American Idol: Adam Lambert Unplugs Motown

Motown week is upon American Idol and Smokey Robinson was the mentor. I was expecting a great show. With all the bluesy voices on American Idol Season 8, I wanted to be blown away. I was not. There were a few decent performances, a really good one, and an amazing one. Just one. It was Adam Lambert with an unplugged version of Smokey Robinson's "Tracks of My Tears". Even Smokey Robinson gave him a well earned standing ovation. Allison Iraheta was the other standout AI contestant tonight with The Temptations' "Papa Was a Rolling Stone".

Just to sugar coat the night a little, we'll start with the mediocre performances of the night. This is sadly the longest list. I really thought this was a strong season for AI, but maybe not. Anoop Desai did his best to stand out, but again dressed as a backup in High School Musical 4. Come on, Anoop, do something. His slow version of The Miracles' "Ooh, Baby, Baby" was good, but not great. Not nearly as heartfelt as last week.

The middle of the pack also contained Matt Giraud, Kris Allen and Scott MacIntyre. These guys should all get safely into the next round, they just did not stand out enough to even remember they were there. Scott MacIntyre had his worst vocal night yet. He seemed out of it from the start (The Supremes "You Can't Hurry Love"). It was wrong, but I think his fans will pull him through.

Danny Gokey's version of The Supremes' "Get Ready" was severely lacking. He could have done so much with this week. Bad, bad song choice. I have no doubt that Danny Gokey will easily slide into next week. I sure hope I hear some originality out of Danny soon, I want to like him.

Tonight Adam Lambert blew it out da box, as Randy Jackson would say. He did it without flash and glam. Adam Lambert is singing his way to the American Idol Season 8 finals. Some people have perfect pitch, I believe that Adam does. He has complete control and does not hesitate to sing every song exactly the way he wants to. It works for the most part, even if it's not your cup of tea (see last week's "Ring of Fire").

Allison Iraheta closed tonight like she's been doing this all her life. Her stage presence and confidance can't be taught. Allison looked every bit the part for her song tonight and nailed the vocals. She showed her nerves and youth off stage with Smokey Robinson, forgetting here words. When Allison gets on stage, a star steps out.

The real disappointments of the night were Michael Sarver, Megan Joy Corkerey and Lil Rounds. While Lil was by no means the worst performer tonight, it was her personal worst. After screaming "Heatwave" by Martha and the Vandellas, the judges each reiterated that Lil is a great singer, just not tonight. Megan Joy was just bad tonight. She chose Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life". It was really not good at all, I would have left the casino.

Overall, Michael Sarver proved to be completely out of his league with The Temptations' "Ain't to Proud to Beg". There was just no feeling at all. At least Megan Joy has the tattoo to look at if the song is boring. Michael is a nice guy, but this should be the end of his American Idol rode. The judges told Michael Sarver as much, Paula Abdul nearly in tears.

Speaking of Paula Abdul, she had an odd night of her own. At one point she went under the table telling Simon, "I've got something for you!" She came up with a set of crayons and a coloring book for him. Paula thought Simon was acting like a chid. We later saw that Paula was wearing a tutu dress tonight. By the end of the show Paula Abdul had a black crayon moustache drawn on her upper lip. Yes Paula, Simon Cowell is childish.

Tomorrow night will see AI Season 8 come down to the top 9 contestants. I think Michael Sarver will go home. For a complete rundown of tonight's events and the judges quotes read American Idol Dreams.