5/13: American Idol recap, top 3 results – see who got nixed
Bye-bye Danny Gokey! (And they went late AGAIN.)
It’s a Kris Allen/Adam Lambert showdown instead of the long-expected Danny-Adam combo.
Loading ...Kris and his incredible “Heartless” helped oust Danny Gokey, who I expected early on to win. A bit of a surprise but given how strong Kris has been lately, not THAT much of a surprise. And people in our unscientific poll felt Danny SHOULD go home. (Perhaps that Aerosmith scream last week did him in.)
We can quickly handicap a Kris/Adam showdown. As noted in the past blog entry, I think Danny’s fans will more likely gravitate toward Kris, making him the favorite. Who woulda thunk it? Kris was not a favorite going into the top 36 and even as we entered the top 10, he was a dark horse. But he kept surprising us with interesting takes on songs and great musicality, even if his personality has not been sparkling. He can win this.
Why did Danny go home?
He had the huge back story going in, the likable personality, the great voice, the good looks. He had it all going in. He was an early favorite once we got to the top 36. And at the top 12 point, most people had him as the winner. But oddly, Kris and Adam both ended up exceeding him.
Danny tended to be a little predictable, a wee bit too schmaltzy, a wee bit too cheesy at times. He was never really bad but almost overly consistent. He never made it to the bottom three but Tuesday night, Kris took a chance and succeeded. Last week, Danny did take his first real chance with “Dream On” and failed. That scream will live in infamy.
And blogger supremo Mike S–you da man!
Anyway, here’s a quick summary of the rest of the hour:
The “Night in the Museum” comedy promo intro: Pretty funny – for a promo. Sure beats last year’s painful Mike Myers “The Love Guru” tie-in.
The Ford ad: Cute, nice use of A-Ha type cartooning.
The Rwanda kid singing: not going to critique. Would be crass since he was there for charity.
Danny Gokey hometown visit Impressive crowds in Milwaukee! And it was nice to see Jamar again. He should have been in the top 36! Hopefully, he’ll be back next year.
Kris Allen hometown visiting Conway, Ark.: sweet, small town love. The kids are adorable. More monstrous crowds. Great family reunion shots. Go crying dad!
Jordin Sparks singing her new song “Battlefield”: I’m not totally sold on the song but it’s a more mature approach for her vs. her first album. She’s 19 now and looks much older and a bit thinner in face than she did the last time I saw her in September. ‘
Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas” - Blatant Adam Lambert pimping on her cape. Yes, Adam will end up in Vegas, right? She’s not a terribly good singer but I do like this song.
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325 comments Add your comment
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
6:10 pm
I’m going to feel just awful for whoever goes home tonight. All 3 of them deserve to be in the finals.
Mike S
May 13th, 2009
6:21 pm
I am going to stick by my prediction this morning that Kris is definately in the finals based on his past record of vastly outperforming his DI numbers.
THink right now it is about:
70% Kris vs Adam
29% Kris vs Danny
1% Danny vs Adam
There are rumors out there (there are always rumors) that Fox is going to pull a fast one and declare the vote so close that it is a three way tie and all three will compete next week — I personally think that is a bunch of hogwash, but post it just because it is being discussed in the blogosphere.
everett
May 13th, 2009
7:10 pm
Mike S – I have heard that rumor as well. What adds a semblance of credence to it is that this show exists primarily for advertising revenue, which is predicated on viewership, which would increase if AI has a history-making show with three finalists. I realize that ads for this season are all likely sold – however, the cost per minute could be increased for next year. Just sayin……
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
7:43 pm
Interesting tidbit via mj’s:
So NOW I understand Simon Cowell’s schooling of Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson after Kris Allen’s performance of “Apologize” last night.
Sy, one of the AI backup singers, twittered this little interesting tidbit last night:
In short, the backstory to what Simon said to Kara. I was told that all the
judges were given the opp to work w/ each kid…
…they were told the time slot for each kid’s rhrsl. They could come &
advise the contestant on how 2 get the most of their song.
But on rhrsl day, only one judge actually showed up and did that… guess
which one.”
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
7:49 pm
And for who ever is interested…the Idols get to chat to a camera when they feel the need. This, via Joe’s Place:
http://www.joesplaceblog.com/2009/05/adam-lamberts-top-3-confessional/
Zach
May 13th, 2009
7:52 pm
I’m thinking that maybe they will have all three for a showdown next week. Who knows?
Highlander
May 13th, 2009
7:53 pm
I still think, if you really are rooting for Adam, you’ll hope he goes home tonight. That way, once the summer tour is done, he’ll be more free to work with a producer or company who knows how to handle rock.
They did fine with Kelly because (besides being a terrifically talented singer) she fit the “Pop Idol” mode to a ‘T.’ They have done well with Carrie because they basically turned her promotion over to Arista Nashville.
They have a less than stellar record with the other winners.
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
7:54 pm
I can’t find any top 3 confessionals from either Kris or Danny although they did a lot of confessionals in the beginning of the top groups.
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
7:55 pm
Actually, Highlander, they didn’t do fine with Kelly. She had to break her Idol contract in order to do the music she wanted to do…first album after the break was a mega-hit!
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
7:57 pm
with Carrie…they understood that they couldn’t do justice for a country singer and contracted with a country recording producer to handle her stuff.
War Eagle
May 13th, 2009
7:59 pm
I wish they had picked me to handle Carrie’s stuff.
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
8:02 pm
Kelly’s first album was called Thankful…it did very nicely but nothing like her second album after she was freed from 19Entertainment.. Breakaway…need I say more?
Highlander
May 13th, 2009
8:03 pm
That’s right, Deirdre! I had forgotten that. So, I guess that makes the AI producers 0 for 7 so far, huh?!
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
8:11 pm
They did right by Carrie…recognizing their shortcomings and her enormous potential was exactly what they should have done. Then Taylor was forced to do their bidding. They’ve been kinder to Jordin but I still can’t remember who she is half the time. David Cook seems to have taken the reins in his own development. Good for him.
AnnieR
May 13th, 2009
8:44 pm
LOL War Eagle you are so bad…..funny too! It’s gonna be a nailbiter tonight. I hope they do let all 3 guys stay, I voted for Danny last night. He’s been a long time fave mainly because he seems like just a nice person.
Candler Boyz
May 13th, 2009
8:48 pm
OK we always read but we are getting in on the action tonight…We think Kris has the talent and the package…that is our choice…we also know it comes down to who got Allison’s votes…CMON KRIS!!!
Candler Boyz
May 13th, 2009
8:52 pm
added: We are not Danny fans at all…he sings from his chest and we think he is as shallow and fake as he sings..
harriett
May 13th, 2009
8:52 pm
I would bet there have already been heads together about what in the world to do with Adam’s first album, should he win. No way they can pigeon-hole him like they tried to do with Kelly.
D, there is a fantastic retrospective going on right now on Lost. It is not a re-run, but rather a discussion about what happened from the beginning to now. Hope you are recording it. I cannot believe this finale is happening while the results show is on. But, thank goodness for DVR!
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
8:53 pm
Welcome Candler boyz!
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
8:54 pm
I’m watching it, harriett!
I won’t be able to see the season finale until Saturday!
Katy
May 13th, 2009
8:57 pm
Welcome Candler Boyz! I was a reader for a couple of years and began paticipating ths season…
I have been a huge Kris fan from day one…
I love them all but think that Kris has a good chance to win!
AnnieR
May 13th, 2009
9:00 pm
CandlerBoyz welcome but I do not agree about Danny! I don’t know about you guys, but I don’t even know these contestants so how would one know if any of them were fake or not?
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:02 pm
OK..the opening is probably better than the movie they were advertising!
Candler Boyz
May 13th, 2009
9:03 pm
Annie, Just an opinion..don’t know him but get a vibe…total respect for your point
harriett
May 13th, 2009
9:03 pm
Wow, Lost! I won’t see it right away either, D. Now to Idol!!
Micheal
May 13th, 2009
9:03 pm
Ok folks….to carry all 3 to the finals would really mess things up. Think about it…….this is their way of making sure Adam wins. It’s a gurantee that Adam will lose if only 2 go to the finals. Look how close the voting is now and if Danny or Kris gets voted off tonight then there votes will be going to the one that gets to move to the finals giving them the American Idol title because their voters don’t care for Adam. If they take 3 to the finals then the chances are that Adam will win. God help the Queen! Adam is talented, but Kris is the best!
harriett
May 13th, 2009
9:03 pm
Welcome, Candlers!
Candler Boyz
May 13th, 2009
9:06 pm
Thanks to all…we feel very welcomed…
Exit Now
May 13th, 2009
9:06 pm
Alicia needs a bra….or its REALLY cold in the studio.
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:06 pm
I love conspiracy theories!
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:07 pm
Oh…I liked the ford commercial, too!
Katy
May 13th, 2009
9:07 pm
i liked the ford commercial…I want that mustang!
offkey
May 13th, 2009
9:07 pm
It already looks like tonight’s show will set a new record for time wasted.
War Eagle
May 13th, 2009
9:08 pm
What the hell is this crap?
harriett
May 13th, 2009
9:08 pm
LOL@EN!:)
Candler Boyz
May 13th, 2009
9:08 pm
lil Kanye…no he didn’t say stand up dog! What What!!
harriett
May 13th, 2009
9:08 pm
harriett
May 13th, 2009
9:09 pm
CB, he doesn’t really understand English! He’s memorized what they told him to sing.
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:09 pm
harriett, my Atlanta son just called to see if I was watching Lost…all he would say is Whoa! I may watch it tonight!
I’m not going to be around for the next couple of days, blogsters. Thursday is out but I might check in with you Friday afternoon.
AnnieR
May 13th, 2009
9:09 pm
Hi Candlerz…yep I understand ;o) I think a lot of people get a vibe off Adam too, he seems to be a very polarizing person this season. But it would be nice to see the Adam under all the makeup and “persona” going on. I get glimpses of a good hearted guy in his interactions with the other contestants this past season.
Exit Now
May 13th, 2009
9:12 pm
Totally missed the Ford commercial. Was making a drink. Should’ve waited.
harriett
May 13th, 2009
9:12 pm
D, I am sooooo torn. I guess I will watch the first half at ten o’clock, then leave the other until the weekend. Thanks for letting us know you won’t be around tomorrow, D. We get worried when regulars don’t show up (as you know). I can’t remember such a gripping program, week-to-week.
GrantPGuy
May 13th, 2009
9:12 pm
Hey all! Looks like they are going to drag things out in an epic fashion tonight. LOL!
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:13 pm
AnnieR, when you get a chance, check out adam’s top3 confessional. There’s a link in my post at 7:49 tonigh. It gives you a little glimpse into the non-theatrical Adam.
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:13 pm
Grant…dragging things out is their favorite plan!
Candler Boyz
May 13th, 2009
9:14 pm
Annie, totally agree, here is our thought…I could easily listen to an entire album by Kris…Adam…I would probably make a song an anthem and Danny…well we might enjoy a song or two but if Kris had an album I could see what I enjoy about Kelly Carrie and others…an album that I could hear all the way through not skip to singles
harriett
May 13th, 2009
9:14 pm
BTW on Idol Tonight they asked each of the final three what they had learned, and Adam said he learned he enjoyed helping other people “figure it out.” I think he has been a huge influence on Danny, as demonstrated in Danny’s recent emotion in his delivery.
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:15 pm
Danny sure looks better than he did at the beginning of the season.
Exit Now
May 13th, 2009
9:16 pm
From what I heard, and it is not confirmed, but Kris had the largest crowd at his hometown return followed by Danny and then Adam. Just what I heard.
Candler Boyz
May 13th, 2009
9:16 pm
Did anyone see the TMZ thing with Adam where the camera guy said…so you could be the first g…. and Adam said “first what?” but stood his ground..pretty funny
AnnieR
May 13th, 2009
9:16 pm
Danny has just got such a nice smile ;o) I’m too old for crushes and I’m not a cougar but to me he’s a cutie….
Katy
May 13th, 2009
9:19 pm
Danny’s hometown visit was cool! He was so touched!
Candler Boyz
May 13th, 2009
9:20 pm
Whoo hoo KRIS KRIS KRIS!!! sorry, he seems so sincere!
Exit Now
May 13th, 2009
9:20 pm
Kris is just so darned cute!
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:22 pm
So apparently Kris allen’s fans are all 12 year old girls.
Exit Now
May 13th, 2009
9:22 pm
No need to apologize CBZ. I’ve been a fan of Kris’ from very early on this season. And did I say how darned cute I think he is?
Exit Now
May 13th, 2009
9:23 pm
And then there’s the wife. sigh…
Candler Boyz
May 13th, 2009
9:23 pm
heart gets me every time and he has heart…and if you have not downloaded falling slowly Kris’s version and the original…you need too….the original artist cd is all good
Lulu
May 13th, 2009
9:24 pm
I’m a Kris fan and I’m certainly not 12
GrantPGuy
May 13th, 2009
9:24 pm
D: LOL!
Katy
May 13th, 2009
9:25 pm
Awww… i love Kris!
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:25 pm
Just referring to the video Lulu….I’m well aware that not all Kris’ fans are 12…..joking!
harriett
May 13th, 2009
9:27 pm
I noticed, D! Kris, more than any other contestant this year, has the little girls screaming. He has the same demographic, mostly, that Archie did last year. That is not a criticism.
GAgirl
May 13th, 2009
9:29 pm
Hi All
Watching Lost tonite so I’m getting the results from ya’ll.
Candler Boyz
May 13th, 2009
9:30 pm
Seriously…I am lost as to how you can’t love KRIS!!! Heart Talent and a total cutie pie! Yeah we are biased..and sorry the first time we chose to chime in we are pimpin but 7 we have picked winners 5 seasons… we did think Chris D was going to win
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:31 pm
Why haven’t they done Adam yet…I have a bad feeling about this.
Rodney Ho
May 13th, 2009
9:31 pm
Jordin’s all grown up!
Katy
May 13th, 2009
9:31 pm
Jordin looks good!
Judy
May 13th, 2009
9:31 pm
did she walk down the stairs?
harriett
May 13th, 2009
9:31 pm
Jordin certainly looks womanly these days. No more baby-face.
Candler Boyz
May 13th, 2009
9:31 pm
Jordon is Fierce
GAgirl
May 13th, 2009
9:32 pm
I’m just a dirty old lady that loves those cute guys!!!! I think I’m too old to be a cougar.
GrantPGuy
May 13th, 2009
9:32 pm
Well, D, it could be good or bad. They have to have two sit and stew for a bit… So, maybe Adam will be safe? But, who knows with this show.
Rodney Ho
May 13th, 2009
9:33 pm
This song is clearly more mature than her singles from her first album. I’m not sure I like it that much but she does sound great as usual…
offkey
May 13th, 2009
9:33 pm
Like the look, Jordin. The music is okay but those lyrics???? Completely insipid.
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:33 pm
Kris definitely fits the Idol mold. Middle of the road….nothing controversial, pretty good singer and musician. He’s got a good chance.
Katy
May 13th, 2009
9:33 pm
Who were the others in the top 3 with jordin???
War Eagle
May 13th, 2009
9:33 pm
Jordin is a beautiful girl. Too bad she is built like a linebacker.
Angela
May 13th, 2009
9:34 pm
I voted like crazy for Kris last night and am worried b/c I got through more times that I would’ve liked too. However, just to check it out, I called Adam’s number and got through in the first try. Who knows how tonight will turn out.
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:34 pm
Jordin looks great…not so sure about the song.
Harmony372
May 13th, 2009
9:34 pm
They STILL don’t know what to do with Jordin, so they try making her look more mature. But she’s still singing high school pop! …sigh
Angela
May 13th, 2009
9:35 pm
I know Melinda Doolittle (who should have won) went 3rd in the Jordin win.
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:35 pm
No chat with Jordin? Are they worried about time?
Harmony372
May 13th, 2009
9:35 pm
@ Katy…..Blake the Beatboxer and Melinda Doolittle
Exit Now
May 13th, 2009
9:35 pm
WE – Her father was an NFL linebacker wasn’t he?? LOL
Angela
May 13th, 2009
9:35 pm
And wasn’t it that quirky little beat boxer (or wahtever they call the stupid thing)?
harriett
May 13th, 2009
9:36 pm
Jordin’s song was generic in nature to me. Sounded like a lot of songs, which are not distinguishable one from another.
Candler Boyz
May 13th, 2009
9:36 pm
Angela, we voted for Kris for an hour and a half…we got through 2 out og 7 times…who knows…but glad you voted!!!
Katy
May 13th, 2009
9:37 pm
oh yeah…thanks angela and harmony!
GrantPGuy
May 13th, 2009
9:37 pm
Well, no need to watch Glee. We just saw it!
Exit Now
May 13th, 2009
9:37 pm
I texted my votes for Kris over and over for the 2 hour period.
Angela
May 13th, 2009
9:37 pm
Oh Candler, that makes me feel better. I think I got through about 10 times in the hour and a half I called. And it was probably 30 minutes into it when I checked out Adam’s line.
Mercedes S.
May 13th, 2009
9:37 pm
Danny’s “crowd” was a Summer Festival do, to which Danny and his disastrous “Billy Jean” were added.
GAgirl
May 13th, 2009
9:37 pm
Must have been heavy voting for Kris in California. Took me forever to get thru.
Exit Now
May 13th, 2009
9:38 pm
I think Glee looks cute!
AnnieR
May 13th, 2009
9:38 pm
Thx Deirdre, I tried the Adam confessional link but I’m having “technical difficulties”, probably a user error no doubt ;o) I’ll check it out though…. Candlerz, agree Kris would probably make a good album but IMHO the only idol that I would buy a whole album (or 2 or 3) from is my very fave of all time, Carrie Underwood
Harmony372
May 13th, 2009
9:38 pm
@ harriett….you hit the nail on the head! That’s what’s wrong! AI can find “stars” but they can’t produce HITS! The songs are always so darn generic! Really, name one Idol WINNER who’s song makes you want to hear it RIGHT NOW. Not even David Cook (my fav winner)….can’t remember his song.
AnnieR
May 13th, 2009
9:39 pm
EN, I’m with you on Glee, I’m looking fwd to checking it out!
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
9:39 pm
Wow..did y’all catch the size of Adam’s feet!!!!!! he’s a big boy!
Angela
May 13th, 2009
9:40 pm
Annie, I saw her in concert recently. She was SOOOO good. She my favorite of all time, too.