American Idol Season 8 - Say Goodbye To....

Di minggu ke 2 eliminasi, temanya adalah songs from the Grand Ole Opry.

"The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly country music radio program and concert broadcast live on WSM radio in Nashville, Tennessee, every Friday and Saturday night, as well as Tuesdays from March through December. It is the oldest continuous radio program in the United States, having been broadcast on WSM since October 5, 1925." -- from wikipedia

Untuk kali ini para peserta didampingi oleh Randy Travis.


Michael Sarver - Ain' Goin' Down (Til' The Sun Comes Up) by Garth Brooks
While the judges were impressed that he remembered all of them, they didn't think the song showcased his vocals well.

Allison Iraheta - Blame It On The Heart by Patty Loveless
The judges are impressed with how consistently good Allison is, and Kara even told her "You just keep getting better and better!" Simon's critique had a bit of everything, as he told her "You're rock solid; verging on precocious!"

Kris Allen - To Make You Feel My Love by Garth Brooks
He decided against using his guitar for the actual performance, and the judges were impressed. Simon said "I thought that was terrific," and Randy joked "Tender moments from my dawg, Kris."

Lil Rounds - Independence Day by Martina McBride
The judges felt that there were quite a few songs from the Grand Ole Opry that would have suited her better. They thought her vocals, however, were "spot on."

Adam Lambert - Ring Of Fire by Johnny Cash
Simon asked afterwards, "What the hell was that?" The other judges were impressed with his courage, and Kara said, "It was strange but I kind of liked it!"

Scott MacIntyre - Wild Angels by Martina McBride
Scott MacIntyre returned to perform at the Baby Grand piano. Paula said it was "another impressive, lovely performance," but also suggested that the piano might be becoming a "crutch" for him. Simon disagreed with that, but the judges agreed they need some more excitement from him.

Alexis Grace - Jolene by Dolly Parton
Although Paula liked her more vulnerable side, the other judges thought it was only fair. Kara said, "I think you lost your edge a bit."

Danny Gokey - Jesus, Take The Wheel by Carrie Underwood
Kara and Randy didn't love the first half of his rendition of "Jesus, Take The Wheel," but it was the same ol' Danny they love during the second half. Simon's only issue was with what he was wearing!

Anoop Desai - Always On My Mind
Anoop Desai was the biggest surprise of the evening. The judges were blown away by his performance. Paula declared "Anoop is back!" Simon told him he went "from zero to hero." Randy said this is why they wanted him in the competition, and Kara declared him the best of the night. Not one to be shy, when Ryan asked Anoop if he was surprised by the praise, he said "No!"

Megan Joy - Walkin' After Midnight
Megan Joy stunned the judges as well last night by performing with the flu! The judges loved her performance, and Simon even joked that she should get the flu every week.

Matt Giraud - So Small by Carrie Underwood
He performed it at the piano, and they couldn't say enough good things about his rendition. Simon said he outsang Danny, and Randy said it was his favorite performance of the evening.