i told you so (ai08: grand ole opry week)

Last week, Jorge Nunez and his eyebrows alongside with some girl finalist, were rightfully taken off the running for this year's season of American Idol. Now, the remaining hopefuls get to pay tribute to Country music. They are to perform songs done by members of the Grand Ole Opry, an elite group of performers whose artistry has been considered to be the finest representation of American country music. Season four American Idol champion Carrie Underwood was the most recent inductee of the society. Her latest single, I Told You So, is a cover of the Randy Travis classic. The latter appeared, emaciated, as the season's first guest mentor.

THE BEST

KRIS ALLEN / To Make You Feel My Love. Must love underdogs.That's all.

MEGAN JOY / Walkin' After Midnight. It was Megan's moment. Everything just fell into place for her - the week's theme, the perfect song choice that could showcase not only her unique, husky voice but her image as well, even her illness. I'm not quite sure if it made her sound better but it makes up for a good sob story anyway.

THE WORST

SCOTT MACINTYRE / Wild Angels. MacIntyre's performance was pretty decent but unless he does something totally new - anything besides sitting behind his piano while singing and unconsciously throwing off creepy vibes at the audience - he should go.

ADAM LAMBERT / Ring Of Fire. In the past, idol performances which border on theatrical, during a non-Broadway week, are usually called out as over-the-top by the judges. WTF changed? Anyway, this week Lambert makes a total fool of himself. Cowell was right as it was indeed an absolute indulgent rubbish. Johnny Cash is probably haunting his ass right now for that ridiculous performance.

MICHAEL SARVER / Ain't Going Down ('Til The Sun Comes Up). Who the hell is voting for this guy? Seriously, whoever you are, you need to stop.

THE REST

MATT GIRAUD / So Small. Matt was amazing. The lead to the performance's climax was perfectly executed, like the calm before a storm.

ANOOP DESAI / Always On My Mind. Jai Ho!

ALLISON IRAHETA / Blame It On My Heart. Here's a girl who can actually sing, has good stage presence, but has zero charisma.

ALEXIS GRACE / Jolene. Her performance was a bit dry, much like her hair that night. She reminded me of Christina Aguilera, pre-super bitch era.

LIL ROUNDS / Independence Day. Sing anything that Underwood has sung and you'll always end up sounding lame in comparison.

DANNY GOKEY / Jesus, Take The Wheel. The Gokey love, IDGI.