Is Nashville Seeing Stars?

Tuesday, March 17, 2009, 10:20 PM | American Idol 8
Tags: American Idol 8, Recap

(Here’s the performance show recap from Howard!)

American Idol Season 8, Top 11 Performances

With the elimination last week of Jorge and Jasmine, there is no longer any need to misguide teenagers into calling porn lines, although some might suggest it a better alternative than listening to 11 contestants who never have any desire to sing Country to pick their songs out of the Grand Old Opry collection.

As a week has past since the announcement of the ‘game-changing’ Judge’s veto, which can be used only once in the season, it has been established that the world is still spinning on its axis, and the world has not come to a screeching halt. However, that has not stopped former idols, including one mentioned as a reason this veto was put into play, from not getting on board with this new development. Michael Johns says, “I personally don’t really dig it that much. As someone that was the shock value and it would have helped I don’t really think its necessary,” Michael continues, “I think that’s the drama of Idol isn’t it? That sometimes America gets it right. Sometimes they get it wrong. You gotta vote for the people you love.” Phil Stacey says, “Basically what they are saying is don’t vote Adam Lambert or Danny Gokey out cause if you do they will get saved. Paula wants to see them in the finale. So they will save them.” Wow, Phil was not only honest, but practically read my mind.

And there is the lek from the production itself who basically named the final 4, [Adam, Danny, Lil and Alexis'] and said there is no way it wouldn’t be them. So, you other 7, how does it feel to be fighting for fifth place? And in the process of trying to not win, you will have to sing Country this week. Must be joyful!

Well, rumor has it that Carrie Underwood will be coming on for the results show, singing a duet with Randy Travis. So, from now on, when figuring who will be struggling to survive, at least we have 4 names not in the discussion for another couple of months. And I know 7 people who best not get too comfy in the mansion.

Preshow commercial with Seacrust cheering us to ‘Vote! Vote! Vote!’ Wow, they are pushing, aren’t they?

Weird introduction voice again, and the judges walking out. Not liking that at all. Randy Travis did some coachin’. Randy T is getting older, isn’t he?

Michael Sarver (866) 436-5701 - Ain’t Going Down Till The Sun Comes Up – Garth Brooks
Randy T thinks he’ll do well. An oddly softer version of the song, done OK. Has this odd R&B flavor, almost the Cool Jazz version. Randy unsure if it was a good vocal choice. Kara unsure, and Paula loved it. Simon thought it was a bit clumsy. He talks back to Simon, we will see how that plays.

Allison Iraheta (866) 436-5702 – Blame It On Your Heart - Patty Loveless
Randy T likes her. He tells her not to dance. LOL. She is doing well. Picked the right song, that is for sure. She nailed it, that is for sure. Kare cranks out the ’singing the alphabet’ routine, and Randy is most likely pissed. Paula loves her. Simon is luke warm, and coming up with excuses. Randy loves her.

Kris Allen (866) 436-5703 – To Make Me Feel My Love - Garth Brooks
Randy T thinks he is a strong ballad singer. He was impressed. No guitar, sitting down. Doing well. Weird reverb being played back. The last falsetto note was a bit of a struggle, but worked. Was a soft and beautiful performance. Well done. Paula liked it, and so did Simon. Getting a little pimped tonight. They must have seen the beach pictures, too.

Lil Rounds (866) 436-5704 – Independence Day – Martina McBride
She is honoring the Country, and Randy T tells her to slow it down, but appreciates her big pipes. Wow, is that a lawsuit waiting to happen? Had some rough moments going on there, but the glory notes were right on. There are times I think she is R&B’s answer to Ethyl Merman. Randy didn’t love it. Suddenly Kara is the artists best friend, I guess she learned her package artist thing didn’t work out for her with Jasmine. Simon is using an analogy. He keeps calling her ‘Little.’

Adam Lambert (866) 436-5705 – Ring Of Fire - Johnny Cash
This should be interesting. Middle-Eastern flair. He confused Randy T. He is singing the bejeezus out of it, that is for sure. Don’t think I have ever seen or heard anything like this on AI in the previous 7 seasons. After he is done, Randy T is laughing in the audience. Kara thinks it was strange, but liked it. Paula thinks the choices were wonderful, and thinks of Led Zep. Simon asks ‘What the Hell was that?’ It was indulgent rubbish, horrific.’ Randy was comparing to Nine Inch Nails.

Scott MacIntyre (866) 436-5706 – Wild Angels – Martina McBride
Randy T thinks it was a mistake, and changes his mind. Is impressed with the piano playing. Scott struggles a bit with the intro. The chorus picks up, until he goes for the falsetto. Scott kinda reminds me of late 70s and early 80s pops singers with mediocre talent whose names no one remembers, including me. Simon calls Paula stupid. It gets ugly momentarily. Randy thinks he is safe. Kara wants him to up his game, but he brings class and poise. Is she thinking he might be up for Miss Congeniality?

Alexis Grace (866) 436-5707 – Jolene – Dolly Parton
Seacrust says people told her she looked like Dolly Parton? Really, dirty old man? She loves writing music, too. Randy T loved her, and thought it was perfect. First bit a little pitchy. Could have been a mistake to do the steps and sing. Not sure I am liking this too much. Some rough moments, and was a bit overwrought. Randy reads my mind, and Kara agrees. Paula doesn’t mind the pitch issues, and a little sound-alike. He thinks it is forgettable. Kara wants more ‘dirty’ and is practically having a lesbianic affair with Alexis. I don’t want to watch…

Danny Gokey (866) 436-5708 – Jesus, Take The Wheel – Carrie Underwood
Danny is giggling his ass off. Randy T is looking scared. What’s with the bad jackets this year for the boys? There are a few scattered rough notes. Gets very shouty in the chorus. I am not liking this. Odd anti-climatic ending. Kara up first. Crowd is going nuts. Simon hates the outfit. Randy is thinking he was a bit pitchy in the verses.

Anoop Desai (866) 436-5709 – Always On My Mind – Willie Nelson
Not sure at first, and Randy T changed his mind. He liked it. I am not as impressed as Randy T. Nothing was terrible about it, but not amazing either. Paula thinks he is back. Simon says he went from zero to hero, a favorite performance. Randy gives it a big high, and Kara thinks it is the performance of the night. Then he kills it just a little with attitude.

Megan Joy (866) 436-5710 – Walking After Midnight – Patsy Cline
Randy T thinks it was unique. He liked it. Interesting, I have to say. Her best effort to date. Some very rough notes. Fell apart a bit toward the end. She is caughing, and Randy says she was sick. He liked it. Kara gives the ‘For the Gipper’ speech. Paula is on board the sickly train, as is Simon.

Matt Giraud (866) 436-5711 – So Small – Carrie Underwood
Randy T is again worried, and he again changes his mind. Matt disses Carrie and says he is doing the heartfelt version. He is leaving the Vibrato at home tonight. Damn, there it is in the chorus. That last note was not that great. Kara loves him. Paula loves his authenticity and honesty. Simon wants to give him credit on the vocals, and he out-sang Danny. Randy’s favorite of the night.

Crusty calls the competition on. Because the last few weeks meant nothing, I guess.

Recap – Well, I would say this night seriously tested the pre-ordaned Top 4, with none of them stepping up to front-runner status. For whomever is going home, it is tough to say. Perhaps Michael will struggle from the 1st position and a mediocre performance. Allison gave arguably the best performance tonight, and might get forgotten in the 2nd slot. And will the frontrunners lose votes because people assume they are safe? We shall see.

15 Comments for Is Nashville Seeing Stars?

1

I’m hoping Megan or Michael will go home.

Karon on March 17, 2009 at 10:25 pm
2

I still – for the life of me cannot understand why people were SHOCKED when Michael Johns went home in 7th place. Who should’ve went before Michael? Carly? NO! Who else? David and David? No and No. Brooke? ok – perhaps? Jason Castro… ok – I could see that. Syesha – NO. Carly going home 6th was more surprising to me than Michael going home 7th.

All this aside… Still only one elimination would’ve been overturned (definitely), which is why I am calling this rule the Jennifer Hudson Rule.

DJ Jayito on March 17, 2009 at 10:26 pm
3

if I were to get my way… Michael would go home. That performance was just monotone and awful.

DJ Jayito on March 17, 2009 at 10:27 pm
4

and… don’t jump down my throat! Michael Johns was one of my favorites in Season 7. I wanted him to make the Top 6. I would’ve swapped out Castro for Michael. Otherwise, I got my ideal Top 6. I wanted Carly to make the finale – or at least Top 3. Michael sang fleetwood mac – wonderful.

DJ Jayito on March 17, 2009 at 10:31 pm
5

Guys, do you think you’re becoming too harsh with Michael Sarver? His performance is not bad at all. I think it’s Megan leaving tonight or Scott McIntyre. I love Scott but, he can’t sing without the Piano.

Raymond on March 17, 2009 at 11:22 pm
6

DJ Jayito, I totally agree Michael Johns was no where near a damn shock elimination truth be told he wasn’t that good on the show. Anyway I think Scott or Michael are going to go home but looking at dialidol Alison and Alexis may be in trouble. I don’t think their as popular as ppl think they are.

bigd13 on March 17, 2009 at 11:52 pm
7

All I know is that I voted my butt off for my girl Allison via text, which I would assume she’d get more votes from the young fan base that she has in that manner…Alexis wouldn’t get as manner text votes, IMO…so we shall see!

Amanda on March 17, 2009 at 11:56 pm
8

DJ JAYITO, I was not surprised, but I am amused that he is considered by AI as a poster boy for this rule, and he just dumped on it.

I still have no idea who is going home, but if it is a girl, the tour will be 7 boys and 3 girls. That would be odd, don’t you think?

Howard on March 18, 2009 at 1:47 am
9

Anoop was fricken amazing.

but tonights performance doesn’t live up to some of his clef hanger videos on youtube..

lia on March 18, 2009 at 3:28 am
10

I would be very happy if Danny got in the bottom three tomorrow .. haha …
But I just check dialidol, Danny is on the top. Gosh … (no offense to Danny’s fans, though).

Elisa on March 18, 2009 at 8:41 am
11

There is no way Castro should have been sent home before Muchael J last year. Week 8 he sang Over the Rainbow and had one of the best performances of the night. Michael J just wasn’t that great that week. Maybe Kristy Lee should have went for pandering with that USA song. I was surpirsed she didn’t wear a tiara of red/white/blue sparklers on her head. Personally, I hope Gokey gets the boot. I think he was doing the same thing as Kristy with his song choice

lizabeth on March 18, 2009 at 9:15 am
12

That’s my point Lizabeth… Michael Johns went home when he should have! 7th place. No shock at all. If you think MJ’s elimination was shocking, then who goes before Michael? Some people could argue Jason Castro. Some people could argue Brooke. It’s all subjective, but I don’t think you could argue against Carly / Syesha or either David, which would put MJ 5th place. Still – I wasn’t surprised. I liked MJ, but not to make the Top 5.

And yes – It’s HILLARIOUS that the rule included MJ’s elimination – and he’s so against it. I’ll say it again… You can’t save Tamyra Gray. You can’t save Daughtry – so LEAVE THEM OUT OF THIS! MJ – nope – not a surprise. That leaves Jennifer Hudson – BIG SURPRISE! Another one – not included was Mandisa. That surprised me, only because I felt she could make the top 5 and she went home in 9th place! Many people believe her homophobia ousted her.

DJ Jayito on March 18, 2009 at 2:43 pm
13

Gina Glockson was a minor shock for me, but my friend Tabitha didn’t like her, so who knows.

DJ Jayito on March 18, 2009 at 2:46 pm
14

I didn’t think Michael was a huge shock either, but didn’t he go home 8th and not 7th? Kristy actually left the week after him. If we could switch those two, things probably would have seemed less shocking.

Cartoon Andrew on March 18, 2009 at 4:19 pm
15

ANDREW, Michael went out in 8th place, and Kristy went out 7th. Yeah, he could have had another week, but really, did America need an extra 7 days to get over the thought MJ might not win? The Davids were 1-2, so the rest were shooting for 3rd. He had sYESha, Jason, Brooke and Carly ahead of him and KLC. I was OK with him in 8th or 7th. Frankly, I never understood the mild uproar in the slightest.

Howard on March 18, 2009 at 4:38 pm