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We’re down to the final 3 contestants and for tonight, each of the three will perform two songs, one chosen by the judges and the other one will be a choice of their own.

Read on for a recap on how each performance went (link points to their video):

1. Danny Gokey – Dance Little Sister Dance by Terence D’arby

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Paula chose this song for Danny because he has this “magical quality” in his voice that heard in Terence D’arby. And Danny’s reaction? He doesn’t know it. Hehehe.

I’m not familiar with the song either but Danny did what he does best with that throaty, raspy voice of his. The “doot doo doo” thingy with the solo sax didn’t fit for me though.

It was dope for Randy with all his energy and hoarse-sounding voice. Kara liked the choice by Paula but the performance especially Danny’s gyrating was forgettable for her. Paula thought he did really good with his moves on stage. Simon reminded the two girls that it’s a singing competition and not a funny dancing show (referring to Randy’s America’s Best Dance Crew). He says that the dancing was a bit desperate and he didn’t like the saxophone solo either.

2. Kris Allen – Apologize by One Republic

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Wow, a popular song for Kris picked by Randy and Kara. Randy chose the song because it will be a big moment for Kris and Kara says it’s dark and melodic and expects a nice interpretation from him.

Kris is on the piano for this one and his voice really suits the song but he didn’t do much with it. Not what I expected from him but it was still nice.

Just a simple nice from Randy. A safe one from Kara who’s really expecting something really different. She wants him to take more chances. Paula seems to be agreeing with Kara. Simon says it was a competent version of the original and says that Kara and Randy should make the arrangement for Kris if they wanted a different interpretation.

3. Adam Lambert – One by U2

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Simon chose this song for Adam saying it’s one of his favorite song and even asked permission from Bono to let Adam sing it. Way to go Simon! Nice pick!

It started with a spotlight on Adam singing at the center of the stage with only a piano on the side. The start was amazing and honest until he had to do that wail of his again. It’s still a beautiful and honest performance from him and the judges loved it.

Randy says he’s still in the zone but is not sure if he love it that much. Kara says his version was unbelievable. Paula says it was a brilliant song and a superb performance. Simon prided himself for choosing the song and expects him to be in the finals next week.

4. Danny Gokey – You Are So Beautiful by Joe Crocker

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Danny chose a slow, old song this time around but with his own arrangement. The string quartet was a nice touch and what a nice ending for the song.

Randy was impressed with his mad vocals. Kara says it was simply stunning. Paula absolutely loved it and it left her breathless saying it was a beautiful, beautiful performance. Simon loved the song but is not a fan of the arrangement and instead, called his performance a vocal master class.

5. Kris Allen – Heartless by Kanye West

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Kris on a Kanye West song?!? Expect something different and cool done with it. It really kicked ass as he sang it with his guitar. You should really check it out. Amazing!

Randy liked it so much that he likes it more than The Fray’s or even Kanye’s version. Kara’s wondering why Kris didn’t do it with Apologize. His performance was bold, brave and fearless. Paula says that this type of performance is what keeps him relevant. Simon thought it was a lame song choice at first and had already written him out of the competition but everything changed after his performance.

6. Adam Lambert – Cryin’ by Aerosmith

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Adam chose Cryin’ by Aerosmith and said that he didn’t twist it up so much. I think his shrill wail fits Steven Tyler’s voice. The back-up singers ruined the song for me. Adam didn’t need them. Not his best performance but still great nonetheless.

Randy loves him as a rock star and likes this more than his first performance. Kara can’t believe Adam’s hitting those high notes. Paula says he already set the bar so high. Simon is pimping Adam saying that people should vote for him. The judges are expecting him back next week.

Prediction:

It’s hard to predict who’s going home tomorrow night. All three did so well tonight but it was Kris’ Heartless and Adam’s One that left an impression for me. But we have to remember that Danny was the only one who didn’t get to the bottom 3 this season, he has too many fans to be written off easily.

Even though I like Kris and all his crazy and wonderful arrangements, he is still the weakest among the three in terms of fan support so it’s probably him who’s going him tomorrow night.

Who’s your guess?

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

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• American Idol 8 Top 7 Recap and Prediction
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• American Idol 8 Top 7 Recap and Prediction Take 2
• American Idol 10 Top 6 Recap and Prediction

Filed under: American Idol