Idol Chatter & Voice Views

So, when your reality TV show runs late in week five, what do you do in week six?

Well, in American Idol land, you only allow half of the judges to critique each performer.

Say what? This is progress?

Or proof that American Idol was better off with three judges than four?

I’m sorry … okay, no, I’m not sorry … what happened Tuesday night was no fairer than what happened to Adam Lambert last week when his performance got cut off for anyone watching the show back via DVR or TiVo.

I mean, any contestant who didn’t get a critique from Simon lucked out.

You think Lil Rounds felt lucky at the end of last night’s show after that scathing review from Simon? Doubtful.

You think Matt Giraud felt lucky at the end of last night’s show, when he was very fortunate to escape Simon’s wrath because he got his feedback from Randy and Kara? Well, I’m not sure how he felt. But he should have felt lucky. I can hear Simon now. “Matt, I think you’re in trouble tonight after that performance.”

Here’s hoping that next week, when the field is down to six contestants, we can get back to the normal routine of feedback from each judge. And still end the show on time. Doesn’t seem like that should be too much to ask, does it?

Here’s the recap from Tuesday night:

Best of the bunch: Adam Lambert, again. I get the feeling I might as well pencil his name in this spot every week. Does anyone out there remember a better performance of a rock song on Idol than his version of “Born To Be Wild?” If so, please leave a comment, so I can review it on YouTube. I’ve been watching Idol all eight years, and I can’t remember anything better.

Best from the gals: Well, there are only two left, and Lil Rounds has been a major disappointment throughout the competition, so that leaves Allison Iraheta. She tried an Aerosmith song Tuesday night and wound up shouting her way through the second half when what she really needed where a few Steven Tyler shrieks. But here’s hoping she hangs around.

Deserves to go home: First, Matt Giraud had the misfortune of following Adam Lambert to the stage. That’s tough, even after a commercial break. Then he pretty much butchered a Bryan Adams love song. Remember when Matt tried to sing the high notes on Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida?” This was worse. His only saving grace — Simon didn’t get to critique the performance. He would have reminded viewers how badly Matt butchered the song rather than dancing around the issue like Kara is always prone to do.

Baffled by judges: Call it baffled by Paula. Here’s what she told Lil Rounds after Lil sang “The Rose:” “Lil, you could not have sung a more beautiful lyric thanks to the writing of Amanda McBroom. It is one of the most beautiful songs. And I’m sure, to paraphrase one of the lines, and all the contestants would probably agree, the road is really long, but it’s a road worthwhile taking, especially when you’ve made it this far.” Huh? Translation? Can anyone tell me what she thought of Lil’s performance?

Best line of the night from the judges: Well, at least we didn’t have to wonder what Simon thought of “The Rose.” Said Mr. Cranky: “I think you’re getting this completely wrong … And there are no excuses anymore. You are not the artist we met seven or eight weeks ago.”

Please keep him: Anoop Desai did pretty well with a Cyndi Lauper song last week and still came 30,000 votes from going home. Tuesday, he did even better with Bryan Adams’ “Everything I Do, I Do For You.” When Danny Gokey sang Lionel Ritchie’s “Endless Love,” I missed the Lionel Ritchie version. When Lil sang “The Rose,” I missed the Bette Midler version. When Anoop sang … well, other than Adam’s one-song rock concert … it was the best performance of the night.

Surprise of the night: Danny Gokey did not sing “My Heart Will Go On.” Given his backstory, I thought that was a given.

Prediction for Wednesday: Matt Giraud has been in the bottom three twice before. Last night’s performance might be the back breaker. If Lil goes home instead, blame Tuesday’s unfair judging process.

The song by song grades:

Adam Lambert — “Born to be Wild” — A+

Anoop Desai — “Everything I Do, I Do For You — B+

Allison Iraheta — “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” — B-

Kris Allen — “Falling Slowly” — B-

Danny Gokey — “Endless Love — C

Lil Rounds — “The Rose” — C-

Matt Giraud — “Have You Really Ever Loved a Woman” — D

Song by song blog