This just in:
Adam Lambert did not put on our favorite American Idol performance this week. For the first time all season, another finalist showed creative range equal with the eventual, surefire champion.
While Lambert was his typically creative, talented self – the singer performed “If I Can’t Have You,” slowing it down as a ballad emitting perfect pitch and emotion – Kris Allen also struck an original chord.
He sang Donna Summer’s “She Works Hard for the Money,” also taking it slow, armed with an acoustic guitar a Tracy Chapman-like sound. Kara DioGuardi echoed our thoughts when she told Kris: “You took a real risk… and it paid off big time.”
Our other two top performances from the night were:
- Allison Iraheta, who chose the Donna Summer song, “Hot Stuff,” changed up the arrangement and, once again, belted out a classic like a veteran star, as opposed to the 16-year old she is.
- Danny Gokey did his usual (impressive) thing with a sultry version on Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.” Kara called him “an incredible vocalist.
Who was your favorite finalist this week? Click on the pics below for a closer look at each…