It’s going to be a tough night for some of the contestants on American Idol.  It’s Grand Ole Opry night and, looking around, not everybody here is exactly a country singer.  Randy Travis will be tonight’s mentor and he’s certainly experienced enough to fit the part, considering he’s had more than 30 songs make it onto the Billboard charts.   Here's a look at tonight's performances - read on to find out who shined and who flopped!

 

Michael Sarver - “Ain't Goin' Down Till The Sun Comes Up” by Garth Brooks

 

I just want to reiterate, for the record, that I like Michael Sarver.  I have to see him deliver in a live performance the way I know he’s capable of, though.  The vocals on this are something we could hear in any karaoke bar.  Randy Jackson basically agrees with me.  Thank you, Randy.  On a positive note, Michael happens to be a really likable guy and hopefully, that’ll be enough to get him into the Top 10 and on to the tour. 

 

Allison Iraheta - “Blame It On Your Heart” by Patti Loveless

 

Allison has garnered quite the following, with many pop culture websites ranking her higher and higher with each passing performance week.  She takes on “Blame It On Your Heart” and there’s no denying her talent.  I like her better when she’s singing than when she’s talking.  As Simon constantly likes to remind everyone, this IS a singing competition and, if it was just based on that, then she should be hanging around for a while.

 

Kris Allen - “To Make You Feel My Love“ by Garth

Don’t you just wanna pinch Kris Allen’s cheeks?  I’m sure a lot of ladies feel the way I do and that’s part of the reason this guy has yet to find himself in danger of going home.  I’m a huge fan of this song and, despite the judges saying he threw away a few of those bottom notes, I think he did enough to stay safe.  Please don’t send this cutey patootie home just yet!

 

Lil Rounds - "Independence Day" by Martina McBride

Lil takes on Martina McBride.  You heard me right.  You wouldn’t expect it, right?  Neither would the judges and they are quick to point out that she’s out of her element.  Well, yeah!  No kidding!  She’s an R&B singer, what do you want from her?  She defends her song choice, saying that it’s still relevant today but she didn’t quite win over the panel tonight.

 

Adam Lambert - "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash

Love him or hate him, Adam Lambert is good and he knows it.  The song choice was a little surprising and a little weird but man, can the guy sing!  I agree with Paula’s prediction last week that he will mostly likely make it to the finals.  If he goes up against Danny Gokey, it’ll be the good guy vs. the guy with the ego… and I have no idea who will prevail!

 

Scott MacIntyre - "Wild Angels" by Martina McBride

I know I’ll probably catch some flack for this but I don’t love Scott.  The audience loves him and lot of people I know love him… I’m just not one of them.  He has never impressed me with his vocals and we’ve got guys in this competition that really blow him away in that department.  The judges point out that, two weeks in a row, he’s chosen songs that haven’t really showcased what he can do.  If he can do more, believe me, I’m listening and I’ll give him a fair shot but let’s go already.

 

Alexis Grace - "Jolene" by Dolly Parton

Since when does anybody think that Alexis looks like Dolly?  I think Idol is just making things up.  Silly goats.  Alexis is my favorite girl in the competition.  I wish she chose a song that showed a little more range, considering what an awesome singer she is.  Randy points out her pitch problems.  It’s unfortunate that it wasn’t her best but I think she’ll be alright come elimination time tomorrow night. 

 

Danny Gokey - "Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood

 

Well, I can’t say that I’m surprised he chose this song.  Obviously, the subject matter is close to his heart, considering he lost his wife.  It’s also a song that showcases his great vocals so naturally, the audience goes crazy for him.  Danny can pretty much kick back for the next few weeks.  The guy isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.  If the worst criticism the judges can come up with is what he’s wearing (because apparently Simon is a fashion critic) then I think he’s doin’ just fine.

 

Anoop Desai - "Always on My Mind" by Willie Nelson

 

Look, here’s the problem with Anoop.  You can’t run around the stage, belting out “My Perrogative” and “Beat It”, and then come back with a serious ballad.  I actually think that he sounded better tonight than he has in weeks.  I just have a really hard time taking him seriously at times because he‘s been a little bit of a clown recently.  Anoop found himself in the bottom last week and I would be really surprised if he was the one to go home tomorrow night.  I predict he’ll be safe and sound.

 

Megan Corkrey - "Walkin' After Midnight" by Patsy Cline

 

This is gonna sound harsh but here's who likes Megan: the judges.  America didn't vote her in to the Top 13 and they left her in the bottom last week.  She does an okay job with the song, I guess, but it doesn't really go anywhere and it gets a little boring.  I think Megan is a good singer but I don't think she's done enough to continue on in the competition.  There might be a chance that she survives tomorrow night but her days are numbered.  I know she has the flu and she was in the hospital and I'll give her a little credit there.

 

Matt Giraud - "So Small" by Carrie Underwood

 

I liked Matt during the Hollywood rounds but he just keeps growing and growing on me each week.  After tonight's performance, I really hope that the guy goes all the way to at least Top 5.  He positions himself as an artist, one who could make records and perform live on tour.  That's more than I can say for some of the others never mind the fact that he's just a buttkick singer and that's all there is to it.  I think, after watching tonight's show, that if I had it my way, the final three would be all guys this year.

 

Bottom 3 predictions: Michael Sarver, Megan Corkrey*, Scott MacIntyre

* elimination prediction

 

American Idol's results show airs tomorrow night at 9pm ET on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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