March 22, 2009

So, I've been sucked back into American Idol. Oh sure, I watched some of Hollywood Week for the drama, but I didn't think I'd want to watch the show on a regular basis, much less write about it. But alas, this season features some truly polarizing and talented contestants and now that we're done to the Top Ten, it's time to take a closer look at them and what they need to do to win.

Adam Lambert
Positives: Great range, bold musical choices, doesn't take himself too seriously
Negatives: Bad skin, "showy" style alienates older audience members.
Should sing: "Whole Lotta Love", "Hungry Like the Wolf", "I Don't Feel Like Dancin', by Scissor Sisters, "More Than A Feeling" & "Don't Stop Believin'"
Can win if: he can stay in the competition long enough to pick up all of the anti-Danny Gokey voters. Also, he really could win if he sings "Don't Stop Believin'". People love that song.





Allison Iraheta
Positives: Powerful voice, reminds people of Kelly Clarkson
Negatives: Shouty, We already have a Kelly.
Should sing: Aretha Franklin, Linda Ronstadt "This Is Not A Test", by She & Him & Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time"
Can win if: all of the other contestants are eliminated due to incriminating Facebook photos.





Anoop Desai
Positives: Cool nickname, sings beautiful, long notes
Negatives: Hasn't figured out a distinct style yet.
Should sing: "You Found Me", by The Fray, Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" & "Don't Dream It's Over",by Crowded House
Can win if: he becomes the "safe" (and straight) heartthrob that appeals to the young girls. As an aside, I think it'd be cool if an Indian American had that status, given that Idol has been rightfully accused of perpetuating the Asian men as geek stereotype before.




Danny Gokey
Positives: Wisconsinite, dead wife
Negatives: Sings boring songs boringly, has been so pimped by the show that there's sure to be a backlash, comes off smug
Should sing: songs about Jesus and dead wives
Can win if: Oh, he's totally going to win.




Kris Allen
Positives: Cool first name, good looks, pleasant singer
Negatives: Somewhat forgettable, not much range
Should sing: "Tell Her This" by Del Amitri, "Always A Friend", by Alejandro Escovedo, "Soul Meets Body", by Death Cab For Cutie
Can win if: Like Allison, he can't really win, but he can go further by singing some indie love songs that'll make him seem like a fresher, hipper contestant.




Lil Rounds
Positives: Cool nickname, amazing ass, "diva" type vocals
Negatives: Her music style is falling out of fashion
Should sing: I have no idea, R&B divas are so far from what I listen to.
Can win if: she's the last lady standing and the polarizing men (Gokey & Lambert) split the vote.




Matt Giraud
Positives: Strangely sexy, passionate pianist and vocalist
Negatives: Can't properly annunciate his words, very weak when he's not playing piano
Should sing: "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver, "Look After You", by The Fray & "Peace, Love & Understanding" by Elvis Costello (really!)
Can win if: he really did sing "Look After You". Much like Adam and "Don't Stop Believin'", that song is his perfect moment.




Megan Joy
Positives: She's so beautiful she could be a part-time model (but she'd probably have to keep her normal job), unique vocal stylings
Negatives: Huge, distracting tattoos, overly affected delivery
Should sing: "1234", by Feist, "Here's Where The Story Ends", by The Sundays & "Foundations", by Kate Nash
Can win if: she chooses songs with personality that will make her seem like a charming oddball rather than just a mediocre singer.




Michael Sarver
Positives: Nice husband & father, adequate vocals
Negatives: Completely forgettable and already hated by the judges
Should sing: good time music like Hank Williams, Jr., Jimmy Buffet, Lyle Lovett & Garth Brooks
Can win if: he can't win, but he could be like a Phil Stacey and carve out a nice niche for himself.




Scott MacIntyre
Positives: He's blind!
Negatives: bad personal style, dated song choices
Should sing: more modern piano driven songs by people like The Fray (again, I know, but they're perfect for some of these people to cover), Ben Folds and, if he chooses to leave the piano, how about a "fun" 70s song like "Southern Cross". I also think he should sing "The Greatest American Hero", but I'm cruel.
Can win if: the show is really just about rewarding the contestant with the saddest personal story and if that means that being blind trumps having a dead wife.

Posted by at March 22, 2009 10:39 AM

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