Steel Kaleidoscopes

Adam Lambert's First Album

If "American Idol" executives did not have their say in the content of Adam Lambert's first album, there's a simple formula that could create the best-selling debut of all-time.

Release a cover album that touches all eras and genres.

And showcase Lambert's unique voice without the overproduced gobbledygook that has become standard for Idol winners and runner-ups that has stalled or derailed careers in an attempt to reach the lowest common denominator (see the talented Bo Bice and Blake Lewis as examples).

Here's what Lambert should cover and release:

In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel

Unchained Melody - Hy Zaret

Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley

Your Song - Elton John

For Crying Out Loud - Meat Loaf

A Day in the Life - The Beatles

My Way - Frank Sinatra

All Apologies - Nirvana

The Lucky One - Alison Krauss

Weekend in New England - Barry Manilow

Run to Me - Bee Gees

Child in Time - Deep Purple

Patience - Guns 'n' Roses

Lady - Styx

Thank You - Led Zeppelin

The Twelfth of Never - Johnny Mathis

Love Reign O'er Me - The Who

Vincent - Don McLean

Against All Odds - Phil Collins

Memo to the lucky handlers of Adam Lambert, who will sell more records than any Idol contestant once he's allowed to choose his own path: Consider the cover route and convert a skeptical audience who is too naive to see beyond the glitter, sexual orientation and glass-shattering shrill.

Covers, not Kara DioGuardi-penned schmaltz, will launch a career.

A vocalist like Lambert comes along once in a generation.

Don't screw up the first album.

American Idol: Finale

You like Queen better than James Taylor? Adam gets your vote. You prefer America over Guns 'n' Roses? Kris is your man. Musical taste has everything to do with the vote, not necessarily talent.  As for the final song, can we do away with the Idol-authorized crap-pop single? The Kara DioGuardi-penned schmaltz was awful and didn't help either singer. Here's the order of how the two finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all tonight:

1. Adam Lambert
The element of surprise is gone and he's cruising along, week after week. "Mad World" was strong once again, but not as emotional as the first time. What was with the Dracula look and ambiance? Muted percussion in the background was distracting. Blew out Sam Cooke with "A Change is Gonna Come" with strong use of dynamics and did the best he could with aforementioned third song. For pure singing talent, there has never been anyone better on the Idol stage. Amazing vocalist.
Odds of winning: 2-1

2. Kris Allen
Probably the best Idol was going to get to match up with Adam, although there's a chasm between the two. Pulled out his best with Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" and performed it admirably once again with patient, effective timing. Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On" was just OK. He did nothing special with it. Final song was below average, but he didn't have a lot to work with. Nice kid who will get the tween vote with their speed-dial fingers and could steal this thing.
Odds of winning: 5-1

American Idol: Final 3

This may be the best Final 3 since Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard and Kimberley Locke in Season 2. The winner this time depends on whether America has an appetite for pop, soul or rock. Here's the order of how the three finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all next week:

1. Adam Lambert
The front-runner all season long, and for good reason. It could be years before we see another singer like him. He's at his best when he tones it down, but that's not his style. Sings with a lot of emotion. "One" and "Cryin' " were superb, but the latter would have been better without the woman in the rafters singing with him.
Odds of winning: 2-1

2. Danny Gokey
Tough call, but "You Are So Beautiful" was perhaps his best effort to date and should earn him a trip to the finale. Nice to see Terence Trent D'Arby get some play ("Dance Little Sister"). Soulful singer who overcame some average weeks to stick around. Almost think he's going to lose his voice because he's so on the gravely edge.
Odds of winning: 20-1

3. Kris Allen (bye, bye)
Easily the most contemporary singer of the three, and his looks have taken him far. He's a bit boy-bandish, a bit country with a lot of Jason Mraz. Last night he added John Ondrasik to the comparisons. Nice work with "Apologize" and "Heartless," and it's the latter effort that makes this a difficult choice.
Odds of winning: 20-1

American Idol: Rock 'n' Roll

Did you ever think you'd hear Foghat on "American Idol"? Forget the Top 10 tour. Just send Adam and Allison on the road this summer. Here's the order of how the four finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all in two weeks:

1. Adam Lambert
Robert Plant is one of the all-time best rock vocalists and this version of "Whole Lotta Love" certainly drew comparisons. Difficult to arrange a long-playing classic rock song into two minutes. We're watching someone special.
Odds of winning: 1-1

2. Allison Iraheta
Note to Simon: Jefferson Airplane and Queen are quite different. Then there is Janis. Thought this was pretty good ("Cry Baby"), but somewhat forced. Melissa Etheridge sets the bar for Pearl covers, but duet probably keeps her safe.
Odds of winning: 20-1

3. Kris Allen (bye, bye)
Put in the most difficult slot by singing duet right before his solo effort of  "Come Together." Did a formidable job with Beatles classic, a song that's more difficult than it seems with tricky lyrics. The Simon comments hurt.
Odds of winning: 25-1

4. Danny Gokey
Deserves to go with horrific finish of "Dream On." Thought he did a good job until the final "notes," which had Howard Dean attributes. He'll never win this thing, but likable personality could earn him another week.
Odds of winning: 25-1

American Idol: Rat Pack

At least Jamie Foxx found a way to distance himself from his Miley Cyrus comments. Play nice and show you adore young singers. Here's the order of how the five finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all next month:

1. Adam Lambert
Who on this show has ever hit a note like the one he hit and held last night? No one. Another landmark performance with "Feeling Good," and opening stair descent showcased his star power. If you're judging this solely on the vocal, it's a lock.
Odds of winning: 1-1

2. Allison Iraheta
Thought this was her best performance to date. Delivered "Someone to Watch Over Me" with passion and emotion. Song choice suited her style well. Hard to believe the Birthday Girl is only 17. Simon's comments were off-base and plain wrong.
Odds of winning: 20-1

3. Danny Gokey
Another one who stepped up with a strong vocal, perhaps his best. Started out predictable and boring with "Come Rain or Come Shine," but his uptempo transition turned it into something special. Well done, and about time.
Odds of winning: 25-1

4. Kris Allen
Crisp buttery, flowing vocal with "The Way You Look Tonight." Perfect example of less is more. Thoughtful, reflective performance that has become his trademark. Can he step it up to get to the final? Tough to tell. Looked tired last night.
Odds of winning: 20-1

5. Matt Giraud (bye, bye)
Simon's praise was simply saving face for making the decision to bring him back. His version of "My Funny Valentine" was just OK. Thought it was off-key in spots and kind of boring. Strong note at end saved it, but someone has to go.
Odds of winning: 50-1

American Idol: Disco

Can we just please get down to the Top 5? Last week's save was ridiculous but producers wanted to use it before losing it. Silly. Here's the order of how the seven finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all next month:

1. Adam Lambert
Powerful use of dynamics and showed superb control and restraint with the Bee Gees' "If I Can't Have You." Emotional performance that honored original while making it fresh 30 years later. Terrific.
Odds of winning: 1-1

2. Allison Iraheta
Sultry, sexy opening few verses set her up for success, even though tempo switch was uneven at times. "Hot Stuff" was perhaps her best performance as it fit her style well. Old lady hairstyle seemed out of place.
Odds of winning: 17-1

3. Kris Allen
Thought the arrangement was over-calculated and mystifying. "She Works Hard for the Money" was a strange choice, but he did the Jason Mraz thing that got him here. Judges were generous with comments for a ho-hum performance.
Odds of winning: 17-1

4. Anoop Desai (bottom 3)
When he sang the opening ("Dim All the Lights") expectations were high but, as Simon pointed out, uptempo transition sullied effort. Thought this was pitchy and predictable. Pink and gray look was cool.
Odds of winning: 30-1

5. Matt Giraud (bye, bye)
Made the most of judges' generosity to keep him in Hollywood another week. "Stayin' Alive" was an appropriate choice and he sounded better than last week. Thought this was choppy in parts. He's no Blake Lewis.
Odds of winning: 50-1

6. Danny Gokey
He's getting tired sounding. Transitioning to more Taylor Hicks than Elvis Costello. The bad dance moves made it difficult to listen and "September" was hokey song choice for him. Awkward and clumsy indeed.
Odds of winning: 30-1

 7. Lil Rounds (bye, bye)
She's angry and must be wondering what has happened to her. "I'm Every Woman" is not a song to showcase vocals and she used the crowd banter as a crutch. The background singers were better. It's over.
Odds of winning: 50-1

American Idol: Songs of the Cinema

All the movie songs to choose from and Bryan Adams has two out of seven? Here's the order of how the seven finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all next month:

1. Adam Lambert
Need some caffeine with your sugar? The frontrunner found the need to go back to the flamboyancy approach with a high-powered, Ian Gillan-esqe "Born to Be Wild." This kid can sing whatever he wants. No one is close.
Odds of winning: 1-1

2. Kris Allen
His soft side is his strength and he did a credible job with "Falling Slowly." Add Donovan, Cat Stevens and Dave Matthews to the comparisons. Pop magazine-friendly face who will continue to gather votes.
Odds of winning: 15-1

3. Anoop Desai (bottom 3)
Another one who is at his best when he slows it down. "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" is a tough song to sing, but he delivered a smooth vocal with just the right amount of emotion. Well done.
Odds of winning: 25-1

4. Danny Gokey
Thought this was just OK. Sounded a little flat in parts, but his gravely voice and propensity to hit some powerful notes got him through. Losing the glasses another one of those AI fashion touches.
Odds of winning: 20-1

5. Allison Iraheta
She wasn't as good as the judges' comments, but it's those comments that will keep her out of the Bottom 3. Thought her version of "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" was choppy, uneven and an octave too low. Off night for her.
Odds of winning: 15-1

 6. Lil Rounds (bottom 3)
Shaky vocal on "The Rose," which is a song that should have revitalized her chances. Hard not to think of Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson and LaToya London at this stage, who were in a different league.
Odds of winning: 40-1

7. Matt Giraud (bye, bye)
Sounded like this was a rehearsal. Another Adams song ("Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman") that was just not memorable. Thought this was average and boring. The smoky jazz man is about to leave the building.
Odds of winning: 40-1

American Idol: Birth Years

If you rely on DVR to catch this, you missed Adam Lambert's landmark performance. Thankfully, there's YouTube. Here's the order of how the eight finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all next month:

1. Adam Lambert
Stop the competition. There's no one close to this kid. His vocal on Tears for Fears' "Mad World" was one of the best in eight seasons of AI. Terrific range and stage presence.  Start printing the gold records.
Odds of winning: 1-1

2. Allison Iraheta
Straightforward and workmanlike, but still better than most of the competition. Had trouble staying consistent throughout the song. Hit patches of sour notes here and there, but pulled it together.
Odds of winning: 15-1

3. Matt Giraud
Much, much better than last week. Singing Stevie Wonder is always a little dangerous but he did OK. Smoky jazzy approach, kind of cool. Thought he forced some of this and hit a few bad notes. He'll likely get another week.
Odds of winning: 35-1

4. Anoop Desai (bottom 3)
The yo-yo singer had a decent night. "True Colors" was a great song choice but he sang it an octave too low. Thought he should have been in a higher key, which he finally hit toward the end. So-so.
Odds of winning: 35-1

5. Scott MacIntyre (bottom 3)
Bad Top 40 hit (Survivor's "The Search is Over") so he started with trouble. Thought it was a hokey performance with the guitar, which seemed forced. He's best behind a piano. Average singer, at best.
Odds of winning: 35-1

6. Danny Gokey
Had a lot of hope for him a few weeks ago, but he seems to be losing his way. Just an OK performance. Thought it was flat and boring. And he's sounding more and more like Taylor Hicks.
Odds of winning: 20-1

7. Kris Allen
Terrible song choice (Don Henley's "All She Wants to Do Is Dance") and he dropped a few notches. He needs to stick with songs that showcase his vocals, which we found out last week are pretty good. Boring.
Odds of winning: 15-1

 8. Lil Rounds (bye, bye)
Talk about someone whose stock is falling. Weak Tina Turner impression that was pitchy and over the top. She's just not that good. With no kid to come up and hug Randy, she could be in trouble.
Odds of winning: 40-1

American Idol: Top iTune Downloads

This was like "From Dusk Till Dawn." It finished completely different than how it began. And Paula, open your eyes. Here's the order of how the nine finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all next month:

1. Kris Allen
Stepped up in a big way with superb song choice ("Ain't No Sunshine") and strong, confident delivery. Excellent vocal with smart use of timing and dynamics. When he's good, he's really good.
Odds of winning: 8-1

2. Danny Gokey
Finally breaks through with a performance reminiscent of how he auditioned. Took his time and simply sang without the corny stage antics. Reminds me of a cross between Elvis Costello and Ruben Studdard.
Odds of winning: 8-1

3. Adam Lambert
Tough to follow up the brilliance of last week and he chose to be self-indulgent and over the top. This kid can sing anything, but this performance was just crazy. Excellent singer who should win it if he learns less is more.
Odds of winning: 2-1

4. Scott MacIntyre
Another strong performance with a smart, retro song choice (Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are").  Solid singer-songwriter who will play out the next few weeks with his piano before he leaves us. Good, not great.
Odds of winning: 15-1

5. Allison Iraheta
Kelly Osbourne look-alike needs more polish. Tough to cover Gwen Stefani with Cyndi Lauper wardrobe. At times she sounded really good, but had trouble sustaining it. Rough patches hurt performance.
Odds of winning: 15-1

 6. Lil Rounds
Seems to have leveled off as just another average singer. The tears and sending her kid to Randy will earn her plenty of votes, but schmaltz only takes you so far. Thought she was over the top and disengaged.
Odds of winning: 15-1

7. Matt Giraud (bye, bye)
Designation to Bottom 3 last week hurt his confidence. Playing keyboard off stage in a crowd was an odd approach. Gravely, off-key and just plain boring and redundant. One of judges' early favorites hits hard times.
Odds of winning: 25-1

8. Anoop Desai (bottom 3)
Usher is tough to cover. It's not smart music to showcase your vocals. Thought this was flat and that he was fighting through it. Boring, drab and uncomfortable to watch. The clock is ticking...
Odds of winning: 25-1

9. Megan Joy Corkrey (bottom 3)
I really don't get it. If you were a casual viewer of AI and tuned in to this performance, you'd ask what the big deal was. Thought she sounded like a wounded parrot. Unique, for sure. But unique is not enough.
Odds of winning: 25-1

American Idol: Motown

Sanjaya was not the point when "American Idol" jumped the shark. It was the addition of Kara DioGuardi. The comments just take too damn long now. Here's the order of how the 10 finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all in May:

1. Adam Lambert
Polished look adds a legion of new fans who couldn't get past the hair and jewelry to recognize a great voice. His version of "Tracks of my Tears" will set the record for AI downloads. Miles ahead of everyone.
Odds of winning: 2-1

2. Allison Iraheta
Way, way better than last week. Could see her joining Sly and the Family Stone in a '70s era music festival. Good set of pipes when she finds the right song. Still not convinced she'll go far, but back in the hunt.
Odds of winning: 15-1

3. Danny Gokey
Needs to tone it down a bit and let his voice take center stage, not his physical antics. If I heard this on the radio, I would have thought it was the 1969 Rare Earth version. Better than average voice and one of the favorites.
Odds of winning: 8-1

4. Scott MacIntyre
Simon and Randy were unkind to him on a night when he sang his heart out. Finally exuded confidence with an "in it to win it" performance. Solid enunciation and showed passion, matching his pink pants.
Odds of winning: 15-1

5. Matt Giraud
Motown genre a perfect fit for his gravely, soulful voice. Cool version of Marvin Gaye classic ("Let's Get it On") with controlled, dynamic delivery. Is he more than a one-trick pony? Time will tell. Not convinced otherwise.
Odds of winning: 10-1

6. Anoop Desai
This kid makes me nervous. I feel at any moment he could turn into a disaster, yet for the second week in a row he works through his two minutes, singing softly and on key. Needs to show more confidence.
Odds of winning: 25-1

7. Kris Allen
Jason Mraz, he's not, but he's trying.  Thought he was just OK. Performance was kind of shaky and jumpy, and felt poppy and boorish. Tweener vote will keep him around, but he's not anything special.
Odds of winning: 15-1

8. Lil Rounds (bottom 3)

Did you really think she was going to screw up her chance on Motown night? Guess what? She did. Thought she was way over the top and over-sang song. Lots of shouting and forced vocals. Break out the Advil.
Odds of winning: 10-1

9. Michael Sarver (bye, bye)
Oil rig guy is Cinderella past midnight. Thought he could overcome an average voice by working the crowd. The campaigning is over, time to get to work. Likable guy who is ready to get back to his family.
Odds of winning: 35-1

10. Megan Joy Corkrey (bottom 3)
Perfect example of someone to watch with the sound down. Great-looking girl with a voice that borders on scary. Can't tell whether she's singing or talking. It's really just very, very odd. Puzzling.
Odds of winning: 35-1