Adam Lambert Rocks AI with Led Zeppelin

Though it looked like the most talented final four ever on AI, 'Rock Week' brought out the true stars. There were two epic failures tonight and two rock stars. Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta stole the show. Though we knew rock would be their genre, we did not know how poorly Kris Allen and Danny Gokey would fair. It was almost tragic for them.

With the addition of the new genre, Slash from Guns-n-Roses fame was the first time mentor. Slash is a man of few words. I don't think he was impressed with anyone. Though Adam Lambert doesn't need much mentoring, I think the band had the most fun with his Zeppelin classic. American Idol producers also added a 'duet' section. Again this turned out to good news and bad.

Adam Lambert opened the show the way it should have been closed. With Led Zeppelin's hit "Whole Lotta Love", Adam got to have as much fun and vocal agility as he wanted. He looked every bit the glam rock star, and sounded every bit like a young Robert Plant. If there is ever a life story on Led Zepplin, you have found your star in Adam Lambert.

Simon Cowell summed up the night well with his comment to Adam, "...well, no one can follow that..."

Allison looked more comfortable in this genre, but she can't work with the band like Avril Lavigne. Again her youth and lack of experience crept into her performance. After the other performances tonight, Allison Iraheta did more than enough to secure her place in the final three. The problem is her fan base. Going up against three cute guys, Allison's fans have let her down before.

The night went downhill soon after.

The first duet of the night started off great. The first few notes of Kris Allen and Danny Gokey singing "Renegade" by Styx in a decent harmony. Neither of these guys are rockers, and it showed as soon as the tempo picked up. This was the worst vocal performance of the night. The judges tried to be kind, but there really was nothing good to say.

Kris Allen delivered the song "Come Together" (by The Beatles) with as much rock as he could muster. His smooth voice just does not work with rock. Imagine David Archuleta attempting "Highway to Hell" (by AC/DC), not good.

The really awful performances of the night go to Danny Gokey. Both in his duet with Kris Allen and in his solo, "Dream On" by Aerosmith, Gokey missed the mark. Trying to over sing with his gravelly vocals didn't help. This was by far Danny Gokey's low in his fast fall from American Idol greatness. The entire performance was the worst of the season.

Thankfully Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta were paired up for the final duet of the night. It was a show stopper, "Slow Ride" by Foghat. Allison appeared to be looking to Adam throughout the song, and Adam led her beautifully. As Simon Cowell said afterward, "Adam, you may have given this one [pointing at Allison Iraheta] a chance to stay longer..." Simon was brutal to Allison earlier in the show and seemed bent on having her eliminated.

As I see it, the final three have got to be Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen. Danny Gokey has long outlived his talent on the American Idol stage. Since fans have the final say, he will probably see the finals.

For the live blog and all the judges comments, check out TV Review.