American Idol 4/7/09 Songs From The Year You Were Born LIVE Recap Review
Tonight’s theme on American Idol 4-7-09 is “Songs From The Year You Were Born“. We’re so excited to see what happens on American Idol tonight and find out what songs each of the Top 9 Idol contestants chose to sing from the year they were born. This is a LIVE recap/review of tonight’s Idol performances as it happens, bringing you the list of songs each Idol contestant performs, the judges comments and our own commentary and predictions of who we think we will be in the Bottom 3 after tonight’s American Idol performances. At the end of this post, you’ll have the chance to make your own predictions and tell us who YOU think should/will be voted off American Idol tomorrow night during the American Idol Results Show, Thursday 4/8/09. Are you ready? Here we go!
***UPDATE: Links are provided below to watch each Idol performance!*** American Idol host, Ryan Seacrest, reminds us of tonight’s theme being songs from year you were born, saying baby pictures of the Top 8 finalists and judges will be shown. Baby pictures of the American Idol judges were then shown. Awww, so cute.
First up to sing is Danny Gokey singing “Stand By Me” by Ben King. Randy Jackson said he didn’t like the arrangement, but loved the vocals saying “You’ve got some talent”. Kara DioGuardi loved Danny’s ability to make Stand By Me his own. Paula Abdul said the performance was “amazing”. Simon Cowell wasn’t impressed with the beginning or middle of the performance, but said “overall, it was good”. Danny Gokey sure can sing! I liked it alright, but I’ve heard him do better.
Next up is Kris Allen singing “All She Wants to Do is Dance” by Don Henley. Kris even played the electric guitar in the mosh pit. Kara DioGuardi liked that Kris chose an uptempo song but the song “lost a lot of its youth”. Paula liked that Kris changed up the song to make it his own. Simon said it was boring, indulgent and forgettable, saying it was a “stupid, stupid, stupid song choice”. Ouch!!! Randy agreed with Simon. Wow, the judges were pretty harsh, but I thought Kris did a pretty good job. He could have chosen a better song to sing from the year he was born, but Kris fans still love him.
Lil Rounds take the stage to sing “What’s Love Got to Do With It” by Tina Turner. The Idol judges reaction to Lil’s performance will be interesting. Paula Abdul said Lil is a “brilliant vocalist” but the performance became a “beautiful Karaoke rendition”. Simon Cowell said “we’re not looking for a second or third copy of Tina Turner”, and he feels “we’ve lost you” and advised Lil Rounds to choose better songs and make the song her own. Randy Jackson agrees with Simon and Paula saying “Tina is not you”, “it’s just not clickin” and that Lil hasn’t been listening to the judges advice. Kara DioGuardi said Lil’s lower vocal range suffers and that singing Tina Turner was not the best choice. We agree with the judges criticism of Lil’s performance tonight. It just wasn’t that great, she’s still pitchy on the big blockbuster notes and there was no WOW factor at all. I predict that Lil Rounds will find herself in the Bottom 3 during tomorrow night’s results show.
Anoop Desai is singing “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper. Anoop has a beautiful, smooth voice and his performance sounds wonderful. Randy Jackson said Anoop “can actually sing”, “props to you..I like that…I like that!” Kara DioGuardi congratulated Anoop on his performance and liked how Anoop made the song his own and feels it was his “best performance”. Paula Abdul liked it saying “Great choice of song, flawless…fantastic”. Simon Cowell said “One minute you’re down then you’re up…that was very good, but I don’t think it was fantastic”. Simon also told Anoop that he doesn’t need to apologize to anyone for what Anoop described as “overreacting” last week’s friction with Idol judge Kara.
Next up is Scott McIntyre singing “The Search is Over” by Survivor. Or, should I say attempting to sing but hurting my ears with his screeching. Kara said she wouldn’t have chosen that song, that there were some good parts and some bad parts. Paula Abdul described Scott’s attempts to reach the high notes as “screeching”. Simon said the song was “horrible” and “atrocious” and suggested Scott return to playing the piano during his performances. Randy said “it was all okay” but nothing special. I do believe that Scott is in trouble this week, and may very well find himself in the Bottom 3 (and maybe even voted off tomorrow night).
Allison Iraheta takes the Idol stage to sing “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt Blew. Paula said “You just hear one note and it’s undeniably Allison”, and that Allison did a great job making the song her own. Simon Cowell liked Allison’s performance but is still unsure who Allison really is. Randy compared Allison to Kelly Clarkson, saying Allison “can really sing” but needs to connect more with the audience. Kara said “let’s make a record right now”. Allison always sounds great, and I predict she’s definitely safe this week.
Matt Giraud is singing “Part Time Lover” by Stevie Wonder. Soft, slow, bluesy, very nice performance. Randy Jackson immediately said “one of the best of the night”. All the Idol judges like Matt’s performance with Randy Jackson saying “vocally one of the best of the night”. Kara next says “Incredible on every level”. Paula says “Two words…standing O”, and Simon said “A million times better than last week, well done”. What is it about American Idol that they can’t seem to pace the show properly and end up being so short on their comments for the contestants. Maybe if they were to stop wasting time showing stupid baby pictures and chit chat nonsense, they might actually have enough time to talk about the actual performances!
UPDATE VIDEO!!! WATCH ADAM LAMBERT SING MAD WORLD!!! Last but not least is Adam Lambert singing “Mad World” by Tears for Fears. Adam has pulled back this week on the vocals, remaining slow and smooth, and totally kicking ass with his performance of “Mad World”. Of course, since Idol is running late on time as usual, only Simon was able to say or do anything. Simon stands up and gives Adam Lambert a standing ovation! WOW!!! But geez, that’s all they had time for on tonight’s American Idol.
So, based on tonight’s Idol performances of Songs From The Year You Were Born, who was the worst? Who gave the best performance? Who belongs in the Bottom 3? Who should/will be voted off American Idol during tomorrow night’s American Idol Results Show?! Make your predictions in the comments below. Don’t forget to download your favorite Idol performances on iTunes…
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The only reason I watch the show is for Adam, and since AI was running late, the DVR cut off his performance! STOP PUTTING ADAM LAST….HE SHOULD BE FIRST!!!!!!!!!!
LOL Mac, if they put Adam first…, what will Adam fans do with their time while the other Idol contestants are singing? LOL!
i missed him too damn dvr. is there anyway to see his video
Yes, I’ve just updated the post to include the link to watch Adam Lambert sing Mad World, but here ya go!
Thank you, thank you for the link. I nearly freaked when my dvr cut off without being able to see Adam do his thing. They need to put him 1st!
Couldn’t agree with you more. I understand why he is the last, he is the best and the only way to go would be downhill if he started the show. He has put an original sspin on everything he has done…the best AI has ever had.
LOL Suzi, gotta save the best performance for last to keep everyone watching the entire show! LOL!!!
I was ticked that his performance was cut (I DVR’d it)…hunted it down on the web….thank you for the link!
I hope he doesn’t end up in the bottom three since people like myself didn’t see it…although I know the judges would save him.
Has Simon ever given a SO before???? WOW!
My bottom three is Lil, Scott, Anoop with Scott going home.
Watching Simon actually stand up to give Adam Lambert a standing ovation was shocking!
I’ve now linked each Idol performance so everyone can watch their favorite contestant sing their chosen song. Oops, I have 7 out of 8 at this moment linked, but I’m working on the 8th one.
Thank you so much for leaving a link to watch Adam. I too missed it because of my DVR!
He was great, worth the wait!
My DVR cut it off too!! Glad I was able to find this video after looking for 20 minutes. I couldn’t stand to go to work tomorrow and have everyone talking about Adam’s performance without me being able to see it. Thanks so much for putting it online. He is too awesome and I can’t wait to see what he will do with his career!
Hi Deb,
Enjoy! One of the most frustrating things for us Website owners is posting YouTube Videos of performances, only for the video to stop working because FOX shuts it down on YouTube. Argh!!!
adam isTHE BEST. if he is not the idol this year i’m dumping this program for good.
I think career wise it is better for adam to exit early if for no other reason than he doesn’t then have to sing and record the awful single that the is written for the winner beore the winner is determined. Of all the contestants ever, he really doesn’t need the win to further his career.
Poor timing, poor poor timing… (OK, I’ve been listening to the Beach Boys today.) I swear, AI seriously needs to limit the crap and jabber and give all the contestants equal time. An hour should’ve been plenty of time for eight performances. The time management for this week’s show was, quite simply, ghastly — in fact, it was a train wreck
I was SO bummed that my DVR cut off right before Adam’s performance. Especially when I then read online what his pick was.
So, many thanks for the link, AI Fan. Another very good performance for Adam, it was also somewhat reminiscent of the reflective approach that Michael Andrews(?) took with “Mad World” in the excellent version of the song from the end credits of Donnie Darko.
I adore Adam. Early in the season I thought he was too over the top, but he quickly won me over. He always delivers. No wonder Simon gave him a standing ovation. Refreshingly true to himself, Adam is so comfortable in his skin that he exudes a quiet confidence beyond his years. He keeps it simple, stays with his vision, and digs down deep. In talent, artistry, maturity, and (obviously) experience, he’s no amateur, which makes me wonder if he should’ve been DQ’d. But, of course, I’m glad he wasn’t! Hey, and does anyone else think his great looks recall Elvis?
wonder how the lateness affects the voting for all those who did not see adam!? Can someone put a governor on Paula’s blathering? She alone makes th show run long.
Adam being cut (damn, he was the sole reason i watch the show!) made me so frustrated.
I’m thinking AI is doing some action about the rumors spreading about Adam. I also noticed the judges are not that generous in giving him comments, especially Kara (oh well, he doesn’t need those comments anyway).
Adam is a total performer, better than anyone this year and even last year. I take him for who he really is. He is so amazing. Listening to him makes me float in the air. Watching him makes me groove. What an entertainer! If he doesn’t win, I’m gonna dump the show to the nearest planet.
Vote for Adam, guys!
Ps. Admin, nice site. Great job!
I agree vote4adam. I think AI is doing everything some shady things. I have also noticed that Adam is never given more than 4 seconds of face time on the Ford commercials that they make and the same could be said about the group performances on Wednesday nights. How in the heck can you mismanage an hour long program! This is definitely completely unfair to Adam and it WILL affect the votes.
American Idol has alot of explaining to do to the viewers and they need to apologize to the viewers and to acknowledge that it put Adam in a huge disadvantage! I’m livid, because I think it was intentional.
I realize that AI doesn’t want viewers changing their channels after Adam sings but, Make sure the whole damn show is able to be recorded. Listening to the likes of Anoop makes me want to wretch. I have a great idea! Give Anoop, Danny, Kris and Matt 30 seconds to sing so we can hear more of Adam and avoid punishment from the rest. Pass it on!
I hope they have their asses chewed for ending the program before Adam, clearly the best, to sing. For those of us who don’t want to watch a million commercials and opt to record, should not have to be exposed to the likes of Anoop. I wanted to wretch. I have a great idea! Give Anoop, Danny, and Kris 20 to 30 seconds to sing so that we can hear more from Adam. Pass it on!
You can say that again, Sassy. I fervently wish Adams fans will stick to him no matter what. The guy has got substance, oozing with talent and infectious vivid attitude. Those who recognize real talent (and artistry blah blah) know what number they should dial and will not be afraid to be part of another history.
Vote 4 adam!
Think it’s time for Scott to go…but who will the other two be? Lil? Kris? Anoop? Any ideas?
No offense to all the Adam Lovers out there but the guy does not have a commercial voice! He sounded just like the Pervert from Family guy, I thought he was gonna say “Come here Chris and help me with my walker”
I mean the guy is gonna be GREAT on Broadway or musical theater, but seriously Dani, Allison and Matt have much, much more commercial appeal. Consider driving down a road with the local station on, do you really want to hear that high octave belching? LIke the judges, many of you are caught up in the hype and performance and not the singing ability.
I have not been moved by a singer and brought to tears since the Beatles. Imagine how long that has been (and how old I must be. Adam should make a cd now …………… I don’t have to put it in caps; Adam will be our next elvis, paul, john, etc….he can do anything…he is a star.
I just wrote the previous comment and I am a female but live with someone who has the email in his name(and can’t comment without his email address.) I’ve watched American Idol since its inception and there is no one that compares to Adam. I loved David Cook, Carrie, Kelly and all the previous winners but Adam touches your soul like no one before.
Carolyn
@carolyn: i agree.
I agree with deke!
Everyone is caught up in the PERFORMANCE of Adam, but if you listen to his singing, it is DREADFUL. I know I am in the minority here, but listen to him blindfolded. Pretend you don’t know it’s him. Those high screeching notes are horrifying! His performance is all show and screaming- NOT true talent. That is the bottom line.
Adam has the extraordinary ability to make every song he sings sound exactly the same. Other contestants this season and in the past have been criticized by judges and fans for being boring and not trying new things. Well, for goodness sakes, enough of this overly dramatic, staged craziness. I can’t take it one more week. It is ridiculous.
I couldn’t disagree with you more and others who say is voice is only good for Broadway. He is on the scale with Freddy Mercury, Steve Perry, Steve Tyler. I did as you suggested and listened without looking, and I hear a beautiful voice that holds the notes. The others are great, but their voices all run together and bascially sound like any gppd homeotwn singer doing cover songs. You have to give him kudos for his arrangements. While I hated his “Ring of Fire”, I admired the arrangment and his confidence to step out of the safe zone.
That’s the thing. The reason I like Adam the most is that I enjoy his music even without having to look at him. Unlike for example Danny Gokey (no offense to his fans), whenever he sings I really have to look at him to make me convince that he has sung it well. Hormones play part in that. But in Adam’s case? No, it’s that.
People keep telling it was all about the hype. I don’t think so. Adam’s been discriminated by his sexuality. What’s the hype in there? It’s all about his music, fcs. And about the performer v. recording artist thing, oh please try to download his songs first before you comment. The studio versions are the ones marketable and good for recording. All i can say is Adam is great both in recording and live perf. Period.
Sexuality has nothing to do with it. I don’t discriminate. I wasn’t the one talking about the downloads. I just don’t like screeching, pardon me.
@Dana: it’s in general. Im not talkin about you in particular. Hope you were not offended or anything.
Anyhoo, to be perfectly honest i like it more when Adam does toned down songs like Tracks of my tears. The studio version is great, too. I dont really like it that much that he does a lot of screeching, but since i am confident in his vocals, i know he can do better songs. Hes already proven that.