American Idol: And Tarantino fits in how?

What a jam-packed week of surprises on American Idol!

First, why is Quentin Tarantino a musical mentor and what could he have to contribute that an actual recording artist couldn’t contribute? I really don’t know, but I don’t think American Idol is going to let us in on the logic on this one. Second, Ryan says because the judges are such chatter boxes, only two judges will critique each contestant. I’m not. . .a fan on this. I mean they should have prepared for the possibility of going over the allotted time period when they added a fourth judge! Prepare much, producers? The third surprise will have to wait for the end if you haven’t guessed what it is already.

So Ryan attempts to convince us that Quentin, one of the great film makers, has incorporated music into his creative process and therefore has some great advice to impart to our contestants. The only thing I notice in the pre-song clips is that QT makes our contestants pretty nervous and his idea of advice is add soul and sing it again, but better this time.

So how’d our little ones do, you ask?

Allison
Singing “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from Armageddon, I get a little chill up and down my spine. This girl is young but leagues ahead of most people her age. Paula says Allison is authentic for the 15 millionth time. Simon says it was hot and spicy and I quote, “the girls’ only hope left” in the competition. Finally Simon is behind her 100% and not complaining about her confidence, which is what I’ve been waiting for. What took you so long, Brit?

Anoop
Anoop tackles “(Everything I Do), I Do It For You.” I didn’t even know that was a “movie” song! I’m surprised by the Lite FM choice, but damn if I don’t love this song. Quentin notices the same thing and asks him to add more grooooowl to the end of the song, but Anoop sounds like he’s struggling with that. On the big stage, you can definitely here Anoop’s R&B interpretation of the song, and I’m mostly liking it. Randy believes he found his stride with the song, and Kara says it was probably one of his best vocals in the competition. She even felt it this time.

Adam
Adam sings “Born to Be Wild” from Easy Rider. It’s a perfect pick for him, even though I’m telling myself over and over again that I really am not for this kid. Last week’s performance brought me a tiny bit closer to the dark side, and there was no way that he wouldn’t kill this song. But every time I see him I’m REALLY creeped out. And sometimes he does these body rolls that make me nauseous. Even my best friend, who I usually agree with, loves this guy, and I wonder if the world has turned into pod people. Of course, Paula is gyrating from the first note, and apparently, Adam dares “to dance in the path of greatness.” Huh, crazy? Simon says it was an incredible vocal but that it was kind of like watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Thank you, Simon. Someone needed to say it!

Matt
Matt sings another easy listening song by choosing “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” Matt’s got the piano at his fingers again, and I love the way his voice sounds. My fiancé says he needs to have a grittier voice for the song which I don’t disagree with, but Matt is always so smooth and in control. I wish that the audience could see that even though he’s not flashy, he’s an incredibly unique talent. Maybe our next Robin Thicke! Randy says the bridge was pitchy and there were too many runs for him, and the sad thing is Quentin warned him of this. Though I didn’t mind all the embellishment, maybe Quentin does know what he’s talking about.

Danny
It’s Lionel Richie time! Singing “Endless Love,” Danny gets all emotional. His wife is definitely the person he’s singing to and about, and I’m glad he’s waited this long in the competition to get all teary-eyed with microphone. He also isn’t wearing glasses! Can you see, Danny?! Don’t fall off the stage. Paula isn’t sure about the beginning of the song, but halfway through he got it together and killed the end. Simon thought he sounded fine but almost fell asleep because he didn’t mix up the arrangement. Remember David Cook’s “Hello”? Oh, that was awesome. So it was no “Hello,” but I really felt it this time, and Quentin is all about the music telling the story!

Kris
I don’t know the song “Falling Slowly” that Kris sings. Apparently, it’s from the movie Once, which I’ve never seen. Quentin likes that he picked a song no one will recognize because it meant something to him. I think this kid could lip sync, and I wouldn’t care. He’s just so damn cute and personable. I don’t really know what Randy means by his criticism, but I think he liked it…maybe. Kara thinks it was one of his best in the competition which makes me like her a little bit more.

Lil

And on to the final performance from the girl who was supposed to slay the competition, but has sort of just petered out. She’s not even in my tops anymore. Sorry, Lil cause your story is so compelling. I feel like she’s going home if she doesn’t kill the song, so choosing “The Rose” isn’t necessarily the safest choice in my opinion. The judges want her to pick R&B songs, but make them her own which I still don’t think she grasps. I think the beginning of the song is boring, but the gospel twist and the end is really great. Paula tries to soften the blow of a tepid performance by commending her for getting this far. Those aren’t words of encouragement, lady! It basically means you think she’s going home. Simon thought it was terrible as well but doesn’t hold back about it. Lil stands up for herself, saying that no matter what she does it seems like she always makes the wrong choice.  I kind of feel embarrassed for her, but will the back talk be enough to save her?

THE RESULTS
We’ve got some big hitters performing tonight. Miley Cyrus sings her newest hit “The Climb” and Oscar winner and former Idol Jennifer Hudson performs for the first time on the stage since she was voted off.

There’s the annoying Ford commercial posing as actual TV time which it’s clearly not. Then the Idols sing “She’s a Maniac” from Flashdance. Who doesn’t love this song? Though I thought it’d be a horrid rendition, it actually sounds great. Maybe it’s the fact that there are less contestants sing every week. Oh, they also got to go to the premiere of Zac Efron and Matthew Perry’s movie 17 Again. Oh, how I love all of AI’s shameless plugs. They make so much freaking money!

So it’s no shocker that Anoop, Matt and Lil are in the bottom three. I predicted it perfectly once again. Sometimes I think America can be so predictable. I’m hoping that Lil goes home because I just don’t think she ever found her niche on the show, but unfortunately the bottom is one of my favorite contestants, Matt.

He’s a serious contender for the save because the judges really do see the potential in him. And I do believe he has the voice to be a successful recording artist. He sings his song one more time, and though the women clearly love it, Simon believes it wasn’t as good as last night’s try. There are lots of boos, but ‘DUH DUH DUH’ Matt is saved! The save has finally been used, and I couldn’t be happier.
Now I know America votes next week, and it’s likely the bottom two from this week will be the ones to go home next week, but at least I get to hear Matt sing one more time, so I won’t complain.

Season 8, Episodes 28 & 29: Top 7: Performances & Top 8: Results (originally aired April 14 and 15, 2009)

For more on American Idol, click here.

Photographs courtesy of Fox Broadcasting Company.