This year especially, the judges can’t say it enough: it’s all about song choice. Now that the 2009 season of American Idol is down to its top three, song choice (and what those choices say about each singer's musical style) will likely determine who comes out on top. It’s clear that theatrical rocker Adam Lambert, sensitive singer-songwriter Kris Allen, and the more conservative vocal powerhouse Danny Gokey all can sing — so it will likely come down to who can best move the audience and connect with a killer song.
While there are plenty of guesses as to what songs these three gentlemen may choose should they make it to the finale (it would be a shock if Lambert doesn’t pull out some Queen), their previous choices have already hinted as to what kind of album each would make once the competition is over. Here’s a look back at what each finalist has sung during the Top 13 portion of the show, as provided by the American Idol website:
Week One (Michael Jackson Week)
Adam: “Black Or White” — Michael Jackson
Danny: “P.Y.T.” — Michael Jackson
Kris: “Remember The Time” — Michael Jackson
Week Two (Country Week)
Adam: “Ring Of Fire” — Johnny Cash
Danny: “Jesus Take The Wheel” — Carrie Underwood
Kris: “To Make You Feel My Love” — Garth Brooks
Week Three (Motown Week)
Adam: “Tracks Of My Tears” — The Miracles
Danny: “Get Ready” — The Temptations
Kris: “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” — Marvin Gaye
Week Four (Popular iTunes downloads)
Adam: “Play That Funky Music” — Wild Cherry
Danny: “What Hurts The Most” — Rascal Flatts
Kris: “Ain’t No Sunshine” — Bill Withers
Week Five (Songs released the year the contestants were born)
Adam: “Mad World” — Tears For Fears
Danny: “Stand By Me” — Ben E. King
Kris: “All She Wants To Do Is Dance” — Don Henley
Week Six (Movie Week)
Adam: “Born To Be Wild” — Steppenwolf
Danny: “Endless Love” — Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
Kris: “Falling Slowly” — Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Week Seven (Disco Week)
Adam: “If I Can’t Have You” — The Bee Gees
Danny: “September” — Earth, Wind, and Fire
Kris: “She Works Hard For The Money” (Donna Summer)
Week Eight (Standards Week)
Adam: “Feeling Good”
Danny: “Come Rain Or Come Shine”
Kris: “The Way You Look Tonight”
Week Nine (Rock Week)
Adam: “Whole Lotta Love” — Led Zeppelin, “Slow Ride” — Foghat (duet with Allison Iraheta)
Danny: “Dream On” —Aerosmith, “Renegade” — Styx (duet with Kris Allen)
Kris: “Come Together” — The Beatles, “Renegade — Styx (duet with Danny Gokey)
Next week's episode (airing May 12) will see each contestant singing two songs: one of their own choice and one chosen by the judges. Without any thematic restrictions, song choice will matter more than ever as the finalists try to show the audience what their individual styles are really about and try to covert last minute fans before the big vote. The eighth American Idol will be crowned on Wednesday, May 20.
Elizabeth Booth - Elizabeth Booth has worked as a professional writer/editor for over a decade. Getting her start in the dingy basement of her local campus ...
