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey, or even Lil Rounds. I really hope they don't waste it.
Even though Anoop was with Jorge and Megan was with Jasmine before the eliminations, we don't know for sure if those two (Anoop/Megan) were in the bottom 4, since they never said so. They very well could have, since they both didn't do well.
Kelly Clarkson performed her newest hit, "My Life Would Suck Without You." I bought the Deluxe Edition of her new CD, and I just love it! I haven't watched the DVD part, but I love the songs. Besides the current single, my next favorite song is "I Do Not Hook Up," which I think might be her second single. If you do not have this CD yet, what are you waiting for? If you were wary about My December, you have nothing to fear when it comes to All I Ever Wanted. You can buy both the standard and Deluxe editions from the TV Watch Online STORE.
And one more note before I move on: we heard the new goodbye song, Carrie Underwood covering "Home Sweet Home." I think I have to hear it more to see how I would rank it against the previous songs, but Carrie can sing anything, and this is no different.
American Season 8: Top 11
Airdate: Tuesday, March 17, 2009 [8-10pm]
Theme: Grand Ole Opry
Ryan and the judges once again made their grand entrance. I still don't know what the point of this is, except to boost Simon's ego even more. He probably just wishes he didn't have to share the stage with Randy, Kara and Paula.
Randy Travis is this week's mentor for the country theme.
- Michael Sarver ["Ain't Goin' Down (Til' the Sun Comes Up)"]: With this week being country, he should have been great tonight. But the song didn't allow us to hear his vocal ability. Plus, I could barely make out the words he was singing. This could have been his week, but he blew it.
- Allison Iraheta ["Blame It On Your Heart"]: I loved how even though she sang a country song, she allowed her rock edge seep in once in a while. The song still allowed herself to show off her voice to the best it can be.
- Kris Allen ["To Make You Feel My Love"]: This is the first time I got to hear how nice of a voice he has. However, I wasn't blown away like the judges were, because there were a few pitch problems, a horrible final falsetto note, and it was kind of boring.
- Lil Rounds ["Independence Day"]: On American Idol, this is Carrie Underwood's song, so I am going to be more critical. The second half picked up to show off her amazing voice. But the first half was nothing special. Overall, I wasn't amazed. I'm not surprised, because she's an R&B singer.
- Adam Lambert ["Ring of Fire"]: This was the perfect song for him, but he could have done a rock version that was more edgy and not as slow, instead of this Middle Eastern/Rock version. I'm siding with Kara: it was strange, and I'm not sure whether I liked it or not. But I'm still glad he stuck to who he is and did not try to do country. This reminded me of all the times David Cook took risky moves by changing the style of the songs he sang.
- Scott MacIntyre ["Wild Angels"]: I agree with Paula that he should not always rely on his piano. But that wasn't the main problem tonight. There were some pitch problems at the end, and just overall, it was a forgettable performance. With no disrespect, I haven't seen an amazing performance from him yet.
- Alexis Grace ["Jolene"]: I haven't heard this song before, so I don't know if that is how the original sounds like, but I was disappointed. Country could have been a strong suit for her, but the song didn't allow it to happen.
- Danny Gokey ["Jesus, Take the Wheel"]: If you're going to sing a song by an Idol, you better be as good as the original. The first half was not that good, but once the chorus hit, his voice took off and we saw what we have always seen in Danny.
- Anoop Desai ["You Were Always On My Mind"]: After a Sanjaya-like performance last week, his voice tonight completely made up for it. He probably had the best voice of any contestant so far tonight. I was pleasantly surprised.
- Megan Joy Corkrey ["Walkin' After Midnight"]: I was thinking beforehand that with the right song, she could do well with country. And with her unique voice, she has no choice but to put her stamp on it. Save for a few pitchy notes, she gave a really good performance.
- Matt Giraud [Carrie Underwood's "So Small"]: I'm surprised that the Carrie Underwood songs are being sung by guys tonight. But Matt outsung everybody tonight and gave the best performance of the night. To take on a Carrie Underwood song, make it his own, and actually pull it off, I am blown away.
Favorite Performances: Anoop Desai / Matt Giraud
My Vote: Matt Giraud [10 votes]
Elimination Prediction: Michael Sarver
My Season 8 Vote Tracker:
Matt Giraud: 10 votes
Alexis Grace: 10 votes
Allison Iraheta: 10 votes
Adam Lambert: 30 votes
Lil Rounds: 10 votes
Total: 80 votes cast so far this season
I had an easy time making this week's prediction. Even though Scott was not that good, there was a lot of talk about his performance, unlike Michael, who performed first. That is why I picked Michael for the elimination. I think that Alexis will join those two in the bottom 3, since she disappointed us this week.
These past few weeks, whenever it is Paula's turn to comment, Simon has been making faces, looking over at Kara, and trying to rush her along. Simon has always been my favorite judge, but lately I have been getting annoyed by him because of his behavior toward Paula. I realize that he has constantly done this sort of thing over the years, but this season, it is happening practically every time she talks. I don't care what anyone things of Paula; just let her say what she wants to say, then we can move on to Simon.
If you want to buy any of the studio performances from tonight, visit americanidol.com/itunes.
That's it for today's Idol-Talk. See ya after the next elimination.
