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Tonight’s theme is a kinda vague “Top Downloads” where the contestants are being asked to choose current songs that are popular downloads (in iTunes perhaps?).

In my opinion I think the theme is a bit lame and a poor effort so that AI songs will hit the top 10 in iTunes just like what happened with David Cook’s version of Always Be My Baby last year.

Anyhow, let’s get on with the recap (links will point you to their video performance):

1. Anoop Desai – Caught Up by Usher

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Anoop went back to a high-energy performance with his version of Caught Up. Too bad it wasn’t that great. It looked like an amateur singing in a variety show. He got no real love from the judges either with Simon saying “it’s an utter mess”.

2. Megan Joy – Turn Your Lights Down Low by Lauren Hill/Bob Marley

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Hmm I rather prefer her doing upbeat songs instead of a slow ones but she loves this song. Kara thinks Megan’s in trouble and that Marley’s the wrong choice for her. Paula suggests that she needs to do a serious ballad without her quirky movements.

3. Danny Gokey – What Hurts Most by Rascal Flatts

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Weird song choice but he sang it really well slowing it down this week. Simon applauded him saying that it was his best performance. Basically, all the judges were impressed.

4. Allison Iraheta – Don’t Speak by No Doubt

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I think the song fits her raspy voice and playing the guitar was a nice touch. There were some rough spots in the middle. Randy doesn’t like what she’s wearing and so does Kara. Simon says the outfit looks like something from the Addam’s Family. Hahaha.

5. Scott MacIntyre – Just The Way You Are by Billy Joel

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Egads! What did they do to his hair? Smart choice of song though playing with his piano without any back-up. Kara liked it and Simon says that it was his best performance. Randy says it was one of the best performance of the night.

6. Matt Giraud – You Found Me by The Fray

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Matt took it to the audience as he tries to redeem himself after being at the bottom 3 last week. It wasn’t that spectacular for me though and it was a bad choice. Didn’t work for Paula and the rest of the judges. Randy says he should’ve done One Republic.

7. Lil Rounds – Surrender by Celine Dion

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Sigh. Still a wrong choice from Lil although you can’t help to be impressed with her vocals. Judges want her to do Mary J. badly. Simon says it was a safe song and she should stop doing that. Poor Lil.

8. Adam Lambert – Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry

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Wow!!! Adam’s definitely the one to watch for every week. I love the arrangement on this one and can’t wait for a studio recording to come out. True genius says Paula comparing him to the likes of Mick Jagger and Steven Tyler. Randy says he’s in the “star” zone.

9. Kris Allen – Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers

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Kris whipped out the keyboards this time along with a string quartet nearby and what a great version it was. What a way to close out the show. Randy says it was creative. Kara said his performance was artistry. Simon says the arrangement was very clever.

Prediction:

It was quite an enjoyable night with the best performances coming from Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey. Their studio recording would be awesome as well. Maybe Allison’s too.

The 3 worst performance goes to Anoop Desai, Megan Joy and Matt Giraud and I have a feeling that they will make up the bottom 3.

I would say the one would be going home tomorrow night is Anoop. No.. it’s Megan Joy. Err… it’s a close call between them two.

As usual, audio clips are courtesy of Rickey and the video clips are from MJ.

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• American Idol Top 13 Recaps and Prediction
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Filed under: American Idol