Top 10: Song Predictions- 50 Years of Motown

Welcome back to another fun-filled post where I will (try to) predict which songs the American Idol contestants are going to sing this week. As was evident from last week, it’s tough to pick the songs when you don’t have the actual song list that the contestants are choosing from. The list I found last week turned out to be not-so-legit, so it seriously affected my numbers. This week I face the same problem because I only have a list of the top 100 songs from tonight’s category to help me in my choices. We’ll see how I do!

This week, the theme is “50 Years of Motown.” Anoop is probably running around the Idol Mansion like a kid at Christmas. Hopefully, he can perform. Here is the list of songs that I had to choose from:

http://www.nexttalks.com/blogs/1/posts/137

On to the predictions…

Adam Lambert – Edwin Starr “War” or Temptations “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”

This was a tough pick for me. After last weeks controversial “Ring of Fire,” I expect Adam to play it safe with a song that people can’t get as worked up over. He needs to win back some of the votes he lost, and do it in a way that won’t lose him more. However, I do feel like he will still be himself and pick something that sends a message about who he is. For some reason, “War” stands out as a perfect song for him to do. It’s got plenty of funk as well as some baller high notes (screams?) for him to show off on. “Papa” could also be a good pick, but how funny would it be if he did Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out?”

Danny Gokey – Marvin Gaye “What’s Goin’ On?”

Aside from Adam, Danny is probably the only other contestant who could touch a song as iconic as “What’s Goin’ On?” and pull it off. His natural rasp and soulful voice could sound great on this song, and I’m not the biggest fan of his voice. It also has a positive message that is not nearly as cheesy as “Jesus Take the Wheel” (Yes I’m still not over that yet). Look for big things from Danny.

Lil Rounds – Supremes “Stop! In the Name of Love”

So, after a so-so week from Lil’ where a LOT of people weren’t impressed, she needs to come through big time this week. The problem with Motown week for the girls is that aside from Gladys Knight, there weren’t any really big-belter singers. I mean, really, Diana Ross isn’t that GREAT of a singer. However, this is one song that has the ability to be converted into a power-song. I think she knows that she needs to go off this week, and picking a song that everyone knows, and killing it, is the way to do just that. Expect her to have a lot of fun and show off her personality.

Kris Allen – Stevie Wonder “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”

So, this is probably my favorite pick of the whole lot. I think that Kris would KILL this song. I have no idea why, but the energy that he brings with his up-tempo performances fits perfectly with the style of this song. It’s funky, it’s hip, and it’s got some soul, all things that Kris can flourish in. I’ve said since the beginning that he reminds me of Nick Lachey, but Kristen expounded on that sentiment by stating “he is Nick Lachey stuck in a drier.” HAHAHA! After the soft lady-killer from last week, expect him to jazz it up a little this week and show the kind of performance that got him into the top 13 in the first place.

Matt Giraud – Marvin Gaye “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”

A lot of people are excited about what Matt will bring to the table this week, and I am one of them. I am not the biggest proponent of Matt’s but I think he could do amazing this week with “I Heard it Through the Grapevine.” His performance of “George” during Hollywood week showed how much soul he can have when singing, and though we haven’t seen it at it’s full potential since then, I think he can shine here. One website has him as #3 on their power poll, and a good performance this week can justify that ranking.

Anoop Desai – Temptations “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” or “My Girl”

Anoop is frothing at the mouth at a chance to show America his Motown vibe this week. Most of us who went to Carolina have heard how good Anoop can sound doing the likes of Boyz II Men. I’m hoping that Boyz II Men will be on their list to choose from, but if not then either of these songs would work nicely. “Ain’t Too Proud” is one of the most soul-filled songs around and it would be an opportunity for Anoop to show off his runs as well as his falsetto (something the judges go gah-gah over). “My Girl” would be another good choice to cater to the female vote. Crooning either of these would vault him into potential top 5 status.

Allison Iraheta – Gladys Knight & The Pips “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” or Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing”

So, I’ve already given “Grapevine” to Matt G. but I wouldn’t be mad if I heard it from Allison. I’d actually be pretty stoked. I am in the boat that thinks that she needs to do a slow song, since most of her songs have sounded the same the past few weeks, but there aren’t many ballady options in the world of female Motown singers (at least the portion I’m familiar with). I think this song would be the best suited for her voice, but if Matt snatches it before her, she might be able to pull off a slowed down version of “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing.”

Michael Sarver – Lionel Richie & Diana Ross “Endless Love”

Michael is hitting the bottom of the barrel this week. I couldn’t find anything that I thought would match his voice. He’d be wise to go with a slow song, since the fast ones seem to give him trouble. This was the only song that seemed simple enough for his mediocre voice. It might garner him some “aww shucks” votes and he might stay around another week (even though we all want to see him go next).

Scott MacIntyre – Supremes “You Can’t Hurry Love” (Phil Collins cover) or Four Tops “Baby I Need Your Lovin’

This is perhaps the hardest pick I had to make. I really do not expect either of these to actually happen, but I had to go with what I thought he SHOULD sing. After sounding the same for the past two weeks, Scott should listen to the judges critiques and have a little fun up there this week. I can hear a piano-based version of both of these songs in my head, and they sound nice. It would also show his ability to liven it up a little bit. But, sorry Paula, I doubt he’ll be able to “work the stage” like you suggested. Scott might be in trouble this week.

Megan Corkery – Mary Wells “My Guy”

Again, Megan does not have the greatest range, power, tamber, or heck just overall voice. She’s somewhat lucky this week in that, as aforementioned, there aren’t that many great Motown female singers. I would be surprised if she doesn’t choose this song. It’s a top 10 Motown hit and it doesn’t take superb vocals to pull it off. It could be an endearing performance, but probably not enough to sway the minds of people on this blog.

Bonus Prediction:

Group Song for Result Night- Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”

Well, that's it. As always, leave your comments and feel free to agree or disagree. I want to know what you think!

Your American Idol Junkie,

Billy