So what’s with the fact they couldn’t have had each singer do three songs like in seasons past? Really that tough to do nine songs total? Yes, I understand with four judges who like to yap about nothing half the time, and only an hour to squeeze it in, it might be a tad tough, but it’s definitely doable. Or not. Just seems like for the big show to get to the finals of “American Idol”, you should have to sing three songs. Oh well. No sense crying over spilled milk (is that the right phrase? Didn’t sound right for some reason). Once again, Paula was cracked out with her song choice. Terrence Trent D’Arby? Every other song was recognizable, then she pulls that stuff. She should been banned from the finale. Ha ha. That’d be great to see them open the finale next week only to tell us Paula has been suspended for such a horrible song choice the week before. On to the performances.

Danny Gokey, “Dance Little Sister”: Huh? Like I said, such a random song for such a big night. I don’t know what she was thinking with this song choice. I actually thought Danny toned down his dancing in this performance and didn’t look like a complete spaz like he has in the past. However, I didn’t care much for the song, and Danny has always been much better on ballads than up tempo stuff. Kara did get to utter the phrase “money spot” during her critique of Danny’s performance. Easy Kara. This is a kids show. Why not just tell everyone you were so excited you felt like donkey punching someone? Yes I know. Technically Kara would be on the receiving end of that. Forget it. Anyway, my favorite judge critique of the night came from Simon when he was talking about Danny’s dancing and got in a little dig at “DWTS” by calling it that “funny little dancing show next door.” In case you didn’t know, “DWTS” and “Idols” studios are right next to each other. Maybe that’s why Paula is always standing up dancing in her chair?

Kris Allen, “Apologize”: Recognizable song, but it was a karaoke performance not as good as the original. I actually disagreed with Simon and sided with Randy and Kara on this one when they said he should’ve changed the arrangement. Why does he need to be told this? He didn’t need to be told it in other weeks and changed the arrangement to make it better. Why not last night? Didn’t understand that. It was the perfect song choice for him since that’s the type of music he’ll put out on his album. I just wasn’t wow’ed at all by the performance and it was pretty forgettable. However, the judges played a role in that by fighting for a good five minutes after he was done. That just got annoying. Sometimes the judges think they’re a lot funnier than they really are.

Adam Lambert, “One”: I wasn’t as in awe of this performance as a few of them were. It was really good, but, he’s sang better. I think the screaming again is what did it for me. That’s obviously his signature thing and he’s trying to incorporate it into every song now where he belts out a good ten second primal scream. I just think that for every little tweenie that wets themselves when he does that, there’s another half of America that is completely put off by it. Between comments on my site and emails I’ve received, it’s literally 50/50 on Adam. Either people absolutely love him, or they’re put off by him. The ones that are put off don’t hate the guy, he’s just not their cup of tea. Which means they wouldn’t vote for him. One thing I found interesting about his performance was when they panned to his family after he sang. Ummmm, who was the dude next to his dad with the tight, tight, tight tank top on? Let me guess, just a really good buddy, right?

Danny Gokey, “You Are So Beautiful”: If you remember, Taylor Hicks sang this in semifinal week as a judges choice by Randy. Clive Davis gave him “Dancing in the Dark”, and he chose “Tenderness” by Otis Redding as his song choice. Don’t ask me why I remember this so vividly. For some reason, the season 5 finale will always remain my favorite. Just was. Anyway, I thought Danny killed it. Absolutely amazing that we’ve now gone 11 weeks since Danny began the Top 13, and not once has he, Ryan, or any of the judges mentioned his dead wife. I knew they’d cut back on it after how much they harped on it early, but not to mention it once all season is pretty amazing. Needless to say, this was Danny’s song choice and I think we all know why. No doubt that was a dedication to his wife. Good stuff. I would’ve bet money that when it was Paulas turn to speak, she’d be crying.

Kris Allen, “Heartless”: Can’t say I ever thought I’d hear a Kanye song performed with an acoustic guitar, but he pulled it off. I liked it way better than “Apologize”. And that’s pretty much it. Nothing much to say. His strength is when he’s appealing to chicks and playing the guitar and he accomplished that on this performance.

Adam Lambert, “Crying”: Honestly, I thought this was the worst performance of the night. It wasn’t terrible, but there was definitely something off about it. Maybe it was the female background singers that seemed to be singing at a different time than Adam was, or maybe because it was Adam, and it was Aerosmith, I expected him to destroy the song. Didn’t really do it for me. He got his screams in, but it just wasn’t that powerful of a performance for me. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still making the finals next week based on his resume, but I don’t think this was one of his strongest nights. Might’ve been his worst actually.

Reality Steve’s Top 2 Performances:

1. Danny Gokey, “You Are So Beautiful”
2. Kris Allen, “Heartless”

Reality Steve’s Bottom 2 Performances:

1. Adam Lambert, “Crying”
2. Kris Allen, “Apologize”

Reality Steve’s Prediction of Who’s Going Home: Gee, well since Week 1 I’ve said we’re looking at a Danny/Adam final, and nothing in my mind has changed that, so I’ll say Kris goes home. However, if Kris does advance vs Adam, then I think Adam will win “American Idol”. If it’s a Danny/Adam final, then I still think Danny will win. If by some act of God, we get a Danny/Kris final, then I still think Danny wins.

Back Friday again with another “Reality Roundup.” No, serious this time. Really. It will be up on Friday. Hope you don’t stone me to death if it isn’t, ha ha. It looks like the launch of the merchandise store could get set back a week. Its going to come down to the wire. However, I want to make sure everything is working, the site looks good, and its presentable in a way that makes it easy to navigate. It’s going to be a work in progress, trust me, but I don’t want to launch it when everything isn’t set to go. You’ll know next week once the “Bachelorette” begins where we stand with it. At the latest, it launches on the 25th. Once again, any questions, comments, emails, praises, criticisms, send them all to steve@realitysteve.com. See you Friday.

Administrator American Idol 8