I have NBA Playoff Fever. Perhaps its because Lebron James may finally bring a trophy home to my championship-thirsty hometown of Cleveland, but my mind is dizzy with thoughts of squeaky sneakers, rippled twine, bounce passes, rattled rims and swatted shots.
It’s crunch time in “Idol” land, too. The show “made history” last week by saving Scott Fuller Favorite Matt Giraud — meaning two poor-performing hopefuls will be shown the exit Wednesday. And like their taller and more freakishly athletic counterparts, these elite singers aren’t on equal footing: Some are high fliers, and some are low rollers.
It’s crunch time. Who is fit to fight for the title?
Adam Lambert, 26 (Los Angeles)
If Quentin Tarantino proclaims you a rock star, it is so. (I suppose.) Tarantino nailed it: Adam is unpredictable. During Disco Week, this flamboyant force should glimmer like a many-mirrored ball. SLAM DUNK!
Kris Allen, 23 (Conway, Ark.)
Congratulations to Kris: I hereby crown thee the most overrated act in this competition. I am not sure whose ballots are keeping this bore afloat, but these voters are out of touch … with the good sense God gave them. Kris is as memorable as a houseplant, as electric as a wet towel. When he performs, I find myself aching to know what’s showing on Book TV.
DUNKING BOOTH
Allison Iraheta, 16 (Los Angeles)
Simon called Allison the best hope left for the ladies — which sounds like a compliment until you remember that Lil is the only other woman left. So, really, he might as well have told Lil that she stinks. Allison, meanwhile, is cruising by on solid vocals and successful performances. Nothing too flashy: Perhaps she is saving her brightest fireworks for the grand finale. SLAM DUNK!
Lil Rounds, 23 (Memphis, Tenn.)
Lil Rounds has been Plain Jane for a month now. Where went the pizzaz? Where went the spunk? Where went the soul? Where went the buzz? Lil has been walking on thin ice, and the cracks are forming quickly. Though Lil has the pipes and punch that should lend well to Disco Week, her run likely ends here.
DUNKING BOOTH
Danny Gokey, 28 (Milwaukee)
Danny is getting a pass because some of his hapless competitors are several tools short of a workbench. Still, as the going gets tough, the tough needs to stop singing such boring songs. Danny shot out of the gate but his car is losing gas, fast. His charm is waning; his edge is softening; his flavor has dulled. Danny may have a couple weeks’ cushion, but with the judges’ safety net removed, this talented chap needs to bring his A-game and be extra careful. SLAM DUNK!
Anoop Desai, 21 (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
Once a fan favorite, Anoop has either slid to the bottom rung or reached his top floor, depending on your perspective. Needless to say, this affable crooner has milked the slow jam for every last drop. With a week of up-tempo ditties on the docket, he is in for yet another embarrassing showing. If you hold stock in Anoop, sell. Fast. He’s a goner.
DUNKING BOOTH
Matt Giraud, 23 (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
Now riding the euphoric wave of survival, the Scott Fuller Favorite has looked “Idol” death in the face and laughed. (Well, he cried actually, but he lived to battle on.) I sense a disturbance in the Force; I sense Big Momentum slowly altering his stubborn course. Can this dueling piano player from the Midwest parlay his near-elimination experience into “Idol” riches? It seems unlikely, but my heart is bold, and I root, root, root for the scrappy underdog. SLAM DUNK!
Scott Fuller’s Idol Chatter runs every Tuesday. E-mail [email protected].
On TV
“American Idol”
» 8 to 9 p.m. today, Fox
The remaining seven singers perform in a disco-themed week.
» 9 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Fox
Two finalists will be eliminated in a results episode.
