Idol Stalker - Watching American Idol

Posted: 05 May 2009 06:53 PM PDT

It was an interesting start to American Idol's "Rock Week" tonight. Just before the dress rehearsal, there was an accident on the stage with one of the American Idol towers collapsing. Yikes! As such, the Idols didn't get to have a proper rehearsal.

Legendary guitarist, Slash, was the mentor and I can't tell you how much I love and respect him as an artist. I think he gave some pretty decent feedback to the contestants as they prepared for their performance.

Adam Lambert went first and he sang Led Zeppelin’s "Whole Lotta Love." I thought it was a pretty good performance and, as usual, he saved the best part for the end of the song.

Allison Iraheta predictably chose a Janis Joplin song, "Cry Baby" but the judges were unsure it was the right song for her. I liked it but I think she could have done something else.

Kris Allen and Danny Gokey sang a duet and performed "Renegade" by Styx. I thought it was pretty cool and the harmonies were really nice. Kris has that smooth voice whereas Danny has that gritty rasp.

Kris Allen sang "Come Together" and he was great on the vocals and guitar but he could have used a little more energy and enthusiasm.

Danny Gokey sang "Dream On" and, like the judges, I'm not sure it was the best song choice for him. I really commend him for taking a risk, though.

Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert performed "Slow Ride" for their duet and it was a pretty good pairing. The audience seemed to love it a lot. I'm not surprised considering the fact that this week seems better suited for their voices.

Tags: rock week, slash on american idol, top 4

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American Idol 8 Top 4 Danny Gokey “Dream On”

Posted: 05 May 2009 06:48 PM PDT

Danny Gokey took on a huge risk singing Aerosmith's hit "Dream On." The choice really shocked me but I always say "go big or go home." Slash said that "it could go either way" and I couldn't agree more!

It started a little rough but then he got into it and it's hard to find fault with him since he tried something so difficult when this is clearly not his genre. Still, I just don't know how America is going to respond to that.

Randy said it was alright but not perfect or great but he gave him an A+ for effort. Kara said that he had swagger and edge but believed that he took it a little too far. She did commend him for taking chances. Paula said that it was a tricky genre for Danny and it might not have been the right song for him but she gave him an A++ for going for it. Simon agreed with everyone but added that the last note sounded like a scene from a horror movie.

Tags: danny gokey, dream on, rock week, top 4

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American Idol 8 Top 4 Kris Allen “Come Together”

Posted: 05 May 2009 05:42 PM PDT

Kris Allen chose to sing The Beatles' "Come Together" and Slash lent him one of his guitars and gave him some tips about livening up the performance despite being limited by having the guitar in his hands.

I liked it a little more than I was expecting. I really do love Kris but I was a little disappointed that he didn't put more of his own style into it. He could have had a little more energy too but the playing and singing were solid in my opinion. Considering this isn't really his genre, it was pretty good.

Randy said that he appreciated that Kris picked a song that allowed him to still be himself and he loved the guitar playing and the fact that he made it funky. Kara said that Kris is definitely the softer side of rock but said it felt like he was trying too hard and that it wasn't the best performance. Paula said it was risky to pick a Beatles song and said that Kris is an artist (but admitted he needed more energy). Simon said that he didn't like it that much and said it was like eating ice for lunch. He said it was boring.

Tags: come together, kris allen, rock week, top 4

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American Idol 8 Top 4 Allison Iraheta “Cry Baby”

Posted: 05 May 2009 05:23 PM PDT

Allison Iraheta chose to sing Janis Joplin's classic hit "Cry Baby" and I wasn't surprised. Slash said that Allison is predisposed to do the "Joplin thing" and that she has a natural rock and roll swagger. He said she needs to get past the fear and just bring it.

She got her hair done by Adam's stylist and I think she looked pretty good. She was feisty during the performance and even feistier during the judging. I thought she did a decent job.

Randy said that Allison can sing her face off but he didn't like the song choice for her. He said he didn't love it and that it wasn't great for him. Kara said that she could have picked another Joplin song but that Allison becomes larger in life on stage. Paula said that Allison is fearless and that she could play Janis in a biopic. Simon said that she showed complete confidence and it was a great vocal but it was too much like the original.

Tags: Allison Iraheta, cry baby, janis joplin, top 4

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American Idol 8 Top 4 Adam Lambert “Whole Lotta Love”

Posted: 05 May 2009 05:12 PM PDT

Adam Lambert was the first to perform and he chose Led Zepplin's "Whole Lotta Love" and Slash said that Adam has so much range and that it seems to come to him so effortlessly. Adam said that this is his favorite theme week so I hope it goes well for him.

He came out looking outrageous but I'm not sure I would have picked that song for him. I wasn't really feeling it until the very end when he sang a bit without the music. Rock on, Adam!

Randy said that no one is going to think about Broadway when they see Adam's performance tonight and that it was hot. Kara said that Adam is a rock god and she went absolutely nuts. Paula said that the song was a "whole lotta perfect." Simon said that the performance was a little understated but then laughed and said he was teasing. He said that it was one of his favorite performances from Adam and added that "nobody can top that."

Tags: adam lambert, top 4, whole lotta love

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Simon Cowell Talks About DioGuardi on Ellen

Posted: 05 May 2009 09:52 AM PDT

When American Idol judge, Simon Cowell, was on Ellen, the talk show host asked him about the future of the fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi. He started by saying that it was interesting that there are contestants on the show who have waited their whole life for this opportunity but everyone keeps focusing on the whether the judges will still be on the show. He's got a point.

He did address the question, though, and said that he believed everyone would be back on the show next year. He confessed that there are challenges but that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. He went so far as to say that he's gotten to know Kara and that he likes her. Wow! Watch it:

Tags: simon cowell on ellen, simon on ellen, talk show appearances

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Anderson Cooper Talks About American Idol

Posted: 05 May 2009 09:36 AM PDT

When CNN host, Anderson Cooper, was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night, the pair couldn't resist talking about American Idol.

The host of AC360 is an Idol fan and he believes that Adam Lambert will win the eighth season of our favorite singing competition.

He also revealed that Simon Cowell is his favorite judge but he isn't nearly as fond of Paula Abdul – he says that he actually fast-forwards through her commentary on a regular basis. Ouch! Good thing the silver fox is so cute or I'd think he was mean! Watch it here: