"American Idol" 2009: They got it half right...

April 22, 2009 at 10:01pm

It was the "historic" double-elimination episode (I believe we had a two-fer once before, in Season 6, right after "Idol Gives Back," but I could be wrong). Tuned in just in time to see Lil get the abrupt insta-axe. Not terribly surprising, especially in light of the beatdown she got Tuesday night, and had been getting for the past several weeks. I still argue that the judges' "We don't know the artist you're trying to be/That song doesn't suit the artist you are" critique was patronizing and made little to no sense. Forced to do an encore of "I'm Every Woman," she sang the song much better than she did originally - it was much more controlled, certainly. But I don't know how she could argue that it wasn't a pale imitation of Chaka Khan. Also, her outfit was REALLY bad, and made her look stumptastic. Best of luck, Lil. I will miss your wonderful wigs.

Then we went to a disco medley, kicked off by Freda Payne with "Band of Gold." Freda still looks pretty damned good (albeit nipped and tucked in the face), and the woman has GUNS. I felt strangely inadequate whenever she flexed. She sounded pretty good, if a bit out of breath in parts. Then we segued to Thelma Houston and "Don't Leave Me This Way," one of my favorite disco songs. But THELMA! Please watch that skirt! I was about to Thelma your Houston, and I don't want to do that! She looked like Big Bird, you guys. KC of KC and the Sunshine Band rounded things out, looking not unlike Tony Soprano's musical cousin. He has absolutely no voice left (although I don't think voice was really ever the selling point for any of his songs) and just kind of squeaked through "Get Down Tonight." How can you have a disco medley without Donna Summer? Un-American!

Results: Kris safe. Duh. Adam safe. Double duh. (And if that's not his boyfriend in the audience with his family, I am a hippopotamus.) Danny safe. And there's your Final 3 for the competition, almost without question at this point. Anoop in the Bottom 3. Totally deserved after Tuesday night, in which he was dreadful. (The non-Simon judges were crack-a-lackin'.) Matt claimed he did the arrangement for "Stayin' Alive." Really? Sounded fairly similar to the Bee Gees to me. He got spared, which meant Allison ended up in the naughty chair. That's too bad, I thought she was great on Tuesday (and that outfit was killer). I don't think Matt should take this as a sign of America's renewed interest in him as much as America kind of forgetting Allison in the shuffle.

And then a performance from last season's runner up, David Archuleta. Archie just makes me laugh when he sings. Clearly the kid can sing, but he has that goofy grin and those sleepy eyes, and all I can think of is that he's up past his bedtime. I worry that he has no soul, you know? He's just this tiny puppet or toy soldier that goes out and does his time on the stage, and then is plugged in backstage or something. Like Small Wonder. Remember that show?

And Anoop and his terrible facial scruff got sent home. Phew! I was seriously concerned about Allison for a few seconds there, and even more terrified of the idea of the sausage fest that would be a Final 5 comprised of Anoop, Matt, Danny, Adam, and Kris. Anoop sounded better than he did on Tuesday as well - still can't hit that last note -- although I still think the arrangement was lousy. And, hey, the dude came in sixth place. That's really not bad for a Wild Card choice, although he was survived by Matt, which is unfortunate.

Comments for ""American Idol" 2009: They got it half right..." (24)

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tim said on Apr. 22, 2009 at 10:18pm

DING THE WITCH IS DEAD THE WITCH THE WICKED WITCH IS DEAD... as for Anoop, that's sad... he wasn't going to win, but you can tell he always gave it his best... Matt should of been in the B3 at least... Allison did not deserve that, esp over Matt and Goeky...

Kyuu said on Apr. 22, 2009 at 10:20pm

"And if that's not his boyfriend in the audience with his family, I am a hippopotamus."

Then I have to say that I'm surprised there are hippopotamuses in Rochester. Adam said in an interview he was single - and he's given us no reason to doubt he was lying. He's been upfront about his sexuality, so if he had a boyfriend, I don't think AI could've done anything to stop him about telling the world about it.

That's very likely Adam's ex. They're apparently on good terms though. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it's more likely than your argument.

Eric said on Apr. 22, 2009 at 10:29pm

Adam has been upfront about his sexuality? Did I not just read an article in the Times last week discussing how the show and Lambert have been totally tight-lipped about the boy-kissy/drag photos that have been making the rounds on the Internet? Clearly I'm not nearly as well versed in the man's personal life as other people are, but I don't remember him ever officially acknowledging his sexuality. Which I agree shouldn't be an issue in this competition, but let's face it, it is. The gay issue is still a major taboo in this country. I mean, look at what happened this weekend at Miss USA...

susan said on Apr. 22, 2009 at 10:37pm

I'm glad to see Anoop and Lil go. They are pretty good church soloist, wedding singer types.

Adam Fan said on Apr. 23, 2009 at 6:20am

"The gay issue is still a major taboo in this country?" WTF. Miss California lost because of her opinion on gay marriage. Had she lied, and been a little more politically correct, she might very well have taken the crown. And Adam is about as open as the producers will allow him to be. I am sure all this will be put to rest when he finally takes HIS crown.

Pat said on Apr. 23, 2009 at 8:06am

I love Danny and hope he is our next idol. Adam is good but Danny is more down to earth and can sing everything.

barbaraa said on Apr. 23, 2009 at 8:33am

ADAM - to care what/who/when/why of Adam - Oh Please. There must certainly be a reason for it mentioned - ah, cute isn't he? HA. HA. From someone that has not tracked life on a fence and knows her sexuality - give it up...simply enjoy him, want him for your own - and then listen to the vocals.........yips!! XOXOX

Cathy said on Apr. 23, 2009 at 8:49am

Both Anoop & Lil sang better last night. I, too, think Matt should have been on the seats and not darling Alison. I totally get the judges comments about Lil NOT having a singing style.

Eric: I agree with you. I dont; think people should have to hide who they are in order to keep anybody happy...I also am not interested in who people chose to sleep with. Their call/their love. This is a singing competition.

Bernie said on Apr. 23, 2009 at 10:01am

How about this....Now I'm not saying the voting is rigged... but, well, yeah maybe I am to a degree.....

Do you think that Matt was not in the bottom three to make a sticking point that the judges were correct in giving him the save?

Cathy said on Apr. 23, 2009 at 11:51am

Bernie: GULP!

Bernie said on Apr. 23, 2009 at 1:48pm

Cathy, I didn't mean to provoke the American Idol Gods!! :) I just feel like every week Matt was in the bottom with Lil and Anoop and the week after he gets saved he's golden? Hmmmm.....

jeanne said on Apr. 23, 2009 at 2:56pm

That is Adam Lambert's brother in the audience with his parents

Cathy said on Apr. 23, 2009 at 4:19pm

Bernie: I completely understand and think you may be on to something. Just slightly shocking. (aren't I old fashioned!)

Vera said on Apr. 23, 2009 at 5:58pm

That guy in the audience with his family is his brother, Neil. You guys get over the gay thing. He has a brother - they are close - his brother is a writer. Do your research before placing inuendos.

Danny Fan said on Apr. 24, 2009 at 9:16am

I think everyone is overlooking Danny He is so smooth, sincere, and if the judges were not so partial to Adam, they might give him better marks. Seems like they don't want to overshadow their pick. This is the worse year for judging as I see it. Listen a little more.

madmama said on Apr. 24, 2009 at 9:25am

I absolutely LOVE Adam and Danny. That's crazy b/c they are so different. But I am so cool with either one becoming the AMerican Idol. ALthough Adam is far more talented. But just have to comment on a couple of threads: The "gay taboo thing" and the Miss USA pagent....she did not bash homosexuality. She simply said that she didn't agree with gay marriage. She was asked her opinion & she gave it. Just because "you don't agree with something" doesn't translate into hatred. There are losts of lifestyles that I don't agree with, but I don't hate, mock, or bash those who do.

Dana said on Apr. 24, 2009 at 12:26pm

When there is a person in the top 10 with the extreme talent that Adam has, I can see why the judges are reserved when it comes to praising any other singer. Not one of them can touch him. Really the competition is over, it's just a formality at this point. American Idol has never seen the talent that Adam Lambert has shown us and I have no doubt will continue to do so. Great job Adam!

steph said on Apr. 24, 2009 at 4:52pm

OK I'm TIRED of Adam's tongue. I think he peaked my interest inw the wierd Ring of Fire. Matt should be LONG GONE..What the heck is this torture for Allison? Lil, Matt and Anoop should be gone. Good? Oh Yeah, but Matt just can't bring me outta the boy band mentality. Lil? Damn u r good but instead of saying "WTF" u caved. You r so talented!! Anoop, I'm so sorry but you sound so good as anybody. I want an Idol. Allison PLEASE bring it on. Show some softness AND kick ass but for once make it more soft than screaming. I WANT U TO WIN!! Adam I can find u on broadway anytime without the tongue:-S But u do kick butt:-) Allison u r our everyday girl kicken. Chris? If you would get rid of the boy hitch in ur voice I'm there 4 u.

Bob said on Apr. 24, 2009 at 7:51pm

To Dana: This year may prove to be different but historically the run away horse has never run away with the title (see Hudson, Doughtry, Doolittle and Archuleta.) I'm thinking Kris may be nipping at Adam's heels. So we will just have to stay tuned.

Chris Fan said on Apr. 25, 2009 at 2:17pm

Chris is the dark horse with little tv time and little pomp and circumstance. I think he is everything "Idol" is about. Somebody that can become a star because he had the nerve to try out for "AI." I know Adam is greatly talented and I could care less about the gay issue but I think he has "too much" experience to be in the same category as other "AI" winners. My vote is for Chris with that awesome ability to make a song his own and the chops to belt it out! Go Chris!

marie said on Apr. 25, 2009 at 10:45pm

yes I think Lil should have still been there Randy and samual put her down every week nothing good to say

linda henry said on Apr. 26, 2009 at 11:33am

Adam is unique but he maybe getting over confident with himself from all the attention, I rate him more as a Broadway star than an Idol star. Kris has hidden depths he plays piano and guitar and the cameras have a love affair with his face you could see him acting in film - the best is yet to come watch and be amazed.

Christine said on Apr. 26, 2009 at 3:26pm

I like Kris for what he's been bringing to AI. But Adam owns AI. The competition is who will be in the finals with Adam. Kris though I respect and admire his creativity, he has no star power. He is a musician but not a star. Adam is a star and will become a legend in this generation. In Adam, we are witnessing greatness. No one comes close.

Bob said on Apr. 26, 2009 at 6:26pm

These threads have been getting so heated over the past few weeks. I feel like I'm part of something bigger than me.

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