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Gokey Steps Up as Foxx Joins “American Idol” Rat Pack Week

4/29/09, 8:46 am EST

Photo: Micelotta/FOX

Quentin Tarantino may have met his match in this season’s “most animated American Idol mentor” department (nobody can touch Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “chorus girl” performance from Season Seven). Last night Jamie Foxx dropped by the Idol mansion to guide the five remaining singers through standards made famous by the Rat Pack era. Though at first, Kris Allen wasn’t sure who would be up to the task: “The theme is the Rat Pack, so all those people are … dead” he said, immediately losing the over-60 vote. Though Idol’s reasons for picking Foxx were suspect (he played Ray, he isn’t Ray) — “Like the Rat Pack, Jamie Foxx has been able to transcend the boundaries of the entertainment industry,” intoned Ryan Seacrest — his appearance was refreshing, especially when he kicked things off by admitting he wasn’t expecting to like everyone. So who did Rock Daily and the judges like?

• While the four other singers played it straight, Adam Lambert grabbed Muse’s version of “Feeling Good” and capped it with an insane note that had the judges jazzed and comparing him to Michael Phelps (well, OK, that was Paula). Kara DioGuardi called him “shocking in a good way” and for some reason “sleazy,” and Simon Cowell praised his trip down the giant white staircase as the “best entrance of the year.”

• Danny Gokey was a close second with a rendition of “Come Rain or Come Shine” that went over well with Jamie Foxx (who praised Gokey’s fresh breath when he sang directly into his face) and everyone else with a serious dynamic shift that brought the tune to new heights.

• Jamie Foxx loved Kris Allen so much, he offered to work with him on the spot. Allen’s “The Way You Look Tonight” was subtle and sexy, so Simon appropriately called it “wet.”

• Allison Iraheta is 17 now, but still sounds like she’s 47. Her “Someone to Watch Over Me” was killer, but even though Randy says she sings “like Pink with 9,000 more octaves,” Simon’s concerned her time might be up. That would truly suck, as next to Lambert, Iraheta is this season’s most reliably entertaining hopeful.

• Matt Giraud seemed prime to kill “My Funny Valentine” — he studied jazz in college, he was waiting for this week — but even though Jamie Foxx insisted he change the key, the judges didn’t love it … except for Simon, who called it “believable, authentic” and even compared Matt’s phrasing to the great Nat King Cole.

Idol Bonus! Anoop Desai and Lil Rounds stopped by the RS offices yesterday, so check back later today for our interview with the last two eliminated singers.


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Comments

yvonne | 4/29/2009, 9:05 am EST

Adam lambert is the BOMB in all the years watching he has been the best you never know what he will sing & look like- Way better than Cook and i was a COOK fan big time

Lambda Tamer | 4/29/2009, 9:10 am EST

Adam Lambert FTW

Foozie | 4/29/2009, 9:13 am EST

Chris Daughtry twittered that Kris Allen was his favorite tonight.

blazak | 4/29/2009, 9:18 am EST

Adam Lambert is the first Idol contestant who’s CD I will actually buy!

Adamaniac | 4/29/2009, 9:18 am EST

I think that Allison’s time may be running short because her performance wasn’t as memorable as Adam’s, Danny’s, and Kris’s. Adam’s performances are pretty much guaranteed to be memorable, Danny really stepped it up a notch with his vocals and stage presence, and Kris was sweet, sexy, and got huge praises from Jamie (Notice I don’t even mention Matt as I assume/hope he is finally going home tonight.)I think Allison will slip by this week, but if she doesn’t step it up next week, we will see 3 guys in the Top 3. She’ll still get a record deal anyway.

DMG | 4/29/2009, 10:02 am EST

There are many Kris and Matt’s in the music world right now. Yawn. And I just may be missing something, but I thought Allison was fabulous last night. It must be personal taste cause I mostly disagree with the judges critisizm of her. I absolutley love Danny’s voice and what more can be said about Adam.

Ted | 4/29/2009, 10:30 am EST

Can it be any more obvious that the fix is in for Glambert? Week after week, he’s slotted in the coveted last or second-last position–he’s never in the dreaded first timeslot. The judges gush superlatives over every over-the-top drama queen move he makes, while ignoring his glaring faults. He gets his choreographed entrances on the grand illuminated staircase, special lighting, special graphics, a fog machine, and damned near every other effect Fox can conjure up to make him look like he’s starring in a Hollywood blockbuster.

Gokey and others are “karaoke?” Might help if the producers gave them lighting and production values better than you’d expect to see in a karaoke bar…

me | 4/29/2009, 10:38 am EST

Adam Lambert is a copy cat cabaret singer- he is not original at all- Boring theatrics and overstated emotion that is not believable- he is the worst.

dkNewJersey | 4/29/2009, 10:43 am EST

I absolutely love Adam & Danny. They both have their own styles, so I don’t really like one better than the other. But, I do think that Adam is going to win it all & hopefully, Danny will be the runner up!! Either way, they are both fantastic & I can’t wait each week to watch!!

Ivan | 4/29/2009, 10:45 am EST

For those of you who think that Adam is cabaret – you must be very new to the music world. He’s the very best that this talent show has ever had/seen. I truly hope that America gets it right and he wins. It will be a huge huge disappointment for the show if he doesn’t take the title. I would guarentee it will lose popularity if the best man does not win.

BK | 4/29/2009, 11:01 am EST

Adam Lambert is good, but he ripps off everything he sings. The dude would be great for Broadway, but I don’t think that he could put out a record of original material.

Idol is so boring this season. They need to stop the show for five years and let the talent grow up a bit.

Glambert | 4/29/2009, 11:22 am EST

Finally, Matt Giraud goes home tonight! Hooray!

Renata | 4/29/2009, 11:42 am EST

There’s no contestant in AI history like Adam. He’s the best, he’s WAYYYYY over the other contestants, he’s a genius. I love Danny, but Adam is in a league of his own.

arggie | 4/29/2009, 12:08 pm EST

Adam is a cross between Ethel Merman and Joanne Worley (laugh-in). He is BROADAY, SAN FRANCISCO and a big time show queen. Even his rat pack selection was a show tune. Now what’s up with Kris always getting the worst slots??? He’s got it all by a mile. And Allison is not only super talented, she is a living doll.

Helen | 4/29/2009, 12:21 pm EST

Really?? Matt should NOT go home tonight. He was amazing! He was the only one who took a risk! I liked Adam at first but now is becoming annoying since he has realized he is going to win; now all he has to do is show up.(Lame) Order; Kris voted off tonight; Danny Next week (He sounds the same in every song he sings!)Alison will be in the top 3 and if this was a singing contest it would be Matt and Adam in the finals!!

ARM | 4/29/2009, 12:33 pm EST

It will be Kris – if counted right

lewboy | 4/29/2009, 12:45 pm EST

I Wish the producers would move all the screaming girls to the back.They annoy me more than Paula’s dancing and Simon’s T-shirts.

mike | 4/29/2009, 12:47 pm EST

They are all good singers, and they did the Rat Pack thing fine, but that’s not what their singing careers will be about. I do wish them all well, but Adam is going to be one of the great popular artists of our time. We have only just tapped into a fraction of his talent. I have never watched Idol until someone played Mad World for me. Just stunning, unbelievable, memorable. I have played it a hundred times and it gets better every time. Downloaded all of his songs. Huge talent!

ellen | 4/29/2009, 1:56 pm EST

I just watched some clips of the Zodiak show and Adam, including Adam’s original song. The thought has occured to me that perhaps the over the top music of the Zodiak is going to be discovered with Adam on American Idol. I am old enought to remember many bands and musicians that came from the underground into the mainstream. There are many comments Adam is too theatrical and over the top, anybody remember Alice Cooper, Boy George, Kiss? At 58 I prefer Adam because he reminds me of the artists from my era. Mic Jagger could be just a wee bit over the top…and I loved every minute of Jagger’s strut.

sheron | 4/29/2009, 2:12 pm EST

DANNY is the bomb he is soooo hot and his voice is awesome.I hope he wins and ADAM is runner up.

Moi | 4/29/2009, 2:17 pm EST

“Adam is a cross between Ethel Merman and Joanne Worley”: ROFL!!!!
My Take: Adam, best singer, by far; will be a big success.
#2: Allison: also a remarkable talent; she was outstanding last night. Simon is an idiot. I think she’ll make it very big as she matures.
Kris: cute, but I don’t get all the hype. An OK singer, but nothing magic.
Danny: Yawn
Matt: Ick.

Brian Gallagher | 4/29/2009, 3:24 pm EST

Adam is just plain exciting. The Adam haters on here can`t deny his performances are hard not to watch. Say all the negative things you want but I bet they are watching every move he`s making. He is compelling and he sings his ass off. Isn`t that the desired effect of an “Idol”. The dude is cool ….own it.

Anonymous | 4/29/2009, 3:41 pm EST

“Chris Daughtry twittered that Kris Allen was his favorite tonight.”

Yea since america cares what daughtry thinks. he should stick to what he does best – making 4th rate nickelback music and singing with a bad goat vibrato.

mike | 4/29/2009, 3:41 pm EST

“Chris Daughtry twittered that Kris Allen was his favorite tonight.”

Yea since america cares what daughtry thinks. he should stick to what he does best – making 4th rate nickelback music and singing with a bad goat vibrato.

NICK | 4/29/2009, 3:50 pm EST

I thought Alison was the best last night, how does anyone think Matt was good last night, he used to be my faviourt but the last few weeks he really has faded fast in the background

GO ALISON; SHE’S MY FAVIOURT

DSG | 4/29/2009, 5:33 pm EST

Adam is awesome…Kris is boring and Danny is too predictable. I think Matt has a much better voice and style than Danny or Kris!

Debby Jo | 4/29/2009, 8:03 pm EST

I agree with Paula Abdul, Danny Gookey has the sexist voice ever. I know if he put out a record I would buy it. His voice is sultry and sexy. I love his raspy sounds and I think he is the next Harry Connick Jr. As for Adam, he imitates Queen (no pun intended) and he belongs in San Fran or Broadway. Adam will end up in a park somewhere just like George Michael.

sofasu | 4/29/2009, 8:18 pm EST

Adam does productions while the rest sing…..don’t watch, just close your eyes and listen. Adam is not the person that would make a cd I would listen to…I can’t take the screaming…AND…I would like to hear the melody occasionally. Go Danny & Allison.

JD | 4/29/2009, 8:44 pm EST

If Jamie sings “Blame It” tonight, I hope for the love of god T-Pain doesn’t show up. We already had that hack Flo Rida perform on the show just two weeks ago. The musical guests should always be actual singers with good voices without resorting to autotone.

Glambert | 4/29/2009, 11:33 pm EST

Man, that Matt Giraud was annoying, but I don’t know why.

he had the vocal chops but he was too douchey.

C-YA

doodles | 4/30/2009, 1:07 am EST

Adam Lambert is the 21st century Elvis even the smirk. Of any he would be my pick but I think Danny will win.

Lisa | 4/30/2009, 2:55 am EST

It is so interesting how some people (including me) are attracted to Danny – the sound of his voice, his cute hair/glasses/boyish grin etc., his “proud to be a regular guy from Wisconsin trying to make it in Showbiz” attitude which is wrapped in the confidence he earned through 8 years on a church stage and all tied up with his deep faith and love of God that actually fuels the real heat in his singing… and others are not only not attracted but really do not get him at all and in fact cannot stand him. Very interesting to see the different attitude and preference streams in the American public as brought out by American Idol. Lots of fun.

yoyoyo | 4/30/2009, 3:32 am EST

Kris …subtle,sexy,silky a musicians singer,def in the groove

Alison..raw, emotive, controlled vocal that showcased her serious chops

Matt…attempting to try too much without the vocal ..as always …to back it up

Danny ..the always dependable Danny decides to step it up and bring bit of showmanship to the stage

Adam…the talented love’em or hate’em guy starts off nice and listenable then mutates to his usual Rocky Horror Picture Show Rif Raf screaming, over the top drag queen theatrics

Have to agree that Simon and the producers are playing thier same old games giving thier favs the closing pimp spots and having Simon tell us who should stay or go instead of just judging the performance. With such a talented top four it now comes down subtraction and addition..Matts gone and his fans votes are going to go somewhere and I am thinking despite the rock’n roll theme next week right up his alley, Adam benifits the least from any of the remaining singers leaving and may pull a Doolittle and be leaving before the Kodiak showdown.

little sister | 4/30/2009, 10:03 am EST

VOTE VOTE VOTE FOR ADAM OR WE’LL LOSE HIM!!!!!

I was worried that this bottom 2 would happen, because I had no trouble getting through and voting, which meant that Adam’s fans were not voting for him thinking he was safe!!!!!

I’m not too sure that the show isn’t manipulated for stimulating more viewers, but I am sure that Adam is the best ever on Idol, and if he doesn’t win, something is terribly wrong, and I won’t be watching Idol anymore, period!!!!!

Karie | 4/30/2009, 11:18 am EST

Adam is the most talented, by far. The most talented does not always win. Allison has the support of the judges who want her in the final (they relentlessly pimp her since day 1–will it ever stop?), Gokey has the Christian vote–ADAM NEEDS YOUR VOTES! While I don’t completely believe that he was actually in the bottom 2 vote-wise,we cannot take chances. He is the obvious most-talented, but is now the underdog, sadly. I think there is producer fiangling going on a well to keep it competitve for viewership. UGH! IDOL sucks.

Beverly | 4/30/2009, 12:03 pm EST

Adam you are New Age.. don”t stop doing what you do.. you are truly a breath of fresh air.. and a change is so need in this business…dare to be different… and you are.. much success in life … we all will be watching…

Gloria RK | 4/30/2009, 12:34 pm EST

I thought it was terrible that Adam would be placed in a position to choose what side he should be on – embarrassing, I thought.

patty | 4/30/2009, 1:00 pm EST

i think danny is what an american idol portrays voice and whole package goose bumps when he sings he just seems so humblelove him great and best performance last night

momma57 | 4/30/2009, 2:02 pm EST

Adam, by far, has the total package – vocals, charisma, stage presence, flawless and above all, he draws you in to every performance and captivates you. I predict he will make great cds and I can’t wait to buy them. As for Idol, he should get the title, but hey, this is America,will they get it right this time???

Mother of 4 | 4/30/2009, 2:05 pm EST

Can safely say that the week Adam goes (if that should happen, especially after last night) here’s one person who will be tuning away from IDOL. He’s what keeps me changing the channel every week – him and only him. Adam you’re already a STAR in your own right.

momma57 | 4/30/2009, 2:08 pm EST

Adam, by far, has the total package – vocals, charisma, stage presence, flawless and above all, he draws you in to every performance and captivates you. I predict he will make great cds and I can’t wait to buy them. As for Idol, he should get the title, but hey, this is America,will they get it right this time??? I certainly hope so because he’s the only reason I tune in every week and I do want to continue tuning in.

hmz | 4/30/2009, 2:31 pm EST

adam always shocks you and his arrangements are amazing but now dannys consistency is putting him in danger i think its between these two

Danny | 4/30/2009, 2:41 pm EST

Danny stole the show tonight. His voice quality, control, creativity and passion was far better than any of the others.

LPN | 4/30/2009, 3:09 pm EST

My only real concern about Adam is that hebis a stage artist, not a recording artist. I can’t stop watching him – partly due to brilliance and partly curiosity, like a car crash that you can’t turn away. But would I go and buy his CD? no way. He’s just too over the top to be enjoyable musically for me, no matter how exceptional his vocal talent is.

Danny, Kris and Allison are all incredibly talented and LIStENABLE … Not only could I see myself buying their CDs but also singlng along. at the end of the day Sony want to sell records.

Jussie | 4/30/2009, 3:23 pm EST

They all sound just okay, nothing special, very ordinary and then Adam sings and blows them all out of the water. He actually has a voice. BUT remember Melinda Doolittle with her great voice and she didn’t make it to the end. Please be sure to vote for Adam if you like him, don’t assume he will win without our votes

Rebecca McCage | 4/30/2009, 5:51 pm EST

I started watching Idol about 6 weeks ago by accident. From the start Adam Lambert just blows me away. He is just incredible, and for all you folks who criticize; he does not scream, but has terrific voice pitch. He sings the slow melody songs better than anyone I have ever heard; did you hear “Tears of a Clown”. He is amazing, I get chills and cry everytime he belts out or sings a melody. I will not watch Idol anymore if he does not win, because I will know it is rigged.

Jean Howard | 4/30/2009, 7:14 pm EST

I think Adam is the best singer on the show this season. Unbelieveable that he was in the bottom. Danny is also very good. I see those two in the finals. It doesn’t matter which one wins as they will both go far as the two Davids did last season.
I can’t wait every Tuesday to see what Adam will do. He is just amazing and always exciting to watch. Never a dull moment with him. So good luck to Adam! He is the best.

sharon | 5/1/2009, 9:17 pm EST

I don’t get the Adam critics. What show are some of you watching? I have watch Season 1 the finale, Season 2 same, 3 Couldn’t stand Fantasia’s voice so turned off TV runner up was real talent. She got ripped off. Season 4 Bo was incredible and opened door for Chris D and others who would have been voted off at beginning. Season’s 5-7 were boring, Dave Cook very good some nights but this year is incredible. Adam blows everyone away. I can’t stand to here people who don’t know music anyway say he shreiks. Are they kidding me. He is a musical genius and will be so famous making Danny, Kris and rest forgetable.

sharon | 5/1/2009, 9:30 pm EST

I forgot to mention Kris is so over rated but a sweetheart. Allison too young not ready for big time. Danny had only one really good performance – this week. However, he has no real Star quality or personality. He will sell records first year then bomb.
Matt should have gone two weeks ago. Adam is mature and never argues with judges ever..so poised and confident. He knocked my socks off after ‘Tracks of My Tears’ and has every week since. A real true star brings out emotions that we didn’t think we had. I cried during “If I Can’t Have You.” I wished song was longer on show. There is no way he was in bottom three. I think the producers pulled a fast one, Probably because Adam has consistently received over 6 percent of votes every week they decided to spice up the show by putting him in bottom 3. You know Ryan never said, that Adam was in bottom 2 only that Kris was safe. I wish they would be upfront just once and let us know the real true results. By the way I have never lilke Mr. Arrogant, Chris D. he acted like a spoiled child when he was voted off. 19 entertainment invested millions of dollars to promote him and I couldn stand to hear him sing even on show. Never bought his CD. The only CD’s I have bought are Bo Bice’s esp his singles and his 2nd album and I will buy all of Adam’s.

sharon | 5/1/2009, 9:36 pm EST

WILL SOMEONE EXPLAIN HOW THE IDOL DIAL WORKS? HOW CAN THAT BE LEGAL. I HEARD DANNY FANS HAVE BEEN USING IT EVERY WEEK. IT’S CAPABLE OF DIALING 10K X EVERY 15 MIN. HUH? THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE. BUT SUPPOSEDLY THAT IS HOW DANNY IS ALWAYS IN TOP GROUP. WHY DON’T OTHER FANS USE IT.

Kris | 5/2/2009, 4:50 pm EST

Adam Lambert is amazing. He is the most gifted singer and entertainer I have ever seen. Wednesday night should be an embarrassment to AI. Interestingly, Adam Lambert’s “Feeling Good” led all Google searches Tuesday night, even beating out “swine flu”.
Now, either all the Adam voters didn’t vote because they were crusing the internet to watch “Feeling Good” again, or Wednesday night was a ratings stunt. Either way, it was reminiscent of “The Jerry Springer Show”. Very tacky, tasteless and cruel regardless of which contestant had to endure it.

OMG | 5/2/2009, 7:33 pm EST

Having read all of the previous comments about Adam, I note that not ONE has commented on his vocal talent. His voice is INCREDIBLY pure…never cracks, never off pitch. He IS the whole package. Anyone that can hold a note for that long and STILL have the control afterwards to do a slow downward is amazingly talented and trained.

I just do not understand why he is not a star already. Week after week, I shake my head at the TV and ask why aren’t you already big? Where has he been?

I can honestly say that if Adam went on tour right now (by himself), I would be willing to pay $85 to $100 to see him in concert.

Danny…..second.

Allison….third.

Mary | 5/3/2009, 12:48 pm EST

Danny may have some of the Christian votes, but he doesn’t have this one. VOTE FOR ADAM!

Phoebes | 5/4/2009, 4:02 am EST

Adam is the most interesting AI contestant ever. I think a lot of people reiterates whatever Simon had said before that he’s “theatrical” without carefully listening when Adam sings. Those people are like sheep. Adam is the best singer and the best performer ever to graced AI’s stage. End of story.

Cathy | 5/4/2009, 4:09 am EST

Adam rocks. We love you Adam. Please ignore those people who don’t like U just because you’re “theatrical”. You have an awesome voice & you bring joy, love and fun to a lot of people every Tuesday night. We couldn’t wait to hear you sing. Love ya love ya love ya…

Dmitry | 5/4/2009, 5:13 pm EST

Adam is the World’s Idol even if it happens that America hasn’t grown a pair of … to vote for an artist who is not a coockie cutter karaoke singer. All I/we in the rest of the world want him to remain a true artist/enterntainer he’s been so far on this show. Best contestant ever and America should be proud of presenting him to us.

Best from London,

Margaret | 5/21/2009, 9:14 am EST

Adam Lambert, will be a super star, he is the next Elvis. Fantastic, bravo Adam

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