Adam Lambert’s “encyclopedic knowledge” of music, along with his “spectacular pipes and singular stage presence” will make him American Idol’s winner over Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta, Danny Gokey and Matt Giraud, according to our TV critic.
Verne Gay–who’s leading, by the way, in our weekly Newsday prediction contest–runs down all the finalists, from strongest (Adam) to weakest (Matt).
Some highlights from his story:
Adam Lambert: Spectacular pipes and singular stage presence, he also has one of the rarest of qualities for an “Idol” finalist: He’s interesting. Endlessly interesting, in fact – a chameleon of a performer whose spectrum of odd, bold colors seems to span everyone from Elvis to (even) James Hetfield of Metallica. …
Kris Allen: When he sang Garth Brooks’ “To Make You Feel My Love” during the Grand Ole Opry edition, a few million heads turned sharply to the screen. It was perhaps the most emotionally effective performance of the season; he’s got a fine voice, connects with the audience and could sell records. …
Allison Iraheta: I like her because she’s likable, but her performances seem cluttered and are usually delivered at gale force. There’s clearly great talent here, and great heart.
Danny Gokey: I am listening (again) to Gokey’s rendition of “Jesus Take the Wheel” as these words are committed to screen, and while it wasn’t necessarily the great DG moment, it’s a representative one: He can pump this out with conviction and beauty, but his voice washes out at the lower registers.
Matt Giraud: “You remind me of Elliott [Yamin]; from Season 5,” Simon told him during his audition. “You could be great.” Or you could also be Elliott – a fine performer who did not win. Nor will Matt. Too bad. He peaked early in the process, which is the wrong time to peak.
I agree with Verne’s rankings of best to not-best. But I don’t think Kris‘ performance was the most emotionally effective of the season (I’d rank three of Adam’s above it). Nor did I find Danny’s “Jesus Take the Wheel” overflowing with either conviction or beauty…..
Verne’s dead-on right about Adam. We like him not just because of his vocal qualities, but also what he brings to the stage as a person–the willingness to try things, an obvious respect for music and performers, a certain strangeness that all together makes listening to him a unique experience every week.
Just had to put this here, b/c Bill is famous! (This is from the EW.com’s comments thread; if someone wrote to me, I missed it, b/c I don’t have time to read all 1,000,000 postings.)
to: Bill Mitchell Mon, Apr 27, 2009 at 03:42 PM EST
“Adam Lambert has 130,000 messages. Kris has 9000.”
Diana DeGarmo had a much larger amount of messages than Fantasia too… all it takes is a bunch of people posting to the same board multiple times.
Heh heh.
Anyway…last week’s performance was my least favorite. Sure, it was beautifully sung, but it did not give me the goosebumps I got from MW in particular but also ToMT. It’s not that I am tired of Adam (as if…), and I loved BTBW the week before, but it just did NOT feel as sincere as the others. I felt like Adam tried so hard to strip the song that it was…too stripped, almost. I loved the middle, but not the beginning or the end.
I think this is the week he can really hit a home run. I think Matt can, too, if he goes smoky behind the keyboard. I’m not as sure about Allison and Kris (go, Kris!). Hokey can’t.
The things with Adam is, you can’t take your eyes off of him when he is performing, or just sitting there for that matter….there is just something about him….the others don’t have it…sorry..they don’t…
Not only is he great to look at, and I am a 47 year old married mother of 2 small children, and I can say, he is easy on the eyes, and a nice , smart guy also…incredible vocal ability and like was mentioned earlier, a respect for music, and the music makers..and that goes a long way…everyone seems to like him and he likes everyone, has a positive attitude and it shows….
This is what they call the “it” facor…he just has it….each week, we all find ourselves waiting for Tuesday nights performances with sweaty palms, well, maybe just me, my heatt races when he performs, and I watch his videos all week until the following performance..he has that effect on all of us….not only does he have the “it” factor..he has this star quality about him…,,and this guy will go far….and I am enjoying the ride right along with him……
“Encyclopedic knowledge” of music? For Adam? HOW!?! Im sure he had to dig really deep for all of his song choices…
Exactly the way I feel. And Paula obviously feels it too. After one performance she said he’s the only thing she sees on the stage. So it’s more than the crazily unreal vocals. The guy has the X Factor for sure. And the others do not have it.
Here’s what I would like him to sing: Kiss From A Rose:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XrHrSRpkHc
It’s not showy, it shows off his range, it’s melodic, it’s beautiful, and I want America to hear it. See if you like it, too.
New idolatry is up. More blatant Allison pimping and Adam attacking. Ugh.
Though they saved there most vicious attacks towards Danny. heh.
Slezak and company suck. Allison is still at #5, so it’s like the pimping is hurting her, not helping her, which is is too bad.
I guess putting the GO in GOAKY isn’t working out so well.
How many times do I need Slezak to suck it before he actually will? And I loved him so much last year, since he was pro: Carly and Cook. Sigh.
Very well said Kilby , im in my 40’s and this guy really turned my head when i first heard him. Something is special about him , but what tho? What is it exactly?
I recently came across a clip on Youtube titled “Danny Gokey’s littlest fan” – I had to laugh because, like me, this baby looked bored. Actually, he looked disgusted. Anyway, today I come across this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2F8tsmBrb8
This my friends is the true definition of “littlest fan”, a baby with impeccable taste
I’m almost scared about how harsh it’s going to get for Adam over at EW before this is over. It’s not going to be a pretty picture at all.
yes i saw that too zayda, isnt the boy sooo cute?? my fave bit was when he said ’so it looks like adam lambert’s hair’ AWWWWWW
Mridula, that’s a cute video too but this is a different one…even better…
Did you guys see Adam’s take on How come you don’t call me anymore? Just got posted.. Check it out before Prince’s lawyers make youtube pull it down:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0Oq_7jYUvo
Just saw it. Thanks, Sara. God, this guy is brilliant, and now I fear he is too brilliant for Idol.
I don’t know if he is even going to make Top 2 anymore.
He may have peaked too soon. I now believe that Kris is going to win Idol. Well, it better not be Croaky.
ADAM FTW
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE, PLEASE
dont say that!!!!! votee!!