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