American Idol...Top 3...!!!

[AlanDale]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI-Season-8/Group-13.gif

First time in Idol history, we have an all male ( Top 3 ) :confused:

[AlanDale]

The Top 3 Perform
2 Songs Next Week Plus Jordin Sparks and Katy Perry Perform
Published May 7th, 2009 in American Idol, Jordin Sparks and AI Season 8

Just as I predicted.

The Top 3 will only be singing two songs next week–the judges' choice and finalist's choice. In season’s past, in a world with fewer judges and less yakety-yak, the contestants performed 3 songs–contestants choice, judges’ choice and the producers choice (in early seasons, Clive would come out of his crypt to pick a song for each contestant.)

So, once again, because the judges can’t STFU, we are deprived of that extra song from each contestant.

From the FOX press release:

Next week, the Top 3 finalists will compete head-to-head on the live AMERICAN IDOL performance show Tuesday, May 12 (8:00-9:04 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). Each contestant will sing two songs – judges’ choice and finalist’s choice – on the second-to-last performance show of the season.

Plus, Jordin Sparks and Katy Perry perform.

Tune in the following night Wednesday, May 13 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) to the results show to find out which two finalists will face-off in the final showdown at the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE. During the live results show, Katy Perry will perform “Waking up in Vegas,” the newest single from her platinum debut album, “One of the Boys,” while Jordin Sparks returns to the IDOL stage to perform her new single, “Battlefield.”


MJs BigBlog (http://mjsbigblog.com/the-top-3-perform-2-songs-next-week-plus-jordin-sparks-and-katy-perry-perform.htm)

[AlanDale]

"American Idol"
Power rankings and random news bits
May 9, 2009 at 9:05 AM - Posted by Bob Payne (http://search.nwsource.com/search?searchtype=cq&sort=date&from=ST&source=ST&byline=Bob%20Payne)
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI-Season-8/Top-3.jpg

This is my power ranking of the remaining contestants in Season 8 of "American Idol," and it will be updated every week. If you disagree with my ranking, by all means use the comments area to share your own.

It's my perception of the a given singer's potential to win the competition. It's not my personal ranking.

OK, that sound you hear is me putting plywood up over my windows to prepare for the onslaught of "Hurricane Adam Fans" ...

1. (Last week: 2) Kris Allen (Little Rock, Ark.) — Yup, I now think Kris will win this thing. Here's why: The number of votes for the finale is usually double that of earlier weeks, and that's because a lot of casual fans vote for the first time (plus voting goes four hours instead of two). And I think a lot of these people will vote for Kris because no one really dislikes him. He's harmless and has yet to say or do anything to generate any kind of anti-Kris sentiment -- and I don't think you can say that about the other two. Videos (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=Kris+Allen&aq=f)

2. (1) Adam Lambert (Hollywood, Calif.) — And then we have Adam. He delivered the best performance of last week ("Whole Lotta Love") and the season ("Mad World"). And I've finally come to the realization that if he has a great band behind him, he may be the most successful product of "American Idol" yet -- whether he wins or not. Videos (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=adam+lambert&aq=f)

3. (4) Danny Gokey (Milwaukee, Wis.) — His rabid fan base came to his rescue this week after one of the lowest-rated Top 4 performances (http://www.whatnottosing.com/performances.asp#le) in Idol history. When a song is in his wheelhouse, Danny scores. But give him a challenge and expect a rough night. Videos (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=%22Danny+Gokey%22&aq=f)

Random news bits

• You might want to watch "Oprah" on Monday if you're a fan of either Susan Boyle or Simon Cowell. Simon is expected to maybe clear up some of those rumors about his future. And Boyle is reportedly going to appear via tape from her home in Scotland. Check your local listings for time and channel.

• Ousted contestant Allison Iraheta talked with Entertainment Weekly (http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_20171835_20277666,00.html?iid=top25-%27Idol%27+exit+Q%26A%3A+Allison+Iraheta) on Thursday: "Week after week [Simon] would tell me I was boring. Then this week, I was like, you want some personality, eh? I'm gonna tell you what I think and stand up for myself. The moment he said ''Start beggin''' was the moment I said, ''Oh no you didn't.'' I was just like, I don't need to beg. I'm here to sing."


Seattle Times.com (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/confessionsofanidoladdict/2009200871_american_idol_power_rankings_a_1.html)

[AlanDale]

'American Idol' Power List:
Who's your favorite from the top three?
May 11, 2009, 10:34 AM | by Michael Slezak
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI-Season-8/idolpowerlist.jpg

3. Danny Gokey: (Last week: No. 4) The fact that he survived a Rock Week performance that curdled like rancid milk in a bowl proved his fan base is big and loyal. Not only that, but the judges continue to coddle him with "A for Effort" critiques that betray their commitment at all cost to a pre-ordained Adam-Danny finale. That said, dude has only had one positive breakout moment all season ("Come Rain or Come Shine"), and if he doesn't deliver stellar vocals on both his songs this week, it's possible voters will flash back to his "fingers-in-a-blender " yelp on "Dream On" and send him packing.

2. Kris Allen: (Last week: No. 3) It's a good bet that the judges are getting ready to put the season 8 heartthrob in the stocks and pelt him with rocks on Tuesday night, no matter how well he sings. After all, his "Come Together" was inventive and strongly sung -- arguably Rock Night's most unique vocal -- and they refused to give him proper credit. Kris needs a jaw-dropping moment on Tuesday -- might we suggest ditching the band and going a capella or acoustic-only? -- if he wants to crack the top two. But seeing how he's stopped the show before ("Falling Slowly" and "She Works Hard for the Money" spring immediately to mind) that's a totally plausible scenario.

1. Adam Lambert: (Last week: No. 1) There seem to be only two things that could stop Glambert's march to the finale: voter complacency or a disastrous vocal on Tuesday. But seeing how Adam graced the bottom two only two weeks ago, it's unfathomable that his fan base isn't still in panicky speed-dial mode. And as for the latter scenario, that seems unlikely, too, seeing how Adam has barely missed a note in 10 consecutive live performances. At this point, Adam seems to be transitioning out of competition mode and treating the Idol stage like it's his own weekly concert venue, which reminds us a little of David Cook's season 7 trajectory. And we all know how that worked out for Mr. Cook…


Entertainment Weekly (http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/05/adam-kris-danny.html)

[AlanDale]

Ranking The Top 3
By Jason Langbehn (http://blogs.augusta.com/blog/user/30153) on May 11, 2009 - 2:50 PM
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI-Season-8/final3.jpg

Girls Not Allowed.

That's the title I suggested two months ago for this chapter in the book on American Idol. It still works. For the first time in the show's eight-season run, three guys make up the Top 3. Kris Allen, Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert take to the stage twice Tuesday night with a spot in next week's finale on the line. The finalists will perform songs of their own choosing and ones selected by the judges. (The judges' picks leaked over the weekend. Warning: Spoilers after the break.) Not being boxed in by a theme helps them tremendously. Each has a chance to shine with the right song and a powerhouse performance. Or two.

The show has been setting us up for an Adam-Danny face-off, but I've had different picture stuck in my head since the finals began. And it includes Kris performing at the Kodak Theater eight days from now. Something about Kris made me think he had the potential to shake up the competition. (His strong iTunes sales (http://mjsbigblog.com/the-itunes-popularity-bars-are-back.htm) seem to prove that.) I went out on a limb and picked him (http://blogs.augusta.com/node/2398) in my pool during Top 13 week. Then I wrote I'd be "stunned" (http://blogs.augusta.com/node/2556) if he didn't go all they way after his show-stopping rendition of Ain't No Sunshine. And that was before he gave us Falling Slowly and She Works Hard For The Money. No point in stopping now.

3. Danny Gokey (Last week: 1) - Danny benefits the least from Allison's exit from the competition -- for several reasons. I figured her sizable fan base would get behind Kris (another underdog) or Adam (another rocker) if she didn't make it to finale. Now, that seems even more likely, with Danny staying despite delivering the what Vote For The Worst has dubbed "the worst note in the history of Idol." Still, he hasn't been in danger this season -- though there's a good chance he came close last week -- and he survived to sing another week after very few people thought he would. Also, he knows how to pick songs (Hero, Jesus, Take the Wheel, What Hurts the Most) that connect with his supporters in a big way.

* Paula's song choice for Danny: Dance Little Sister (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcUmIRw0N5w) by Terence Trent D'Arby. I don't see this helping Danny at all. Paula did him no favors with this obscure and dated dance track.

2. Adam Lambert (Last week: 2) - Pretty much everyone is assuming Adam wrapped this thing up weeks ago. I'm not so sure. Yes, he was on fire last week, opening and closing out Tuesday's show on extremely high notes. But rock was right up his wheelhouse and his loyal fans had to be motivated after his surprising appearance in the bottom two the previous week. Nothing is certain at this stage of the game. Just ask Chris Daughtry and Melinda Doolittle. Don't forget, Simon called the competition for David Archuleta during the finale a season ago. Expect Adam to get plenty of help from the producers so he can have another Mad World or Feeling Good moment. He's the one they want. And I have to say, the finale will be a bore without him.

* Simon's song choice for Adam: One Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Odnb6M4tUM) by U2. This has major moment written all over it. Of course, Simon's going to love the performance however it plays out.

1. Kris Allen (Last week: 3) - The key to Kris' success has been choosing songs and creating arrangements that perfectly fit his style. He'll get to do the chance at least once and probably twice Tuesday night, which will help overcome negative comments from the judges who never expected him to make this far. And as much as Simon may bemoan it, Kris' humility and his quiet confidence appeal to a lot of people. Plus, should he land in the finale, he'll be in an strong position to expand his support base. Danny's fans and Adam's fans are on opposite sides of the spectrum. The majority of folks in both camps will be lining up to vote for Kris, as likeable as they come and sitting right down the middle, if their guy is eliminated this week.

* Randy and Kara's song choice for Kris: Apologize (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm0T7_SGee4) by OneRepublic. This should work really for well for Kris. he'll get another chance to show off those creative chops. Kudos to the judges for picking something popular and current.


Augusta.com (http://blogs.augusta.com/node/2762)

[AlanDale]

American Idol
Season 8 - Top 3 - Performance - Videos

This week, Judges Choice - Idols Choice!



* Danny Gokey — Dance Little Sister / You Are So Beautiful — Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5058784/13440959) — Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5058902/13441377)
* Kris Allen — Apologize / Heartless — Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5058801/13441030) — Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5058940/13441495)
* Adam Lambert — One / Cryin’ — Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5058863/13441211) — Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5058963/13441558)



Videos via MJs BigBlog (http://mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-season-8-top-3-performance-video.htm)

[AlanDale]

(( Eliminated ))

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/Top-36-Idols/Danny-G.jpg
Danny Gokey

[AlanDale]

American Idol
Season 8 - Top 3 - Results - Videos


* Ford Video - “Break My Stride” - Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5066463/13460493)
* Alicia Keys - Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5066501/13460677)
* Danny Gokey’s Homecoming - Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5066371/13460376)
* Kris Allen’s Homecoming - Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5066338/13460315)
* Jordin Sparks performs “Battlefield” with Ryan Tedder on piano - Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5066395/13460408)
* Adam Lambert’s Homecoming - Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5066261/13460116)
* Katy Perry performs “Waiting in Vegas” - Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5066436/13460472)
* Danny Gokey is eliminated - Video (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5066198/13460030)


Videos via MJs BigBlog (http://mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-season-8-top-5-results-video-2.htm)