Game Show Newsnet - American Idol: Season 8

Last week... we ALMOST had a stunner, but the right person ended up going home. Now it’s onto what could be branded as rocker versus rocker in the genre of rock. Who’s about to rock our world, and who’s world is about to get rocked?

But first, here’s something interesting. The tower stage left is what it’s supposed to look like. The Eiffel Tower, as it were. The tower stage right is more like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. So the kids didn’t get to perform their final runthrough.

Now a bit of a twist. This week, we have something we’ve been waiting eight seasons for… duets! That comes later, though.

Right now, let’s check in on our mentor, legendary guitarist Slash. He came onto the scene in 1985 as lead guitarist of Guns’n’Roses. The genre has not been the same since. He’s known for collabos with everyone from Michael Jackson to Daughtry. This week, he holds his masterclass at the world-famous Roxy in Los Angeles. He’s going to make sure this week is something different, something edgy, some kind of a good time.

First up, the quintessential rocker Adam Lambert with “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zepplin. Slash says he’s got pipes. Adam wants to kill it. Here’s your axe, sir...

What they say: Randy says that he’s a rock star tonight. He wants him and Slash to do a record. Kara says that he’s a rock god. Paula calls it perfect. Mr. Cowell agrees with all three. The problem… no one can top it now.

What we say: Simon’s right. Show’s over. Let’s go home… Oh, we still have 50 minutes? Okay… so now that Adam’s back in his comfort zone, he ends up killing it. He has the swagger and he is miles better than he was last week in terms of pitch. Of course, none of this really matters, because people saw him as in danger last week and will be voting in droves to save him.

Chiming in second is Allison Iraheta underneath the falling Idol orb. Allison took this week to go see Adam’s hair lady. Slash says that she’s predisposed to Joplin, so “Cry Baby” should be a breeze, right?

What they say: Randy says she can sing, but there were a lot of better vehicles for her. “This wasn’t that great for me.” Kara disagrees, saying Janis was good for her, but she wanted to see “Piece of My Heart” But she’s transformative. Paula thinks that she’s fearless. Simon thought she had confidence up there. But she’s trying too hard to sound like the original. He would’ve chosen Queen.

What we say: Is it me or does this performance seem a little bit clean? My sister enjoys this, and she doesn’t listen to Janis... THERE’s your litmus test. Way. Too. Clean. She has the attitude. Not too sure about the tone, though.

And now, the moment we’ve been waiting eight seasons for… the first competitive duet. The singers: Kris Allen and Danny Gokey. The song: “Renegade” by Styx.

What they say: Randy says that they compliment each other well. Kara doesn’t buy the whole renegade image. Paula thought it was powerful and compelling. Simon thought Danny was better than Kris.

What we say: Their voices blend really well. Separately… not so much. But yes, duets were a long time come, and we’re glad to have them.

Now that they’ve sung together, it’s time for Kris to sing himself. He wanted to sing a Beatles song, namely “Revolution”, but it didn’t feel right. So he sings “Come Together”. Kris is awestruck by having Slash jam with him. Big deal. Get far enough in Guitar Hero III and you can jam with Slash all you want. Heh.

What they say: Randy says he was himself, especially not being from the rock cut. Kara doesn’t think it was all that great, saying it was “trying too hard”. Paula and Simon say it’s all about Kris putting his signature and his imprint on it. But Simon goes further to say that it’s like “eating ice for lunch.”

What we say: It’s very original, especially toward the end. This is Kris bringing classic rock into the new millennium, sort of reminiscent of Marc Broussard. So good stuff… Could be better.

Last of the solo performances is Danny Gokey. He’s going with “Dream On” by Aerosmith. Slash says that he’s naturally gifted, but he’s got to nail the scream at the end if he is to stand a chance.

What they say: Randy says it wasn’t perfect, but it was a valiant effort. Kara says more early Aerosmith, sir. But she saw edge. She commends him for taking chances. Paula faults his song choice. Simon thought it was over the top.

What we say: Gokey be hokey. He sounds like he’s constipated. They have pills for that, sir. When Paula cites your song choice as a problem, then you’ve got a problem.

Closing the show tonight.. in matching combat boots… Adam & Allison with Foghat’s “Slow Ride”.

What they say: Randy wants another duet. Kara just nods and smiles. Paula calls it a perfect marriage. Simon says… you win.

What we say: And so it was, as it was foretold in the book of Darnell, chapter 5, verse 32... Rocker shall rise against rocker, and both shall be clad in matching leather outfits, hair, and yea, even makeup, seeing who will out-shout the other. And in the end, a man from California will show us the way… Can I get an amen on that?

So the rock show… done. Who managed to come out on top?

Rock God: Adam
Everyone Else: Kris, Danny, Allison

But Allison may have a chance after that last duet *ahem*noshedoesn’t!*ahem. But we’ll see what the votes say NEXT TIME.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE

To see footage from this episode, visit the official website at www.americanidol.com.