American Idol 3-31-09 Top Downloads iTunes Recap and LIVE Review of American Idol Top 9 performances March 31, 2009. The Top 9 American Idol Finalists were allowed to choose ANY song they wanted to perform, as long as the song is a “top download” on iTunes.

First up is Anoop Desai singing “Caught Up” by Usher. Idol Judge Randy Jackson didn’t feel the song was right for Anoop, but said the vocals were good. Kara DioGuardi didn’t like the performance one bit. Paula Abdul said Anoop needs to work on showmanship, and didn’t agree with the song choice either. Simon Cowell said Anoop’s performance “was a complete and utter mess” and it gave Simon a headache. We didn’t care much for Anoop’s performance either, but we’ll see what happens with the votes.

Next up is Megan Joy singing “Turn The Lights Down Low” by Bob Marley. Kara DioGuardi said the song choice was wrong, wrong, wrong and that Megan’s vocal registry “became irritating”. Paula Abdul said she didn’t like it either. Simon Cowell said the song choice was “indulgent and boring”, “no one would like that song”. Randy Jackson said the song choice and performance was “like watching paint dry”. Ouch! I couldn’t agree more with the judges negative review of Megan’s song choice and performance.

Danny Gokey then took the Idol stage singing “What Hurts The Most” by Rascal Flatts. Paula Abdul said “this is where you thrive”. Simon Cowell said “it was the best performance so far”. Randy Jackson said “tonight’s show starts right here”, but Danny needs to “keep the swagger” and it was a “very nice” performance. Kara DioGuardi said “you moved everyone in this room emotionally, and it’s hard to do”.
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