Top 11/Just Sing and Shut-up Edition

I have fallen in love with the worst-to-best chance to become the American Idol winner format of last week, so I will stick with that going forward. But, first, one overall observation: this trend of engaging in a debate with the judges when you do not like what they say must end and end now (I’m talking mainly to you, Scott, but not exclusively).

Adam SHOULD Go

Michael WILL Go

Megan MUST Go

Megan Joy, “Walking After Midnight” (last week’s ranking: 11th) – Okay, I will give her a touch of sympathy for being so sick with the flu, but it is beyond bothersome how openly the judges and show producers are shoving her down our throat. She is not a good singer when sick or in perfect health. And, that ridiculous shimmy-shimmy dance of hers is just sad. For goodness sake, she caw-cawed at us last week.

Kris Allen, “To Make You Feel My Love” (10th) – I am actually not sure why this guy bothers me, but he just does. It is probably due in part to the same reason for my ire against Megan: the judges are touting this guy…HARD, but my ears hear him very differently. One more complaint, Kris did not sing a Garth Brooks song, Paula. This is a Bob Dylan song which has been covered most recently and most excellently by Adele (I wholeheartedly recommend that you download it tonight). I don’t care what the judges say: this guy has no shot.

Adam Lambert, “Ring of Fire” (6th) – If America could vote someone off (instead of voting to keep someone on), I think this guy would definitely be finished. Right now, I only think he “could” go. He’s got his “style”, and he does not want to change for anybody. Fine. But, he did not have to be so utterly disrespectful of Randy Travis and every country music fan that watches the show with his complete dismissal of their genre. I honestly didn’t mind the performance that much, but the attitude he showed is going to linger on him and will be the reason he goes away.

Michael Sarver, “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up)” (9th) – When did Grand Ole Opry Night mean Garth Brooks Night? Whatever. This guy bores me even when he is trying to turn it up with a fast song. I swore I saw his kid yawn too. Add the fact that he drew the dreaded first performer slot and is so easily forgettable anyway, I think he is in trouble tonight.

Anoop Desai, “Always on My Mind” (8th) – Song was okay although I can’t gush over the performance like the judges. I’m just happy he finally has someone else picking songs for him (that MUST have happened, right?). I wasn’t loving the hoodie outfit though, but I’ll let that go.

Danny Gokey, “Jesus Take The Wheel” (7th) – It’s official. We have Taylor Hicks redux. Always a lot of energy. Puts everything into his performances. Not a super singer. He’ll eventually run out of gas. Taylor Hicks was lucky because his competition was weak. Danny is not that lucky.

Lil Rounds, “Independence Day” (5th) – I want a rule. Any song ever sung on the show by Carrie Underwood in her season should be banned, because anyone who sings it will always pale in comparison. Nevertheless, I was impressed with Lil for trying a straight country song and not Blige-ing it up. She is showing me courage and range. I feel better about her chances now (even though her ranking has not changed).

Scott MacIntyre, ‘Wild Angels” (3rd) – I wish he could sing better, but he still has a lot of wave to ride. But, if he keeps arguing with the judges, he will be putting himself in jeopardy.

Matt Giraud, “So Small” (4th) – This is the guy that makes Scott look bad. He plays the piano just as well and he sings better. He sung a Carrie Underwood song (very risky), but, to me, he pulled it off. By the way, this does not violate my no Carrie Underwood rule. They should be banned from singing a song Carrie Underwood sang on the show in her season.

Alexis Grace, “Jolene” (2nd) – Not at her best this week, but even her non-best is better than almost everyone else. I am really concerned, though, about the judges forcing her to “bring the dirty back”. You all know my feelings on this.

Allison Iraheta, “Blame it on Your Heart” (1st) – Simply the best contestant they have had since Kelly Clarkson (Carrie Underwood didn’t figure out stage confidence until after she won). And, she is only 16! She could stumble, of course, one of these weeks, but I will be very sad if that happens.

About the judge save option: I love it. It adds drama to the show, and it can give an obvious talent like Carly Smithson another chance after picking a bad song or something. Of course, the pressure on that saved person will be enormous afterwards, but that’s every day in show business. I think the only ones they would use the save on this year are Matt, Alexis, or Allison.

I need you comments!