more photosWelcome to the most boring week of the eighth season of “American Idol.” The contestants were forced to sing disco songs, and while most of them weren’t terrible, it was kind of a snoozefest. Why can’t “Idol” let these folks sing popular, current songs? That would be so much more interesting. Anyway, two singers were booted — Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai — leaving us with a final five. The wrap:
The best of who’s left
1. Adam Lambert • Again the best of the bunch, and he looked slick in the suit! His heartfelt version of the Bee Gees’ “If I Can’t Have You” prompted a “Fatal Attraction” look in Paula Abdul’s eyes. It was a weird mix of frightening and embarrassing.
2. Kris Allen • Allen jumps two spots this week by John Mayer-ing “She Works Hard For the Money,” complete with hand drums. I didn’t love it at first, but compared to the rest of the performances, it wasn’t bad.
3. Allison Iraheta • She slowed down “Hot Stuff” and it came off labored and clumsy. I thought her big voice would win this contest for her, but week by week, cracks in her armor are starting to show.
4. Matt Giraud • He did “Stayin’ Alive,” a nod to his survival last week thanks to the judges’ save. Not sure he capitalized, though; this was a bit Vegas for me. Plus, why was he breathing like he’d just run a marathon?
5. Danny Gokey • I think The Gokester is destined for the final three (or maybe two). But to me, he is by far the least interesting of who’s left. He did nothing to change my opinion this week.
Best performance
Lambert. While Paula’s googly eyes were a little too googly, he was really good. We see more sides — good sides — of this guy than the rest of his competitors combined.
Worst performance
Probably Giraud. I didn’t get his performance at all.
Booking a plane ticket
I think Giraud’s a lock to go home next week.
Fashion faux pas
What was up with Iraheta’s outfit? She looked like the unholy offspring of a fetishist and a Bedazzler. She looked like Liberace’s trash bags. (I couldn’t decide which joke to use. Both are gold.)
Judicious wisdom
No direct quotes this week, but if “Idol” wants to find a way to avoid running over their allotted time slot every week, they might look to the judges. They (especially Abdul and Simon Cowell) seem more interested in joking around and needling each other than paying attention to the singers. Taking a minute to talk about underwear when they should’ve been critiquing Lambert was an embarrassment. The poor guy had to stand there and smile while these ego-tastic goofballs wasted time.
— Ben Salmon