Motown, Smokey and the Top 10

Let me start by saying -- I apologize for my delinquency last week. I got super sick Wed night and could not comment on the loss of Alexis for fear of vomiting on my computer. She was the last girl I wanted to see go, and thought Michael should have left. I'm sad and hope we don't regret her loss with another girl who doesn't deserve it going far. And I think they tortured her with the save. But now to tonight. Smokey looks GOOD man!! There could be a lot of work, but it isn't obvious on camera -- he is a handsome man...And love his casual outfit of cargoes and sweatshirt -- he is cool too. Also need to give a shout out to Paula tonight -- her commentary has been very strong and she is really using her vocal dictionary -- trying to name the note that Kris hit and talking about the robatto part of Scott's song. Mind you I have no idea if robatto is a word or if that was smart criticism, but she made it her own!

This was the best Motown week in Idol history in my opinion -- not all new choices, but a lot of right choices and I didn't feel like I had seen this all on Idol before. Really nice week. This week I am giving everyone an Idol doppelganger nickname (the person he / she reminds me of in looks or voice).

Matt Giraud -- "Let's Get It On" Smooth performance and I was so glad he got up from the piano. It was fun and even Simon smiled when Matt came to dance off in front of the table. He uses his voice but of course Randy called it his "false" which in real music language is "falsetto." Randy needs lessons from Paula. Matt is making a run for the front and I am enjoying it. So JT as he is now named gets a VOTE

Kris Allen -- "How Sweet It Is" Did not know this James Taylor song is a Marvin Gaye song. I liked his interaction with Smokey when he asked questions. Nicely sung, but I agree with Simon that he needs to work on developing his swagger -- he comes across a little wholesome which can also be a bit boring. And it is smooth and easy to hear, but isn't challenging. There aren't any WOW moments. I just don't think he can stand up as strong as Adam, Danny, Matt or even Anoop in personality...So Jason Mraz gets a VOTE to stay in

Kara introduced her WORD OF THE NIGHT right here -- "Artistry" She loves this word.

Scott -- "You Can't Hurry Love" No more Mr Nice guy for him -- he is one note, boring, amateurish and I agreed with Simon calling it cheap. He needs to go. I like the guy, but it is done. BUH BYE Elton John lite.

Megan Joy -- "For Once in My Life" When the judges start off talking about how great you look, you know you are doomed. It was rushed, manic. It could have been okay if she had kept it focused, but her notes were all over the place. Too bad because I really like her, but she needs to get it together and have an Anoop last week moment. Simon thinks she is in trouble which can sometimes bring a flood of votes in to save someone. Bette Midler cool needs to be careful, she gets an OK

Anoop Desai -- "Ooh Baby Baby" Smokey said he was sensual. Well I wished he had worn a suit and stayed still just looking at the audience. I didn't like the sitting / standing street boy look. I thought it was a little too slow, but I am glad he is showing he can sing, because he didn't get in on that basis. As Randy said, "Turn it back up" and I am glad they gave him props for hte song being dificult because it really is. Unfortunately he made it feel that way too. Now loosen up Amitabh Bachan (India's number one actor of all time - I know he isn't a singer, but this is the best analogy for me) you get a VOTE

Michael Sarver -- "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" Smokey didn't like it and gave his first criticism of the night. I hate that he kept holding hands with the sway bots in the mosh pit. Another amateurish manic performance. He is just not in the league of some of the others. BUH BYE Garth!

Lil Rounds -- "Heat Wave" Does anyone remember Vonzell or last season's Syesha? Lil is now joining them in my books. Good singer, not able to make her own mark. Hopefully she won't get into the third spot like they did. She isn't original. She must have really felt the heat from that heat wave because she was yelling like she was on fire. Kara said she looked great, but did not give her an ARTISTRY, so she must not have liked her. Agreed with Simon that she needs to have a moment and has not had one. OK Mary J

Adam Lambert -- "Tracks of My Tears" WOW, WOW what a turnaround for Adam. I hated his weird performance last week, so I was thrilled to see the doo wop hair do, the suit and him sitting down. That is a costume look that I can dig. This boy has the BEST FALSETTO this show has seen. I'm downloading this. Tender, calm. Smokey and Kara gave him the standing ovation. Kara got to say ARTISTRY. Simon called it THE best of the night. Fantastic. Cross between Trent Reznor and Adam Pascal gets multiple VOTES

Danny Gokey -- "Get Ready" Love his urban, modern voice, but this was not one of my favorites from him. The running around wasn't great and putting him after Adam made his version even less original. But fun and I still love his voice. He'll be safe though. Robert Downey Jr gets a VOTE

Allison Iraheta --"Papa Was a Rolling Stone" Allison got the pimp spot because the producers were shocked she was in the bottom three last week. And she knocked it out of the ball park. I didn't understand everything she was saying, but she made it original, hit every note and just nailed it. She has such confidence as a performer and finally a girl gave the boys a run for the money. Question -- does Kara think she has ARTISTRY? Still laughing that Simon wrote on Paula's face. Chubby Pink gets mad VOTES

Great night. Here are the grades.

Matt (JT) -- A-
Kris (Jason Mraz) -- B
Scott (Elton John Lite) -- D
Megan (Bette Midler cool) -- C
Anoop (Amitabh) -- B+
Michael (Garth) -- C-
Lil (Mary J) -- B-
Adam (Trent Reznor / Adam Pascal) -- A (could have been an A+ if he hadn't done the snake charmer song last week)
Danny (Robert Downey Jr) -- B+
Allison (Chubby Pink) -- A-

So even if you don't have artistry, remember, don't be ashamed of your obsessions...