American Idol Top 36 Performance Videos: Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert, and Megan Corkrey Impress Judges
While Group 1 looked to be the top group this season with Danny Gokey, Casey Carlson, and Anoop Desai, it was clear that some of the other groups were going to surpass what was largely a disappointing first week of AI’s eighth season. To accomplish this feat, Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert, and Megan Joy Corkrey of Group 2 stepped up and blew away the performances of Group 1 – yes, even Danny Gokey’s.
Allison Iraheta’s performance of “Alone” (performance video here) was probably the biggest surprise on the night to many since she wasn’t really front of mind throughout Hollywood. While it’s not even close to the first time that Heart’s “Alone” has been performed on American Idol, her performance is up there with Carrie Underwood’s as the best performance of the song ever on the show. More than anything, it was just Allison’s passion and near recklessness with the song that made it such a joy to listen to. She just let loose and really got the night going.
While I don’t think it was an incredible performance, I think that the very pretty Megan Corkrey’s performance of Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Put Your Records On” (performance video here) should be just enough to let her squeak into the top 3 from Group 2. Megan has a unique look, an unconventional pretty, and a unique sound that I think gives her an identity in this competition. I can’t really remember anyone prettier than her now that Casey Carlson is out and her unique stage presence (the dance is kind of silly) could set her apart. Again, it’s not the first time that this song has been performed on AI, but I think anyone will agree that Megan Corkrey outsang Antonella Barba from a couple seasons back.
Lastly, Adam Lambert did the impossible – he made Danny Gokey appear beatable – not just beatable, but very, very beatable with his performance of “Satisfaction.” Adam is clearly the guy with the most stage presence, confidence, and range left in the competition, but it will be interesting to see how some of the theme weeks treat him. Like Blake Lewis, Adam takes risks with his arrangements and he’s going to have many “love it” or “hate it” moments and while he’s clearly great, I don’t think anything is guaranteed for him thusfar, but at least he’s making it interesting – along with Allison and Megan.
