AI8: Rat Pack (Week 8)

Songs from the Rat Pack... or Rat Pack "era" on last night's IDOL...and for the most part it was pretty snoozy, with the exception for one (take your pick) amazing or annoying note from Adam.

At this point, it gets difficult to do these summaries.  My opinions of the contestants are pretty much set in stone and/or everyone is pretty good at this point that is hard to criticize and/or figure out who is going to be sent packing.  Even coming up with an order of finish was difficult... so while the Top 3 are in my typical order, I could hypothetically pull the each pic out of the hat and be okay w/ the order of finish.

Adam ("Feeling Good") - As noted above, had my usual mixed feelings about this one from Adam.  The vocals are always amazing and the guy has stage presence out the wazoo.  But this is one of my favorite songs and one of those that I just have issues with when not sung by Nina Simone.  But he provided the only wake-up moment of the night with that big note... but again, it didn't seem entirely appropriate for me or the song.... show-offy, self-indulgent... but alas the judges are also set in stone at this point about who's going where in the competition.

Kris ("The Way You Look Tonight") - It was nice to hear Kris admit that his vocals were not really comparable to anyone left in the competition.. but that said, that also has him rarely hit a wrong note or go astray with vocal gymnastics.  I did like his phrasing, his tenderness (oh, those puppy dog brown eyes)... and yes, the way he looked last night. 

Allison ("Someone To Watch Over Me") - While never falling totally off the wagon, I thought this was one of Allison's better showings in the past few weeks.  I found some of her orchestrations a bit off of late, so it was nice to have her sing this one pretty straight-forward but with her own special touches.  While Randy claimed this was a singing competition (in praising Danny), it's really not... it's a popularity contest and for whatever reason, Allison's time is drawing close to an end... perhaps, even tonight.

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Matt ("My Funny Valentine") - I will admit that this is one of my least favorite standards... also, one that seems to be pulled out of the vault a bit too much on IDOL (Constantine and Melinda come immediately to mind).  Didn't really like Matt's phrasing on it... a bit too precise for my taste... and overall, thought it showed he was trying too hard to give it his own spin.

Danny ("Come Rain Or Come Shine") - To use a word that has been in the press lately w/ the Susan Boyle hysteria, I was gobsmacked by all the praise that was heaped on Gokey on this one.  The powers-that-be seem to want a Danny/Adam, "goodness & light/moody & dark" finale... but while I thought the first part of the song was pretty good, I thought the bombastic finish was a total mess... and a bit too insistent (at least how I interpret the song)... even during the phone-number review there was a part where I couldn't understand what the heck he was growling.  

And on a sidenote... has anyone else noticed how Danny is making/shaping that heart with his hands... and that very thing/hand gesture is the centerpiece of a commercial.... for... Lenscrafters!?  Is he gunning for an endorsement?  Does he unofficially have one?   Hmmmm...

Comments

[Jeff]

Near the end of "The Way You Look Tonight," when it slowed back down and Kris looked into the camera, I was like, "OMG he is singing directly 2 me! Me+Kris 4eva!!!" ;-) Haha. Seriously, those eyes.

By the way, do you watch the EW Idolatry videos? I get them downloaded via TiVo, and Michael Slezak said, "I *never* forget Kris Allen. That sounded all kinds of dirty, but..." ;-)

[Joanna]

I noticed the Lenscrafter shameless ploy myself and was very put off by it. I really don't care for Danny, haven't from the start so that really irritated me. I too am assuming he either already has an endorsment.

Allison's my girl - but I fear you are right. An Allison/Kris finish would be the best!