American Idol Review for April 7th, 2009: They Saved the Best for Last

Tonight's American Idol theme was the year they were born. Each contestant got to choose a song from that year. This is always a fun show. They showed baby pictures of each contestant and also of each judge and even a baby pic of Ryan Seacrest.

Danny Gokey started off the night singing Mickey Gilley's version of "Stand By Me". I thought he had a flawless performance. It was an excellent song choice. It was a great way to start the show. Randy said he didn't like the arrangement of the song, but that Danny made him love it. Kara said that "he killed it". That he made the song his own and that he did it well. Paula said "wow". She said that the bar is set high for tonight, and that he was very amazing. Simon said that overall it was great.

Kris Allen was up next singing, "All She Wants To Do Is Dance". He pulled out the guitar for this one. I thought he did a pretty good job, but not his best performance. The ladies do love him though! Simon said it was indulgent, boring and forgettable. Now I am not so sure about that. I wouldn't go that far, Simon! Paula said it was heart felt and that he made it his own. He is probably the most likeable contestant. Randy agreed with Simon in that it was indulgent.

Lil Rounds sang Tina Turner's, "What's Love Got To Do With It". I thought it was a bold song choice. In my opinion, I thought it was actually a good song choice for her. She sang it well. Randy said that they all love her, but that it is almost like she is not listening to them. Kara said it is now about leaping from a singer to an artist. Paula said she needs to create her own niche, and that it was more of a karaoke rendition. Simon called it a second or third rate performance. He called it a Tina Turner copy cat performance. Simon said he has no idea who Lil is, and that she needs to start becoming an original. I am afraid it is not looking good for Lil tomorrow night.

Anoop sang Cyndi Lauper's, "True Colors". It was an interesting song choice. I think he could have picked a better song, but I think he pulled it off quite nicely. Randy said he liked it. Kara said he controlled the song and that the song didn't control him. Paula called it flawless and beautiful and that he did show his true colors. Simon said Anoop was a singing yo yo. Up one week and down the next. He said this week was very good.

Scott came next singing one of my favorite songs, "The Search Is Over". He didn't play the piano tonight but brought out the guitar. I thought it was a good song choice for him and he sang it well. Randy said it was just all okay. It didn't show him as a star. Paula said she gives him credit for stepping away from the piano and that overall, bravo. Simon suggested that Scott go back to the piano. He said the song was horrible. He called it atrocious and that the guitar playing wasn't much better. Kara said she is not sure she would have picked that song. She said that Scott had good and bad moments. Kara thought it was overambitious for him.

Allison was up next singing Bonnie Raitt's, "I Can't Make You Love Me". Totally awesome and perfect song choice for her. When she sings it is hard to believe she is only 16. Randy said it was one of the best that night. Kara said she is a true talent. Kara also made the comment, "Let's go make a record". Interesting. Paula said that after only one note it is undeniably Allison. She made it her own. Simon said it was very good. He also commented that she needs to make herself more likeable. He said her personality is not coming out. I believe she will make it with or without winning American Idol.

Matt's song choice was the Stevie Wonder hit, "Part Time Lover". He came away from the piano tonight and just had the mic. I thought the song choice fit him and who he is. Randy said that vocally it was one of the best tonight. Kara called it incredible on every level. Simon simply said, "well done".

Adam Lambert was the last contestant to sing. His song choice was, "Mad World". I have to honestly admit I have never heard this song before. I thought that Adam did an excellent job and sang the song with emotion. The show was running out of time so all of the judges didn't have time to speak. Simon was the only judge who did and he gave Adam a standing ovation. Could that possibly have made history?