"American Idol" on April 7: Who's in it to Win It?

"American Idol" on April 7 featured the eight remaining contestants, only two of whom are female. It was a rough night in many respects.

In order of their originality/dramatic impact, Adam Lambert shone brightest, again, earning a "standing ovation" from Simon Cowell (of all people). Time ran out on giving Adam the extensive props he deserved for his completely original version of "It's A Mad World," which he delivered (initially) seated on a chair under three stark spotlights. His vocal performance, especially on the sweet high notes, reminded me of the YouTube video (available for one and all to see) where he sang "Dust in the Wind" on a lone stage with just a piano behind him in a sweet, pure, unadulterated way. As always, for me, Adam ruled. There is always drama when Adam sings. Amazingly, he goes up effortlessly for high notes that many others (Scott, in particular) strained unsuccessfully to reach this night.

Who was second best?

For me, Allison Iraheta (born April 27, 1992) was close behind Adam...and it may not be a coincidence that she (also) shows up on YouTube, frequently performing in Spanish, often in televised performances. Allison sang a Bonnie Raitt song from the year of her birth (April 27, 1992), "I Can't Make You Love Me." She sang it as though she were 50 years old, when she is not yet 17. Amazing. The distinctive tone of her voice prompted Paula to comment that her voice was very recognizable from the first note on, which it is. Randy compared the redheaded Allison to Kelly Clarkson, the first year's Idol winner, and said, "She could sing her face off and so can you. You were one of the best of the night." Kara and Randy both hailed Allison's raw talent. Allison's outfit, as always, was fairly weird. (Black, bias cut on a diagonal, strange.) Simon put his finger on the biggest hurdle Allison faces in moving forward: "We've got to make you a bit likeable." He urged the teen-ager to be "talkative and likable" relating that Kelly Clarkson talked so much the first year that she often nearly lost her singing voice.

After Adam and Allison, who was 3^rd best?

Actually, for me, there was a tie among three people for third place: Anoop Desai, who sang "True Colors;" Matt Giraud who sang Stevie Wonder's "Part-time Lovers;" and Danny Gokey, who did a weird version of "Stand By Me."

Those who were shaky this night and received criticism were Lil Rounds, Kris Allen, and Scott MacIntyre.

For me, the worst of the lot was (unfortunately) Scott MacIntyre. He came out with an electric guitar hanging from his neck, which looked very odd and unnatural for the piano-playing singer, and was told, by Simon, "I would suggest you go back to the piano next week." Added Cowell the caustic: "The song was horrible. So was the guitar playing. The two didn't go together. It was like you were trying to be somebody else." (Ouch!)

Kris Allen also used a guitar as a singing prop in singing "All She Wants to do is Dance" and received the comments that he was "one of the most likable," but, according to Simon, Kris' performance was "indulgent, boring, forgettable." He added, "It was a stupid, stupid song choice." Randy said, "I lost you in the arrangement." Kris should live to fight another week, thanks to the votes of many teen-aged girls. Scott MacIntyre will probably garner the sympathy vote he normally claims. What about Lil? What (or who)will save Lil? Will it be the judges' choice, which can only be used once, if Lil is at the bottom, come Wednesday night.

Difficult to say. Should be an interesting week.