Sure, Adam Lambert may be the front runner on American Idol this season, but Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, and Allison Iraheta are all nipping closely at his heels. Indeed, the ratings juggernaut has never seen a Final Four who’s as evenly matched as Allen, Gokey, Iraheta, and Lambert — which makes tonight’s results show all the more nail-biting.
To commemorate their quasi-historic place in the Idol firmament, we phoned four previous American Idol contestants — (pictured clockwise, from bottom left) Michael Johns, Melinda Doolittle, Jim Verraros, and Jon Peter Lewis — to get their take on this quartet and the larger-than-life glam rocker leading the pack. (None of them had seen last night’s rock-and-roll performance show when they spoke with EW.) Some of their favorites may surprise you. (Additional reporting by Tim Stack)
Michael Johns (season 7):
I think it’s a good final four. It’s very talented, and at least one girl made it, who’s actually the girl I liked the most! Allison’s one of my favorites. Her voice is so phenomenal now; in four or five years it’s going to be even better. I just love her rasp, and I really believe every word she says.
Obviously, Adam’s the front runner right now, isn’t he? I’m really impressed with how he’s stuck to his guns. I know people keep comparing him to, like, Freddy Mercury and those kind of guys, but there was only one guy who could write Queen kind of music. He seems like a pretty fun dude, so I was thinking more like a Scissor Sisters kind of thing, with a little bit more of a rock influence. Moody and fun.
Danny I really like, actually. I dig Danny’s voice, his upper-register and the rasp in his voice as well. I really think Danny’s going to have a good recording career. I really think he’s going to find his niche. He has a very pleasing voice, in my opinion.
Kris — I know that the girls love him. I think he’s got a very nice voice. If he makes like a Jason Mraz kind of record, I think he could do well.
After the jump: Melinda Doolittle, Jon Peter Lewis, and Jim Verraros offer their take.
Melinda Doolittle (season 6):
This is an amazing season. Allison has been my girl from the beginning, though. I just feel like nobody should be able to sing like that and be 17, except for maybe Jordin [Sparks]. I’m definitely pulling for Allison.
I love Adam. I love him. I love him, I love him. I think he’s phenomenal. I think sometimes he can be polarizing, but I was very surprised to see him in the Bottom 2 [last week]. I’m a huge fan of theater, and I feel like he tells a story with each performance. I’ve been begging for him to do something along the lines of Aerosmith, having the drama of those songs. For me, Steven Tyler is that pure drama that comes along with rock music, and it’s a great, great fit for him.
Kris, for me, is just — oh! — the sweetest voice ever. I just think it’s so pure. I love what he does with the songs, that he makes them fit him instead of trying to fit into the song.
I was not the hugest Danny Gokey fan at the beginning, but especially [after] his [Rat Pack night] performance, I was like, wait a minute now, he’s kind of got a little vibe going on. He started soft and then got to that strong part of his voice. I feel like he’s been kind of strong-arming songs at the beginning. But now he’s learning to finesse his songs.
Jon Peter Lewis (season 3):
Gosh, it’s not really clear cut to me at this point [who will win]. I mean, Adam is the one that heretofore has been a favorite for the finals, but no one else really has. At the beginning of the season, before it was live [shows], American Idol spent a lot of time trying to make us really like some of the people and turn them into front runners, like Danny Gokey and Matt Giraud and Lil Rounds. They spent a lot of time making sure that we loved those people going into the show. And then a lot of them really didn’t perform as well as they were hyped in the beginning. There was no time spent on Kris or Allison at the beginning of the year, and they are the two big surprises.
Danny Gokey, who had a lot air time, I mean, he’s been pretty steady throughout the show. He’s kind of been in the shadow of Adam Lambert all season long, but it’s a little more clear, actually, the kind of record Danny could make after American Idol. I mean, [Adam] can really do any record. He could just go so many different ways, and that’s been my problem with Adam the whole year: Who is Adam Lambert? You know, there’s one week where he’s got the black fingernail polish and the fingerless gloves and is like queen of the Goths, and then there’s another week where he’s got the pompadour and he’s like an Elvis throwback. I don’t really care what people wear, but because we don’t know what kind of music he makes, really, to me it’s what you wear on American Idol that’s indicative of what you do.
But to me it’s just going to come down to individual performances over the next couple weeks to see who’s going to win. I want to say Adam. But history has shown on American Idol that the favorite going into the finale usually doesn’t become the winner. Those early front runners who have been consistent all the way through, like Melinda Doolittle, David Archuleta, Chris Daughtry — all these people, early on in the show, we really loved them. And then by around this point in the show, that moment came and went for us. But I don’t get the feeling that people are over Adam Lambert. I think his fans are really fighting for him. My money would go on Adam.
Jim Verraros (season 1):
I can tell Adam’s really influenced by Freddie Mercury. I love the glam-rock David Bowie thing, especially from a male artist. That whole glam rock would be perfect for him. But when David Bowie was big, he was very androgynous and he did that whole weird vibe, and I don’t know Adam would be able to execute that as well today. But in terms of comparing him to anybody or taking a page from somebody’s book, you can’t. He’s so just off-the-charts. It’s funny, you can tell he’s got this musical theater background — and that’s fun! That’s part of it. I can see him doing a big stage set with lights and the pyro and the fire, and that just enhances his show. And he’s got such great stage presence. You don’t need a whole lot — you could just put him at a microphone and just have him sing, you know what I mean? I think he’s pretty much it.
And then there’s something about Allison that I really love. She reminds me of Kelly [Clarkson] a lot, and some Pink thrown in there and just that Janis Joplin raspy, bluesy, sexy, smoky thing. I’m a big fan of hers. I think she’ll do well.
Melinda Doolittle (season 6):
This is an amazing season. Allison has been my girl from the beginning, though. I just feel like nobody should be able to sing like that and be 17, except for maybe Jordin [Sparks]. I’m definitely pulling for Allison.
I love Adam. I love him. I love him, I love him. I think he’s phenomenal. I think sometimes he can be polarizing, but I was very surprised to see him in the Bottom 2 [last week]. I’m a huge fan of theater, and I feel like he tells a story with each performance. I’ve been begging for him to do something along the lines of Aerosmith, having the drama of those songs. For me, Steven Tyler is that pure drama that comes along with rock music, and it’s a great, great fit for him.
Kris, for me, is just — oh! — the sweetest voice ever. I just think it’s so pure. I love what he does with the songs, that he makes them fit him instead of trying to fit into the song.
I was not the hugest Danny Gokey fan at the beginning, but especially [after] his [Rat Pack night] performance, I was like, wait a minute now, he’s kind of got a little vibe going on. He started soft and then got to that strong part of his voice. I feel like he’s been kind of strong-arming songs at the beginning. But now he’s learning to finesse his songs.
Jon Peter Lewis (season 3):
Gosh, it’s not really clear cut to me at this point [who will win]. I mean, Adam is the one that heretofore has been a favorite for the finals, but no one else really has. At the beginning of the season, before it was live [shows], American Idol spent a lot of time trying to make us really like some of the people and turn them into front runners, like Danny Gokey and Matt Giraud and Lil Rounds. They spent a lot of time making sure that we loved those people going into the show. And then a lot of them really didn’t perform as well as they were hyped in the beginning. There was no time spent on Kris or Allison at the beginning of the year, and they are the two big surprises.
Danny Gokey, who had a lot air time, I mean, he’s been pretty steady throughout the show. He’s kind of been in the shadow of Adam Lambert all season long, but it’s a little more clear, actually, the kind of record Danny could make after American Idol. I mean, [Adam] can really do any record. He could just go so many different ways, and that’s been my problem with Adam the whole year: Who is Adam Lambert? You know, there’s one week where he’s got the black fingernail polish and the fingerless gloves and is like queen of the Goths, and then there’s another week where he’s got the pompadour and he’s like an Elvis throwback. I don’t really care what people wear, but because we don’t know what kind of music he makes, really, to me it’s what you wear on American Idol that’s indicative of what you do.
But to me it’s just going to come down to individual performances over the next couple weeks to see who’s going to win. I want to say Adam. But history has shown on American Idol that the favorite going into the finale usually doesn’t become the winner. Those early front runners who have been consistent all the way through, like Melinda Doolittle, David Archuleta, Chris Daughtry — all these people, early on in the show, we really loved them. And then by around this point in the show, that moment came and went for us. But I don’t get the feeling that people are over Adam Lambert. I think his fans are really fighting for him. My money would go on Adam.
Jim Verraros (season 1):
I can tell Adam’s really influenced by Freddie Mercury. I love the glam-rock David Bowie thing, especially from a male artist. That whole glam rock would be perfect for him. But when David Bowie was big, he was very androgynous and he did that whole weird vibe, and I don’t know Adam would be able to execute that as well today. But in terms of comparing him to anybody or taking a page from somebody’s book, you can’t. He’s so just off-the-charts. It’s funny, you can tell he’s got this musical theater background — and that’s fun! That’s part of it. I can see him doing a big stage set with lights and the pyro and the fire, and that just enhances his show. And he’s got such great stage presence. You don’t need a whole lot — you could just put him at a microphone and just have him sing, you know what I mean? I think he’s pretty much it.
And then there’s something about Allison that I really love. She reminds me of Kelly [Clarkson] a lot, and some Pink thrown in there and just that Janis Joplin raspy, bluesy, sexy, smoky thing. I’m a big fan of hers. I think she’ll do well.
Comments (1-30) of 147 Add your comment
I only remember DoLittle and Johns out of those Alum.
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/05/06/tv-tonight-wednesday-may-6th/
Jon Peter Lewis was Season 3, not 4.
Good catch, Fatima! Thanks!
Why I love Melinda and of course her awesome vocal
Kris, for me, is just — oh! — the sweetest voice ever. I just think it’s so pure. I love what he does with the songs, that he makes them fit him instead of trying to fit into the song.
she hit the nail on the head!
You know I LUVZ me some Mindy Doo! And here she is giving a critique that is as smooth, thoughtful and classy as the fantastic voice of hers. Its all good!
Here’s my opinion…yes, Adam is a great performer, but is he radio material? No–he is a phenominal theater performer…I could not listen to him in the car. Just because he puts on a good show does not mean that he has a future as a recording artist…the other three have much more potential as pop stars (which is what this competition is about) and will prove to have a much longer shelf life! Adam is just over hyped and I’m sick of the judges trying to convince me that he’s great. I hope he goes home tonight!
“and the pyro and the fire,”
Isn’t pyro and fire the same thing?
I’m hoping Alison wins it all, but I really think it’s all a put on and the wheels have had Adam set to win
from the beginning…
Oh, Mindy Doo, you’re too much of a pro for all this. But you’re too much of a pro to turn it down either. I really respect that.
The rock hobbit speaks for me.
Kris is my fav, Allison second. Danny is really likeable and Adam is over the top, too much drama…
Simon is more all about himself and the clever (he thinks) quip…. and could care less who he hurts as long as he can get some shock value in there. – he’s, in a word, an axx….. Paula’s an air-head but likeable, Gio is a clone of Randy, follows his lead 95% of the time, dincha notice, just more wordy…..and she’s never sung a word in her life – go figure on that one – and Randy, though probably the best judge of all often has expecations that are just too high. I wish he would quit saying ‘you shoulda sung this song or that song…….. truth is, they didn’t, so stick with commenting on this one and stop with the pitchy comments…… who made Randy ‘king of pitch’. Nuff said.
Dennis, you may want to do a little research on Kara. Not only is she a singer (and a good one) She is a major songwriter. She has written and collaborated with many, many people. Including Carrie Underwood, Kellie Clarkson, Celien Dion and many more.
While i don’t love her, I do think she has value to look at an artist and see what kind of songs can be written. Paula comes from the perspective of a performer. Simon is just harsh, but usually right. Randy is clueless.
Ow. C’mon. Stop bashing Adam. Got to admit he is the whole package. About not buying his records, you might be surprised. He will bring in millions to AI.
The Adam-bashing is transparent, and may even be from one disgruntled homophobic or antisemitic person or Alison fan, since the Adam hate is always followed by something about how great Alison is….
I agree that Alison is a marvelous singer, and exceptional for a 17 year old kid, but, that doesn’t detract from Adam’s magnificent voice and charismatic performances.
But, there’s room enough in the rock world for both Alison and Adam, and even if the girl comes in second or third, she’s going to have as many opportunities to record as the winner.
Adam probably will win this season because he is clearly the most dynamic and talented performer to ever compete on American Idol, but, it’s a shame that there’s still so much antisemitism and anti-gay sentiments in small minded bigots.
Hey Christina – buy one of Adam’s songs on iTunes – try Ring of Fire or Felling Good – and you’ll see that his stage performance is nothing like his studio recordings. His studio work is AMAZING and a big part of the reason he is outselling all the other Idols on iTunes. I just think you should educate yourself before you speak about it.
Kris is great and maybe overlooked because of Adam’s incredible talent, but, i cant understand why the judges are harder on him than on anyone else.
I don’t think Allison has any diversity, other than being a very competent rock chick. I like watching her very much, but, I can’t imagine buying her songs or going to see her perform, alone. That’s just me.
I do see buying Kris and I would definitely go see him play.
It seems like the judges have an affinity for Danny, deserved or not. I don’t think he’s distinguished himself like i imagined he had potential to do at the beginning of the season. I thought this year would be his to lose, but, now I think it’s between Adam and Kris, with Allison third. But, it looks like the final two will be Adam and Danny, only by the comments from the judges. Maybe they like the contrast of the two, because they are very different.
I’d like to see Allison and Adam duel it out, as well, even though Adam overshadows her by a mile.
Speaking of downloading the I-tunes of Adam and “Ring of Fire”, I was in shock when he sang that. First of all, it was country week, and I thought it was INSANE to pull off this goth middle-eastern version. However, when I downloaded it, I was blown away, and taken out of context of country week, it takes on a life of it’s own! It’s certainly interesting watching Adam’s showmanship, but, it actually gets in the way sometimes of the pure magic of his voice, when you listen to him sing without the distraction of his guyliner and Glambert show, (even though he’s grown on me there too.) I think he is the most talented singer of our era, not just on Idol, but, in the world. Even my grandfather watches Idol this season for Adam. that’s all everyone is talking about this year, ADAM ADAM ADAM! He is unique and comprises the best elements of the greatest singers of the past 100 years, including Elvis, the Beatles, Led Zep’s Plant, Freddie Mercury, etc. Even Slash was stunned by him.
This is shaping up to be an interesting season and the final 4 singers are a surprise; no? I mean going in, we thought it would be Lil Rounds and Megan…or Franky and that Barton girl…but it’s a surprise for all of us. I’m a Allison supporter because she has too much potential to lose…but Adam def deserves the top spot (love him or not) because of his professionalism…and the way he handled that TMZ photog.
IMO Adam has an interesting back story….he’s been toiling around the music business for a longggg time, and going on AI just catapulted him into the gossip and media mags. AI can definitely resurrect a stalled music career if only for a short while.
@Christina: I think you underestimate what people will listen to. Remember Shirley Manson wailing away for Garbage? That single from Romeo & Juliet? Different and haunting can still be popular, especially given the context. Adam’s music could easily be soundtracked to any movie, because he’s so darn versatile. He could bounce from doing a Bond theme to a period piece.
I see Adam becoming a movie star, as well as being perfect for a rock frontman, if he was asked to play for Slash’s band, or even Jimmy Page’s revamped Led Zeppelin. Remember after the O2 arena reunion of Led Zep with Jason Bonham, John’s son on drums? It was rumored that Plant wouldn’t agree to another Zep revival, and Page was looking for a lead singer who would do justice to Zeppelin. Is there anyone more perfec than Adam for that?
As usual Michael takes a swipe at someone who is better than him singing Queen songs. What a tool!
It’s an interesting final four, now going to three, since they each are very different individuals. It’s hard to compare them because of that, but, based on vocal abilities, there’s no contest. Adam may not have a style that pleases some, but, his potential and voice is magnificent and unique. He’s been called a banshee screamer, but, that’s ridiculous because he has a soft side that reveals a heart renderingly beautiful rich voice of perfect tone, pitch, and intonation.
I really like watching Allison sing though and think she’s done incredibly well, especially for such a young kid. My only complaint with her is that her song choices have not thrilled me. Like last night, she sang incredibly, yet, chose a very tuneless song. It’s a shame because if say she was up against Jordin Sparks as a finalist, she would win American Idol, but, this year she’s dwarfed by Adam, Danny, and Kris, even though I think she has a better voice than Danny. She lacks the same charisma as the boys.
Why do people who don’t like Adam keep bleating that it’s all a fix? It’s pretty obvious he’s more competent than the others – most weeks – the exception being Rat Pack week, where Gokey was purely and simply better. But Gokey screwed it up last night so who knows what will happen; shame really, there are so many not-so-heavy-metal rock tracks he could have done justice to. Still, this conspiracy theory is pathetic – remember the pop-news headline about a pre-ordained Adam, Alexis, Danny & Lil final 4! Yeah, great insider scoop that turned out to be.
Rock week rocked. Go Adam. Just wish it was earlier in the season when more idols had a chance to rock!
Last nights choose of music was a set up by Fox to push Adam as the front runner. Only he stood out
I’m sorry, but I do not get the Adam hype. He cannot carry two notes together that are on key. A few weeks ago when he gave that performance of Mad World that everyone seemed to go nuts over, it was so awful I couldn’t stand it. The final note was at least a half pitch off key, and drifting further off key. I know that singing is only a small part of this competition; being the colorful “spokes-model” is most of the contest, but the winner should actually be able to sing. Adam can not. Other performers have shown they can put together more than two notes together that are on key.
Dave, Maybe you should have your relatives look at it. Obviously you have a brain of a 5 year old – my dog has more intelligence than you!
Dave, Maybe you should have your relatives look at it. Obviously you have a brain of a 5 year old – my dog has more intelligence than you!
Dave, Maybe you should have your relatives look at it. Obviously you have a brain of a 5 year old – my dog has more intelligence than you!
I’m a music producer, manager and agency with 30 years experience. I’ve never heard Adam Lambert hit a sour note. He is dead-on key every time.
I really hope Chris doesn’t get the boot tonight. I think the choice of music this late in the competition was totally unfair. Naturally Adam and Allison would score high that’s their genre. They should do Rock music earlier in the competition. If Chris or Danny get’s bumped tonight for that reason… I’ll stop watching the stupid show. I think it’s rigged anyway.