Adam dazzles with new style on Motown night

Wednesday night was “American Idol’s” annual salute to the music of Motown, and the standout performer wasn’t one that most would have expected.

The prospect of Adam Lambert singing “Tracks of My Tears” brought back memories of last week, when Lambert entertained the audience but stunned Randy Travis into silence after his unique take on “Ring of Fire.” After rehearsals, which saw Lambert strip down the song and make it slower and sweeter, guest mentor Smokey Robinson said, “I’ve never heard it sung like that,” which isn’t necessarily a good thing.

But Lambert stole the show with his slow and sweet performance. The big shock, however, was the look. Lambert looked as if he had travelled back to the 1950s, with hair slicked back with enough grease to keep a car running for three months or 3,000 miles.

Lambert was so good that he caused Kara DioGuardi to lose her basic math skills. She said she had six words for Lambert: “one of the best performances of the night.”

The judges also were impressed with Allison Iraheta and her take on “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” The teenager has an uphill battle, with a rocker style that doesn’t tend to play well in the competition, but after she was the third-lowest vote-getter a week ago, the judges did their part to drum up votes for her.

“You might be 16, but you are one of the dopest singers in the competition,” Randy Jackson said. “That was blazing hot.”

“America, you’ve got to vote for her this week,” Kara added. “That [vocal] was from God. You can’t teach that.”

Slideshow   It’s down to 2 on ‘Idol’ Kris Allen and Adam Lambert will compete for the season 8 crown on “American Idol.”  more photos

Kris Allen also won points for originality for performing “How Sweet It Is” with his guitar. The only criticism that came out was his confidence, since Allen still carries himself like someone who snuck onstage and is afraid of being found out. “Even the way you’re standing now, you could be at a bus stop,” Simon Cowell said.

The other singer to stand out was Matt Giraud, who did well once he stood up, backed away from the piano, and brought more than weird facial expressions to his stage management on “Let’s Get it On.”

“I think there a lot of girls out there going ‘yeahhhh. Let’s get it on,’” Kara said. Giraud is hoping she’s right, and that they stop fantasizing enough to vote.

Gokey, Rounds, slipped this week
A pair of favorites didn’t receive as much love.

The clip editors kneecapped Danny Gokey this week. After playing a clip where Robinson told him to sing the end of the lines for “Get Ready” rather than leaving them for the background singers, the actual performance saw Gokey ignore that advice and leave the vocals hanging. Most agreed that the result was good but not great.

Interactive Vote: Rate the ‘Idol’ performances How do you think the singers stack up?

Paula Abdul, however, had her prepared soundbite ready anyway. “You are undeniable, identifiable, always reliable for giving us a first-class performance every week,” she said.

Lil Rounds said she was singing for all of the great Motown women who paved her way, and she certainly looked the part in the 60s-hairstyle and dress. But apart from Paula, who stood up and danced, the judges weren’t thrilled.

Simon called it an authentic tribute to the sounds of Motown but he still didn’t like the song choice, saying she missed her chance at “a moment.” That was the fairest criticism of the night, as Rounds’ issue was mostly a lack of meeting expectations on a night they hoped she’d shine.

“You were the diva tonight that everyone was waiting to hear,” Kara said. “We need more from you right now.”

The rest of the singers were mostly forgettable, though Anoop Desai was bailed out by the judges. Desai slowed things down with “Ooh, Baby Baby,” a big risk given that it’s a slow and boring song that is difficult to sing. He’d have been in big trouble if the criticism had been harsher, and as it was, he’ll have to hope that his fans stayed awake long enough to write down the right number to call.

All four judges liked the vocals, for the most part, and agreed that he’d had two good weeks in a row. But they’d also like to see more energy from him in the coming weeks. “It was a great vocal, but I think you looked like you were half-asleep up there,” Simon said.

MORE FROM AMERICAN IDOL

‘Idols,’ listen up! No bikinis, no cowboy hats

‘Idols,’ listen up! No bikinis, no cowboy hats ‘Idol’ goes to 7 cities, but offers 8 audition days ‘Idol’ goes to the kids in the Mile High City Senator would like daughter back on ‘Idol’ Can ‘Idol’ hit right notes without Simon Cowell? Neil Patrick Harris shines in Dallas for ‘Idol’ Lavigne, Perry offer reality check on ‘Idol’ ‘Idol’ contestant sings on while mom is missing Dreams come true for Orlando ‘Idol’ hopefuls ‘Idol’ finds only 13 to advance in Chicago   Add American Idol headlines to your news reader: