I had started out thinking I would have a running commentary about what I thought of the American Idol contestant performances this year, but that didn’t happen. It was very clear (to me) from the beginning that Adam Lambert would dominate the contest. He’s done that. Then there’s the twitter factor in that I did most of my right now rants in 140 characters or less. Usually less. Then there was the idea that people might not care what I have to think. <== I am getting over that.
Anyway, we are now at the top 3. Biggest disappointments for me? Alexis Grace and Lil Bottoms. Alexis was sweet trying to do dirty, and Lil never found herself. Biggest surprises? Kris, Allison, Matt and Anoop. All of these contestants brought their game. Biggest over-hype? Scott. Sure, the guy is talented, but I thought every song sounded the same.
From a “bankability” standpoint, I don’t think Idol would go wrong with either Danny or Kris. They are both strong musicians in their own right. Neither one of them has that over-the-top quality in that they will be inclined to have to tone it down. They are both Carrie Underwood quality performers, who BTW, has exceeded anyone’s wildest dreams in terms of bringing in the money.
Which brings me to Adam. There is no doubt that Adam is a star. He has been able to pull off what Constantine Maroulis was not able to do, which is bring a high level of theatrics into the performance. Adam has consistently had this over-the-edge look and over-the-top delivery, but it is so well-delivered that he isn’t alienating much of anybody. BUT Simon has alluded to the notion that Adam may need to tone it down a bit. I guess the question is whether America is ready for an unambiguously gay American Idol. We’ll find out next week.