American Idol – top 3 review

Posted on 16. May, 2009 by Per Bristow in American Idol, Performance, Singing

American Idol is down to the remaining three – Danny Gokey, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert. 3 of the performances that you can watch here below stood out in my opinion, and what is interesting is that…

… they all had their brilliant moments.  It’s a joy to watch and listen to artists being creative, don’t you think?

Danny Gokey  – Dance Little Sister

Paula Abdul chose this song for him.  I thought it was a great choice.  I love this groovy side of Danny. Terrific vocals. The end, just as last week, was magnificent. The only thing that continues to surprise me – and even more so with this song – is why he starts of behind the mic stand.  There is no reason in a song like this. If he immediately would have interacted with the audience he could have had the entire audience and millions at home on their feet dancing. Now hat would have been memorable.

http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/performances/danny_gokey_dance_little_sister

Kris Allen – Apologize

Have we seen Kris by the piano before?  I don’t remember that I have.  So for me it was a surprise – a pleasant surprise.  I already know he’s cool with the guitar but I didn’t know of his piano playing.  That added an additional dimension to him as an artist. I don’t see Kris as a “vocalist”. I seem him as a terrific musician and artist who also sings great. His strength is his ability to resonate with us – the audience.  It was once again a nice, heartfelt performance.

http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/performances/kris_allen_apologize

Adam Lambert

Wouldn’t you agree that as soon as he started to sing you were drawn in? Sometimes Adam is considered “theatrical”, but Adam is also the one who can be the most stripped down and vulnerable.  Notice that he is just standing there with his arms at his side.  He is “doing nothing”.  That is the hardest thing for beginner actors to do – to stop acting and just “be”.  This was a wonderful, powerful opening. The intent of what he is singing about becomes crystal clear. Then when the song builds, it builds because of his emotions.  It’s as if he can’t stop himself.  Now, that is good acting.  He allows emotions to happen rather than try to create them.

http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/performances/adam_lambert_one

Danny Gokey  – You Are So Beautiful

I think this was Danny’s best performance ever in American Idol. Pure passion. Great job Danny! It’s hard to fathom what he has gone through in the last 10 months and I really respect and applaud him for how far he has come. I wish Danny the very best in the future.

http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/performances/danny_gokey_you_are_so_beautiful

Kris Allen – Heartless

Kanye West wrote this song and interestingly he performed it on one of the American Idol shows a few weeks back. 
And now Kris Allen comes out and does something completely different. It was a phenomenal rendition and I completely agree with Randy Jackson that it was far better than the original. Being so bold and creative in such a high pressured situation shows us what a great artists he is. He’s confident, expresses the song great and makes it really groovy with just an acoustic guitar and his voice. It’s a joy to watch and listen to.

This is also such a smart choice from a competitive point of view. Kris makes himself hip, young and current for an even broader audience.  Kris is without a doubt the most improved contestant.

http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/performances/kris_allen_heartless

Adam Lambert –  Cryin

So Adam takes on Aerosmith. We all know no one can sound like Steve Tyler and many have sung Aerosmith songs and not succeeded. After all, it is impossible to not be compared to the original (unless you do something completely different).  Adam doesn’t need to sound like Steve Tyler, because Adam is Adam. Awesome performance once again. I don’t agree with Randy Jackson when he said that Adam should be doing this kind of record.  I think his audience could be far bigger than a heavy rock record would appeal to. I think Adam is even better with a song like “One”.
 
http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/performances/adam_lambert_cryin

I really enjoyed all these performances.  So who will win American Idol?  I frankly couldn’t care less.  They will all have great careers.  Adam Lambert is already absolute world class in what he does. I don’t think we have had anyone so accomplished in American Idol previously.  He has a remarkable voice, and he is a phenomenal actor, artist and communicator. 

Despite that, I wouldn’t be the least surprised if Kris wins – i.e gets the most votes.  And that would be deserving too.

What do you think?