Top 10: Motown
Motown week started with a “bang”, literally, as the hopefuls stepped on the stage with their new styles, haircuts, and looks, brought to you by the Idol stylists. The most notable change was in the horrible wig choice by Lil Rounds. Was I was on the edge of my seat hoping that the thing would slip right off her head in the middle of her “Heatwave”?
But really, the night brought some real, as Kara would put it, artistry. The front runners for the evening were Matt Giraud, with his JT-style take on “Let’s Get It On”, Kris Allen, who took his performance to new heights with “How Sweet It Is”, and Alison, who proved she had the pipes to nail “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”. But the night belonged to one Idol hopeful. Adam Lambert, who stripped down a classic song, written by the contestant’s mentor for the week, Smokey Robinson. The acoustic version of “The Tracks of My Tears” was current, soothing, and got a standing ovation from its originator. Adam looks like he could, as Paula might say, sail right through to the end of this thing.
But the night didn’t come without its disappointments, as well. Front runner, Danny Gokey, sang “Get Ready” and apparently felt his performance didn’t need the critique of legend, Smokey Robinson, who gave him some good advice. It’s interesting how the shows producers chose to show that clip and then have Danny sing the song, so obviously ignoring Smokey’s advice. The performance was lack-luster, pitchy, and, as Simon put it, “clumsy”. Our favorite bird-girl, Megan, didn’t disappoint “Vote for the Worsters”, as she butchered her way through “For Once In My Life” wearing what seemed some kind of feather headdress that resembled a peacock costume of sorts. And speaking of costume choice, was it really appropriate for the stylists to pick pink pants for the blind guy? I mean, forget the fact that the performance was a horrible rendition of “Can’t Hurry Love”, that’s just taking advantage of his disability. Luckily he’s got Paula on his side, who pulled out a box of crayons and some coloring books for her childish neighbor, Simon. Scott, of course, had no idea was going on, just smiled and laughed his way through the debacle. But I must say, it brought the most entertaining comment of the evening when Ryan asked Paula what else she had hiding under that table, in which she responded, “It’s under my skirt”, obviously not realizing the nature her response delivered until after she said it.
It was no surprise that Michael Sarver, who was one of the only contestants that Smokey Robinson had a bad critique for, was sent packing on Thursdays results show. I did enjoy their acting performance when they “debated” if they should keep him around, though. There was no shot he’d actually win, so Simon finally announced they’d be letting him go. proving he, once again, is the only one with common sense. Ruben Studdard offered a single of his new album, which was overshadowed by the massive amounts of sweat pouring from his brow. Gross! I feel like I need to shower now, so on to the Top 9!
Ciao!
