Review of American Idol March 31, 2009 Show: Gokey was Smokin'

The theme this was "iTunes week" the most popular downloads. This theme gave them a wide array of song choices to choose from. Should be a fun night.

Anoop started off the night singing, "Caught Up". I didn't really appreciate the song choice and I didn't think it was his best performance, but it also wasn't his worse either. Simon called it,"a complete and utter mess". He also said it came over as a wannabe performance. The judges were pretty harsh on Anoop Dawg tonight.

Megan Joy sang a Bob Marley song. It was an interesting song choice, but thought she could and should have picked a better one. Kara said she thinks she is in trouble, and that it wasn't the song for her. She also used the word "irritating". Paula wants her to sing ballads. Simon said it was boring and indulgent. He thinks that no one will like the song and that it wasn't her. Randy said it was like watching paint dry. Wow, now that was harsh. All the judges agree they want her to sing something like Adelle.

Danny Gokey was up next singing a Rascal Flatts song, "What Hurts The Most". A terrific and perfect song choice for him. He did an absolute and wonderful performance. He sang from his heart. While he was singing I also thought how great he would do on a Michael Bolton song. Paula said that this is where he thrives. Kara said that he moved everyone with this song. He sang it with emotion. Kara said she got goosebumps! Randy said that the show was starting right then! Simon said it was Danny's best performance ever.

Allison rocked the house with, "Don't Speak". She dressed the part too. Funky clothes and even funkier hair. She really sounded like an established artist. She did a great job. Randy said she was a little ahead of the beat and didn't like her outfit at all. Kara said that the rock in her comes out no matter what she is wearing. She doesn't need the get up. She said it was a good performance, but not her best. Paula said that Allison's outfit brought out an edge to her. Thinks she is serious about this. Simon said he can't ignore the outfit. He called it precocious and that she sounded and looked like a rock star. He also said she shouted the song. Wow, the judges are sure being tough tonight!

Scott MnIntyre sang a Billy Joel song, "Just The Way You Are". He made the comment that he wants to show his heart. He did a good job on the performance. His hair looked great too tonight. Kara said that he made a smart decision with that song and with just playing the piano. Paula said he took a risk and it paid off. Simon said it was his best performance by a country mile. Randy called it the best of the night.

Matt Giraud played the keyboard tonight. I personally thought it was one of his best performances to date. It seemed more like we were watching a Matt Giraud concert on tv than a competition. Randy said it was the wrong song choice for him. Said he has more chops than that. Simon didn't get it at all and said it sounded like somebody trying to be somebody else. Paula felt he ignored what they love about him. She said it wasn't a great performance. Kara said he needs to commit to either R&B or Pop. She also said he doesn't deserve to go home. Matt responded to the judges by saying that he just wanted to show he can do other things other than R&B.

Lil Rounds sang a Celine Dion song, "I Surrender". I thought it was a bold song choice because when you sing Celine Dion you have big shoes to fill. Lil did a good performance of it. I felt she really gave it her all. Randy said he wouldn't have picked that song, but that she has unbelievable vocals. Kara said it seems effortless for her to reach those high notes. She said that Lil can "wow" them. Simon said it was a safe song. He said it was quite similar to a song you would hear at a wedding. He also said it was old fashioned and that it sucked the personality out of her.

Adam Lambert once again did a superb job singing a Wild Cherry song, "Play That Funky Music". He added his own little Adam charm to the song. Although at times I must admit it seemed like a lot of screaming. Randy thought it would be corny but it wasn't. He said that Adam is in the "star zone". Simon said it wasn't karaoke like they have been seeing tonight. Paula compared him to greats like Mick Jagger. Kara said she can't wait to see what he is going to do next.

Kris Allen ended the evening with "Ain't No Sunshine". He decided to bring out the keyboard in tonight's performance. That was an excellent choice for him. The song showcased his vocal and piano abilities. Kara said, "That is artistry"! Simon said he showed confidence and that it was a very good arrangement of the song. One of his best performances. Paula said it played to his strength and that the song could be the first cut on his album. Randy said that Kris is "so in the zone".

The competition is definitely heating up on the American Idol stage!