American Idol Season 8 went "pop" this week in Hollywood. The AI hopefuls personally handpicked popular songs that they will interpret in the singing competition for America and the formidable four: judges Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi.
Anoop Desai started it off and attempted to do a pop R&B act. When he did Usher's "Caught Up," it managed to catch mixed reactions from the judges. Randy said, "You definitely picked up your swagger. The vocals were good but not the right song." Kara pointed out, "You played it safe" while Paula advised Anoop to "work on the stage presence."
"Turn Your Lights Down Low," Megan Joy Corkrey's reggae song choice wasn't a joy to the judges. Kara commented, "Megan, I really like you. I think you are in trouble. It's not the song choice for you." Paula added, "I think you need to take us by surprise." Simon acerbically commented, "The problem was the song was boring, indulgent, and monotonous. It just wasn't you. It was so boring."
Danny Gokey was tender and sweet with "What Hurts The Most" and the emotion was so intense, it moved the audience. Simon believed it was a "great, great song. You sing it brilliantly and did your version." Kara admiringly noted, "You moved everyone in this room emotionally and it is hard to do. The goose bumps I was talking about? I have some of those."
Rocker Allison Iraheta did a No Doubt number "Don't Speak" and Randy observed, "Vocally, you can sing. You were rushing." The judges found her dress quite distracting. Kara felt "it was forced. A good performance for me, but not so good."
Scott MacIntyre was once again behind the piano for his performance and showed ‘em he's worth being in the top 9 with his song "Just the Way You Are." Simon pointed out, "Scott, your best performance by a country mile so far. It's a different Scott." Paula quipped, "From the rest of the contestants, I'm most proud of you."
Matt Giraud bombed when he performed "Found Me." The performance didn't impress them one bit. Randy was quick to note to Matt, "Wrong song for you. ‘Apologize' would be for you." Paula commented, "I feel that you aborted the things we like in you. It wasn't a great performance from you."
"Surrender" was Lil Rounds' pop song choice and Kara stated, "I could hear [her sing] Mariah. I was surprised too. [You're] effortless. Unbelievable tonight. [You're] a singer who can hit out and sing."
Simon felt it was "a safe song. I found it similar to a wedding song performance. This honestly is so old-fashioned. You gotta stop this. You are too good."
Adam Lambert was hot property with "Play that Funky Music" and Paula who had so much fun with his number exclaimed, "True genius does not fulfill expectation. True genius shatters it." Randy gushed, "Dude, you just got that voice. You're in the star zone, baby!"
Kris Allen's "Ain't No Sunshine" number sizzled. His star definitely shone that night. Kara was thrilled to say to Kris: "Three words for you. That is artistry!" Simon couldn't agree more. "When we spoke of confidence that is exactly what you are showing. Your best performance so far. Well done!"
Performing an intermission number that night was David Cook, American Idol Season 7 winner, who did a pop rock number on the show. He was also given a special citation for his self-titled album that recently turned platinum in a span of three months. Special guest performer Lady Gaga showed her swagger to the audience with an out-of-the-box "you will remember me" pop stunt.
Before being revealed to be in the bottom three, Megan reacted to the judge's comments based on her performance. "I love you Simon, but I don't really care," she declared.
Joining Megan in the bottom three were Allison Iraheta and Anoop Desai. Among the trio, Megan got the lowest viewer votes, making Anoop and Allison safe until next week's competition.
When AI host Ryan Seacrest asked the judges if they want to save the tattoed mom from being eliminated, Simon curtly said: "Megan, with the greatest respect, when you said that you don't care, nor do we, so I'm not going to pretend that we're even going to contemplate saving you. ... That's it."
Next week, watch the remaining eight Idol hopefuls—Allison, Lil, Adam, Scott, Anoop, Danny, Kris and Matt—as they sing songs from the year they were born.
Catch American Idol Season 8 at Q Channel 11 now every Wednesday and Thursday at 6:00 pm with a replay at 7:55 pm.
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