American Idol

American Idol Elimination Week Season 8 Episode 36 Review by Connie Norberg



This review brought to you by: http://www.tvgorge.com



Tonight's show was definitely full of surprises. When the entire top 4 sang "Schools Out" by Alice Cooper, it was brilliantly improvised. I think it is becoming clear on who is going to be in the final show by that performance alone. I was very pleasantly surprised to see Paula Abdul take the stage and sing, "(I'm Just) Here For The Music". I must say however, I was a disappointed to hear the vocals, as they seemed to be on auto-play. It seemed to be what was apparent to me, that she was lip syncing to the lyrics. It wasn't until the very end of the song that you could clearly hear her out-of-breath from the dancing she did on the stage. I'm still a very big fan, just disappointed. It only seems fair to the contestants and other performers who take place on that stage to have to sing live.



And as a very big fan of No Doubt, I was really looking forward to seeing Gwen Stefani on stage. But again, I confess, I was disappointed. Gwen Stefani was completely out of breath as she was singing and it made the performance seem sloppy. At least it was clear she was not lip syncing. Although I am excited to know that No Doubt is working on another album while on tour.



Getting down to the finalist: it appears that the first one to be safe, after over 64 million votes, would be Kris Allen. He seemed to be shocked and humbled at the results. With their first debut on American Idol, Daughtry sings, "No Surprise". As a follower of American Idol and a fan of Chris Daughtry, I was happy to see Daughtry perform as a band on the American Idol stage. Chris Daughtry has always been a true rock performer and I was very happy with his vocals. The band was a great compliment to his performance on stage. I am looking forward to their new album coming this July.



The next one to be sitting pretty on the silver-safe chair was Adam Lambert. Of course, I am not surprised in the least. Adam Lambert's performance has always been exciting to watch and his vocals are near impeccable. I am sure he will be one of the final contestants on this Season's show, without a doubt.



When Ryan Seacrest announced that Danny Gokey was safe, I was again, not surprised. I had suspected it would come down to Allison Iraheta or even Kris Allen to go home. I find it odd that not only was Allison Iraheta booted off during Rock Week, but that she was the last female contestant on this Seasons show. But Allison Iraheta is still just 17 years old and already has a very bright future for herself. I'm sure the elimination tonight will not stop her from succeeding with high honor in the music industry.



So with only the men left, I am going to speculate that the final 2 will be Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert. Next week will be 2 song week – 1 will be the judges pick and the other will be their own. I'm sure the "Boy's Club" will not disappoint.



Review Source: http://www.tvgorge.com

I do think that the Adam Lambert who brings the idea of vocal range to a very HIGH plateau I have not seen yet. Whether he gets to be the one who wins, he is truly destined to a record deal no matter what.



As for Allison Iracheta has what a-lot of artists dream of. The ability to claim reign on the audience, to use her impeccable range and stage presence to captivate the audience into awe...at the age of 17...wow.



Danny Gokey is awesome at the genre' that is his. He has the ability to captivate an audience from his heart. His vocals and range are as if he is telling you,and I have the emotion and the intensity of what his songs bring to music, again not easy to do. Kris Allen has some range, but let that not deter you. To see him sing is a breathe of fresh air. I can see he is having fun, and is very passionate when singing. Does need to look in the mirror when sing to see what he looks like, stage presence is a big part of singing. (eyes, eyebrows, mouth, lips, forehead, chin) They are all very talented in the own right! With a few things that if worked on ....would be perfect.



Brian B.

Chillicothe IL