
Kris Allen is more than all right. The guy is outta sight.
The Arkansas cutie took a classic song -- "Ain't No Sunshine" -- and made it creative and contemporary. He started off softly and then rocked it up. It was the definite hit on an otherwise ho-hum night of performances. Oh sure, the premise of Tuesday's show sounded promising. The nine finalists got to choose songs from the most popular downloads on iTunes. Ultimately, though, only a few really stepped up. And, sadly, some of my favorites appear to be struggling.
So, let's get down to "Idol" business and run through the performances.
Anoop Desai -- Anoop went back to his R&B groove and sang "Caught Up" by Usher. It didn't score points for originality but, overall, I thought it was OK. However, Randy thought Anoop picked the wrong song, and Simon called it a mess. It was not Anoop's best moment, but I don't know that it will be enough to send him off the show. He may land in the bottom three in the results, though.
Megan Joy -- Speaking of someone who should be in the bottom three -- actually, I will take that further -- speaking of someone who should be off the show, that would be one Megan Joy. Seriously. I have been willing to give the hippie chick a chance, but not after tonight. It seems as if she has tried all sorts of musical genres and has come up short with that baffling voice of hers. I am struggling to think of a song of hers I have enjoyed. It sure wasn't tonight's Bob Marley/Lauryn Hill song "Turn Your Lights Down Low." The judges didn't like the song choice, and Kara told Megan she may be in trouble on the show. I agree. Here's the thing; Megan is beautiful and appears to glow under those showbiz lights of the "Idol" stage. But the problem is that her voice doesn't shine on the show.
Danny Gokey -- I was amused when Danny said he wanted to tone down his performance this week and chose "What Hurts The Most" by Rascal Flatts. Did it seem that toned down to you? Because it sure didn't for me. I guess by "toned down" Danny meant that the song was soft enough in places where you could hear the violin. Anyhow, it still sounded as loud as Danny's usual performances, although it would have been nicer to see a softer side from him. Don't get me wrong, I liked the performance overall but just once I would like to see Danny bring it down a notch and pull out a soft soulful sound.
Allison Iraheta -- Hey Allison, Cyndi Lauper called. She wants her outfit back. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. It seemed like our rocker teen was channeling some 1980s Cyndi with that getup. I guess it was a distraction from her so-so performance of "Don't Speak" by No Doubt. The song seemed too low for Allison's voice, and I was not as impressed this week with her as I have been previously.
Scott MacIntyre -- At first, when Scott said he chose "Just The Way You Are" by Billy Joel, I was thinking the song would sound too dated. But, Scott surprised me. It was pleasant and better than his past performances. Also, I love the hair cut and/or use of product. Whatever it is, it works for him.
Matt Giraud -- It appears that last week's almost elimination for Matt has scared him silly on the show. He seems nervous and confused about what to do next. That is understandable, but I wish he would stick to the pop side of the musical fence he is straddling. I don't see him as a full-fledged rocker and I felt like he was trying to give "You Found Me" by The Fray more of a rock edge than the song needed. It just didn't suit him. I do hope America gives him another shot because I think he's got the goods.
Lil Rounds -- Lil is another finalist who seems to be nervous and confused about song choices. The judges haven't been too impressed with her as of late, so Lil pulled out all the diva stops on Tuesday with "I Surrender" by Celine Dion. For the life of me, I can't recall this Celine song, and I like Celine's work. It wasn't a great song, but Lil did kick it up a notch and the song got better as it went along. Like Simon said, it was too old-fashioned for her and managed to suck out her personality. On a positive note, Lil looked amazing in that gown.
Adam Lambert -- Adam wowed me last week during the Motown songs. This week, it was so-so. He chose "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry. It was an unusual song choice, but I do think he made it contemporary and clever. I just don't think I would buy any of Adam's music if he does win "Idol." Check that, I would download his single of "The Tracks of My Tears." But that's it for now.
Kris Allen -- Talk about saving the best for last. Kris was stunning during his take on the Bill Withers tune. He showed us that he can take an oldie but a goody and make it a smash for today's audiences. Paula told him that if he makes an album, "Ain't No Sunshine" could be the first cut. I would so buy that album.
OK "Idol" fans, what did you think about the iTunes-themed show? Impressed? Interested in buying some of the finalists' tunes? Or would you diss that download?

Kris steals the show.