KRIS: In that suit, Kris reminded me of Ron Livingston in "Office Space"... Can't imagine that is what he was going for. Jamie Foxx predicted that I would be blown away and not even know it. I can't say I was blown away (maybe I just didn't know it). But I was impressed. Kris no longer gives me the willies--and that is real progress. I've developed respect for Kris as a musician and as a singer. I accept that he is a nice guy. But Kris blew me away once-- with Once ("Falling Slowly"). I don't think it's going to happen again.
ALLISON: We all love Allison. She has a great voice. But I actually don't think tonight's theme did her any favors. She just seemed a little out of place. The performance didn't move me (and that song has potential to move me). I hate to say it, but I agree with Simon-- I think Allison could be in trouble.
MATT: Melissa was trying to tell me today that Matt was the Kristy Lee Cook/Bucky Covington of this season. If that is so, I think it means we have had a pretty good season. Matt is not at the level of Elliott (I still love him) Yamin. He's not even at the musical level at Kris. But (unlike Kara Digigiwhat) I thought Matt was more emotionally connected to his song than Allison or Kris. It was the first performance where I felt something-- and felt like the singer felt something. On a related note, I highly recommend you listen to Melinda Doolittle's version of "My Funny Valentine," on her recently released album. It (along with a few other songs on the album) is really good.
DANNY: Probably my least favorite performance of the night. Steve and I agreed that Danny misunderstood this song...Isn't this a song of desperation? (When I hear this song, I think Sandra Bernhardt singing to Jerry Lewis when she's got him tied up in masking tape in "The King of Comedy.") Danny smiled through it as if it were "Walking on Sunshine." It's part of this whole emotional disconnect thing with him. Randy can say that this is about singing not emotion, but there's such a wall with this guy, I just cannot connect with him. I'm sympathetic because I know there are good reasons for the wall. But I just can't get past it. On an unrelated note, was it just having Jamie Foxx on the show (which reminded me of "The Soloist") or does Danny sort of look like Robert Downey, Jr.? I mean Robert Downey with 50 extra pounds and no brilliant energy or charisma. But does anyone else feel me here?
ADAM: I was a little disappointed in this song choice (which gets trotted out at least once a season on Idol). Then I saw the red stairs and the white suit, and I forgave everything. This guy is a showman. And I don't mean a showman like he should be in a B'Way Musical. I mean a showman the way Mick Jagger is a showman. You're gonna get your money's worth with this guy. Every time. Still, the truth is I'm a little worried about Adam. His "difference" is becoming almost standard. I'll always appreciate the fearlessness and the commitment. But will Adam ever move me again like he did with "Tracks of My Tears"? I'm not sure.
I can't get a handle on who is voting for Kris. If he has the tween vote (as I think he should), I think Allison and Matt are in trouble.
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