American Idol 8: Top 10: MoTown Week: There'll Be Singin', Swayin', and Records Playin'

Kristen The Yellow Lab and I are going to a go-go, everybody! After all, what better way to celebrate Motown week on American Idol? Ryan asks us what you get when you mix the most talked-about singers in the country with some of the best music in the last 50 years. Kristen and I hope the answer is "A night that will do Barry Gordy and Hitsville USA proud!" We worry, though, that the correct response is actually, "Ain't Nothin' Like the Real Thing, Baby."


Ryan, looking Smokey-hot in one fine suit and tie, choreographs the judges in a Temptations-style line dance across the stage. In honor of the theme, Paula is wearing a tutu. (After all, Motown music just screams pas de bourree.)


We learn that youngsters were flown, via private jet, to the Motor City - Detroit, Michigan - where they met with seventy-nine but still-looking-fine Barry Gordy and the one and only Smokey Robinson. The kids were appropriately respectful and awestruck as they toured the Motown museum and received advise from the man who brought us some of the most iconic musical groups in pop history.


Later in the week, Smokey arrived at Idol Mansion to provide individual mentoring sessions for each of the contestants. When Smokey sang, did the kids hear violins? Kristen and I would love to know!

The kids are marched out for our approval, and Kristen is distraught because she can't find Adam. Where could her glam-emo rocker boy be?




First to perform is Matt who will be singing Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" while dressed as Mr. Rogers. Yes, Matt. There's nothing that screams hot sex like a Lands End Cozy Cardigan. Matt starts out at the piano, and it's quite good. He ups the volume and tempo, and begins to move around the stage. Here's the thing with Matt - he's got a great voice. Here's another thing with Matt - he got short-changed in the charisma department. He is like Justin Timberlake's anemic step-brother. Randy says he worked it out! Kara insists that there are women watching who are so desperate they are actually shouting, "Yeah! Let's get it on!" at their TV screens. Paula says it's like wearing an old pair of jeans. Simon, who has obviously grown tired of The Gokey, decides to officially declare that Matt is now a front-runner in this competition. Unfortunately, Simon, the only thing front about Matt is the wart on his forehead. Kristen and I give him 8 Marvellettes for a strong vocal. The Supremes weigh in:




Married Kris is up next singing another Marvin classic, "How Sweet It Is," while wearing what looks like a cross between a boyscout uniform and prison garb. As usual, Kris is sweet and wholesome, and his vocals are pure. But, Kristen and I don't remember this song ever lasting this long. It goes on forever with Kris strumming away, his hinky jaw popping out of joint on several occasions. Nice, but not the performance of anyone who will ever win American Idol. Kara tells him he did everything right. Paula was impressed with his high A. Simon insists he needs more swagger. Randy paraphrases Kara by telling him he didn't do anything wrong. It was a solid, if uninspired rendition, so Kristen and I give him 7 Vandellas. Mary Wells has a thing or two to say:



Guess who's not married? Scott. Guess who cares? No one. He plans to perform "You Can't Hurry Love" by The Supremes while wearing pink pants. (Hey! At least, being blind, he has an excuse for his ridiculous wardrobe choices, KRIS and MATT!) Scott performs at the piano with the back-up singers gathered round. It's all very "Uncle Johnny plays the piano at Christmas while his drunk sisters sing along." Kristen and I agree that this is absolutely wretched. Paula tells him that when he feels it, the audience does too. Simon goes for the jugular. "How much more can I take? Sorry, but come on! That was not a good version of that song." Randy agrees that it was "hotel." Kara says, "Yo! I liked it!" That's nice, Kara. But, let's be clear. America wants to listen to Scott sing and play about as much as we want to get it on with Matt. Kristen and I give him 3 Pips, with Gladys Knight adding her piece:




Bird Flu Megan is up next, singing Stevie Wonder's "For Once In My Life" while dressed for a Hawaiian luau. Megan? A few words if Kristen and I may? a. First of all, Motown women wouldn't be caught dead on stage barefoot. Glamour was the order of the day. As pretty as you are, this should have been the week to go for the gown. b. The only people who should to take on a Stevie Wonder song are people with a little thing called A GOOD VOICE. Megan's performance is so awful, Kristen would find a heart worm test more appealing. Off-key, shouty, shrieky, embarrassing. So, why do we continue to love her? Because even as the judges criticize her, she's smiling and charming. *sigh* That's our Megan! Randy says it was bizarre. Kara tells her it was all over the place. Paula explains that at the beginning, she thought maybe the key was too low for Megan, but then at the end, the notes were too high. (In other words, stick to songs with a three-note range, Megan.)Simon says it was horrible and declares her in trouble. Kristen and I have nothing to give her, it was that bad. Even The Spinners can't muster much support.




Here comes Anoop! He's going to perform "Oooh, Baby, Baby" by Smokey and the Miracles while dressed as a frat boy attending rush parties. (Is anyone giving these kids any sort of fashion advise this season?) It starts off a little shaky, but Anoop has a lovely falsetto that he lets shine with this one. Unfortunately, the tempo is far too slow. Kristen and I feel we're at a Catholic high mass. Overall, Kara connected with it. Paula is amazed to see him singing in front of two legends. Simon thought it was a good vocal, and congratulates him on two good weeks in a row. Randy wants him to turn it up. Kristen and I would like him step off the ballads for a week or two as well. Also, we'd like him to think about dressing like a grown up. And while we're complaining, can we ask him to try to act maybe a tiny bit more humble? Kristen and I give him 8 and a half Temptations and a message from Stevie Wonder, himself:




Big Daddy Michael Sarver is going to sing "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" by the Temptations while wearing the only clean thing he could find in his closet. He tells us he's going to take it to church. Kristen and I suggest he do just that. And pray for forgiveness. Michael might have actually saved Megan! He shouts his way through the song as the band outpaces him by half a beat. Paula has to deliver the first blow. "It was Las Vegas lounge act. Sorry, Michael!" Simon tells him he has no chance to win this competition. Randy tells him he's not an R&B dude. (Say WHAT? Haven't they been shoving him in that box from the beginning of the season?) Kara tells him when he goes home one week (huh?) he needs to come back the next and bring it. She'd also like to know who he is as an artist. Michael tries to defend himself, but really, even he looks defeated by the time his number is handed out. Kristen and I have big hearts, and we like the roughneck, so we'll give him 3 Junior Walkers and a word from Eddie Holland:




Onto Lil. She's taking on Martha and The Vandella's "Heat Wave" while looking the part in a sort of 60's flapper style dress, topped off with an atrocious wig. The stylists coudn't figure out how to turn Lil's short hair into a cute 60's bouffant do? Lil grabs one volume at the start of the song and holds on for dear life. This is not good. She's fortunate that there have been three other performances so much worse than hers that she will be spared. She shrieks her way through the final "Like a heat wave!" then proudly turns to face the judges. Lil has obviously begun to believe her own press. Randy wants to know what's going down, baby. Lil's feeling pretty good! Randy tells her it was not the best. Lil glares at him. Kara feels it was the wrong song. Lil's not likin' it. Paula, still shaken from having to be the one to break the bad news to Michael, tells Lil that it was fresh. Simon says it was the wrong song, and feels she should have chosen something that would have given her "a moment." (Dear God: Please make the judges banish "moment" from their vocabulary this season? Thanks! Signed Kristen and Zsus.) Simon, who long-ago declared Lil a member of the future Top 3 and can't bear to be wrong, shouts over Ryan before he can banter with Lil, "I'd like to remind everyone that Lil has one of the best voices in this competition!" Ok, Simon. I guess we'll just have to take your word for it on that one. Kristen and I give her 4 1/2 Velvelettes and a question from Diana Ross:




Annnnnd here comes Adam! *collective gasp of surprise* Good lord, but this boy sure cleans up pretty! He is singing Smokey's own "Tracks of My Tears" stripped down to just a guitar, bass, and box player. He sings entirely in falsetto, and it's one of those "you could hear a pin drop" performances, it's just that lovely. At the end, his face flushes and his eyes well with tears. Smokey Robinson, sitting in the front row, leads the standing ovation. Kara loses her ability to count. "Six words," she says, "One of the best vocals of the night!" Paula tells him she did, in fact, take a good look at his face, and it's clean, classy, handsome. Adam squirms. Simon declares it THE best vocal of the night, and he feels Adam has emerged as a star. Randy thought it was hot. Ryan pulls an overwhelmed Adam across the stage and informs him that he won't make him talk after that, for which Adam seems grateful. (See Noopy? It's not that hard. A little humility goes a long way.) Kristen and I give him 10 Supremes with a little message from Smokey and the Miracles:




I never thought I'd feel sorry for Danny Gokey, but he has to follow that. Good luck! Danny's singing "Get Ready" by The Temptations. Uh-oh. It looks like the producers have soured on Danny for some reason. Strange. They show a clip of him working through the song with Smokey Robinson. Smokey wants him to sing the end lines of each song, rather than turn them over to the back-up singers. Just before he performs, Ryan asks us, "Will Danny take Smokey's advise?" Guess what? He doesn't. Ouch. Get ready to be called smug, Danny Gokey. This is not a bad performance, but Gokey reminds me more and more each week of a poor man's Taylor Hicks. At one point, he rushes over to dance with the back-up singers, and it's all very frantic and desperate. Paula tells him he's identifiable. Simon calls it clumsy and amateurish. Randy has the gall to compare him to Levi Stubbs. And Kara tells him it was good, but not great. Kristen and I give him a 6 Spinners and a little concern from Jimmy Ruffin:




Oh, it's Allison! Kristen, who has had to keep her paws over her ears for most of the night due to excessive high-pitched shrieking, leaps to her feet and bounds to the TV to make nice with her favorite red-headed teen. Allison is singing "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" by The Temptations. Ooo. Nice opening riff. Allison is a bit mumbly with a spoken part, but wow! Once again, this young thang proves that she can, in fact, SANG! She powers her way right through to the last "Papa was a rolling.......STOOOOOOOOOOONE!" BAM! Kristen and I are on our feet and paws! Allison and Adam for Final 2! Per his usual, Randy brings up the age issue, "Just 16, but one of the dopest singers here!" Kara tells her she has a gift from God. Paula, trying to hide the mustache Simon drew on her mouth with a crayon (yes, the judges were imbeciles this evening. Why do you ask?) tells her she was awesome! Amazing! Simon says it was one of the best performances she's ever done. Kristen and I give her a 9 1/2 Jacksons and special message from Michael, himself:


Our rankings:


The Sky's The Limit:
ADAM, Allison










Riding Shotgun for now:
Matt, Anoop, Danny









Better Reach Out a bit more:
Kris, Lil











Probably Going To a Go-Go home:
Scott, Megan, Michael






Results:

36 million votes. The most ever received on Top 10 night.

Horrific Motown medley performed by top 10 made even more horrific by the fact that they are not only lip syncing, but they have pre-taped the dancing.

Ruben Studdard sweats his way through his dreary new single called "Together."




Results: Dim the lights.




Stand up Adam.


Adam, you are....hmmm. What could Adam be? Could he be....safe?

(As if we didn't see that coming by a DialIdol mile.)

Simon and Paula react to the news:


Shockingly, Matt is in the Bottom 3! Lil is aghast!


But relieved that it's Michael instead of her also moving into Bottom 3.

After this week, no one will ever accuse Lil of being a class act.




In keeping with the new tradition of creepy pairings, Smokey Robinson is
singing a duet called "You're The One For Me" with 22 year old Joss Stone. Smokey still sounds sublime, and Joss' jazzy vocals spruce up the song. Nevertheless, Kristen and I do not approve of the age-inappropriateness. What's next? Miley Cyrus and Bob Dylan crooning about a crush?



More results. Allison's safe!! Safe also are Anoop and Danny. (No suprise.) It's between Megan and Scott, and we learn Scott is in the bottom 3. Ryan escorts him to the Stools of Death.


Then, he immediately returns him to the Sofas of Safety. It's Michael and Matt in the bottom 2.


Stevie Wonder comes out and performs the best medley ever in Idol history!!


Back to results. Matt is safe. Michael will go home unless the judges decide to save him after he sings for his survival. Michael's no fool. He's well aware the magical save is being reserved for judge favorites Lil, Danny, or Adam. He goes out like a man, giving the song his all, shaking hands with the crowd. When Ryan asks the judges if they've made their decision, Simon insists they haven't decided yet. Oh, please! They pretend to debate some more, leaving the kids on the Sofas of Safety distraught with the suspense. Except Lil, of course.


Finally, Simon says a decision must be made. "Michael, you're going home." He smiles broadly, watches his vote-off package with pride. When it's all over, he shouts to the crowd, "I'm going on the tour!!" Everyone says goodbye to the Roughneck!

Except Paula who has other things on her mind.


This week, the Idols will sing Top iTunes downloads, thus forcing everyone over the age of 40 to croak, "They call this music? Why in my day...."

Check here Thursday for the review. And thanks to my partner in blogging crime, Murghi, for use of her fab screencaps. Check out Murgh's co-caps with the brilliant Shnuglet at Bored Morons.! Luvs ya! And while you're at it, check out the new season of Death of a Bromance written by yours truly.

AMERICAN IDOL TOP 11: We're Riding A Blue Train

Kristen The Yellow Lab and I are shouting "HowwwwDY!" with just a wee bit of the brogue. After all, what better way to celebrate Grand Ole Opry week/St. Patrick's Day on American Idol? For, this week, the Top 11 sings the songs that honor train whistles, dead dogs, heartache, and mamas...and beer, even if it's not green.

A wee leprechaun arrives on the scene to tell us that the odds of winning Idol are now 11 to 1! Oh, wait. That's just Ryan, and he wants to wish us all a happy St. Paddy's day. To emphasize the point, the stage is suddenly alight with shamrocks bouncing to a jaunty jig, inducing inappropriately wild applause from the studio audience. (Tipping the pints a bit early, are we?) This is followed by the parade o' judges, who strut out all very Lord of the Dance at a hoe-down.

Ryan tells us that for the Grand Ole Opry theme, and the kids will be mentored by one Randy Travis. Randy's a member of the Opry, which is appropriate to the theme. But, Kristen and I don't think he's Irish.

First up is Roughneck Michael performing Garth Brook's "Ain't Goin' Down Till the Sun Comes Up." It's a gimmic song that involves reciting a long list of words in triple time while tossing in a note now and then. Michael employs the services of a harmonica player to give him an excuse to sit down, worn and out of breath. Also, it seems Michael is a skilled ventriliquist as he sings some of the song with his mouth closed. (Word on the street is that Michael has the same flu that hit Megan. Is it possible the producers let those two lip sync their performances?) It's not a great performance, but let's face it. Michael is the closest thing this show has to country this season, so he's not going anywhere this week. Randy doesn't know. Kara wanted more vocals. Paula is pleased that he let her have fun. Simon thought he might have been singing in Norwegian. Michael snips, "Well, if we were all perfect, we wouldn't be here!" Oh ho! Watch that ton of voice, young Roughneck. Just for that, Kristen and I are only going to give him 3 shamrocks and a jaunty hat. But, Johnny Paycheck is confident that performance was enough to get you on the tour.

Onto Allison Iraheta, who wears her flame-red hair to honor the day! She's performing Patty Lovelace's "Blame It On Your Heart." Kristen loves Allison's energy and romps around the television as Allison belts out "lying, cheating, cold deadbeating,Two-timing, double dealing, mean mistreating, loving heart." She's managed to stay within the genre, yet bring her own touch of rock spirit to the song. Kara says she can sing the alaphabet. (Um....??) Paula wants her to show her vulnerability. Simon thought it was bordering on precocious. Randy says it was dope! Kristen and I give her 7 shillelahs and a top of the morning to her! Opry member Reba McIntire weighs in!

Here comes Kris Allen, Teen Throb. (Married though. Kristen and I just had to rub that in what with us having to endure Michael Johns flaunting his wedding band all season last year.) Kris has chosen another Garth tune, "Make You Feel My Love." He opts to do the Adele version which is lovely and haunting, and gets lots of play on Kristen's iPod (which she lets me borrow.) He nails it. It doesn't hurt that he radiates the same kind of sweet shyness that got Jason Castro to fourth place last season. Kris might well be a dark horse for the Final 3. Paula was surprised, Simon thought it was terrific, Randy calls him Tender Dawg, and Kara insults country fans by saying she'd never even have guessed it was Opry as it was good. Kristen and I give him 9 pots o' gold and a road rising to meet him! Current country heart breaker, Dierks Bentley, agrees!

Lil Rounds is taking on Martina McBride's "Independence Day." (Hey, someone had to do it. It wouldn't be country week on AI without a power-vocaled "Let freedom riiiiiinnng!") Lil informs us that she wants to show respect for the genre by staying true to it. Remember that quote. It's going to come back to look like a dig at one of her competitors. Lil's falling short with this performance. First of all, the stylists have her dressed like a 40 year old grade school principal. Secondly, in holding back on her R&B stylings, she performs like an also-ran rather than a front runner. Randy says it was ambitious. (Huh?) Kara says it wasn't her best and wonders why she didn't sing "I Will Always Love You." (Nice stereotyping, Kara.) Paula wanted her to stick to one verse and go straight to the chorus. (Which is very astute of Paula, and I'd appreciate it if she'd knock it off. Lucid, intelligent Paula is no fun to blog.) Simon calls her "Little," and when Paula corrects him, he sniffs, "Li'l, Little. Li'l is short for Little." (Uh. Yeah, if you're Li'l Kim, SIMON.) When LILLIAN tries to correct him, Simon's not having it. "May I talk, Little?" he bullies. Just for that Kristen and I give her 8 Aye and Begorahs and a cornbeef sandwhich. Tammy Wynette knows that sometimes its hard to be a woman around the likes of Simon!

Kristen has rolled over on her back, which means Adam's entered the stage. He has chosen Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire," but is giving it a middle eastern flair, complete with sitar. In the pre-performance pack, we see Adam meeting with mentor, Randy Travis. Randy claims he doesn't know what to make of Adam because he's never seen a man wear black nail polish before. Huh. REALLY Randy? You've been in show biz HOW MANY YEARS? Adam's got his Elvis freak flying tonight, and it's pretty amazing, if Kristen and I do say so ourselves. He starts off slow and sultry (who knew Ring of Fire was such a sensuous song) and builds to a multi-octave leap. This is definitely a "loved it" or "hated it" performance and was a huge risk on Adam's part. Kara feels confused yet strangely happy. Paula compares it to Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir." (Stop making sense, Paula! You're really taking the fun out of it.) Simon says, "What. The hell. Was that. Indulgent nonsense. You better never go to Nashville." Adam informs him he has no plans to do so. Randy passionately defends Adam comparing it to something Nine Inch Nails would do. Simon smugs that country fans will hate it, and the camera pans to a slightly confused Randy Travis. "Nine Inch Nails?" he seems to be pondering. "Would those nails be covered in black polish?" Exactly one hour later, forums all across the internet go down as traffic reaches epic proportions so people can either bellow that they hate Adam for Freddy Mercurizing a sacred country song or shriek that he's the bomb - The Adam Bomb! Kristen and I loved his performance, but even if we didn't, we'd still give him 10 sparkly green top hats and a Kiss Me I'm Irish for being fearless, true to himself, and for showing off those golden pipes. Elvis weighs in!

In order to give us all time to discuss Adam's performance, the producers have thoughtfully squeezed Scott McIntyre into the mix. While we debate, Scott is apparently performing Martina McBride's "Wild Angels" in the background. It's all very "music to listen to at the optometrist's office." The issue with Scott is that he's a better pianist than he is singer. I suspect he arranges his own performances as well. Talented guy. Just not a star. Paula worries the piano is becoming a crutch. (Yes Paula. We get it. You DO know what you're talking about. Now, could you please go back to having visions and wanting to date the male contestants? The new you is kind of a snoozer, truth be told.) Simon finds Paula's comment disrespectful, and since it's HIS job to be disrespectful, he'd like her to step off. He tells Scotty he's picking the wrong songs. At any rate, Randy and Kara finally get the opportunity to speak after Simon and Paula are through pretending their bickering is sexual tension. Randy says it was aiiiight. Kara thinks he needs to up his game. Kristen and I give him 5 green beaded necklaces and a bowl of Lucky Charms. Ronnie Milsap is not so generous.

Here comes Alexis Grace dressed in black for St. Patrick's Day. She has chosen Dolly Parton's "Jolene," a song about begging an auburn-hair vixen not to steal her man, so I guess that's somewhat of a tribute to healthy Irish lasses everywhere. She starts off on the stairs, which is not a good decision. The very size of the staircase makes her look even tinier than she is, and, thus, younger. There's something not so right about a 12 year old begging another women to let her husband be. Halfway through, Alexis finds her voice and starts to blues it up a bit. But, it's too little too late. It's a rather anemic performance, and further proof that the song should only be sung by Dolly or the White Stripes. Randy says, "Not a great performance for me." Kara says, "Flat a little bit." (Not nice, Kara. Once the girl wins the competition, she can get a boob job. Until then, leave her physical deficiencies out of this.) Paula liked seeing her soft, vulnerable side. Simon didn't. "Forgettable!" he sniffs. Because Alexis looks so small and overwhelmed, we're going to give her 5 1/2 Finians Rainbows and an Erin Go Braugh!

The Widower Gokey is up performing Carrie Underwood's first big hit, "Jesus Take the Wheel." In the pre-performance pack, we see that he's so nervous, he can't remember how to sing the first few lines in front of Randy Travis. Randy Travis looks annoyed, but at least this young feller ain't wearing no black nail polish, so he'll do. It starts off a bit rough. For some reason, Danny is dressed like a giant marshmallow. Danny has a gruffness to his voice that works well when used appropriately. It's wrong for this song as it should be performed clean. In part, it's understandable why Danny chose this song as it reflects his own personal struggles as well as his faith. But, it's not a good fit. Kara says here comes Danny. Paula says, "We love it but fall a little short of appreciating it tonight." (Now, there's the Paula we love! Welcome back, girlfriend!) Simon informs him that he can't scream the song from beginning. (Well, he just did exactly that, so what do you know, Mr. Sassypants?) Randy points out that "you gotta support those verses." Kristen and I are on our 4th green beer, so we'll be generous and give danny 7 1/2 River Dances, and a blarney stone. Ricky Skaggs is in agreeance with the judges.

It's Anoop time! He's got to redeem himself from a weak performance of a bad song choice last week. Can he do it with willie Nelson's "Always On My Mind?" Oh yes he can. Kristen notes that his eyes are quite lovely what with the brown and the lashes and the pleading sorrow. It's a gorgeous rendition and he finally, FINALLY shows off his vocal skills. Excellent. Paula's in a tizzy! "Anoop's back! He's back, everybody!" she says, tears of joy welling over her dilated pupils. Simon tells him he went from zero to hero. Randy says the arrangement was dope! (Um...huh? There was nothing special about the arrangement. That's basically the way the song is sung.) Kara calls it the best performance of the night, which displeases Kristen greatly as we all know Adam had the best performance of the night - even if you weren't liking it. Kristen and I give Anoop 9 1/2 leprechaun's and a pass to all the Notre Dame football games. Trace Adkins calls it a touchdown!

Spare us. It's Megan Joy in a granny gown with her boobs looking rather "granny-ish." She's going to sing Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight" in her quirky style. It's not horrible, but her insistance on standing in one place and moving her trunk like a washing machine agitator is growing tiresome. She also seems almost incapable of keeping her eyes open, tonight. This time, when she's finished, she doesn't caw. Instead, she coughs. Repeatedly. "Feeling a little ill?" asks Randy. Kara says that not a lot of people with the flu can do what she just did. (Other than just about every single other person in show biz, KARA.) Paula tells her that if this is sick, then have at it! Simon thinks she should have flu every week. (What a pleasant suggestion, Simon!) Kristen and I aren't completely without heart, and we do understand the seriousness of flu B, so we'll give her 7 bars of Irish Spring soap and a pint or two to kill what ails her. The Opry's own Patsy Cline isn't so sympathetic.

Last of the night is Matt, performing "So Small" by Carrie Underwood. He gives it his own spin, playing the piano as he sings, and it's nice. Very nice! Kristen and I are pleased (if slightly drunk from the green beer) because we like Matt as he's practically a local boy, if living in another state can count as being local. At the same time, there's a certain level of boredom that occurs when listening to Matt. Again, he's got the skills, but does he have the star quality? He's going to have to get out from behind that piano in order to show us. Kara says, "There's nothing small about you!" (Isn't she just a walking font of double entendre jokes?) Paula tells him he's piercing so many people's hearts! Simon tells him he outsang Danny. (Which isn't that hard to do, Simon. Danny's not exactly the standard bearer for vocal skills.) Randy tells him he's got it going on, baby! Kristen and I give Matty 9 1/2 sainted mothers and a wearing of the green. The legendary Charlie Proud is pleased with Matt's performance, also.

Our picks O' the night

The outlaws: You either loved them or hated them, but they remain true to their off-the-beaten path style:

Adam, Allison, Megan

Still in The Chase: Solid performances that will keep them on top:

Kris, Danny, Lil

Not a Moment Too Soon: Saved themselves from falling to the bottom:

Anoop, Matt

Sentimentally Yours: (Resting on their laurels)

Alexis, Scott

I Don't care:

Michael

Results Night

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to a night Kristen and I like to call "Adam Intervention Night." Without actually coming out and saying so, the producers do everything in their power on this night to let Adam know he needs to dial it back a notch, or he will go home. Ryan opens the show waving the envelope containing the results and declares, "Someone will face the fire." (As in Ring of Fire, Ryan?) Ryan then goes on to gaze pointedly into the camera to tell us that the results tonight will shock us. (Shocking? Adam, Danny, or Lil in the bottom 3. And since Danny sang a song about Jesus, it ain't him.) Then, he reminds us that the judges do have the right to "save" someone, so we might be in for a surprise or two tonight.

The kids hoe-it-down to a song called "Trouble." (See there! Another clue. Adam's in trouble!)


At least they put Scott at the piano so one of the girls didn't have to lead him around this week.

Sarver is asked about the hardest part of being on the show, and he tells us it's hard to be away from his family! (Tell it to the soldiers in Iraq, roughneck.) Then, he wins the hearts and minds of the viewers by choking back sobs as he relates that his youngest came up to him after the show and asked, "Daddy? Why don't you want to live with me, anymore?" Message to Adam: This is MIDDLE American Idol, pal.

Everyone who is safe this week will be part of the American Idol Summer Tour. Ryan tells us that Danny, Lil, and Anoop better get used to sleeping on a bus because they're all safe. It's between Allison and Michael for the first spot in the bottom 3. Boo! It's Allison! She's so surprised she bellows, "Oh. My. GAWD!" Sarver takes his seat, but Ryan psyches him out. He tells him to stand up, because he's also in the bottom 3. Good. We don't want that little girl missing her daddy any longer than necessary.

Brad Paisley, looking every bit the country rodent, sends us into a coma via song.

Back to results. Guess who else made the tour? Megan. Guess why? Flu. Also, Matt, Kris, and Scott are safe and about to get some groupie action in 3 months. Adam and Alexis are asked to stand. Adam is trying to play it cool, but he knows. Yep. He knows. Maybe dressing like gay Elvis last night wasn't the best idea. Or maybe commiting a felony with his eyes is something America's not quite ready for just yet. Ryan studies them both, then says, "Adam. You.... are........ safe." Whoooooooooo! Kristen and I hug one another in relief, until we realize that means ALEXIS is in the bottom 3.

Carrie Underwood, dressed like Tammy Wynette, and Randy Travis, dressed like her grandfather, sing a love duet together. It's a pretty enough song, but there's something slightly Texas Polygamy Cult about it, what with Carrie still looking so young and tender, and Randy looking sort of creepy, to be honest.

Finally, Ryan gets to it. Going home, tonight, is Alexis, unless the judges choose to save her. Now, she must sing for her survival. It's cruel and painful to watch as the tiny girl, upset and anxious, desperately tries to pull this off. Simon gives the verdict. "It was unanimous. It was good, but not good enough. Sorry." Oh, no. We'll miss you Little Lexi!

All of the judges say farewell to one of their early favorites:

Exept Paula who has other things on her mind:

Some guy named Obama thinks he's more important than American Idol, so the performance show will air on Wednesday with results on Thursday. This week, the kids put their spin on MoTown. Hitsville, baby! See ya' there!