Adam Lambert Does Us Proud with His Version of Tears for Fears' 'Mad World'

1. Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert delivered a rendition of Tears for Fears' "Mad World" that was phenomenal. I was particularly impressed, as this is one of my favorite songs. Adam's version was reminiscent of the Gary Jules arrangement, rather than the original Tears for Fears. However, where Gary Jules delivered a more monotone sing song vocal, Adam's version was filled with varying degrees of light and shade. I have been hesitant in my admiration of Adam because of his penchant for the dramatic. Tonight he dispensed with the antics and displayed a softness and vulnerability I have not seen from him before. With the stage bathed in blue light, Adam struck just the right melancholy tone. Adam's voice soared with angelic purity and at other times it's simplicity was breathtaking. .He was pitch perfect. Earning a standing ovation from Simon is nothing short of a miracle, but Adam managed it. . He really is in a class by himself. The performance was restrained and pared down with a nod to the melody and the definite artistry of a consummate performer.

2. Matt Giraud

Idols from far and wide have tried singing Stevie Wonder with a variety of train wrecks ensuing. This is why I was aghast when I knew Matt Giraud was going to take on Wonder's "Part-Time Lover". However, Matt Giraud delivered a superb rendition. Seeming to channel the Funky blue eyed soul of Justin Timberlake, complete with the jauntily canted fedora, Adam got his soul back. He was in great voice, even busting a move or two. Last week he decried his mediocre version of the Fray's 'You Found Me" saying he wanted prove there was more to him than R&B. It would appear that Matt discovered that the public doesn't really care about that. It's the soulful Matt, they embraced and that's the one they want to see. Once the record contract is in hand, Matt will have the time to explore all of his facets.

3. Allison Iraheta

Allison Iraheta performed a particularly poignant version of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me". Allison Iraheta is blessed with a signature musical style already. In the words of Paula, she is "undeniably Allison". Simon offered a compliment is his own snarky style. Though he liked the song, he still feels that Allison's likeability factor is low. He seemed to intimate that she should be chattier because people can't really get a handle on who she is. While I understand Simon's backhanded snark, it would seem that her rocker chick persona would warrant a little mystery.

4. Anoop Desai

Anoop Desai performed "True Colors" by Cindy Lauper and he was back in his element. Anoop shines amongst those melodic songs that allow him to use his upper range. It was a definite comeback after last week's unfortunate Usher cover. His soulful performance was very nicely done and should definitely buy him some more time on the show.

5. Kris Allen

Obviously still toked up on his sexy vibes from last week, Kris Allen took a self indulgent turn with his version of "All She Wants to do is Dance". Kris Allen took quite a few liberties with the melody and the arrangement. The finished product was quite funky but it wasn't particularly young or contemporary. He did show his soulful side with a bevy of riffs and runs. Kris seems like a genuinely good guy. His innate goodness and great talent will keep him around, at least for another week.

6. Danny Gokey

Danny Gokey started the competition with Mickey Gilley's rendition of "Stand by Me". The judges were complimentary to Danny but I didn't particularly care for the performance. He started out in his high falsetto and it was just a tad chipmunkish, if that is a word. His phrasing and tone were good but things went awry when he modulated. The arrangement started to sound like a sitcom theme song. The ending was okay but overall it wasn't his best performance.

7. Lil Rounds

Lil, Lil, Lil. Week after week Lil is finding herself at the bottom of this list, not because of a lack of talent, but because she's not exhibiting any growth in her performances. It's like she can't break out of her throwback nature, which in and of itself isn't bad. Think of Keisha Cole or Syleena Johnson. The problem with Lil is that she's not getting out of her comfort zone. Last night her performance of Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do With It", was more of an imitation. And while imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, is not what's going to keep her in the competition. I'll say it once again. Lil should be in first place. Lil Rounds has a great set of pipes but she needs that thing that is going to elevate her above the crowd.

8. Scott MacIntyre

Scott MacIntyre's version of "The Search is Over" was just okay. There was nothing that set him apart and said 'here's America's next platinum selling artist'. He definitely has a style and a niche but it becomes more and more apparent that he's not diverse enough to be the next American Idol. I do give him props for trying to show a different side but it was a flop. Scott's version was shrill and bordered on screechy in some parts. He made an effort to stretch but it just didn't work out.