American Idol Top 9 Recap: Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen Bring it Big Time

Contestants on the March 31 American Idol Top 9 performance show were able to perform any song they wanted - as long it is a popular download on iTunes. How did the remaining 9 Idols do? Read on for a pithy recap.

Anoop Desai - "Caught Up"

This was a very poor song choice by Anoop Dog. It didn't give him an opportunity to explore his range. The performance lacked energy and commitment.

Megan Joy - "Turn Your Lights Down Low"

Megan Joy is still ridiculously gorgeous - and she still can't sing very well. If she doesn't end up in the bottom three tonight, I'll eat my hat. Kara said that she is in trouble. Indeed.

Danny Gokey - "What Hurts the Most"

Danny showed me - and millions of others - why he has been a frontrunner from the get go. His performance tonight was sublime. Simon thought it was his best performance thus far. And Randy said, "You brought it crazy with the vocals." Indeed.

Allison Iraheta - "Don't Speak"

I think Allison had a bit of an off night. Normally, I'd be singing her praises, but tonight she just didn't cut the mustard. Most of the judges ripped her for what she was wearing, but, frankly, I didn't have a problem with it. She'll be back, though.

Scott McIntyre - "Just the Way You Are"

I thought Scott's performance of this sappy Billy Joel song was just like all his other performances - which is to say, lackluster. For some strange reason, though, all the judges were pleased with Scott last night. It must be something they were smoking.

Matt Giraud - "You Found Me"

I've become a big fan of Matt's but, quite frankly, he dropped the ball tonight. His performance was mediocre at best. Simon said the performance was too uptight, that he didn't "get it." I agree. But I hope this doesn't get Matt booted from the show; I believe that, if given the chance, he can redeem himself beautifully.

Lil Rounds - "I Surrender"

I've never been a fan of Lil Rounds singing (I like the curves, though), and tonight's performance simply reinforced my feelings. To me, she's just another big-voiced R&B singer; nothing special. Simon said her rendition of this Celine Dion song sounded like a wedding performance. Exactly.

Adam Lambert - "Play That Funky Music"

Another excellent, high-energy song interpretation by Adam Lambert (he will probably be the next American Idol). I'm still thinking about the performance, in fact. Nuff said.

Kris Allen - "Ain't No Sunshine"

I have to apologize to Kris. I've been ripping him for being nothing more than catnip for tween girls and their grannies. Boy, did he prove me wrong tonight! His interpretation of this classic Bill Withers tune was masterful. It was far and away the best performance of the night.

So there you have it, a pithy recap of tonight's American Idol Top 9 performance show. It will be interesting to see how the voting turns out tonight.