By   Tue, Mar 31, 2009

Let's break it down:

Anoop got the dreaded lead off slot and cemented his title of best karaoke nerd in the competiton with a lackluster performance of Usher's "Caught Up". While his vocals were adequate, his adolescent posturing and, as Simon stated "wannabe" moves, will no doubt put him in danger this week. Anoop tried to exude sexiness, but all I got was a huge desire to send him to get those gigantic eyebrows waxed. Unfortunately, his personality and pretty voice were lost this week.

Megan brought no joy to yet another terrible performance since the judges made the ill-advised decision to advance her to the finals over great singers like Felicia Barton and the sadly missed Ricky Braddy. Her take on the Bob Marley/Lauryn Hill non-hit was pretty atrocious. She sounded like she was underwater for a great deal of it and what's worse, it was boring. Her personality and confidence were missing as well, but she did look perrrrrrrrty!

Well, Smuggy McSmuggerson was back in the judges good graces this week with his nicely sung version of Rascal Flatts "What Hurts the Most". Despite a frightening shirt and facial expressions that looked as if he were having a colonscopy, Danny actually gave his best performance in weeks. While I'm no fan, the judges were back on the Danny pimp train with a bit of overpraising about his great "emotion and connection" in the song.... As much as I despise Danny, I have to give him props (and the producers) for not bringing in the unfortunate passing of his grandfather this past week. He's had enough sympathy votes already.

The best female singer and my fave lil rocker grrrrrrrl gave us a serviceable, if not great version, of No Doubt's smash 1995 hit "Dont Speak". The first verse with Allison on guitar was fantastic, if only she had stayed that way for the rest of the song. It was a step down from her last two great performances, but still head and shoulders above several of the other contestants. The judges thought she shouted it a bit and couldn't get over her Cyndi Lauper circa '83 fashion. However, they still like her and so do I.

Speaking of sympathy votes, Scott, was back at the piano this week offering another snooze inducing performance. His off pitch and strained vocals ruined Billy Joel's usually lovely "Just the Way You Are". It was a # 3 hit in 1977, proving just how contemporary Scott aims to be as an artist. . At least the stylists gave him a better wardrobe this week, despite the Kenicki from "Grease" pompadour hairdo. The judges were clearly drinking "new" coke as they liked his performance, and Paula was SOOO proud of him. Um, Paula, my parents were proud of me when the potty training took hold, but I didnt get a recording contract out of it! All jokes aside, it is time for Scott's cute brother to guide him off the Idol stage... forever.

Matt had a rough week with his forced take on The Fray's recent top 10 hit "You Found Me". He is a cool guy with a lot of talent, but the first half of the song was pitchy, as the judges love to say, and he seemed a bit uncomfortable in that little fan pit. At least, he recovered for the end of the song. The judges thought he needed to get back to his soulful vibe, and he looked very defeated by their comments. Unfortunately, this very talented guy may not be safe this week.

So, did Lil hold a gun to the judges before the show to get the judges to "surrender" those decent comments? Because from where I sat, she was not only a Lil flat, but totally boring on Celine Dion's "I Surrender" (an album track from 2002's "A New Day Has Come"). She chose the wrong song yet again. Hello, Kelly Clarkson tore up this song in Season 1! When will these Idols learn not to attempt something Kelly or Jennifer or Carrie did? ... Lil is clearly not living up to her hype, but the judges seem obsessed with pushing her as a front runner for some reason... I think showing her cute kids may help her this week with voting as well by the way.

And boy he did play that funky music. Wild Cherry has to be proud that he ntroduced their one hit wonder "Play that Funky Music" to the kids in the Idol audience tonight. For the first time, I didnt write a thing watching his performance. I was mesmerized by the most exciting performer and best singer (by a mile) on the show. Week after week, Adam is utterly original, daring and polished. He also seems to be having more fun than any of the contestants. The judges loved him again too. Cant wait to see what this psuedo Freddie Mercury/Mika/Axl Rose/theatre diva has in store for us next week.

Hello, we have a new contender for the Idol crown. Kris is ready to take on Adam and Danny (ugh) and has a great shot at winning Idol Season 8! With the best performance of the night, Kris slayed us with a beautiful, soulful and (as the judges stress) contemporary take on Bill Withers classic "Aint No Sunshine". (He was reminscent of the talented Jon McLaughlin as well. Check out Jon's "Beautiful Disaster" on youtube to see what I mean). The heartthrob blew the judges away and could find himself sailing through to the top 3.

1. Kris

2. Adam

3. Danny

4. Allison

5. Matt

6. Lil

7. Anoop

8. Megan

9. Scott

Bottom 3: Megan, Scott, Anoop (but Lil, Allison and Matt could show up in the weekly "surprise" here)

Bottom 2: Megan, Scott

Buh Bye: Megan

So, now that you are completely "caught up" with this week's IDOL, who do you think will "surrender" to America's vote and get the Carrie Underwood serenade on Wed's results show?

Let us know your Idol Thoughts below...