The Songs of Michael Jackson: What Should the Idols Sing?

Danny Gokey – “Heal the World”?

I really hope nobody contemplates doing DC’s (and Cornell’s) Billie Jean to try and recreate the showstopper it was last year. That would be a huge mistake. However, I would actually like to see someone attempt to do that song straight. It would be entertaining, if nothing else.

MJ was the first artist who’s music I bought (the History double CD), so I do still have a soft spot for some of the songs when all is said and done. But with this year’s crop, I’m anticipating trainwrecks galore on the big stage.

I have no idea what anyone will sing, but I’m worried about Megan and Alexis. I don’t know if they will be able to pull it off!

Oh, I do want Adam to do Smooth Criminal…and I think it would be hilarious if Anoop did Thriller

This is all so bizarre, we have heard for years now that they shouldn’t do MJ, then they make it a theme week. What are the judges gonna say? I am waiting to see how many times they say they shouldn’t try a MJ song, just like they did for Beatles week last year. The inconsistencies of this show are staggering.
The only two times any MJ song was done justice, was Ace Young with Butterflies and Cook with BJ.

I wanna hear Adam do #1 Choice: Dirty Diana #2 Choice: Smooth Criminal

Hi MJ! I just signed up. Love your page!

Well I’m too scared by that photo to make any suggestion right now.

Gokey — will probably exhume his wife again and sing Gone Too Soon or if he wants to, he can Heal The World.

Kris Allen — should do something upbeat and dancey, like The Way You Make Me Feel

Adam Lambert — Something dramatic like Bad or Dirty Diana or Beat It. Or as a nod to his recent loss of privacy, he should do Leave Me Alone. :biggrin_wp:

Matt Giraud — She’s Out of My Life or I Just Can’t Stop Loving You

Anoop Desai — Smooth Criminal

Smooth Criminal is not a great vocal. I think Adam can do better.

I really heart Rymefest’s ode to MJ. Google it and check it out. It was free for awhile.

Kris won’t do Man in the Mirror again, I hope!

Too bad some of the girls can’t do Janet. Or can they?

Do you think the group song will be We are the World?

:sick_ee:

The group song is sooo We are the World!

I want someone to pull out something from the Off the Wall. For most people he became a superstar because of Thriller, but for me, Off The Wall was the foreshadowing of what could come.

Anyone that does Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough, and pulls it off will be my bff! If Danny does She’s out of My Life, I will hunt him down like a dawg. I would love to hear someone try The Way You Make Me Feel.

This is gonna be interesting for the guys. I don’t know what the girls are gonna sing. If they can do some of the Jackson Five stuff then I would suggest Got to Be There, or I’ll Be There. I think this is the biggest opportunity for Megan. If she can put an interesting spin on one of Michael’s songs she could make her make and justfiy the wildcard shot, this goes for Jasmine too.

Danny is the one who has to be careful, he has to stay away from Michael’s save the world, heal the world, she’s out of my life songs, and nail one of his more gritty anthems. Can he resist the urge to save our soul and break out Dirty Diana?

ETA:

Michael’s music has been with me since I was a little girl, and continued with me into adulthood. I know as a person he’s questionable at the very least, but just judging the music I can’t deny that it still touches me.
.

This is all so bizarre, we have heard for years now that they shouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t do MJ, then they make it a theme week. What are the judges gonna say? I am waiting to see how many times they say they shouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t try a MJ song, just like they did for Beatles week last year. The inconsistencies of this show are staggering.

flynnsgirl, so what is new? The judges have also pontificated for years about the perils of choosing Mariah Carey songs and what did they do last year? Mariah Carey week. I guess we can look forward to Whitney and Celine theme weeks in the near future.

I think Adam could sing almost anything from the Michael Jackson catalog and still blow everyone else out of the water. With his range, though, I think Never Can Say Goodbye or Got to Be There would be smart choices in that order. They are slower ballads, which would be a nice change from Satisfaction, and he could show his softer side while emphasizing his strengths.

I think Anoop could pull off the Alien Ant Farm version of Smooth Criminal just because he is so entertaining.

I will be interested to see what Alexis, Lil and Allison pick. The rest? Not so much.

Jesse Langseth should do a bluesy rendition of The Way You Make Me Feel — if only in my imagination.

abbysee, I seriously doubt anyone has the balls to do DSTYGE. Thank jeebus. I flove that song. I’m with you on the love for “Off The Wall.” Danny will sing a ballad. Nothing sexy. That’s how he rolls.

Guess who Adam included on his MySpace list of musical influences (emphasis mine)?

Music: Led Zeppelin, Freddie Mercury, Goldfrapp, Muse, Wolfmother, Chic.E, Queens of the Stone Age, David Bowie, Beck, I Am X, The Colour, Dirty Mercy, Marilyn Mason, Bob Marley, Madonna, Kings of Leon, Junior Boys, Ratatat, Gnarls Barkley, Drugs, T.Rex, Jaimie Lidell, Dag, The Ark, The Scissor Sisters, Elton John, The Who, Christina Aguilera, The White Stripes, Eagles of Death Metal, Keane, Janis Joplin, Radiohead, Automatica, Angie Stone, India.Arie, Hendrix, Bonnie Raitt, Beyonce, Kasabian, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Donny Hathaway, Micheal Jackson, Peaches, LaBelle, Thievery Corporation, Jeff Buckley, Chris Cornell, Ivy, Scarlett, Mz A Superstar, Alisan Porter, Mother’s Finest, Sly Stone, Nikka Costa, Aerosmith, Chili Peppers, Chic, Funkadelic, The Raconteurs, Dave Navarro, The Wiz, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, VELVET GOLDMINEThis JUSTICE video isA SICK!!! JUSTICE : D.A.N.C.E.

Believe it or not, someone will spin “Ben” a bit and get praise up the ying yang

If Danny sings “You Are Not Alone”…I will no longer be on the fence about him using his wife’s memory to get ahead on the show – also it would suck since I don’t think he can hit the glory note on this one.

Adam can sing anything, I know he will kill it with this theme.

Jorge should sing “She’s Out Of My Life.”

My favorite MJ song is “The Way You Make Me Feel” but I’m not sure it’s a good fit for anybody in the top 13? Hmm, maybe Kris Allen? Not sure.

I’m interested in what Megan’s choice will be…with this theme, I think she can have a moment if she makes the right choice or an epic fail if she doesn’t.

“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” for Danny and “P.Y.T.” for Anoop.

I used to think it was more about the song, but I have grown to realize that it’s the performance itself and the artist that really matters.

It’s funny because on one hand I anticipate a major trainwreck with this theme, but then I remembered thinking the same thing about Mariah Carey night and that ended up being one of my favorites to date.

I’m almost expecting someone to do the DC/CC Billie Jean. Not saying no one else could do it justice but no matter how they do I can’t imagine there won’t be comparisons brought up. When DC did it one of the things that made it so great is because a lot of people never heard that arrangement. IF anyone does attempt it I just hope they DO do it justice.

I like Danny, but if he sings She’s Out of My Life and starts pointing up I will throw things.

hardkandy Mar 9th, 2009 at 12:50 am

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m interested in what Meganà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s choice will beà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦with this theme, I think she can have a moment if she makes the right choice or an epic fail if she doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t.

I agree that Megan may have trouble with this and other themes due to her range and style limitations. If they let her choose a Jackson Five cover, she could do okay on Rockin’ Robin.

I think Matt could do a more bluesy / soulful version of “The Way You Make Me Feel”.
He could use the keyboards too. That would be cool.

Adam should do “Thriller”. Heh. Perfect for him.

I’m kinda hoping that we don’t hear anything that’s been performed in the past before, like PYT, Ben (I remember Nikki McKibbin’s horrible version! haha!), etc. Also no one should perform Billie Jean no matter how differently they change it because people now associate that with David Cook.

I’m hoping that Kris Allen does Remember The Time because I can kinda imagine it being changed into a softer rock/pop ballad with the guitar. My only wish is that he makes the tour! haha

I hope Matt Giraud does a cool arrangment of My Girl. I think he could do a really cool job on that one. Lots of room for riffs

used to think it was more about the song, but I have grown to realize that ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the performance itself and the artist that really matters.

I used to think it was the Song-Artist-Performance………but simon has taught me that it is ALL about the right casting….

I think Anoop could pull off the Alien Ant Farm version of Smooth Criminal just because he is so entertaining.

Oh, just like the DC/CC version of Billie Jean, that’s an MJ cover that I like better than the original. The video was lolz. But I can see Anoop doing an Akon-ish Wanna Be Startin Something.

Speaking of lolz….Celine Dion covers Bad. Seriously. :blink_tb:

Hmmm…Fall Out Boy’s Beat It cover was pretty popular. It can be rocked out pretty easily….Adam maybe? Dirty Diana would almost be too perfectly in his wheelhouse….depends if he wants to be more creative…

Maybe Say Say Say for Matt?

This theme is extremely difficult.. I think every single one of these finalists shouldn’t try to sound like MJ, or else they’d find their own exit of the competition.. anyway I can really tell that there’d be a lot of criticisms from the judges for more than a half contestants, just like two seasons ago, at this stage when it was Diana Ross week..

Anyway, Matt I think should go back to piano and give his bluesy/soulful rendition of “Earth Song” or “Ain’t No Sunshine”

Anoop would be suited with “Remember The Time”

and Danny will totally does “She’s Out Of My Life”, or “You Are Not Alone”

This is all about song choice, I hope no one does “The Way You Make Me Feel” or “Rock With You”, both songs have been proved to be a total kiss of death to any contestants in Idol.

I think Danny will do well too.. on his page on the American Idol site he says Micheal Jackson is his favorite male singer of all time.. It should be interesting.. I think he and Adam will own the night

I feel like I can’t make any adequate choices on some of these people since we have only seen them perform one time!!!

I’m so annoyed by that.

I can almost guarantee we’ll see Scott singing a ballad at his piano this week….what that ballad will be I’m entirely clueless.

Adam should have the pimp spot. That guy can sing any Michael Jackson song ever written.

I do agree I’d love to see Anoop do “Smooth Criminal” because that just seems to fit him.

As for Meghan she can either have a moment or fail miserably. I’m slightly betting on the fail miserably. She has an interesting voice, but interesting voices don’t always lend themselves well to theme weeks.

If Gokey sings any inspirational MJ song I’ll turn the damn TV off and refuse to ever acknowledge his appearance on my TV with any performance ever again.

He wouldn’t be that stupid, right?

I think Danny will do well too.. on his page on the American Idol site he says Micheal Jackson is his favorite male singer of all time.. It should be interesting.. I think he and Adam will own the night

To me, Michael Jackson is my favorite male performer of all time as well….you know before he turned into a trainwreck. His music to me encompasses a period of my life. And while Adam and Danny both say that Michael Jackson is one of their influences, he’s a lot of people’s influence….

That doesn’t mean you can sing Michael Jackson.

I am so annoyed to by the fact that we’ve heard time and time again to not sing Michael Jackson songs because it will never compare and then they make it a theme week.

What’s next week? Whitney, Mariah, and Celine’s greatest hits?

Can we pick ANY MJ song? Okay…

1. Anoop- Gotta Be the Start Of Something
2. Danny- She’s Out Of My Life :rolleyes_tb:
3. Kris- Smooth Criminal
4. Adam- Beat It (Fall Out Boy version)
5. Scott- You Are Not Alone
6. Lil- I Want You Back

… thats all I’ve got… it’s like I just know everybody’s gonna suck regardless.

I don’t look forward to hearing the overexposed 1980s-and-later part of his career.

But I am sure none of these singers, who have shown the least imagination of any group of finalists — you can tell by the way they re-use songs they thought were winners for other recent contestants — know anything about the Jackson 5 or Michael Jackson’s albums on Motown.

Michael had a UK No. 1 called “One Day in Your Life” that would be a real find. But no one will make it, I’m sure.

I am slightly worried that many will have the same idea to turn his most popular songs into a ballad, that will be boring and it won’t really be a MJ night.
I too think Adam is the only one who could do a straight up version of MJ and don’t look bad, I would almost prefer 13 covers of MJ by Adam than one cover by each person of the top 13

I bet someones going to sing “I’ll be there” for sure. I don’t know who, but I have a feeling it will be sung.

I don’t know if this season will do a whole lot of re-arrangements like they did last year but that would be nice if they do. Maybe Matt will do something interesting.

I’m not a fan of early MJ and only really liked his 80′s songs/hits like Thriller, Beat It, and Billie Jean. I don’t have a clue what people should do but agree that they’re going to hear that they’re not as good as the original all night. I just want to see Anoop break out some dance moves.

So much depends on the the choice of songs the contestants are given (where’s VFTW when you need them?)

I’m a little worried about little Alexis Grace, and think that Lil could be headed for a trainwreck (not that I mind) because unless MJ’s early stuff is available, it’s not so much soul/gospel music.

I am hoping that Kris Allen has a home run so people will stop talking about how he doesn’t belong in the top 13 — because he soooo does (YMMV).

Michael had a UK No. 1 called à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“One Day in Your Lifeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  that would be a real find. But no one will make it, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure.

That is a truly beautiful song. It’s been one of my favorites since I was a child. It could work amazingly well for some of the female contestants. You know, if we had any worthwhile female contestants (Jesse was ROBBED! *Sob*).

Anoop – “Thriller”

Jasmine – “I Want You Back” or “We Are The World” or “Who’s Lovin’ You”

Michael – “Beat It”

Jorge – “P.Y.T.”

Megan – “The [Boy] is Mine” or KT Tunstall’s version of “I Want You Back”

Scott – “You Are Not Alone”

Adam – “Shake Your Body”

Lil – “Who’s Lovin’ You”

Kris – “The Way You Make Me Feel”

Alison – “Leave Me Alone” or MJ’s version of “Come Together”

Danny – “She’s Out of My Life”

Matt – MJ’s version of “Ain’t No Sunshine”

Alexis – “Dirty Diana”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR72wOt3oBU I think this was posted in another topic but this was the winner of Australian Idol on Michael Jackson night in the season just gone.

He is the only one I remember but I’m pretty sure there were some shockers that night.

I think everyone, except Adam, will struggle with the fast tempo songs.

While they maybe fun to do/watch, I think they offer less opportunity to show off vocal ability and more chance for a trainwreck.

Sadly, I think the wise people will end up being those that go for the safe ballads.

Will You Be There & I Just Can;t Stop Loving You are other one’s on Gokey’s out list in my book

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR72wOt3oBU I think this was posted in another topic but this was the winner of Australian Idol on Michael Jackson night in the season just gone.

He is the only one I remember but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m pretty sure there were some shockers that night.

That was Wes Carr doing “Black or White” and it was the best one of the night. He got a “Touchdown” from Jermaine Jackson who was a guest judge on the night. It was down to the top 5 and the last girl standing (Chrislyn Hamilton) was eliminated after that show. She did “Thriller” which was a terrible song choice for her.

I think it will be a pretty difficult theme night, especially for the girls as many of Michael’s songs are sung about women. Eg. Dirty Diana, She’s Out of My Life, The Girl is Mine, Billie Jean etc. There are songs that will suit them but the girls will need to choose very carefully.

I could see Adam doing “Black or White”, “Bad” or “Smooth Criminal”. The others, I’m not sure it’s too tough to pick.

I hope no one attempts to do Billie Jean. No one can top Cook. He is a legend now because of that song. Best person to come from idol. With that said, I would laugh if someone tried. :lol_wp:
I can see Adam doing a good job with one of the MJ songs. And Matt doing a soulful version.

Thanks for the link meadi. Kris or Matt could pull off “Black or White.”

I don’t know any Michael Jackson songs. He was already taboo when I was growing up.

Question : Will this only be limited to Michael Jackson’s solo albums, or will the songs he sang with the Jackson 5 also be included in the catalog ?

I’d love to hear Scott perform his version of BEN.

Also, ROCK WITH YOU has been performed many times in the past, ALL with less than pleasing results ( most recently by Stephen Fowler).

It was like the Stevie Wonder curse. Everyone in the past who did Stevie fell by the wayside until Eliott Yamin took over in season 5 and slew it with his smooth version of IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME. That broke the spell and Stevie Wonder night turned out to be great for contestants like Taylor ( LIVIN’ FOR THE CITY ) and Kat (TILL YOU COME BACK TO ME ).

I think Adam will do extremely well, or he will try to copy Michael exactly and do terribly. I’m betting on (and hoping for) the former. I think Adam could sing Smooth Criminal, Dirty Diana, or Scream.

I hope no one sings Thriller. That would be a complete trainwreck, unless it was Adam, and I still don’t think he could do it better than Michael.

I doubt Danny will do anything upbeat. Just about every artist these days lists MJ as an influence. That doesn’t mean he can sing it. I mean, can you imagine Danny doing the moonwalk? :laugh_tb: Sorry, but Danny is not cool enough for Michael Jackson. I’m sure he will sing Heal the World anyway. I don’t have anything against that song, but I’ve heard it so many times it bores me now.

If Gokey sings any inspirational MJ song Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll turn the damn TV off and refuse to ever acknowledge his appearance on my TV with any performance ever again.

He wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be that stupid, right?

He probably would.

Question : Will this only be limited to Michael Jacksonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s solo albums, or will the songs he sang with the Jackson 5 also be included in the catalog ?

From what I’ve heard, it’s only his solo songs, but that’s just a rumor.

I would almost prefer 13 covers of MJ by Adam than one cover by each person of the top 13

You made me LOL with this, but I have to agree.

So no one liked my suggestion of “In the Closet” for Adam? That song IS SEX with a capital S.E.X. (even without the suggestive video with Naomi Campbell), so maybe not so good for G-rated AI, but I would LOVE to see Adam slay that song! The irony alone would make the song perfect (after all, at least on the surface, it speaks of forbidden heterosexual sex.)

Ok, I’ll stop, cuz I want Adam to stick around. But, it would be a lot of fun. :devil_tb:

So no one liked my suggestion of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“In the Closetà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  for Adam? That song IS SEX with a capital S.E.X. (even without the suggestive video with Naomi Campbell), so maybe not so good for G-rated AI, but I would LOVE to see Adam slay that song! The irony alone would make the song perfect (after all, at least on the surface, it speaks of forbidden heterosexual sex.)

I love that song! It’s one of my favorites by MJ. I think he’s smarter than to sing a song called “In The Closet” the week after pictures of him making out with a guy come out, though. Can you imagine the fun recappers would have with that one? :laugh_tb:

ETA: I would like to see Adam rearrange an MJ song into more of a rock thing, and I think he will. If he just copies him, he will be accused of not being original.

For Jorge: “Todo Ni Amor Eres Tu” (I Just Can’t Stop Loving You). I think it would be perfect for his voice and would showcase his uniqueness. Even though I can’t understand a word of Spanish…it’s like Italian, when you hear it sung it just does something magical.

“I like Danny, but if he sings Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Out of My Life and starts pointing up I will throw things.”

Why? That would be sweet and she is gone, forever –

edit: please don’t lecture posters.

I think that whatever Adam sings it will be entertaining, I cant wait to see them all on tuesday

With the disclaimer that some of thee are deliberately, shall we say, “tongue in cheek”, here are a few suggestions for week’s theme:

Adam – “She’s Out of My Life” or “I’ll be there” or “The Love you Save”
(the only vocalist, male or female, who can actually sing the early MJ/J5 stuff)
Alexis – “Smooth Criminal” done in the Alien Ant Farm style
Allison – “Beat It”
Anoop – “The Girl is Mine”
Danny – “The Way you Make Me Feel” or “ABC”
(I think he’s quite smart, will avoid the obvious inspirational/dead wife references, and will get back to his initial audition style)
Jasmine – “Ben” (though she’s want to do “I’ll Be There” in Mariah Carey style
Jorge – “Shake your Body”
(ETA: I love the spanish language suggestion someone else posted above!)
Kris – “Remember the Time” w/guitar
Lil – “Wanna be Startin’ Something” or “Heal the World”
Matt – “Billy Jean”, on the piano, singing it like Ray Charles
Megan – “Dancing Machine” (HA!) or, seriously, “I’ll Be There” done acoustically
Michael – “I Want you Back”
Scott – “You Are Not Alone” or “Ebony and Ivory”
(you know he’s playing the piano this week!)

Also – my bet is on Scott in the pimp spot this week.

Megan – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Dancing Machineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

:laugh_tb:

Scott – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“You Are Not Aloneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  or à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ebony and Ivoryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
(you know heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s playing the piano this week!)

If he doesn’t play the piano, I bet the judges completely throw him under the bus.

If he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t play the piano, I bet the judges completely throw him under the bus.

Scott, like many blind artists before him (Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder) probably feels so much more comfortable on a piano stool than singing standing up. I’ll guarantee that for the duration of his time on AI he will ALWAYS sing with the piano.

I’m really looking forward to the return of theme weeks, however cheesy they may seem. Limiting a contestants selection really helps define how versatile they will be as an artist, and it also helps show their strengths and weaknesses compared to the others. For the most part the top 36 song choices were horrendous because they had to large of a field to pick from and they tried (often in vain) to find songs that showcased, what they thought, as their fit in the biz.

Now we have a chance to see if they really have any sensibilities about what songs showcase their voices and talents and how they can make the songs their own.

Though a part of me thinks Adam should change things up and sing one of Michael’s early ballads (but with a different arrangement), I confess I REALLY want to hear him sing Dirty Diana (and look right at the camera when he sings “I’ll be the freak that you want..”)! LOL….

Adam should sing “The Girl is Mine” (heh)
Matt Giraud - Would be good to hear the full version of “I Want You Back” but the judges would probably complain about him repeating the Hollywood song. I’d settle for “Human Nature”
Jasmine Murray – “I’ll be there”
Anoop – “The Lady in My Life”
Lil “You Are Not Alone”.
Those are the only performers I care to hear.

^^ omg, the list of Adam’s influences is fascinating. Everyone from Hendrix to Hathaway. And of course he would list Marilyn Manson, lol. Thanks so much for posting that. This guy can do whatever he wants. And I can’t wait to hear what Matt will do *swoon*

I love Michael Jackson’s music. He also has some of the best videos. Everyone on Tuesday night will sound like a bad imitation of MJ.

I don’t think anyone is a shoo-in for this week. In past experiences, the ones I always expect to excel with a certain theme seem to falter (see: David Cook and “Hungry Like the Wolf”).

Anyway, I’m expecting a trainwreck from Megan Corkrey. There’s not a Michael Jackson song in the world I can imagine her singing. Also, I’m worried about Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre, although I can see Scott pulling off “Ben” on piano.

If he’s heard this version, I fully expect Jorge to snatch up “She’s Out of My Life.”

I’m not particularly looking forward to anything Adam Lambert sings, although I’m sure he’ll do fine since he can sing anything in the world. Ten bucks says he goes for the crotch as a tribute to Michael Jackson.

I want Anoop to do the moonwalk and sing “Black and White.” And…he’s gotta do the rap!

Jasmine will sing “ABC.”

Kris Allen – “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”

Danny Gokey or Matt Giraud – “You Rock My World”

If I think too hard about Michael Jackson, it just makes me sad. Sometimes people overcome mega-abusive childhoods, and sometimes they turn into…Michael Jackson. I hope that this week’s show won’t be overly depressing because of that. Of course, they won’t talk about what a freaky trainwreck Michael has become, but it will feel like the elephant in the living room when they don’t.

I’m hoping one of the girls…Megan, if she can bring it…will do “Human Nature.” I can hear Lil doing “Black or White.” Danny should not go all melancholy and ballady on us. Fair or not, he’ll do something upbeat if he wants the backlash to stop. I hope Adam pulls out something like “Dirty Diana.”

I really, really want Adam to do something from the following: Bad, Beat It (I have the FOB version on my iPod and yes, it rawks.), P.Y.T., or The Way You Make Me Feel. Anoop could also to those last two well, I think.

The girls would be best suited to stay in the Jackson 5 catalog, if those songs are allowed.

Overall, I’m expecting kinda what I did for Beatles week last year – a couple trainwrecks, a couple homeruns, and the rest good, bland, boring, or cheesy. That’s gonna be the problem with a couple of the guys – how do they make it not cheesy?

Though a part of me thinks Adam should change things up and sing one of Michaelà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s early ballads (but with a different arrangement), I confess I REALLY want to hear him sing Dirty Diana (and look right at the camera when he sings à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be the freak that you want..à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ )! LOLà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

I completely agree. I think he may go the ballad road, just to change it up a bit, but it would be SUCH a shame if he didn’t use this week to do the MJ songs NO ONE else in the competition can do.

Also, I’d LOVE to watch him perform Bad.

And whoever does the moonwalk is my new BFF. Even if it’s Gokey. GASP!

So no one else wants to see the !!Gokey!! perform Bad (chu know it)…

This is definitely this year’s Beatles Week: they are songs with lots of potential and it can go really really well (Beatles Week #1) or quite horribly (Beatles Week #2). Either way should be entertaining. I’m expecting Matt G and Scott to do well, I have no idea in hell what Megan will sing but the potential for epic fail is huge, Allison and Alexis have lots of screamers to choose from, Danny has plenty of shmaltz, Jorge will be.. interesting, Micheal Sarver should be able to handle it just fine, Anoop better choose something fun, Kris needs to be interesting – good luck with that, Jasmine ditto Kris x 200, Adam is way too hard to call – which makes him exciting, Lil should kill on the right songs.

Fun times.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I like Danny, but if he sings Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Out of My Life and starts pointing up I will throw things.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Why? That would be sweet and she is gone, forever – I sure hope no one elses spouse dies so you have to see how horrible it feels still, not even a year later.

No one’s denying that the loss of a spouse is a sad thing, no matter how long after it happens. The problem here is Danny using the fact that his wife died to get sympathy votes. However, it has been a while since we’ve seen Danny, so he might tone things down this week. I hope not, though.

ANYWAY, I would like Anoop to sing “The way you make me feel” but apparently Sanjaya did this? I don’t like to compare Anoop to Sanjaya simply because of nationality, but not all viewers are logical and this might work against him.

What about “Earth Song?”

MJ Week song spoilers from IDF! Not sure how legit they are, and my laptop is blocking because it thinks I’m at school (I’m home sick) so I can’t post the link but here they are:

Lil wants to keep us satisfied.
Kris is singing to all his fangirls.
Adam is good – and you know it!
Alexis is not ready to bid farewell.
Danny has to be careful of what he does in this round.
Anoopà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s doing this one for the ladies.
Megan is a little wistful.
Jorge wants to give you a special feeling.
Scott sees the benefit of we.
Jasmine is contemplating some deep issues.
Michael wants to assure you that heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be around.
Allison may be a girly girl, but sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got that spark!
Matt is taking a long, hard look at his musical identity.

ANYWAY, I would like Anoop to sing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The way you make me feelà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  but apparently Sanjaya did this? I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t like to compare Anoop to Sanjaya simply because of nationality, but not all viewers are logical and this might work against him.

Sanjaya did that song for the AI summer tour. Probably very few viewers saw that show (though I did; it was really awesome, btw), and even if they did, that tune would not be a “signature” Sanjaya song (as opposed to, say, “You Really Got Me”). I could see Anoop doing well with “The Way You Make Me Feel.”

I think most of these singers will find something they can sing, but I am really scratching my head over Michael. I’m not a big fan, so if he combusts on stage, it’s all good with me.

Ooh, Adam is tackling Bad? Wow, can’t wait to see that.

Victoria,

if those are correct, sounds like to me (im no detective) that:

Adam- Bad
Matt- Man in the Mirror

those are really the only 2 that i care about right now to decipher.

Im happy with those choices if thats what they really chose- i wanted Adam to sing either Dirty Diana, Beat It, Thriller, or Bad. And i like MITM for Matt.

Adam- Bad
Matt- Man in the Mirror

I agree, and it looks like Danny is doing Billie Jean. Ha! That should be funny.

I’m glad Adam is doing Bad (hey, that rhymed!). I think he can pull that one off.

I’m going to work on deciphering the others. It might take me awhile, since I’m no MJ expert. I will update here as we figure them out. Assuming the list is correct…

Here’s what we know so far:
*Adam – Bad
*Matt – Man in the Mirror
*Danny – Billie Jean
*Lil – The Way You Make Me Feel, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough
*Anoop – Lady in My Life (?)
*Alexis – Can Never Say Goodbye (? – this only works if Jackson 5 songs are included), Don’t Walk Away
*Megan – Got To Be There (?)
*Michael – I’ll Be There
*Kris – P.Y.T.
*Scott – We’re The World

Lil wants to keep us satisfied.
Kris is singing to all his fangirls.
Adam is good – and you know it!
Alexis is not ready to bid farewell.
Danny has to be careful of what he does in this round.
Anoopà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s doing this one for the ladies.
Megan is a little wistful.
Jorge wants to give you a special feeling.
Scott sees the benefit of we.
Jasmine is contemplating some deep issues.
Michael wants to assure you that heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be around.
Allison may be a girly girl, but sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got that spark!
Matt is taking a long, hard look at his musical identity.

Pleeeease let this be true! I SO want to see this performance. He’ll kill it.

And wait a second… Danny is doing Billie Jean?!

Oh no.

Lil wants to keep us satisfied.
Kris is singing to all his fangirls.
Adam is good – and you know it! – BAD
Alexis is not ready to bid farewell. – NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE
Danny has to be careful of what he does in this round. – BILLIE JEAN
Anoopà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s doing this one for the ladies.
Megan is a little wistful. – GOT TO BE THERE?
Jorge wants to give you a special feeling.
Scott sees the benefit of we.
Jasmine is contemplating some deep issues.
Michael wants to assure you that heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be around. – I’LL BE THERE
Allison may be a girly girl, but sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got that spark!
Matt is taking a long, hard look at his musical identity. – MAN IN THE MIRROR.

That’s all I got

Michael Jackson week?

LOL. This is the worst season ever.

They should have called Michael. He’s always willing to work with kids.

Okay, I’m editing them into my last post as we get them, so we can have one list of all of them.

Could Kris’ song be Pretty Young Thing?

If Matt really is singing Man In The Mirror, can I just say now, I really hate that. Pick a song that hasn’t been sung already this year…jeesh…

They should have called Michael. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s always willing to work with kids.

BWAH!!!

No frakkin’ way Danny is doing “Billie Jean”! That can’t be right, can it? Nobody can be that incredibly tone deaf to public opinion. . .

Is lil doing doing “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough?”

Alexis: “Don’t Walk Away?”

Scott: “We’re the world??” Oh no…

Could Krisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ song be Pretty Young Thing?

Could be! I was really stuck on that clue, haha. Sounds like you got it right! I added it to the list.

ETA:

Scott: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re the world??à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Oh noà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

My reaction exactly.

Jorge – “Butterflies”

Jasmine – “Human Nature”

Scott – “Ben” or “We Are the World”

Allison – “Dirty Diana”

Anoop – “You Rock My World”

No frakkinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ way Danny is doing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Billie Jeanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ! That canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be right, can it? Nobody can be that incredibly tone deaf to public opinion. . .

And public opinion would be….?

Why? That would be sweet and she is gone, forever – I sure hope no one elses spouse dies so you have to see how horrible it feels still, not even a year later.

Please don’t confront your fellow posters like this. Politically incorrect humor is NOT against the guidelines here at mjsbigblog. I’ll be editing and deleting accordingly.

Nobody can be that incredibly tone deaf to public opinion. . .

Uh, yes someone can, particularly when that someone has an unrealistically high opinion of himself (and his place/purpose in the world.)

But, then again, maybe he’s just hearing public opinion wrongly. After all, BJ is about as far from an uplifting, hopeful message song that there can be. LOL

Hummmm…

My previous comment won’t let me edit it (“LOAD COMMENT FALIED” =\) so here’s the updated list:

Here’s what we know so far:
*Adam – Bad
*Matt – Man in the Mirror
*Danny – Billie Jean
*Lil – The Way You Make Me Feel/Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough
*Anoop – Lady in My Life/You Rock My World
*Alexis – Can Never Say Goodbye/Don’t Walk Away
*Megan – Got To Be There
*Michael – I’ll Be There
*Kris – P.Y.T.
*Scott – We’re The World/Ben
*Jorge – Butterflies
*Jasmine – Human Nature
*Allison – Dirty Diana/Wanna Be Starting Something

This sure is a strange list. I mean…. Billie Jean? Really, Danny?

If Danny’s doing Billie Jean I doubt he’s doing the same version as last year. That wouldn’t even fit his voice.

And as someone who likes Cook, I wouldn’t care at all if someone else did the Chris Cornell version. I mean, it would be hard not to be compared to someone else’s watershed moment, but still if they did it well I’d have no complaints.

Ok, back to our fake spoiler list. LOL. Could Allison be doing Wanna Be Starting Something? I’m reaching here.

MJ Week song spoilers from IDF! Not sure how legit they are, and my laptop is blocking because it thinks Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m at school (Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m home sick) so I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t post the link but here they are:

Have fun. Just keep in mind that these are probably FAKE. Somebody copied and pasted them from joesplace comments section.

Have fun. Just keep in mind that these are probably FAKE.

True, but hey, you never know! :biggrin_wp:

Even if they’re fake, the thought of Danny tackling Billie Jean is quite entertaining…

ETA: I just read the comment you were referring to. His source is “a little birdie” so there’s no telling what that means. Look fake, though.

Just keep in mind that these are probably FAKE.

Hehe. So true.

What’s with the riddles, anyway? If you know the songs, just say so. LOL!

Ahhhhh….speculation’s fun! I’ll bet at least one of the songs on the list is correct.

I’d really really HATE it if Matt sings Man in the Mirror. And I’d LOVE it if Danny sings Billie Jean because you know there’s going to be backlash from Cook fans!

Ahhhhhà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.speculationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fun! Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll bet at least one of the songs on the list is correct.

If only one is right, then I hope Adam is singing Bad.

And Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d LOVE it if Danny sings Billie Jean because you know thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going to be backlash from Cook fans!

YES! My thoughts exactly. Besides, it would be funny! It’s not really a ‘Danny’ song, and I think he would totally butcher it.

I feel evil now.

At first I was all about Adam singing “Dirty Diana” but after revisiting Fall Out Boy’s cover of “Beat It” and listening to it repeatedly this morning, I’m reeeally hoping that’s what he’s gonna do!

And I doubt that spoiler list is real, but “Bad” would probably be good too.

I just realized that I really don’t care what anyone else does. :laugh_tb: But I hope Allison and Alexis do well!

Full lists are almost always fake unless they come from dress rehearsals, and this is waaay to early, but I’ll chew on it and come up with some guesses. Fun.

But I hope Allison and Alexis do well!

My poor Jesse is gone. But Alexis was my fave girl in week one, and I like Allison, too.

I just realized that I really donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care what anyone else does. But I hope Allison and Alexis do well!

I still care what some other people do because I’m someone will do well and surprise me, but I don’t think they will. I could care less what Danny, Matt, Jasmine, and Michael do but I’m too curious not to know, haha.

My poor Jesse is gone.

I didn’t think she was great, but now that she’s gone I miss her! Can’t we take her back and lose Jasmine?!

This week could be trainwreck central. Just checked the WNTS database for contestants covering Michael Jackson songs. Outside of one showstopper last year that’s been called a lot of things but never Michael Jacksonish, most of them have been fairly disastrous. Those doing the Jackson 5 only fare a little better. So let’s give the kids a damned if you do and damned if you don’t week right off the bat. Should be fun, right?

“Please donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t confront your fellow posters like this. Politically incorrect humor is NOT against the guidelines here at mjsbigblog. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be editing and deleting accordingly.”

Got it and I apologize and I really need to stay away from anything Gokey, I lost my 1st husband when he was only 33 and it is the most horrible thing in the world and I will stay away from that subject from now on, on here, it still hurts and people just dont realize it unless they have been there, so sorry! Danny isnt even a fav of mine yet, I just dont think deceased spouse humor is funny, even after all of these years.

Just checked the WNTS database for contestants covering Michael Jackson songs.

What’s the WNTS database?

If Jasmine is contemplating some deep issues she maybe singing “CRY”, that is if the list is true.

Whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the WNTS database?

What Not To Sing… google it. I always forget about it.

The two MJ performances that stand out for me are “Butterflies” by Ace and “Billie Jean” by Cookie, but I’ve only been watching since Season 4.

Justin Guarini did “PYT”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p8B1GLyPT8

What Not To Singà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ google it. I always forget about it.

Thank you! I googled it and it looks interesting.

the spoilers are probably fake.

but i would pay money to see Adam do Bad or Thriller…or even Beat it…and get dancers choreographed behind him. MJ lends himself to theatrics:)

eta: i would put money on Anoop and Smooth Criminal

Whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the WNTS database?

What Not to Sing, the last link listed on the Blogroll at the left. If you click on Database and then on Artists, you can find who has been covered on the show and how well the contestant(s) did who sang a song originally by that artist.

Justin Guarini did à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“PYTà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p8B1GLyPT8

Thank you. The dancing! The faces! The outfit! Heh.

eta: i would put money on Anoop and Smooth Criminal

Me too. It’s the most Anoop-ish song of Michael’s. It also happens to be my favorite MJ song, so I hope he doesn’t ruin it. :sad_tb:

ETA: I wonder if -assuming he sings it- he will try to soul-ify it?

I just made up 2 words. Cool…

Yeah, these are most likely fake, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple of them end up being right. Smooth Criminal is a good song, but I prefer the Alien Ant Farm version.

Never heard of WNTS – going to check it out now.

Justin Guarini was hilarious on PYT. Wow. No words.

Um… maybe no one should do that song. Kris… are you listening? LOL.

here is what you can do to figure anoop…find out what if any song the clefhangers ever arranged for an MJ song…and that is your one. they keep all those arrangements (trust me i lived with two college a cappella group leaders)…and i am sure he can arrange music…but trust me, so can his friends (my roomie and i arranged MLK by U2 once …split into 12 parts:)) so…he has a well of people to draw upon.

just watched the guarini video.

come on…give him points for dancing!! i want dancing on tuesday:)

Neil Finn does a cover of Billie Jean, but I can’t find it on youtube to check it out.

Here’s James Morrison doing “Man In The Mirror”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZivRD3ADUQ

Much better than Kris did. LOL.

in hunting idol covers of MJ…blake lewis and thriller

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UhO9hfpssc

there will probably be 2 good performances and the rest will be boring/safe or disaster

Watching Justin Guarini do PYT makes me think we are being way too hard on this season. If Kris does PYT it’s not like he has to worry about unfavorable comparisons.

I wish Adam could sing more than one song this week. Bad, Dirty Diana, there’s a bunch he could do. As was mentioned after another post I think Megan should do KT Tunstall’s version of I Want You Back. Someone originally suggested it for Jason last season during Rock and Roll Hall of Fame week but it would work for Megan too.

there will probably be 2 good performances and the rest will be boring/safe or disaster

I’m betting on disaster.

ETA: Wooooooooow at the Blake Lewis thing. :blink_tb:

ETA2:

I wish Adam could sing more than one song this week.

Better yet, let’s just have Adam sing everything!

And I like the KT Tunstall version of IWYB for Megan

I can see Danny doing “You are not alone”
…. er…

see we need to explore the covers….here is the KT TUnstall cover…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xANiW9yWvGE

Adam lambert should sing, “keep it in the closet”
All kidding aside….I absolutely love Diana Vickers (X-factor UK 2008) version of man in the mirror

Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s James Morrison doing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Man In The Mirrorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZivRD3ADUQ

Much better than Kris did. LOL.

Wow, that’s awesome! That song sung in that way could fit Matt G, but I think his goat vibraro would ruin it for me.

I wish there were better non-frontrunners to root for, because it’s the Elliotts and Jasons who get me excited about Idol. Now, I only have…Allison and Matt? SIGH.

I don’t see anything wrong with anyone singing “Billie Jean” this week, especially if they did the Michael Jackson version instead of that Chris Cornell version. The two versions don’t even sound like the same song. There would be no need for Cook comparisons.

what is sarver going to sing? i cannot even imagine!

I absolutely love Diana Vickers (X-factor UK 2008) version of man in the mirror

I just went and watched it, and I love it too! I’ve never watched the X Factor but I think I might next season…

ETA:

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see anything wrong with anyone singing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Billie Jeanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  this week, especially if they did the Michael Jackson version instead of that Chris Cornell version. The two versions donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even sound like the same song. There would be no need for Cook comparisons.

Yeah, but can you imagine Danny doing the Michaael Jackson version? :laugh_tb:

Oh, and I’m in love with that James Morrison version of Man in the Mirror.

Megan should do KT Tunstallà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s version of I Want You Back. Someone originally suggested it for Jason last season during Rock and Roll Hall of Fame week but it would work for Megan too.

I think the problem with Megan is that she doesn’t play any instruments. Her style would be so much more appealing to me if she did. At least Brooke and Jason had musicality to turn their non-belting voices into something that added to their singer-songwriter persona; Megan, on the other hand, just has a very bad voice to work with. little musicality, and absolutely no sense or rhythm. I don’t think her singing KT Tunstall’s version of IWYB would help me overlook that.

So while I thought Jason could pull off KT’s IWYB with his guitar, it wouldn’t be my choice for Megan.

ETA: folk, she said in the EW interview that she doesn’t play any instruments. So, instead of being centered behind an instrument (ala Brooke), Megan will be doing the Corkrey dance all season long. That’s even worse than seeing Brooke’s “Here Comes the Sun” dance every week!!

megan does not play guitar or something? damn, i was really hoping her hands would have somewhere to rest.

Wow, thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s awesome! That song sung in that way could fit Matt G, but I think his goat vibraro would ruin it for me.

Yeah, I’m not sure he’s capable (or motivated) to dial back the goat vibrato or the runs and rifs.

ETA:

see we need to explore the coversà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.here is the KT TUnstall coverà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xANiW9yWvGE

I can see Megan trying this. Does she play guitar at all? I think she just sings.

“No frakkinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ way Danny is doing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Billie Jeanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ! That canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be right, can it? Nobody can be that incredibly tone deaf to public opinion. . .”

And public opinion would beà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.?

I should have said “conventional wisdom.” And by that I mean:

1) You don’t choose a song associated with a previous contestant’s breakout performance, especially when a) the contestant was from the most recent season and won the whole shebang; b) you were just quoted, the week before, saying you wouldn’t want to “out-show” a prior contestant; and

2) The song in question, Billie Jean, created its own tempest in a teapot when the prior contestant was accused of stealing the cover arrangement he used for said breakout performance.

Do you pay attention to whether you’re choosing a song that’s been performed by Idol contestants in previous seasons?

Danny Gokey: That’s a hard question. I think you’ve just got to be wise. You don’t want to offend people in the audience who had a former favorite. You don’t want to out-show them. That’s not right, I don’t think.

If Adam sings Bad this could be the best night of Idol evar! Does anyone remember the first two lines: “Your Butt Is Mine, Gonna Take You Right” Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

FYI…..X-factor UK 2008 did a Michael Jackson week….if anyone wants to see what other contestants did

I think that Adam should sing Dirty Diana. He would be stupid not to, because it’s a rock song. It has that edge to it, and he could most definately holler at the top of his lungs ..Watch the video in concert on youtube, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. A great pick for him, and skip bad or triller.

Yeah, but can you imagine Danny doing the Michaael Jackson version?

I can’t imagine anybody doing the Michael Jackson verson of anything, really. LOL

And, uh, many of us were mortified by Cook’s performance of “Billie Jean”.

Aww, LOL. Danny will be careful about choosing songs performed in previous seasons because he thinks he’ll out-show them and that’s not right?

Come on Danny, sing Billie Jean and out-show David Cook.

^ Yeah, Danny! Please?

If Adam sings Bad this could be the best night of Idol evar! Does anyone remember the first two lines: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Your Butt Is Mine, Gonna Take You Rightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Not that thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s anything wrong with that!

Ha! I didn’t think of that! :lol_tb:

Oh, I like that KT Tunstall version of IWYB but I wish it could be sung by Jesse rather than Megan. Jesse plays guitar (and piano), so she could really shine with this type of arrangement – plus she just sings better than Megan IMO.

I lost my 1st husband when he was only 33 and it is the most horrible thing in the world and I will stay away from that subject from now on, on here, it still hurts and people just dont realize it unless they have been there, so sorry! Danny isnt even a fav of mine yet, I just dont think deceased spouse humor is funny, even after all of these years.

I’m sorry for your loss, but the readers comments here aren’t about you or your situation. It’s actually off-topic to bring it up.

It is probably best if you just gloss over them and don’t read.

I can’t really picture Danny singing the lyrics to Billie Jean. It’s just not inspirational enough.

Oh, I like that KT Tunstall version of IWYB but I wish it could be sung by Jesse rather than Megan. Jesse plays guitar (and piano), so she could really shine with this type of arrangement – plus she just sings better than Megan IMO.

ITA. Sniff…

LMAO @Your butt is mine!!!!! That is just as good as Hernandez singing in the finale last year. I will love that moment forever if it happens.
:clap_tb:

I think that Michael Jackson has a lot of great songs, and I am very interested in seeing what the contestants sing this week.

I agree with everyone that says that Adam could sing a lot of different MJ songs and do really well. I could see him killing a number of Michael’s songs.

I think that Matt is another contestant who could do well on quite a few of Michael’s songs. I could see him doing a piano version of one of Michael’s songs, like maybe “Remember The Time.”

I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing someone who plays an intrustment doing “In the Closet”. I love the beat of that song, and I think it could be interesting if someone played that on guitar or piano. Like Kris Allen or Matt Giraud.

I think that Scott could do “She’s out of my life” on Piano, or like some other posters suggested “Ben”.

I think that we might definitely get a lot of rearrangements tomorrow of Michael’s songs, and I think that it will be interesting to see which contestants change things up, and how they change things up.

I’m kind of worried we’re all going to be disapointed in Adam, since we’re expected so much from him, haha.

OK…looking at the Diana Vickers You Tube…the songs sung during last years X Factor MJ week were

Man in the Mirror
Ben (starts a capella) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kNdOEBRQs0&feature=related

Ill be there

Billie Jean (um….check it out….)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6ayOJBZ2ZA&feature=related

The Way You Make me Feel (omg!! They have dancers on x factor!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_JpRriJl2Q&feature=related

Heal the World –this is just bad (the girlband) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcwQ5BAXYqE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI_xp2h23wc&feature=related

I just cant stop loving you — wow, this chick has huge boobs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_9I_fptEvc&feature=related

Shes Out of My Life- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffKNil_EAN4&feature=related

You are Not Alone- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sRw9nsgPP4

^ Wow, that girlband WAS bad. Unfortunately, I think that’s the kind of thing we may get with Jasmine this week.

Jorge will probably sing “she’s out of my life” since Marc Anthony sang it for Michael Jackson special

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WEHIs7Eu_U

there are a lot of rock covers of MJ music..even fall out boy does Beat it…and is pretty good

More Season 1 MJ fail. Nikki McKibbin and “Ben.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gYIZRdrgAM

That little guy singing “Ben” on X-Factor is adorable.

Someone did “Dirty Diana” on XF too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuCn20gTen8

ETA: oops, folk posted the DD performance…sorry, I missed it.

LMAO @Your butt is mine!!!!! That is just as good as Hernandez singing in the finale last year. I will love that moment forever if it happens.

:cheese1_ee: OMG, it would totes be made of “warm and naked” win. Do it, Adam! Because you’re bad, you know it….

:cheese1_ee: OMG, it would totes be made of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“warm and nakedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  win. Do it, Adam! Because youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re bad, you know ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

sunchick, you are my sister is twisted humor. I smell an avatar coming. Please Adam, I’m begging you!

Jorge will probably sing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s out of my lifeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  since Marc Anthony sang it for Michael Jackson special

Ooh, you’re probably right.

OMG, it would totes be made of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“warm and nakedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  win. Do it, Adam! Because youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re bad, you know ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

Haha! I hope he does do it. Come on, Adam! You know you want to!

LMAO I sure hope Adam is as smart as he seems to be and doesn’t listen to any of us!

but seriously….what will sarver sing?

but seriouslyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.what will sarver sing?

Question for the ages. We should just abbreviate this from now on, a la What Would Jesus Do. WWSS?

ROFLMAO Tina.

Michael Sarver will sing “leave me alone”

LMAO I sure hope Adam is as smart as he seems to be and doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t listen to any of us!

Haha, agreed! Although he does google himself, sooo… Adam, ignore us!

but seriouslyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.what will sarver sing?

Question for the ages. We should just abbreviate this from now on, a la What Would Jesus Do. WWSS?

Nice. I like it!

As for his song… well, it’s Michael Jackson week, he’s screwed anyway, so why not take a chance with Thriller and go all out? Costumes and all! :laugh_tb:

ETA: Justantonio, do you know that for sure or is that a joke? I’m not well enough versed in my Michael Jackson knowledge to get it if it is, haha.

WWSS (heh!) … He could be doing”I’ll Be There” like the fake spoiler suggests. :laugh_tb:

I watched the vid with the dancing from the X-factor. OMG, it reminded me of our Michael Jackson impersonator in HS (yes, I’m old). He did the whole Thriller thing @ the talent competition and got all these girls to be the zombies. He totally won, too. He looked a lot like MJ (back before the plastic surgery) and totally used it to score. Heh.

ETA: I just looked up Thriller and it actually came out before I went to HS, so I guess this guy just found something that worked for him and extended his 15 minutes of HS fame.

pj…imagine adam….in costume…with dancers for thriller.

never going to happen…but just imagine.

I don’t think Adam could do anything to disappoint me, he’s amazing. At least he’s already got us guessing and it’s only the first round of singing, unlike some of the more predictable contestants.

Yeah, so you’ll notice most of the X Factor kids sang ballads rather than trying to tackle the more up tempo MJ stuff. But the boy band JLS got props for doing The Way You Make Me Feel, and in fact I think they coasted on that performance for several weeks. Not perfect, but you gotta love the moonwalk. Can someone please do the moonwalk? Sadly, we’ll probably just get uncomfortable crotch grabs. Someone will sing Ben, probably Scott as many have said.

never going to happenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦but just imagine.

Oh, it would be something. Perhaps they’ll tackle it in the pointy pose group number?

hahah i dunno…im just going by the lyrics…”leave me alone, just stop dogging me around”…it also has a nice melody and fun beat…i hope someone sings it

As for his songà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ well, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Michael Jackson week, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s screwed anyway,

HA! I actually think Micheal Jackson songs are pretty well suited to Sarver’s voice. He seems to do better with R&B. Now, he needs to pick something that doesn’t need a whole lot of performance skills to pull off. A nice Jackson 5 ballad would do him fine.

So, here’s a list of MJ covers and stuff he’s covered.

http://www.secondhandsongs.com/artist/254

Can they do things that he’s covered? I can totally see one of the Blue Eyed Soul peeps trying Ain’t No Sunshine.

i am just saying…if they had put Normund thru, he totally could have done the Weird Al cover…

I, for one, wish they could chose from the entire Jackson family. Be it Janet, Michael, the 5 and even LaToya, it would be far more engaging to hear Anoop try “Again” for once. Anyway, my picks are at my website idolatoz.blogspot.com

So, hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a list of MJ covers and stuff heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s covered.

http://www.secondhandsongs.com/artist/254

Can they do things that heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s covered? I can totally see one of the Blue Eyed Soul peeps trying Ainà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t No Sunshine.

Probably. They could for the theme weeks last year, right? If so, I think you’re right and someone will sing Ain’t No Sunshine.

i am just sayingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦if they had put Normund thru, he totally could have done the Weird Al coverà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Haha! That would be more entertaining than some people will be tomorrow…

I hope we get some real spoilers soon. Dress rehearsal was/is sometime today, so maybe we will get an actual list. Does anyone know how long th rehearsal usually lasts?

Seems like the girls will have the same advantage here that the guys had last season with Mariah – they won’t be compared to the original.

but seriouslyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.what will sarver sing?

I’m not picturing it either…..

Dear AI, have Danny sing Billie Jean and Adam sing Bad, plzthx

There was an alt-rock band in the 90s, Madder Rose, that did a loungey, down-tempo version of The Love You Save which would be perfect for Megan.

Seems like the girls will have the same advantage here that the guys had last season with Mariah – they wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be compared to the original.

That should help them, unless they decide to do a MJ song Mariah has covered! I think she’s done “I’ll Be There,” right?

that second hand songs website should be gold for the idols ..if they know about it

I hope we get some real spoilers soon. Dress rehearsal was/is sometime today, so maybe we will get an actual list. Does anyone know how long th rehearsal usually lasts?

Dress rehearsal will be tomorrow, same day as the live show. If there are spoilers, they usually come out no more than an hour from the start of show on the east coast.

If Danny sings “You are not alone” he and AI will be dead to me. I am not making light of his loss, but it would just be too much for me to deal with. I am over him.

Dress rehearsal will be tomorrow, same day as the live show. If there are spoilers, they usually come out no more than an hour from the start of show on the east coast.

Oh, whoops. I think I knew that at some point… See, this is what being sick does to me.

If Danny sings à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“You are not aloneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  he and AI will be dead to me. I am not making light of his loss, but it would just be too much for me to deal with. I am over him.

Danny could sing Thriller brilliantly and I would still be over him.

I hope someone tries “Will You Be There” I don’t think anyone has mentioned it yet.

By the way, someone wanted to know earlier if Anoop’s acapella group had done any MJ songs that Anoop could sing. I just checked, and it looks like they didn’t.

How about “You Are Not Alone” for Michael?

but seriouslyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.what will sarver sing?

Question for the ages. We should just abbreviate this from now on, a la What Would Jesus Do. WWSS?

WWSS? LOL. I could become a Sarver fan if he demonstrated he really is an R & B guy (he said he was anyway) and tried something like Akon’s version of “You Want to be Starting Something” at the piano. Style points FO SHO!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiL8z-RHIKY

I can totally see Anoop doing PYT. It also fits the clues.

Seems like the girls will have the same advantage here that the guys had last season with Mariah – they wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be compared to the original.

Not sure about that one because MJ sounds a lot more like a chick than a guy — to me anyway.

Too bad he won’t be mentoring. That would have surely driven the ratings through the roof.

(MJ, it looks like you haven’t converted to DST yet. Don’t forget to get your clocks right before tomorrow tonight’s show! )

WWSS? LOL. I could become a Sarver fan if he demonstrated he really is an R & B guy (he said he was anyway) and tried something like Akonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s version of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“You Want to be Starting Somethingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  at the piano. Style points FO SHO!

I like that version, but I don’t think Sarver is cool enough pull it off… does that sound weird? =\

I can totally see Anoop doing PYT. It also fits the clues.

Definately, I think that’s the best one for him.

Not sure about that one because MJ sounds a lot more like a chick than a guy à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  to me anyway.

He does to me too. Well, not so much a girl (except when he was younger, like Jackson 5 time) but just a really high-pitched guy.

Too bad he wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be mentoring. That would have surely driven the ratings through the roof.

Who knows, he might show up in the audience or something! But he’s in London, so probably not…? Will he still be in London?

Take off the sunglasses, remove the wig, no makeup and Michael could very well show up incognito for the show. Oh, and the on again off again nose could go too. I’m sorry but I just watched the press conference for his tour and I was completely appalled that his handlers let him do it. The man is nothing more than a walking skeleton….and I’m sure he’ll never have the strength to do the 10 or so shows he has scheduled. So sad….he was a real talent. Going to go and look to see which of his songs he wrote himself.

Anyway, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m expecting a trainwreck from Megan Corkrey. Thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not a Michael Jackson song in the world I can imagine her singing.

Totally agree. Megan could be the first girl gone. Her unusual vocals and awkward dance moves, combined with a theme like MJ? I just don’t see things working out well for her. Now, Megan is good-looking so she probably has the straight male vote, but even that will only take her so far. Unless Megan really ups the ante, she is a trainwreck waiting to happen come Tuesday.

This week is going to be very revealing, in the same way Mariah night was last year. Whoever can go with this theme and nail it, will be the ones to watch. Even though nobody is expecting him to last long, Kris has already proven he can sing MJ (talk amongst yourselves if it was good or bad) so he could have a good week again. Matt has successfully done a Jackson 5 song, so heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably okay, and I think Adam and Anoop will do great, especially with the right song. If Danny really is doing Billie Jeanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦God help him. Everyone elseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦well, I guess weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll see.

Lastly, I am really hoping that someone does Dirty Diana, because it is one of my all-time favorite MJ songs. Hopefully if someone picks it they don’t screw it up.

Here ya go Tess.

from the HIStory CD.

1. Billie Jean (written by Michael Jackson)
2. The Way You Make Me Feel (written by Michael Jackson)
3. Black Or White (written by Michael Jackson)
4. Rock With You (written by Rod Temperton)
5. She’s Out Of My Life (written by Tom Bahler)
6. Bad (written by Michael Jackson)
7. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (written by Michael Jackson)
8. Man In The Mirror (written by Siedah Garrett & Glen Ballard)
9. Thriller (written by Rod Temperton)
10. Beat It (written by Michael Jackson)
11. The Girl Is Mine (written by Michael Jackson)
12. Remember The Time (written by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley & Bernard Bell)
13. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (written by Michael Jackson)
14. Wanna Be Startin’ Somthin’ (written by Michael Jackson)
15. Heal The World (written by Michael Jackson)

CD 2 Track List
1. Scream (Duet with Janet Jackson) (written by Michael and Janet Jackson, James Harris III & Terry Lewis)
2. They Don’t Care About Us (written by Michael Jackson)
3. Stranger In Moscow (written by Michael Jackson)
4. This Time Around (written by Michael Jackson)
5. Earth Song (written by Michael Jackson)
6. D.S (written by Michael Jackson)
7. Money (written by Michael Jackson)
8. Come Together (written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney)
9. You Are Not Alone (written by R. Kelly)
10.Childhood (Theme from Free Willy 2) (written by Michael Jackson)
11. Tabloid Junkie (written by Michael Jackson, James Harris III & Terry Lewis)
12. 2 Bad (written by Michael Jackson)
13. HIStory (written by Michael Jackson, James Harris III & Terry Lewis)
14 Little Susie (written by Michael Jackson)
15.Smile (written by John Turner & Geoffrey Parsons)

If someone sings “Scream” (Michael and Janet Jackson duet), I will vote for the first and possibly only time this season, no matter how terrible it is. :laugh_tb:

If someone sings à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Screamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (Michael and Janet Jackson duet), I will vote for the first and possibly only time this season, no matter how terrible it is.

That should be the group song, it would be awesome(ly) funny!

Adam should definitely do Dirty Diana and Megan should do Can’t Help It

Again, seriously, I think somebody should do “Earth Song”…I don’t know why I remember it but I do…and except for the fact that the refrain is “Ahhhh” and “Ooohhhhh,” I like the melody and the ending.

If someone sings à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Screamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (Michael and Janet Jackson duet), I will vote for the first and possibly only time this season, no matter how terrible it is.

Ooooh I love “Scream!!!” Adam should do this.

There is a cover of Human Nature that I really like:

I could see Matt or maybee Kris with the guitar?

Ooooh I love à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Scream!!!à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Adam should do this.

Yeah, I thought so too

Someone asked if the UNC Clef Hangers (Anoop’s a Capella group) had arranged any Michael Jackson songs, so I looked through their old CDs and found that they arranged Billie Jean for their 2001 Elevation CD. But, I doubt Anoop will choose that song. (http://www.clefhangers.com/albums.asp)

Also, I saw that Ne-Yo has done Lady in My Life. And since Anoop is such a huge Ne-Yo fan, he might be more inclined to perform that song.

Also, I saw that Ne-Yo has done Lady in My Life. And since Anoop is such a huge Ne-Yo fan, he might be more inclined to perform that song.

If he does, he’s really going to need to change it up in a way that will really show off his range and vocal abilities. Ne-Yo’s version of that song is kinda boring.

Yeah, a male singing a ballad on MJ week is going to be considered too derivative. They need to switch it up. I’m not sure that Scott or Jorge have anything but ballads in them. I hope they change my mind.

Broke out my Michael Jackson Number 1 Hits CD to take a refresher course. Now that I think about it, I would love Adam to sing “They Don’t Really Care About Us”. Just for the sheer drama of that song (one of my fav songs). Gah…seriously that was one of Michael’s brilliant songs! And it was one of the first pop songs to use that synthesized sound effect in the song background. Y’know the one that EVERY pop star uses now. I know that song probably won’t be on the approved list because it is soooo controversial.

I think the producers know that Adam is gonna nail any MJ song this week. Look for him close to the end of the order of performances again this week…

I am very excited for this theme as I have been a diehard fan of MJ’s music since I was a child. So sad he is such a mess now.

P.S. Michael Sarver or Jasmine Murray should sing “You Can’t Win” by Michael from The Wiz soundtrack. Just for the sheer irony…

Even though I prefer to hear up beat MJ songs tomorrow, I would like Alexis to sing and use her guitar.

The problem here is Danny using the fact that his wife died to get sympathy votes. However, it has been a while since weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve seen Danny, so he might tone things down this week. I hope not, though.

Hmmm, my verdict is still out on Danny. I don’t think that he has denied that this has brought him some attention and made people decide to listen to him. However, I just guessing (since I don’t know him) that he’s probably counting on the American people to listen to his vocals. Sadly many won’t simply because because of this.

Many others have had extra attention brought to them for various reasons as well which is why Kris Allen doesn’t stand out and why so many count on him failing.

I am with u on this 1 mj I love the 79′-91 michael jackson and i hate plastic surgeons this might be a disaster becuz michaels voice has always been unique and there is no else like em’ and its gonna be hard for them becuz of all the various things mj does with his voice plus people often forget that mj had his songs written especially for him…this is gonna be tough i wonder if someone does earth song, stranger in moscow or human nature I love those particular songs becuz they all describe scenarios in human condition according to feelings and actions from a psychological level and I took that for a year so i love stuff like dat.

Adamandeva, I agree that Adam would do great on “They Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Really Care About Us.” It’s a shame that song was misinterpretted and deemed controversial.

Michael Slezak’s new Idolatry: Top 13 Preview video is up at EW.

Too bad some of the girls canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t do Janet. Or can they?

I imagine they could if Michael wrote songs for his sister. I really don’t know. I think we may have some surprises of success from the girls. I also think Adam will do just fine regardless his choice. I just want to hear something spectacular!

I laughed at the Idolatry preview. I have to agree with them on Adam although I’m not sure I’d call him “skeezy”, lol.

They’ve got Adam so totally wrong, I hope they change their mind when he nails a beautiful ballad.

According to the second hand song site, LL Cool J and Boyz II Men have sampled (I’m not sure exactly what that means) Lady in My Life (in their song Hey Lover), which further leads me to believe that Anoop will choose it. Hopefully, he’ll change the song up if he does sing it!

Yeah, I’m a big fan of Slezak, but I’m totally not with him on his views of Adam — at least those voiced in the video. He’s curiously less critical in the photo gallery reviews and suggestions though, most likely hedging his bets lol.

Sometimes, Slezak and I see eye to eye. This is one of those times.

Slezak really dislikes Adam so I’ve had to cross him off my list this season. Cross Slezak off my list that is, not Adam. Lol.

Anyway, I’m looking forward to a reliable spoiler list because I’m genuinely curious about what everyone has come up with. Lots of good suggestions in this thread.

Tarheelgirl, sampling means an artist uses part of a song in their own original song. And I think you’re right; it’s a good bet Anoop sings that.

I like Slezak, but I disagree with him about Adam. I will still be watching Idolatry though, and his recaps are too witty to pass up. I just hope he changes his mind about Adam.

I’m waiting for a REAL spoiler list… anyone????

TMZ might have one. I hate going over there because they are rude and sleezy, and I don’t want to give their website any hits, haha. Plus it takes forever to load.

Ok so I love me some old MJ…do we know if Jackson 5 is allowed? This is my wish list tonight…. or for those I am not a big fan of what I think they will sing:

Alexis: It’s Your Thing (Jackson 5)- want to sing
Anoop: The Way You Make Me Feel – want to sing
Danny: I’ll be There (Jackson 5) – will sing
Allison: Leave Me Alone – want to sing
Adam: Dirty Diana – want to sing
Kris: Say, Say, Say (duet with Paul McCartney) – want to sing
Lil Rounds: Remember the Time – want to sing
Matt G: Smooth Criminal – want to sing
Scott: Will You Be There – want to sing
Jorge: Heal the World – will sing
Megan: Rock with You – want to sing
Jasmine: I want You Back (Jackson 5) – will sing
Michael: I have no idea…good luck!

Only a crazy person would sing Billie Jean…but I guess you never know!