American Idol: Season 8 Adam Lambert Covers Michael Jackson with Style

American Idol: Season 8 finally rolled out the big stage and crowds. The Top 13 would perform songs from the library of Michael Jackson. It's probably best that they get the 'King of Pop' night out of the way early. Let's face it, you have to be good to sing a Michael Jackson song. So the producers decide to test the entire Top 13 American Idol contestants. I knew this could prove to be a very long night.

As was expected, the AI stage belonged to Adam Lambert tonight. The acts leading up to Adam seemed like just that, opening acts. Sadly Anoop Desai was the comedian act of the night. Danny Gokey managed to ramp up the first half of the show, and Allison Iraheta also had a good night.

Danny Gokey did everything he could with his performance of Jackson's "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)". He put a soulful spin on it and really got into the song. Even Simon Cowell had to admit Danny's vocals were "brilliant". He should be pleased with his American Idol big stage debut. I definitely see Danny Gokey in the finals of Season 8.

Adam Lambert stole the AI stage again tonight. With "Black and White", Adam again showed his crazy range and command of the stage. I still don't foresee Adam having a bad night in any of the genres that the American Idol producers throw at the contestants. He has the range and stage presence to ride to stardom. I think Adam Lambert's biggest issue will be with complacent voters. If you think anyone is safe on American Idol, think again. There are way too many voting for looks over singing ability.

Allison Iraheta also had a good night. She gave a rock twist to Michael Jackson's "Give In to Me", and again showed no nerves at all. The vocal was not quite as strong as Allison's previous performances, but she will be around for a long time. Lil Rounds also did a decent job with"The Way You Make Me Feel". Scott MacIntyre also had a better night tonight, sitting at his piano banging out "Keep the Faith".

Among some of the forgettable performances of the night was at least one that I want to forget, but just can't shake. Anoop Desai has totally let me down. His performance of Michael Jackson's "Beat It" bordered on the worst I've ever seen on American Idol. He was on key for the most part, but who cares it was just bad. I was a fan of Anoop's throughout the auditions and now I'm ready to say "beat it"...it had to be done. Simon Cowell would have likely advanced Jesse Langseth had he known what was going to happen on the AI stage tonight.

The Top 13 will be whittled down by two American Idol hopefuls tomorrow night. In another twist to be announced tomorrow, all Simon would say was that it involved the judges making a decision.

Tonight's full performances of Michael Jackson songs were:

Lil Rounds "The Way You Make Me Feel", Scott MacIntyre "Keep the Faith", Danny Gokey "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)", Michael Sarver "You Are Not Alone", Jasmine Murray "I'll Be There", Kris Allen "Remember the Time", Allison Iraheta "Give In To Me", Anoop Desai "Beat It", Jorge Nunez "Never Can Say Goodbye", Megan Corkrey "Rockin' Robin", Adam Lambert "Black and White", Matt Giraud "Human Nature", Alexis Grace "Dirty Diana"