Kris Allen Sings Ain't No Sunshine on American Idol

This week American Idol contestants took the stage for the last time in March of 2009. The contestants got to pick any popular downloaded song off of iTunes. Though I can not say this was the best American Idol night overall, it was by far Kris Allen's best performance to date. Kris Allen sang "Ain't No Sunshine" and the sun shined on him for sure.

With the amazing range of songs the contestants were allowed to pick this week, you would think we would be blown away by spectacular performances. Unfortunately, that was not the case. It started very rough with Anoop, singing an Usher song. It was just awful. It was followed by another typical Megan song, not a good song choice, not good singing. Danny sang next. It was ok, but it just didn't do it for me this week.

Allison came out in a very strange get up, and sang ok. Again, I wasn't blown away, like I have been in the past. Scott tried to make us love him just the way he is, and failed again...but did better than he has in the past. Matt tried his hand at a Fray song, unfortunately he didn't bring anything new. Lil' took on a Celine Dion song. She can sing loud, but is no Celine.

I was beginning to wonder if there were going to be any good performances at all. Adam came out and did what Adam does. He is an amazing performer. I was a bit worried about Kris Allen having to follow Adam's performance. Never again will I worry about Kris holding his own in this competition.

The Setup
American Idol always gives the contestant some way to set up their song with a prerecorded video. In Kris Allen's set up, he said "I like to make old songs current." He wanted to make this song his own and hopefully wow people. He claimed he wanted to "make one of those moments and make it memorable" This worried me a bit. It always seems on Reality TV Shows when a contestant says something like this it is a set up for a very bad moment. The kiss of death, so to speak.

The Performance
Kris Allen's "moment" started with him sitting in front of a keyboard. Yes, a keyboard, not a guitar. Is there anything this guy can't do? He started singing "Ain't No Sunshine". Behind him was an awesome string quartet. The performance was riveting and full of depth. There was a variety of tempos. It started slow and sultry. The middle totally rocked. Although the last note may have been a tad off, overall the performance was phenomenal. It was a moment that will remembered and should be wowed. No setup for failure, just a great setup.

The Judges
The four judges on American Idol all agreed Kris Allen was perfect. Randy said Kris was "In the zone." and said he was so creative. He said it was "The best performance of the night." Kara said she had three words, and actually counted right "That is Artistry!" Paula said he took a 30 year old song and it was like she was hearing it for the first time. "This could easily be the first cut on his album. It was his best performance to date. He's pacing this competition perfectly and playing to all his strengths." Simon said he showed the confidence he was lacking last week. Kris was clever and cool. "Very good arrangement." He also agreed with the other judges and said it was Kris's best performance so far.

American Idol saved the very best for last this episode. March is now in the past and we will move forward into April. Stay tuned April 1st, 2009 to see if Kris Allen moves forward into American Idol's Top 8. My prediction is Kris should get comfortable.