TV Line is reporting that next week’s American Idol XIII theme is the 80s. It’s a theme that’s been done several times on American Idol before. And although it appears to be wide open on paper, consider that the youngish contestants may not be familiar with music that came out, in some cases, before they were born. It could be an interesting exercise.
Next week we’ll either have 7 or 8 contestants. It’s cutting it close for The Save, and I would not be surprised if it was used on a contestant this week. (UPDATE: Sam Woolf was saved this week after getting the lowest number of vote. Top 8 Redux it is!)
Last year, Top 7 was Rock Week/No ballads and the contestants sang solos AND duets. So many opportunities for 80s goodness!
What do you think the Idols should sing next week? I’ll post my suggestions in a little bit.
Also. Watch out for a fan request week! Ryan Seacrest has been soliciting requests on twitter. Read all about at this link.
UPDATE: Here are my suggestions!
Such a well-worn theme. I hope the kids don’t pick songs that have been done to death ie “Against All Odds.” In that spirit, I’m going to make a list full of odd ball suggestions.
Sam Woolf – “Graceland” by Paul Simon, or anything from that album. How about a song by Neil Young (a good suggestion for Alex, too)?
Jena Irene – How about “These Dreams” by Heart from behind the piano? Or something by Cyndi Lauper. She could rock out some Guns n Roses or U2. Kate Bush! But NOT “WOMEN’S WORK” UGH NO.
Jessica Meuse – John Hiatt and Lucinda Williams are two country-tinged singer songwriters who wrote great music early in their careers. Also, Rosanne Cash, Tom Waits or Shawn Colvin.
Caleb Johnson – PLEASE stay away from Journey and metal hair bands, although if he covered Van Halen or Guns n Roses, I wouldn’t be mad. If ANYBODY sings Whitney Houston, I think it should be Caleb. I’m not kidding. Or, in a completely different direction, an alternative rock song from a band like R.E.M., The Police, US, INXS, Dire Straits.
CJ Harris – John Hiatt is a good suggestion for CJ too. Or how about Willie Nelson?
Alex Preston – Sticking with singer/songwriters for Preston, how about: Bruce Hornsby and The Range, George Michael, Tracy Chapman. Or, if he wanted to be really crazy, he could flip a Madonna song.
Dexter Roberts – Not super-familiar with country music from the 80s. But Randy Travis and Alabama were pretty popular, right? Dexter connects when he sings ballads, so he should stick to a slow song for next week, if he can.
Malaya Watson – A song from Michael Jackson or Janet Jackson. Or maybe Teena Marie, Stephanie Mills or Deniece Williams! Just stay far far far away from Chaka Khan.
