10 Finalists Compete

I’m starting tonight’s show a little late, and I’ve already seen on FB that at least one person thought Adam did a stellar job on his song tonight. But, I’m really excited because I also heard that Paula actually uses complete sentences tonight. Maybe her meds have been adjusted!?!

And, I’m looking forward to tonight’s theme: the music of Motown. What could go wrong? I hope I’m not speaking too soon. . .

The ten appear onstage, and at first glance it looks like Scott McIntyre has forgotten to put on his trousers, but thankfully, it’s just an unfortunate wardrobe choice. Is his stylist trying to sabotage him by dressing him in flesh-toned pants that are a little awkward fitting (read: shows every detail of those things that should be kept hidden, at least until the second date).

Matt starts out the show singing "Let’s Get it On". Smokey’s impressed, so I’m a little relieved. He started out behind the piano, but then got up and started working the stage. I thought he faltered in a couple of places, but he seems to have lost that vibrato we heard several weeks ago. I thought he did a good job, but he didn’t knock my socks off.

Kris chose "How Sweet it Is". Smoky was blown away. I loved the way he started the song out, and continued to thoroughly enjoy his version all the way through to the end.

Let me make a correction on Scott’s pants. They aren’t flesh-toned, they’re all-out pink. This gives Simon the perfect opportunity to ask if Scott borrowed the pink pants from Ryan’s wardrobe. Scott will sing "You Can’t Hurry Love". With the exception of the beginning, I thought his version sounded like a very talented karaoke singer. Don’t get me wrong, I think Scott is a very talented guy. He’s a musician’s musician, entrenched in tweaking the arrangements of the different songs. But his voice is simply not that strong. I agree with Simon and Randy that he could have had a bigger impact had he stayed with his first choice: "Reach Out and Touch".

Megan will sing "For Once in My Life". Smoky thinks Megan’s an original. I think her originality is both a blessing and a curse. She starts out pure karaoke, then it disintegrates into missed notes and shaky interludes. I think she chose the right song but probably should have slowed it down a little bit. She was just really, really off this week.

Anoop chooses "Ooh Baby Baby". Smoky liked him. He hits a note at the start that’s a little off, but makes a great recovery. I loved every minute of his performance! But it continues to freak me out hearing this voice coming from this nerdy-looking kid.

Michael is up next with "Ain’t Too Proud to Beg". Smoky encouraged Michael to ramp it up a little. It makes me nervous when the mentors have to give advice. Sometimes it’s not a good sign. And, alas, in Michael’s case it was NOT a good sign. He just didn’t deliver it tonight with this song. I think he’s gone as far as he can --- he’s more of an average guy with a really good voice.

Lil’s doing "Heat Wave". Smoky loves her! As much as I love Lil, she had a little trouble tonight. There were some pitchy parts, and a couple of times she sounded like the song was getting away from her. This girl has mad talent, so I was just a little disappointed.

Adam’s choice is "Tracks of My Tears". Smoky enjoyed his rendition. Okay, okay, I admit it. I loved it!! Adam had his moment tonight. Loved the wardrobe, loved the vocals, loved the fact that his hair was different. This is the first thing I’ve heard him sing that didn’t sound like it was sung during a Broadway play. I’m actually happy he proved me wrong tonight.

Danny’s out next with "Get Ready". Smoky had some advice that Danny decided to follow. Or not. Danny, Danny, Danny, who doesn’t follow Smoky Robinson’s advice??? I loved the song choice, and loved his version, but I’m not sure about ignoring Smokey’s advice. The judges might take that as smugness.

Allison’s song choice is "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". Smoky said she needed to learn the lyrics, but enjoyed her rendition. I seriously can’t believe this girl is only 16. She has an incredible voice and she really, really knows what she’s doing! Love it, loved it, love it!!

My choices for bottom three: Scott, Megan, and Michael. But I think America will choose: Lil, Megan, and Michael.

I would send Michael home, but I’m predicting America will send Megan home.