Anoop Dog Redeemed after American Idol March 17 Show

Last night, American Idol showed its respect for the Grand Ole Opry and country music. Musical artist Randy Travis was on hand to lend the eleven contestants both critiques and words of wisdom. He believes that Season 8 has one of the strongest groups so far. The competition continues to grow as each contestant becomes better than the week before.

Anoop Desai was practically hopeless after last week's terrible Michael Jackson performance. Last night, he redeemed himself when he sang Willie Nelson's, "Always on My Mind" and he did an excellent job. Anoop was so good that Simon gushed and said he went from a "zero to hero". Simon also had to eat crow and retract his statement about Anoop not deserving to be in the Top 13. The other judges each agreed that this was the Anoop that they loved and wanted to see more of. Anoop Dog is back and he is definitely safe from tonight's elimination!

Also safe from tonight's elimination are Adam Lambert,Kris Allen, Danny Gokey and Matt Giraud. They receive so many screams from the ladies, that there's no uncertainty of them being around next week.

Adam took Johnny Cash's, "Ring of Fire" and flipped it Lambert style. As Kara said, it was strange indeed. But it wasn't "indulgent rubbish" as Simon commented. Randy was on point when he said it was current, fresh and hot. Gotta love Adam!

Kris had the judges reveling at his stage presence. He made Garth Brook's "To Make You Feel My Love" his own. Even without his guitar, he sang a beautiful ballad almost effortlessly. All four judges agreed that he chose a great song.

Danny took former AI contestant, Carrie Underwood's, song "Jesus, Take the Wheel", and tried to make it his own. Apparently, the females in the audience loved it, though it wasn't his usual stellar performance. Paula even believed that Carrie would run out and buy his album, while Simon disagreed.

Matt might be the artist whom Carrie would buy an album of. He closed down the show with her song, "So Small". He looks good at the piano and his performance was nothing less than impressive. It was so great that Simon remarked on how Matt out sang Danny.

Fans are going to keep the four hot boys around, as well as the four ladies holding down the competition. Lil Rounds, Alexis Grace, Allison Iraheta and Megan Corkrey will each be spared for another week.

Lil (not "little), usually in her element on stage, seemed all kinds of confused as to how to make her powerhouse R & B vocals work with country music. Each judge, with the exception of Paula, were unimpressed with her song choice "Independence Day" by Martina McBride. Lil may have stood out more if she had sang Lee Ann Womack's "I Hope You Dance" as Gladys Knight has.

Alexis also seemed to be knocked down a peg with criticism from the judges (except Paula). Simon said that her rendition of Dolly Parton's, "Jolene", was a "sound-alike". Alexis didn't know what that meant, but after she watches her performance from last night, she will.

Allison is the girl who can do no wrong. Even Randy Travis seemed a bit smitten by the talented 16-year-old. "Blame It on Your Heart" by Patty Loveless was a perfect song choice for her. But then, as Kara said, she could sing the alphabet and make it dope!

Megan was surprisingly great with Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight". She had the flu and no one could even tell. Her vocal style is amazing and her skills seem limitless. That performance was ill!

As the weeks go on, it will be harder and harder to send someone home. However, the show must go on. And after last night's AI performances, Scott MacIntyre and Matt Sarver were the most forgettable contestants.

Scott is a wonderful pianist, but painfully boring. He sang "Wild Angels" by Martina McBride. For once, Paula sounded coherent when she suggested that Scott stopped using his piano as a crutch. Last night's performance sounded the same as the week before. But if he does stick around with us and with his piano, he should shock us and play something more upbeat and fun.

Michael, the resident average Joe, did pick an upbeat song by Garth Brooks, "Ain't Going Down ('Til The Sun Goes Up)". Simon called his performance "clumsy" and Kara missed hearing his big vocal notes. It's possible that for Michael, being the first contestant to sing did him no favors. Compared to many of the others, he reeked of cow dung. Because of that, he might leave us tonight.

Overall, country music week wasn't half bad. There were some awesome performances from Anoop and Matt, and there were some not-so awesome performances from Scott and Michael. The fans are usually right each week, so no worries for Anoop Dog this time. Paula stands by her predictions for the finals and I stand by mine for this week's eliminations.

In the meantime, happy Idol watching!