Week 3

The theme this week is Motown, with Smokey Robinson as the mentor.
I loved the clip of the contestants singing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” in the beginning.

Matt Giraud—“Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
As always, Matt was incredible on the piano. He had beautiful switches into his falsetto that reminded me of Justin Timberlake. Kara said that Matt came out of his shell tonight when he stepped out from behind the piano. Paula commented on how comfortable he was in both scenarios. Simon said it was a "brilliant song choice," and I agree. One of my favorites of the night.

Kris Allen—“How Sweet It Is” by Marvin Gaye
Kris was back to his guitar and his dancing feet tonight. He's just so cute. He's quickly closing in on Danny as my favorite competitor. The beginning was awesome with the a cappella start and the build-up to the quicker pace. Kris surprised me with that powerful last note. I was expecting him to go into his falsetto with a tender ending, but what he did was even better. Kara said that Kris "did everything right." Oh, and did y'all catch his cute little hand sign at the end when he turned the vote for #2 into a rock-on sign?

Scott McIntyre—“You Can’t Hurry Love” by Diana Ross
I hate to admit that I chuckled when Ryan said "good to see you," and Scott responded, "you too." Anyone else? No? I'm terrible, I know. As for Scott's performance, I hated the slow start. It also sounded to me like he was dragging behind the tempo a little bit. The ending got better, but it was just an okay performance. Scott's style is just not my cup of tea. Kara said he "brought tempo" this week by changing from a slow ballad to an upbeat song, but Scott just didn't deliver once again.

Sidenote: The judges are super annoying this season. Kara gives the best advice...no wonder they brought her on the show. Tell the others to shut up…especially Paula and Simon. Paula gave Simon crayons and a coloring book for acting like a child. Also, I know you all caught this little piece of dialogue between Ryan and Scott tonight.
Scott--“Vote for the flesh colored pink pants.”
Ryan--“How do you know they’re pink?”
Scott--“They told me 10 minutes before the show.”

Back to the performances...

Megan Joy Corkrey—“For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Smokey finally came up with a word to describe Megan: cabaret. She totally is! But not in the bad way that Simon has used to describe previous contestants. Megan's performance tonight was the first of hers that didn't make me smile or jump up and down. She got off to a rough start and it just didn't get much better from there. (On a positive note, she did look fabulous. I loved that necklace!) Randy said it sounded rushed and that she needs more time for her vibrato. Kara said that Megan should have sung "My Guy," and I completely agree. That would have been way more suitable for her. Simon said that Megan may be in trouble after that performance. True, but sad. I still love her unique and quirky sound.

Anoop Desai--“Ooh Baby Baby” by The Miracles
This was a great vocal performance. Anoop has such a beautiful tone, and his transitions from chest to falsetto were practically flawless. However, I had to agree with Simon when he said that Anoop "looked half asleep." He definitely needs to work on stagemanship. This performance belonged in a musical, not a live national competition. Ryan sang Anoop's numbers before the commercial...never again, Ryan.

Michael Sarver—“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” by The Temptations
Michael delivered a nice vocal with a soulful tone as usual. I disagree with the judges. I thought he made a good song choice for his voice, but he just didn't execute it as well as he should have. Smokey gave him good advice by telling him to belt, but it probably would have been better if he didn't try. His vocals got a little obnoxious halfway through the song and it only went downhill from there. The ending was absolutely terrible. Why did Paula look like she was about to cry when she was giving Michael her critique? And did you see Michael's eyes narrow when Simon said he had no chance of winning with that type of vocal? Watch out, Simon! Again, Kara gives the best critiques. Props to the new judge!

Lil Rounds—“Heat Wave”
It was a good performance, but like Michael's, Lil got a little annoying. She was practically screaming the whole time. I would have liked to see a little more contrast in her vocals. Kara said that Lil was the "diva we were all waiting to see...this was your week" and if Lil couldn't nail this week, then could she nail the rest? Randy forgot his education and said "Hey Lil, how you be?" Wow.

Adam Lambert—“Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson
First of all, the hair. Adam, this is not Elvis week, but thank you for trying a softer image. Another major thank you for showing us another side of you! Finally! I loved the tenderness, the acoustic instruments on stage, and Adam's pure vocal. (He's a better soprano than any of the girls this season!) I loved this performance. The ending was great without a resolve. Adam really portrayed his versatility tonight. Kara said "I have six words for you, Adam: One of the best performances of the night!" Uh, Kara? That was eight words. Simon said he disagreed with Kara because that "was the BEST performance of the night." I agree. Adam won me over tonight.

Danny Gokey—“Get Ready” by The Temptations
Danny was looking good tonight. Wardrobe did well. I thought that Motown suits him really well, but I hated his stupid dancing with the backup singers. Danny reminds me of David Cook with his scruffy voice, but also in that I don't ever expect him to hit those high notes, but he always does effortlessly. David Cook did that as well. The judges didn't have much to say on this one. The show was running late. It was a good vocal. Nothing spectacular or different.

Allison Iraheta—“Papa Was a Rolling Stone” by The Temptations
This girl has got some pipes! It was a great performance, and that last run at the end was sick. Randy said Allison's performance was "blazing hot!" Kara said, "you sing like you've been singing for 400 years. That is from God. You can't teach that!" I hope the voters put her through a couple more rounds. I think she's got more to show.

Then Simon drew a mustache on Paula's face. What the heck? Seriously, those two are so annoying this season. A little more professionality please.

My favorites of the night were Matt, Kris, Adam, and Allison.

Predictions: Michael, Megan, and Scott may be in trouble. I think Lil still has a big fan base, but her time on the show may be ending if she doesn't blow the roof off next week. I hope Megan isn't voted off yet. I wish Scott would leave. Michael most likely will be the one voted off tomorrow.