American Idol Gone Country, Y'all!
Ellen

Update: I had a feeling this was her last song.  She sang “Joline” by Dolly Parton and then Alexis was “gracefully” sent home.  Next week it will be all songs Motown.

Top 11 Recap: Grand Ole Opry Night

The top 11 finalists attempted to put their spin on the country song of their choice in honor of the Grand Ole Opry last night. Not all contestants were the biggest country western music fans, but they gave it their best shot, and most did a great job! (With a few exceptions) With Randy Travis by their side, each contestant laced up their boots and gave it a go from the Idol stage. Adam Lambet managed to scare the audience with a classic Johnny Cash song (and not in a good way), Lil Rounds disappointed the judges with a toned down version of Martina McBride’s “Independence Day,” and Scott McIntyre managed to sound exactly the same as he did last week. Well, at least they tried. They can’t all be the best!

Each contestant got to sing for Randy Travis, a great legend in country music (and also a class act), prior to the show. Travis gave his two-cents and expert opinion to each contestant, which they all wisely took. Singers who failed to impress last week stepped up their game for the country competition and wowed the judges (and hopefully America) with powerhouse ballads and a fresh take on classic hits.

We got “tender moments” from Randy’s dawg Kris Allen. The life-size ken doll found his niche in singing a strong ballad by Garth Brooks. Anoop Desai turned the negative criticism into a positive crowd-pleasing performance of Willie Nelsons’ “You Were Always On My Mind,” and went from “zero to hero” in Simon’s eyes. Even though Megan Joy Corkrey was sick with the flu, she managed to pull off “Walking After Midnight” with grace and beauty. Props to you girl! It’s hard to look hot while blowing your nose and hacking up unmentionables!

I found myself disappointed with Alexis Grace, who sang “Joline” by Dolly Parton. I have a feeling that will be the last time we hear Miss Grace sing from the Idol stage. The judges commented on pitch problems and called her performance “not great.” By far the least spectacular contestant of the night, she just didn’t do it for me. Adam Lambert’s performance hurt my ears and was really, really weird, but at least I’ll remember him. That’s why people like him – he takes it to his own realm of rock/metal/something you can’t quite put your finger on, and he has the style to match.

My favorites of the night were Matt Giraud and Allison Iraheta. They keep doing better and better every week, and I’m starting to think one of them will be the next American Idol!

Be sure to tune in tonight at 8 p.m. to find out who advances to the top 10 and to see Carrie Underwood perform live.

Until next time, be good!

Xo Ellen