Elvis Week on American Idol 9 : Which Two Contestants Were Nothing but Hound Dogs?

Hoo boy! A good performance is SO important in Elvis Week on American Idol 9 because two contestants will be voted off. If you're one of two unlucky contestants to get the lowest votes, you're out and there's no save. I actually wrote that before Ryan Seacrest came out and said "The Pressure is On." Last week in Beatles Week, Michael Lynche, Andrew Garcia and Aaron Kelly were the contestants in jeopardy, with Big Mike getting the lowest votes, but the judges used their one-time save.

American Idol alumni, Adam Lambert spoke with the Idols and commented that he obviously didn't have enough experience to be a mentor (in a clear nod to the criticisms), but Adam said what he did know was what they were going through. This week, we'll just take them in the order they performed and see how they shake out at the end.

Crystal Bowersox started off with a rocking rendition of "Saved." All the judges raved. Randy called her "The Second Coming of Bonnie Raitt." Simon praised her for not choosing "an obvious song," although she did choose a song that obviously goes with her R&B style. Nothing wrong with showcasing what you're good at and Crystal is really good at it. Good way to open the show, though hardly one of my favorite Elvis songs.

Andrew Garcia's mentoring session with Adam didn't go so well because Adam wasn't feeling any excitement as Andrew sang "Hound Dog." He advised Andrew to step up the "boring" performance. Andrew did step it up a little but not enough. Only Ellen liked it although she wished for a "little more swagger." Simon said that all of Andrew's coolness had been "sucked out" of him. This all felt so phony to me as if Adam and the judges colluded beforehand. I know that's a little ridiculous, but is it really?

Tim Urban (or Turban, as Ryan called him) was next. Adam Lambert thought Tim's performance of "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You" was "pretty." All the judges loved it. Simon said it was "beautiful." I thought it was depressing myself, not good enough to get 4 unanimous good reviews. I'm just thinking: what's the dealio, is this show fixed?

Lee Dewyze did "A Little Less Conversation" and Adam Lambert was happy with his singing but not his presentation. He advised Lee to put some personality in it and be playful. This was the first song I really liked so far because Lee's voice goes really well with it. He should have received 4 unanimous good reviews. Instead, 3 of the judges loved it but Kara said she wished he could have been a little more playful. What a coincidence.

Aaron Kelly wasn't too sure he was making the right choice with "Blue Suede Shoes." He started out karaoke then he suddenly changed his style to R&B and began to belt it out. Adam Lambert beamed at him from the audience. The judges were mixed but I think that the performance will resonate with his fans.

Siobhan Magnus chose one of my favorites "Suspicious Minds." Adam advised her to step it up because it sounded sort of sleepy. The only difference for me between this and a good Elvis impersonator's performance was the female voice, but that isn't to say it was bad, because I've seen some pretty awesome Elvis tribute artists. Mixed reviews starting out fine till we got to Kara who wasn't liking it. Simon diced her up while Siobhan looked quite disgusted.

Michael Lynche tried his hand at "In The Ghetto" while he played the guitar. Adam said Mike could redeem himself by connecting with people's hearts and was an amazing singer who deserved to get right down to the end. Mike did a great bluesy rendition that he sang very well but much slower than it is usually done. The judges gave him unanimous applause, although Randy said it was sleepy.

Katie Stevens gave a rousing and wonderful performance of "Baby What You Want Me To Do." Look out, Crystal, she's hot. She should have definitely gotten unanimous good marks, but Simon found it annoying and too loud. What a clown.

Casey James sang Lawdy Miss Clawdy. Adam Lambert told him to step it up or step it down, but do something to create a climactic moment. I was hoping Casey would perform with the little hat he was wearing during the rehearsal. Randy and Ellen liked it but weren't particularly excited. Neither was Kara and of course Simon thought it was a waste. Note that they all said the vocal was good.

So it seemed, at least to me, that I was in the Twilight Zone in Elvis Week since I found the judging very odd indeed. I think that Andrew Garcia can pretty much kiss everyone goodbye, but who will the other one be that goes home? I think it should be Tim because I don't think he is in the same league as the others, but I fear that another contestant who was unfairly judged tonight will get cut loose.

AMERICAN IDOL 9 UPDATE: (4/14/2010): Well, my bad. Looks like the "experts" predicted correctly.

Katie Stevens, who was given good reviews by everyone except Simon (does he even count?) Cowell, was the second one chosen to leave. They cut Andrew Garcia loose right off the bat.

Next week, Alicia Keys will be mentoring the 7 remaining American Idol contestants:

The theme is Inspirational Songs: If you want to take a peek at the songs the Idols can choose from, click here.

Source: American Idol 9 on Fox (4/13/2010)
More American Idol 9 Reviews:
Lennon/McCartney Songbook 4/6/10
Soul and R&B Week 3/30/10
Billboard No. 1 Hits 3/23/10
Stones Week on Idol 9 3/16/10