Idols Do Disco

In his article "What Should 'American Idol' Top Seven Sing For Disco Week?" "Idol expert" Jim Cantiello listed what he said the Idols would be singing on Disco Week along with his choices as to what they should be singing. Cantiello's song list was correct only in that Donna Summer was covered.

Season eight of "American Idol" has been somewhat less than predictable and Disco Week was no exception. While the beat wasn't turned around, but the melodies and arrangements were often changed.In an effort to stay within the allotted time frame Ryan Seacrest practiced his speed talking and there were no taped introductions before the singers performed. Even so the show still ran a couple of minutes long as Ryan was giving the recap and numbers as the top of the hour rolled around.

First up was Lil Rounds who opened the show with "I'm Every Woman" originally recorded by Chaka Khan. The most positive remark about Lil's performance was from Randy Jackson when he said that Lil got the party started. Kara said the song was right in that Lil had shown them every woman but herself and Simon called the performance a mess with no originality. He also said that he felt it would be Lil's last performance.

Kris Allen took the stage next with his guitar to put his unique spin on Donna Summer's "She Works Hard for the Money". Kris stripped the song down to an acoustic rendition that Simon said was the polar opposite of the previous performance (Lil). Kara said that Kris took a risk that paid off big time and Randy said that Kris has proven he knows who he is and is ready for the big time.

Danny Gokey chose a song that had Randy worried but found the worries unfounded when Danny performed "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Paula said that Danny showed his vocal agility and Kara said that Danny was an incredible vocalist; while Simon agreed with those remarks he added that the performance was awkward and lacked star power.

Allison Iraheta also took on disco diva Donna Summer with her version of "Hot Stuff". She opened the song with a slow tempo sitting on the stairs and then picked up herself and the tempo. Kara and Randy said that Allison was one of the best singers in the competition but neither like the arrangement of the song; but Simon called it a brilliant performance.

Our first look at glam rocker Adam Lambert was sitting on a stool next to Ryan looking like a perfect gentleman in a suit and slicked back hair. Once again Adam put his unique stylings on his song choice of "If I Can't Have You" by Yvonne Eliman from the movie "Saturday Night Fever". Adam's rendition of the song stylistically was similar to what he did with "Tracks of My Tears". In a Paula like description Randy said that Adam has it going on right now and has it majorly going on. Kara told Adam that he was brilliant and gave a memorable performance; Simon added that it was original, something they weren't expecting, and had immaculate vocals. Adam added his thanks to the man who helped him with the arrangement.

Last week's saved Idol sang a fitting song with "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees from the movie "Saturday Night Fever"; however, Randy did not care for the song choice or Matt's arrangement but said that Matt could sing. Randy added that this was the best season for the quality of the singers. Simon agreed with Randy on the song and added that Matt needed to get out of Idol mode and get into reality saying the song had no originality.

Anoop Desai finished out the evening also wearing a suit with a pink sweater and sang "Dim All the Lights" by Donna Summer. Anoop also stripped down the song and performed an acoustic rendition that later picked up in tempo. Kara loved the song saying that it could be on the radio right now, but Randy did not like the arrangement and Simon said the performance was mediocre at best.

Like the song renditions the judges remarks were widely varied, but whether the voters took heed of anything said by the judges...only time will tell as two singers will be eliminated on the results show. Last season's runner up David Archulet will be the returning Idol alum performing on the results show.