The Top 5 - 4/28/09

[The4thJudge]

Tight Black T

So, the theme for Top 5 week was standards from the Rat Pack era. I thought it was an interesting theme, but then again I like music from that era. When I heard about the theme I thought it could be problematic for at least two of the contestants, both of them proved me wrong.

We only got one song from each contestant, even though traditionally, once we reach the top 5 they get to sing two. I think there was only one season where that was not the case. The "mystery mentor" turned out to be Jamie Foxx. WTF? The only reason I can see this is that someone else backed out and his new movie, The Soloist, needed promotion.

Kris Allen – “The Way You Look Tonight”
In my mind, Kris and this theme did not go together and so I was concerned about his performance. The song started with some very understated vocals, with Kris massaging the song and showing his vocal skills. He's such a gentle singer that sometimes you forget how skilled he actually is. He then upped the tempo, in very Rat Pack fashion. I completely agree with Kara that his phrasing is always perfect. I don't agree with Randy that it was his best performance to date, but it was very nice.

Allison Iraheta – “Someone to Watch Over Me”
This is one of my favorite songs of the era and it was highly possible that Allison would not be able to meet my expectations. In addition, she was one of the two people I was concerned about with respect to this theme. She hit this one right out of the park. She showed the full range of her voice, taking us to places we had not yet heard before in her "rocker girl" persona. I disagree with Simon, she does want to win.

Matt Giraud – “My Funny Valentine”
"Absolutely brilliant” according to Simon. Eh, according to me. He was extremely pitchy, and while he hit some of the big ends notes well, he just didn't do it for me.

Danny Gokey – “Come Rain Come Shine”
This was Danny's most passionate performance of the entire competition. Perfectly dressed and in the perfect crooner stance behind the mic, he sang the first part of the song very traditionally. But then he blew the roof off the place by giving it a down and dirty bluesy feel. Damn Danny, damn!

Adam Lambert – “Feeling Good”
"Best entrance of the year," said Simon said, and I have to agree. His descent down that staircase with the Adam lighting and then that wicked look at the end, turned every Adam lover into a puddle. Randy thought it was a bit theatrical, and well duh. I actually thought he handled the song pretty gently, and the note at the end - I think he's still holding it!

Who should go home: Matt


Seacrest's Hair would like to apologize for being a total spaz this week. Our colleague had finished the above review within an hour of the show being over. We... well, we finally dragged our ass out here this morning. Briefly...

Kris was good but this is the first thing he's done that we are certain would not chart.

If Allison couldn't sing rock, then "Rat Pack" would be the perfect genre for her smoky voice.

Matt was singing in the back of his throat and through his nose -- horrific tone and the whole thing was just skanky.

Danny reminded us of a New Orleans riverboat casino performer, but it wasn't bad... just not anything we care for.

Adam had some truly wicked, panty-melting looks going on there. Why are they always married, or gay, or both? Jealous of his lung capacity.

We totally agreed that Matt had to go.

Next week: less slacking from us. Promise.

[TaylorsDame]

Awww! I was missing y'all this week! Thanks for the review!