Last week’s elimination was disappointing. Not because the show lost an inspirational figure who reminds us to fight the odds and continue shooting for the stars (false), but because this columnist has lost his weekly whipping boy, an overrated, overmatched goof who met his end far too late (true).
Allison Iraheta, 16 (Los Angeles)
This fiery youngster has emerged as the top female talent. Allison has been steadily improving and seems set to peak at the most opportune time. Watch out.
Turn up or tune out? The judges find mystery in Allison’s personality, and she has surely been an odd nut to crack thus far. But if she rounds into affable form, then this powerhouse could go far. Turn up.
Anoop Desai, 21 (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
Anoop picks up Scott MacIntyre’s flag for the not-all-that-talented big dreamers of the world. This Tar Heel fanatic has regressed from a likable, nerdish upstart to a cocky, humorless bore. At least his true colors now fly.
Turn up or tune out? This balladeer has crafted a sheltered niche for himself in the genre of gooey love songs, but when he strays, the joint starts stinking. This week will be his last. Tune out.
Adam Lambert, 26 (Los Angeles)
Whether or not Adam is your cup of tea, his flavor is unique. He radiates star power; he commands attention and rules the stage like no other performer. His eccentricity is not a drawback: Released from the viselike constraints of “Idol” mass marketing, Adam’s talent could be a ticking time bomb for rock superstardom.
Turn up or tune out? What I like most about Adam is his willingness to mix it up and try wacky arrangements. Unpredictability on “Idol”? That’s worth its weight in musical gold. Turn up.
Matt Giraud, 23 (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
Lest my praise for Adam grow too fawning, I need to quickly move on to the Scott Fuller Favorite, Mr. Giraud. Like the Chris Richardsons and Elliott Yamins before him, this bluesy soul man fits right into the category I call really good stuff, man. Like Democrats gaping at McCain supporters in the last election, sometimes I have to wonder what the other side is thinking.
Turn up or tune out? The curtains will soon be closing on this Michigan Music Man unless he starts bringing the house down. He has several more weeks before his time card gets punched. Turn up.
Lil Rounds, 23 (Memphis, Tenn.)
Once the belle of the “Idol” ball, Lil has faded from the front-runner ranks by offering week after week of sub-par performances. I can’t remember the last one that left me jazzed. Lil has true talent, but her execution is miserable.
Turn up or turn out? Viewers waiting for a dynamite Lil Rounds performance are like Chicago Cubs fans waiting for a World Series ring. Tune out.
Danny Gokey, 28 (Milwaukee)
Where have ye gone, Danny? Like Lil, Danny’s performances all lack that special sauce, leaving them a step shy of greatness. Save his soaring performance of Mariah Carey’s “Hero” many weeks back, Danny has left viewers wanting more. Luckily, his chops are potent enough to keep fans dialed in.
Turn up or tune out? Danny is blessed with an incredible voice that can’t be disguised even in his poorest efforts. He needs to ramp it up, though: A lesson from Adam in pizzazz and showmanship would be a welcomed boost. Turn up.
Kris Allen, 23 (Conway, Ark.)
Examiner readers have criticized me for focusing too much on Kris’ looks. OK. Let’s turn the lens to his mediocre-at-best singing voice. Kris’ bevy of musical talents is to be admired, but as a performer and star in the making, he is less than adequate. I have been wowed by only one of his performances; the rest have ranged from passable to forgettable.
Turn up or tune out? Rooting against Kris comes easily to me in a way in which I am yet to understand. All I know is that if this commoner is a soon-to-be star, then I am a soon-to-be Masters champion. Tune out.
Scott Fuller’s “Idol” Chatter runs every Tuesday. E-mail [email protected].
