New York, April 22: "American Idol" is boogeying toward another elimination.
Tuesday night`s worrisome theme was "disco," and a number of finalists impressed the judges with groovy versions of `70s classics.
"This bunch right here is one of the most talented groups of seven kids we`ve ever had on the show," declared judge Randy Jackson.
As expected, the seemingly unstoppable force known as Adam Lambert had Simon Cowell and the gang wrapped around his finger. The 27-year-old "Idol" frontrunner wowed the panel with his restrained, emotional delivery of the 1977 hit "If I Can`t Have You" by Yvonne Elliman.
Paula Abdul — who had a dreamy look on her face — said she felt Lambert`s "pain." The judge called the theater actor fascinating, brilliant and a shoo-in for the finals of the Fox singing contest.
In another bold declaration, she also told Danny Gokey he`d make it to the final stretch. The smokey-voiced singer crooned the 1978 hit "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire, giving off a Michael McDonald-performing-at-a-wedding vibe. Abdul cooed that he has "one of the sexiest voices."
But Cowell didn`t share the Gokey love. The hard-to-please judge picked on the singer for lacking star power.
Teen phenom Allison Iraheta and heartthrob Kris Allen nailed their respective renditions of "Hot Stuff" and "She Works Hard for the Money."
Matt Giraud tackled "Stayin` Alive" — an oh-so-appropriate song choice, given his last-minute save by judges last week. Cowell detected desperation in Giraud`s hard-working performance, while the rest of the panel praised his singing chops.
Cowell, as usual, saved his harshest criticism for Lil Rounds. The 24-year-old Memphis mom has spiraled downward on "Idol," transforming from a major frontrunner to an embattled bottom-dweller. Cowell derided Rounds` rousing cover of "I`m Every Woman" as copycat and "a mess."
Going a step further, he predicted "this is gonna be the last time we`re ever gonna see you."
Two finalists will get the boot on Wednesday`s results show. This time, judges won`t be able to save a singer from elimination, since they used up their one-time save option last week.
Bureau Report
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.