Adam Lambert Performs "One" & "Cryin'"

Tonight the final three American Idol contestants took the stage with two songs each. The first chosen by an AI judge, the second by the contestant. Simon Cowell chose Adam Lambert's first song, "One" by U2, because it's his favorite song. Adam Lambert chose "Cryin'" by Aerosmith, just because he can.

Let me start by saying I am a fan of Adam Lambert. I have no doubt that Adam will be the biggest selling American Idol contestant ever.

Tonight was not my favorite night for Adam's song choices. Or maybe it was the arrangement. Something just sounded familiar and boring to me, in only a way that a truly gifted performer can leave you on a bad (or lazy) night. Adam Lambert performed the notes technically perfect. I'm not sure what I expected, but both performances left me cold.

Simon Cowell's song choice seemed like the perfect genre. I was excited when Ryan Seacrest said it would be U2, prior to the commercial break. I was more excited when I heard it was "One" by U2. From the first notes it was finally too theatrical for me. Not even sure why. Adam changes the melodies, at least slightly, in every song he performs. It just sounded the same to me tonight. I wanted to be surprised or shocked, and I was not.

"Cryin'" by Aerosmith did not excite me as much when I heard that Adam chose it. I know Adam can sing high. The back-up singers were off at the start of the song and it actually made him sound off pitch. With a so-so start to the song, and the screaming I knew would be in the middle, again a cold feeling. Then the song just ended. It has been an hour, and I can't remember it.

Adam Lambert has put out three singles this season that I have downloaded and listened to repeatedly. Last week's"Whole Lotta Love", "Mad World" and "Satisfaction". There have been others that I fully enjoyed during the show. There is no doubt that Adam Lambert has the most overall talent that American Idol has ever seen.

That said, tonight was not his night. We will still see Adam Lambert in the finals next week, as Simon Cowell even said.

Here is what the AI judges said about "One":
Randy Jackson: "... you are definitely still in the zone... a little bit off the melody.."

Kara DioGuardi:".. you're a strategist... you can change up a song and make it yours... see what I mean Simon..."

Paula Abdul: "... it was one brilliant song... and one American Idol that I'm staring at..."

Simon Cowell: "...great song choice... you performed it brilliantly.... if you are not in the finals next week it will be one of the biggest upsets in this show..." "outrageous" Paula yelled.

Here is what the AI judges said about "Cryin'":
Randy Jackson:"...I love this even more than 'One'..."

Kara DioGuardi:"... how do you hit those notes and still talk... we'll see you next week..."

Paula Abdul:"... if Steven Tyler were a mentor I don't think he would have anything to say to

Simon Cowell: "... it is very easy to assume that you are going to be in the finals... I want everyone to vote for you because you have talent..."

The final two for AI Season 8 should be Adam Lambert and Kris Allen. It will painfully likely be Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey. Either way, Adam Lambert should be the winner of Season 8 easily.

For more details and videos of tonight's AI performances visit: TV Review