Last week in Hollywood, Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez were eliminated from the competition. The remaining 11 finalists of American Idol Season 8 were nervous as they performed before the judges Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi, all of whom were described as "merciless."
"Country music" is this week's theme. Grammy award-winning American country singer Randy Travis served as the mentor for the AI hopefuls.
Michael Sarver started off by delivering a rapid-fire a Garthe Brooks' song "Ain't goin' down til the sun comes out." The song didn't set Michael on fire. "It was a cool song...I'm not sure it brought out your vocal capability," was Randy's comment. Kara added, "It's the long notes that we didn't see this week." Simon remarked that it was a "bit clumsy...this could have been karaoke."
"Blame it on your heart" was 16-year old Allison Iraheta's rockin' number which impressed Kara. "I am starting to think you just bring a spin to everything. You made the song your own...every week you get better and better. "Another rock solid performance from Allison!" enthuses Paula.
Kris Allen was up next and gave a "fresh" rendition on the song "To make you feel my love." Simon thought "that was terrific...great choice of a song...very smart choice of a song. You actually got a shot in this competition. Randy felt "it was really cool for me, man. Tender moments for dog, Kris. Tender dog."
Lil Rounds admitted that she learned about country music from movies. She gave it a shot with "Independence Day." Her act didn't earn raves from the judges. Kara was quick to say that "we kinda miss that [country music] in the beginning. That's all part of being an artist for standing your ground."
"I thought that wasn't you," was Simon's sharp comment.
The judges gave mixed reactions on Adam Lambert's unorthodox and cryptic take on a Johnny Cash song, "Ring of fire." Paula found him to be "someone who stands up as an artist." On the contrary, Simon blurted out "Sorry, I thought that that was indulgent rubbish. Really horrific."
Visually-impaired Scott Mcintyre's rendition of "Wild Angels" though sang beautifully, was not a hot act to follow. Randy is "looking for hot, unbelievable vocals" and Kara want Scott to "up [his] game a little bit. You bring class and praise."
"Jolene," a well-loved country classic sang by Alexis Grace didn't earn roses for her either. Kara remarked "You lost your edge." Simon pointed out "it was a little sound-a-like. I didn't hear a lot of originality."
Danny Gokey made a remarkable performance with "Jesus take the wheel." Paula admiringly said "I think you were brilliant." Randy found the "verses a little too pitchy but you are a great singer."
"Anoop is back everybody! You got tender, amazing sweet vocals," gushed Paula after Anoop's astonishing performance for the Ricky Nelson hit "You're always on my mind." Kara couldn't agree more with this statement. "That was a classic song. For me... probably the best performance tonight." Simon remarked, "You just managed to go from zero to hero."
Meagan Joy Corkrey's interpretation on "Walking after midnight" made an impact. Kara noted "Perfect song. Perfect look. You are a winner. Being an artist is hard work. Good job!" Randy added, "I'm quite impressed. It really worked for you."
"So Small" was the song that Matt Giraud performed and it didn't turn out to be "so small" at all since it made Matt hugely favorable for the judges and America. Randy admitted, "You know what? It was my favorite performance tonight" while Kara added, "Nothing small about you. You are an artist."
After the AI contestants gave their best for the Grand Ole Opry week, American Idol Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood performed "I told you so" with country legend Randy Travis.
Alexis Grace was grouped into the bottom three and even though she sang "Jolene" once more to try to convince the judges to "save" her, she was still eliminated from AI Season 8.
The 21-year-old single mother told the judges and the audience: "Thank you for the opportunity. I learned a lot about myself and me as a singer. I wish I could have done better, but, you know, things happen for a reason."
Here are the ten finalists who have earned the right to join the Idol summer tour: Danny Gokey, Michael Sarver, Scott Mcintyre, Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert, Meagan Joy Corkrey, Kris Allen, Matt Giraud, Anoop Desai and Lil Rounds.
Next week, the top 10 Americal Idol Season 8 finalists will celebrate 50 years of Motown, with performances by Motown icon Smokey Robinson and former AI Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard, who will sing his new single titled "Together."
Catch American Idol Season 8 every Wednesday and Thursday on Q Channel 11. Show starts at 6 pm with a replay at 8:35 pm.
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