Aw, little Allison Iraheta, you did not deserve to get the boot last week. Danny Gokey’s note-from-hell on top of a season full of middling performances should have sent him flying out the door on Wednesday. But ya know, the dude’s got people, and the judges on his side, so Danny will probably coast into the final, even if he butchers Paula Abdul’s oddball judges’ pick “Dance Little Sister” from Terence Trent D’Arby come Tuesday.
Kris Allen’s got some peeps too–he manged to advance despite negative comments and having to endure a duet on a song he wasn’t feeling with a partner that didn’t suit him. There’s potential for Kris to hit the sweet spot with OneRepublic’s “Apologize” selected by both from both Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi. But somehow, I think Kris is gonna be sandbagged by the judges this week. That Danny/Adam final, with all the cultural baggage it brings–the Christian Widower vs. the Gay Boi–will be too hard for TPTB to resist.
Adam Lambert’s bottom 2 appearance last week virtually assured he wasn’t going anywhere this week, with his fan base frantically voting their fingers bloody. Performing first and last didn’t hurt either. That he killed was also a plus. Simon chose his pet Adam’s song(s) for next week–either “One” by U2 or “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaac has moment potential for Adam. Killer lighting and a grand entrance will also be included, in the pimp package, I’m sure.
That’s why, Allison going out in 4th place, didn’t matter much in the end. She was leaving 4th or 3rd, no matter what. Fourth place means no hometown visit for Allison, but she’ll be able to make the media rounds next week, while Kris, busy with finale preparations, will get a truncated tour after the fact.
Oh Allison, no matter how Simon tried to dismiss you and undermine your undeniable talents, even after several trips to the bottom 3, you managed to hold on. I credit her string of solid live performances for that–nearly every week, Allison brought it. And even more impressive, especially for such a youngin, she never crumbled under the pressure. Here’s hoping Allison’s amazing talent and gone-too-soon 4th place finish will lead her to a recording contract.
Favorite moment of last week’s results show: Kris Allen, standing at the stools of safety with his hands still covering his face, begins to grin as the shock wears off, and the realization that’s he’s safe begins to slowly sink in.
Despite Allison’s departure, last week’s results show had some awesome moments: Allison’s tear streaked, passionate reprise of “Cry Baby, ” Danny watching proudly (I’m with the not-smug camp) as Allison sang out, Adam and Allison hugging while Kris looked on sadly, Paula Abdul’s hilarious dance number to her uber-vocoded new single, Daughtry’s triumphant return to the setting of his OMG shocking 4th place boot to receive his 5x Platinum award.
One thing I’ll give to Ken Warwick–this year’s results shows are better-paced and vastly more entertaining than Season 7’s tedium fests.
Last note: interesting that the elimination was done in random order. I wonder what the producers were trying to hide? That Danny was in the bottom 2 perhaps?
On to this week’s prediction.
It’s clear the remaining 3 contestants have passionate fan bases who are ready and willing to vote vote vote for their guys–and their guys only–no matter how they perform.
At this point, the casual vote is going to play a huge role in deciding who makes it to the final. Unfortunately, the casual vote is not only determined by performance, but also external factors such as performance order, and judges critiques. There’s a ton of leeway here for the producers to set up the final the way they want.
I’m not ruling out an upset, ’cause in Idol anything can happen, but if the producers are gunning for an Adam/Danny final–and I believe they are–Kris will be at a distinct disadvantage Tuesday night.
Adam Lambert – 1 or 2
Danny Gokey – 1 or 2
Kris Allen – 3
