Last week on American Idol 8 Episode 20, the first two contestants were voted out by America: Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez.
This week is country week, celebrating the Grand Ole Opry with Randy Travis. Whoever makes it through this week will be part of the top 10, meaning they’ll have a cushy summer job.
Michael Sarver
Song: Ain’t Goin’ Down ‘Til the Sun Comes Up by Garth Brooks
Randy: Cool song choice. Fun. Not sure it showed anything different in your vocal capabilities.
Kara: More personality but no big notes.
Paula: Fun. This is the genre that suits you so well.
Simon: Should have been good. Couldn’t understand a single word you were singing. Clumsy. Could have been karaoke night.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-01
Michael’s got one too many smart alec remarks here. He apparently hasn’t learned from the bad publicity prior contestants received by talking back to the judges instead of listening to them.
Allison Iraheta
Song: Blame It on Your Heart by Patty Loveless
Kara: I am starting to think you could sing the alphabet well. Made the song your own. Getting better each week.
Paula: Another rock solid performance. And then some mumbling.
Simon: Good. A little tuneless in parts. Like you were struggling remembering the words.
Randy: Dope.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-02
Kris Allen
Song: To Make You Feel My Love by Garth Brooks
Paula: Pleasantly surprised. Honest, pure, vulnerable performance. Some pitchy moments but a smart choice.
Simon: Terrific. Great choice of song. Completely in control. Probably the first time you have a shot of doing really well in the competition.
Randy: Tender moments. Who knew?
Kara: Beautiful and very Kris Allen.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-03
Lil Rounds
Song: Independence Day by Martina McBride
Randy: Interesting, ambitious song choice. Struggling at the beginning. A little better in the power zone. Didn’t feel comfortable.
Kara: Kinda of missed the old Lil at the beginning, but at least you stood your ground. Not your best performance.
Paula: Everything’s going right for you tonight.
Simon: Look, Little, you kind of came over like a girl forced to sing a song at a wedding. Not a suitable song.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-04
Adam Lambert
Song: Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash, with a Middle Eastern twist… I am confused
Kara: All a little strange. I don’t know what to make of that. Kind of liked it.
Paula: Confused and sort of happy.
Simon: What the hell was that? Never go to Nashville. A lot of people throwing their television sets out the window. Indulgent rubbish.
Randy: Like Nine Inch Nails doing a country song.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-05
Scott MacIntyre
Song: Wild Angels by Martina McBride (playing piano)
Paula: Another impressive lovely performance, but the piano is becoming a bit of a crutch.
Simon: Elton John used to sit behind the piano. Nothing wrong with that. Both performances last week and this week were very similar. Not good enough songs.
Randy: Just a nice kind of good performance.
Kara: Up your game a little. Brought class and poise to the song.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-06
Alexis Grace
Song: Jolene by Dolly Parton
Randy: Just not sure you hit the notes quite right. Enjoyable but not a great performance.
Kara: Lost your edge a bit. A little flat.
Paula: More effective song because it showed different sides of your vocals.
Simon: Okay. Sound alike. Forgettable.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-07
Danny Gokey
Song: Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood
Kara: When you hit your stride, it’s like none other. Half way through, it was like here comes Danny.
Paula: Brilliant. Carrie Underwood would go out and buy that record.
Simon: Agree with Paula. But don’t like what you’re wearing.
Randy: The rest of the song was crazy, but you didn’t support the verses enough.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-08
Anoop Desai
Song: Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson
Paula: Anoop is back. Fit you like a glove. Tender, honest, amazing, sweet vocals.
Simon: From zero to hero. Good choice of song. One of my favorite performances of the night. Definitely deserve to be in the show.
Randy: Really showed your vocal skills. The arrangement was dope.
Kara: Amazing. Probably the best performance of the night. The biggest surprise.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-09
Megan Joy Corkrey
Song: Walking After Midnight by Patsy Cline
Randy: Quite impressed. Really good.
Kara: Perfect song. Perfect look. A winner being able to do this with the flu.
Paula: Fighter. Consummate professional.
Simon: Should have the flu every week. Better than last week.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-10
Matt Giraud
Song: So Small by Carrie Underwood (playing piano)
Kara: Amazing.
Paula: Authentic performer. Piercing through so many people’s hearts.
Simon: Don’t think you’ve had enough credit for your vocals. Outsang Danny tonight. Terrific performance.
Randy: Favorite performance of the night.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-11
Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another recap of American Idol Season 8 episode 22, which airs Wednesday at 9/8c on Fox.