American Idol - Rocking Performances

This week is a nightmare week for me on American Idol. I am not a hard rock fan and knowing that Slash was the mentor was a bit scary - thinking about all of the hard guitar, screaming and that the show would be less about musicality and more about rocking out.

First to perform was Adam Lambert. "Whole Lot of Love" by Led Zepplin. Trying to get past the creepy outfit, black eye makeup, open shirt with strange necklace, and that it felt like a load of screaming... He is truly creepy. Please make him stop! The scary thing to me is that on Twitter I saw a comment that Adam is the best thing to walk the earth since Jesus. Wow. That is the most horrible thought ever - that people are putting him up as a true "idol". This is a talent competition for pete's sake. Even the judges are holding him up: Kara "you're a rock god". I'm just shaking my head and feeling sad for the state of our society if a guy like this is being "worshipped".

Alison Iraheta. "Cry Baby" by Janis Joplin. Even though I don't love rock, I thought Alison did a good job - she can make almost anything sound good. Her voice is so mature and she's seeming more confident and personable as the week's go on. Plus when she sings, even singing rock, it does not feel like she was screaming. Randy didn't love the song. Kara "Janis is the right choice for you... but Piece of My Heart..." would have been better. Paula "You're downright fearless." Simon "Terrific vocal. but I wouldn't have chosen that song."

Duet by Kris and Danny "Renegade". I loved the harmonizing in the song. Their voices blended really well. I even liked the song choice. I did think Kris was a little out of his league in rocking but Danny held his own. I was wondering how they would do. I loved that they performed a more "classic rock" song rather than a "hard rock" song - much more to my liking.

Kris Allen. "Come Together" by the Beatles. I think the Beatles song tonality fit Kris much better than most other rock songs. But I do have to say it was so odd for me seeing him (a sweet looking face) trying to rock - just not a great fit for him. He did a pretty good job, but I'm concerned for him - I think he has a big enough fan base that he may be okay based on past performances. It's a hard call at this point as each contestant stands out in different ways. Randy "I appreciate you picking something where you could still be you." Kara "You're definitely the softer side of rock, but for me this was not a great performance." Simon "I actually didn't like it that much. It was like eating ice for lunch."

Danny Gokey. "Dream On" by Aerosmith. Another song I actually like. I'm a little scared about the scream at the end but we'll see how he does. Okay - so I liked most of the song but the screaming at the end was NOT GOOD. Sorry Danny... He just didn't hit it. Randy "I know this is not your genre, it was alright for me, but A+ for valiant effort." Kara "I think you took it a little too far. I don't see you on this type of song. But I commend you for taking chances." Paula "I don't know if this was the right song for you but I'm a huge fan of yours." Simon "The last note, it was like watching a horror movie. But I still think you're going to be safe." I did like Danny's response to the judges criticisms -- he's not cocky, knows he can do better, trying to take risks.

Duet by Allison and Adam. "Slow Ride" - what in the world were the tight striped pants that Adam was wearing. Okay enough of that - not a good choice in my opinion. I thought the duet was a bit contrived and there didn't seem to be much blending. But again the judges loved it. Randy "that was the bomb baby". Paula "the two of you are the perfect blend, the perfect marriage". Simon "In the battle of duets... You win the show tonight".

Definitely not my favorite show of the season.

At this point of the competition it's really difficult to predict outcomes. I wish Adam would go home this week and then I'd be happy with any of the others to win. But I think the scare from last week will get his fans voting fanatically this week - as well as the fact that the Rock genre is his style and those who love hard rock will probably like his performance this week.

My guess is that Kris will go home. What do you think?