Top 8: Songs from the singer's birthyear

Kris Allen, "All She Wants To Do Is Dance." This was a really interesting pick, and I wasn't sure what he was going to do with it, but I love the funked up, down in the mosh pit, really personalized interpretation. Vocally I didn't feel it was a stretch for him and I would have liked to have seen a little more of his range in here, but here is a contestant who listens to the judges when they say, "Make it your own." A very solid performance from Kris.

Danny Gokey, "Stand By Me." This was a cheap pick--there are many better songs he could have picked without resorting to a cover version of an earlier song. How about some U2, Danny? The really slowed-down, soft intro did his voice no favors, and he ended up sounding nasal (but looking a little like Elton John.) Also, Paula dances like a self-conscious 14-year-old. The only part of this song that I liked was when he got out from behind the mic stand and revved it up. Other than that, it was boring.

Lil Rounds, "What's Love Got To Do With It." This is a really unfortunate song pick because it shows us nothing new of Lil (who looks really cute with bangs and her hair down.) Lil has a great sense of showmanship, and a big voice... but she's adding too many little riffs into the notes. I love this song, and I thought that slowing it down did both the song and Lil no favors, especially when she went flat on notes in the first half. Towards the end, she just started hollering, and what was that last note? I don't want to say she destroyed a great song, but... vocally it was only decent, and in terms of performance value, boring.

DaNoop, “True Colors.” I got into the groove a little bit in the middle. It’s kind of a drab song, but he just did his Noopy thing with it. Missed some notes in places. Not a terrific performance, but very good, solid, and killer note at the end.

Scott MacIntyre, “The Search Is Over.” I would really like what he was doing if I hadn’t gotten sick of him about three weeks ago. Vocally, it was a decent performance, although he missed his biggest note.  Word to contestants this season: you are competing against Adam Lambert.  Do not sing songs if you can't hit the notes, because you will invite comparison. I like that he stepped away from the piano and went to guitar. Kara said she thought he was over-ambitious, and I agree, it was not a great song choice. I would have picked “You’re The Inspiration” for him, nauseating as it would have been.

Allison Iraheta, “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Now this is an interesting choice (I was pulling for "Smells Like Teen Spirit" from her until I realized that 1991 and 1992 are not, in fact, the same year) and from word one I love it. Love it, love it, love it. I hadn’t suspected her of being a good balladeer, and she NAILS it. Allison, you are starting to peak at the right time!

Matt Giraud, “Part Time Lover.” Bringing back the soul. Good song choice. I would have liked to see him belt a little more like he did at the end and show off that big voice; it seemed a little safe. But you can’t argue with just standing up there and nailing it.

Adam Lambert, “Mad World.” We have the zen of Adam again.  This is very, very good. He has such incredible control over his voice, blasting up loud and then coming down quiet, for a beautiful, haunting performance. I would buy this song on iTunes. I don’t buy music. JESUS CHRIST DID SIMON JUST GET ON HIS FEET? SIMON GOT ON HIS FEET I HAVE NO WORDS.

Top 3:
Adam
Allison
Matt

Bottom 3:
Lil
Danny (!)
Scott