The top 8 of 'American Idol' sing the song from the year they were born and Adam Lambert transforms Tears for Fears' 'Mad World' into a spectacular piece.
- Apr 8, 2009
AceShowbiz - With eight more to go, "American Idol" continues with the theme of: Songs From the Year You Were Born. All contestants were born in the '80s except for Allison Iraheta who was born in 1992. And in celebration of the theme, baby photos of the contestants will be shown along with the judges'.
Kicking off the show is Danny Gokey (born 1980) with "Stand by Me" in Mickey Gilley's version. The judges hate the arrangement but indicate that they still love him. Paula Abdul makes a hyperbole statement that Gokey sets the bar so high that everyone else has to run to catch up. Simon Cowell laughs at this, and says that the middle was lazy but the ending and the overall was good.
Kris Allen (born 1985) who had a rave review last week, takes the second number, singing Don Henley's "All She Wants to Do is Dance". Kara DioGuardi gets to say something first, describing it like a class assignment to interpret a song. Simon agrees to this and adds later that it was actually indulgent, forgettable and boring. Randy Jackson gives a nod to this.
Lil Rounds (born 1984) benefits from soul singer Tina Turner's popular single "What's Love Got to Do With It". Paula says she is hot in her black leather outfits while Simon tampers her with critics, saying that it was a second or third rate version of Tina Turner. Kara points out that Rounds is struggling with the transition from a singer to an artist.
Anoop Desai (born 1986) gives Cyndi Lauper's "True Color" a shot. Both Randy and Kara compliment him on controlling both his vocal and the song itself. Kara adds Anoop can interpret his soul in the song. Simon says it was "very good", adding that Anoop can sometime be like a yo-yo, good and bad at times.
Scott MacIntyre (born 1985) plays his guitar for Survivor's "The Search is Over". Paula gives him credit for stepping out behind the piano but notes that his voice misses on high notes. Kara hates the song choice and says it was an OK performance. Simon suggests Scott to go back to his piano next week because it was horrible.
Allison Iraheta (born 1992) picks "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt. Simon thinks it was good but he wants her to sip in more about her personality. Randy meanwhile, compares her to the first Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson. Kara applauds her for taking out the adult content of the song and made it young and fresh.
Matt Giraud (born 1985) sings Stevie Wonder's "Part Time Lover". The judges keep their comments short. Randy says it was the best vocal of the night and Kara says "unbelievable". Paula loves it and so does Simon.
The last performance comes from Adam Lambert (born 1982) who sings Tears for Fears' "Mad World". The show is running late so Simon is the only one who gets to talk. But no words were necessary, Simon gives him a standing ovation and the show is over.
