Review of American Idol's March 17, 2009, Show: Matt Giraud is Unique

American Idol has gone country! Country was the theme of tonight's American Idol show. It was a great night on the American Idol stage. Super stand out performances. Some performances stood out in more ways than one.

The night kicked off with Michael Sarver singing Garth Brooks, " Ain't going down till the sun comes up". In my opinion, he picked a horrible song. The song is too fast with too many words. Didn't give him a chance to show his vocal ability at all. Great song for Garth, but not so much for Michael. Randy said it was a cool song just didn't show his vocal ability. Hmm, just what I said. I also feel like it showcased the harmonica player more than him. Simon said he couldn't understand a single word. He used the word "clumsy" in his review. Paula said he was having fun singing it.

Allison Iraheta sang a Patty Loveless song. I feel she did a real good job. Randy Travis, who was the celebrity mentor for this week, said she has maturity in her voice he hasn't heard in a 17-year-old before. Kara said Allison made the song her own and that she keeps getting better and better. Paula said she was an amazing artist. Simon said the performance was a little tuneless in parts, but that it was good. Randy called it the "dope". I am assuming that is a good thing!

Kris Allen also sang a Garth Brooks song. His song choice was the right one. He did an awesome job. I feel like it was one of his best performances to date. Randy Travis said he was impressed. Paula said it was a vulnerable performance. She also said that Kris made a good choice in not using the guitar. Simon said the song was terrific and that it was a great song choice. He feels that Kris has a great shot in the competition. Randy Jackson said, "it was tender Dog". You gotta love that Randy!

Lil Rounds sang the Martina McBride song, "Independence Day". I thought she did a really good job. Randy Travis said she has some big pipes. Randy Jackson said it was an ambitious song choice and that it just didn't feel comfortable to him. Paula said everything was spot on except she might should have only sung 1 verse. Simon said her performance came over like she was singing at a wedding. He called her "Little" instead of Lil. He said that it just wasn't her. Lil said as much earlier when she commented on how country music wasn't her thing. I think she gave it her best shot. She had also previously said the only country songs she has heard has been on movies.

Adam Lambert. What can I say about Adam Lambert. Well, his performance was definitely a stand out performance. He sang, "Ring of Fire". Very different and unique in an "Adam" sort of way. It was like Johnny Cash goes heavy metal. Perhaps Johnny Cash joins Guns and Roses is more appropriate. I personally did not like the arrangement or song at all. Randy Travis said he was speechless and that Adam's arrangement of the song threw him for a loop. It was a little comical seeing those two in the clips working together. Kara really didn't know what to say. Paula said Adam was staying true to himself as an artist. That comment seems to be what Paula says to all the performers tonight. Simon said that after that a lot of people are throwing their tv's out the window. He also called it "rubbish."

Now Scott McIntyre was up next. I do like this guy. He sang "Wild Angels" a Martina McBride song. At first the song choice seemed odd until he started singing. I don't think he could've picked a better song. He played the piano very gracefully. He has such natural talent. Paula said it was another impressive performance but she thinks Scott is using the piano as a crutch. She wants him to mix it up a little. Simon on the other hand said there was nothing wrong with him playing the piano. Randy wants some stand out vocals and Kara wants Scott to "up his game".

Alexis Grace sang a Dolly Parton song, Joleen, and it was even said she resembled her. I actually thought so too when she was singing. I thought her performance was okay. Randy said it was pitchy and not a great performance. Kara said it was a little flat. Paula said she enjoyed the softer and vulnerable side of Alexis. Simon called her performance "forgettable".

Danny Gokey sang Carrie Underwood's hit, "Jesus Take The Wheel". Another song that at first seemed odd until he sang it. He did a superb job. Kara said his connection is unlike anything on the high notes. Paula said that Carrie Underwood would not only approve of Danny's performance but that she would probably buy his record. Simon had to diss what Danny was wearing. Guess he always has to say something. Randy said that the verses were a little pitchy.

Anoop Dog sang "Always On My Mind". In my opinion, this was one of Anoop's best performances. Paula said that he put his own interpretation on the song and that he touches her. Simon said that this performance made Anoop go from zero to hero. He takes back what he said last week. Anoop does deserve to be there.

Megan Corkrey, now being called Megan Joy for some reason, sang "Walking After Midnight". Randy Travis said that Megan was totally unique. Her performance was pretty good but apparently Megan had the flu that week so her performance wasn't as good as it could have been. Randy said it was a little bit of a train wreck, but it worked. Kara said that she had the perfect look. Paula stated that Megan is a fighter, and Simon said she was better tonight.

Matt Giraud closed out the show with his piano version of another Carrie Underwood song. He definitely made the song his own. He can make that piano talk. He does it so effortlessly too. Kara said that there was "nothing small about Matt" and that he was amazing. Paula said he was an authentic performer, and his delivery was honest. Simon said Matt hasn't had enough credit for his vocals. Simon said Matt outsang Danny tonight. Don't think I quite agree with that statement, Simon. Randy called it his favorite performance of the night.

I feel like this is the best group of competitors American Idol has ever seen.