Top 5 - Where's My Diamond Edition

Okay, maybe I was just upset that I misreported the musical theme of the week (I sincerely apologize to all my readers for getting you amped-up for some Neil Diamond. I will be sure to triple confirm internet rumors going forward.) Or, maybe I was too buzzed from tequila shots to watch last night’s “Rat Pack” standards episode with any rationality. I will just say out front that I had a tough time truly enjoying anyone’s performance this week. I look forward to the posting of your opinions to see if I was the only one to feel this way.

One more thing before I launch into my countdown. I have already expressed my disgust for the show’s director (no need to research and publish his name in this space) for not being able to end the show on time. Given the problems that they have had in this regard all season, how could they think that a 5-minute tribute to the greatness of Jamie Foxx was necessary? Just asking. Moving on now.

Matt SHOULD Go
Allison WILL Go (Please be wrong)
Nobody MUST Go (I think we do have a deserving Top 5)

5. Matt Giraud (Last week ranking: 5th), “My Funny Valentine” – So, this theme of “Rat Pack“ standards was supposed to be his specialty? Because of the hat? I’m confused. In my opinion, Matt is in desperate trouble. He had another week where he tried to do too much to the song vocally and just ended up all over the place. Plus, his performance nearly put me over the edge to dreamland, but I could say that about everyone on this night as they all went the balladeer route. With the thin ice that Matt has been skating, he needed to stand out and doing the same mode of song everyone else was doing was an unfortunate choice. Get back to the piano, Dude! One last thing on Matt, Simon’s defense of him smacked of “save the one that we saved so we don’t look stupid if he is sent home two weeks later”.

4. Kris Allen (4th), “The Way You Look Tonight” – I should have given up commenting on Kris long ago. Yes, he knows who is and usually does not “over do it” with his performances. But, if who he is bores me to tears…never mind. He sang fine. Nothing special. Unless you count that growth above his lip. Somebody help me by telling what that was supposed to be, because a mustache-attempt explanation would just be pathetic.

3. Allison Iraheta (1st), “Someone To Watch Over Me” – It’s official. I’m scared. Allison, I believe, is the best pure singer and true performer on the show (I’m talking to you, Adam), but the lack of charisma for this popularity contest is an absolute concern. In addition, she is continuing to pick these slow-build songs that can lose the A.D.D. audience that is America before she gets to her “money, belt-out” part of the song. Simon sees this, of course, and is pulling out one of his oldest tricks to save her: openly and clearly telling the American Idol voters that she is in trouble to try and bring forth a rally in complacent Allison fans. I hope it works. One more thing: Randy, I may never forgive you for implying any American Idol contestant could be better than Pink. You are delusional and need to seek help immediately.

2. Danny Gokey (3rd), “Come Rain or Come Shine” – How many times can I (and many other commenters) say that every song that Danny sings sounds the same? I guess as many times as Danny is here to perform, because, folks, he’s not going to change. And, really, why should he? The judges shower praise on him week-after-week. The fawning American Idol studio audience cries sympathy tears for his life situation every week. When you have a formula that is working, there is no need to divert just because RAD is tired of you earnestly screaming at him. By the way, American Idol audience, if you are going to clap while the contestants are performing (especially on a slow-ish song), please, please, please get some rhythm (you were totally throwing Danny off at the beginning of his passionate melody).

1. Adam Lambert (1st), “Feeling Good” – Sorry, TMC, but I missed the Cher thing again. Why? Because this dude tries so hard to make it impossible to focus on just one thing like that. I mean, seriously, the spotlight, the decension of the stairs, the suit? Good grief. But, Adam does not care if you love or hate him, just as long as you are watching him and then talking about him. Mission accomplished. Simon’s line to Randy (“…saying that you are surprised by Adam being theatrical is like you saying you are surprised by a cow mooing…”) might have been his best, funniest, and truest quote in the eight seasons of the show. I put Adam in the Number 1 position with great reluctance, but the signs are getting pretty glaring. Also, do you know how angry I am that my Top 2 now are the same Top 2 that Paula predicted in the week of the Top 13? Just awful.

Bottom 3 prediction: Kris, Allison, and Matt.

I can’t wait to see what you have to say.