Top 5: Song Predictions - The Rat Pack

The theme for the top 5 on American Idol is "The Rat Pack" and rumor has it that the contestants will be singing 2 songs from this week on. The Rat Pack was an influential group of performers in the 50's and 60's, comprised of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. There were other entertainers who came in and out of the "group," but these were the primary members. I'll go ahead and tell you now that I don't expect to get many, if any, right this week! I am not the biggest Rat Pack follower, so it was hard for me to listen to so many songs and pick who would sound good on what. I do have a sneaking suspicion though that this week might be a snooze-fest for most listeners. Music from this era was good, but it simply did not have all of the accoutrement's that we are used to in our music. I think some of our Idol-wannabes will do fine, but others might have a hard time choosing an appropriate song that fits their voice. These baritones epitomized the meaning of a "pure voice" - one that did not need vocal embellishments or insane range to showcase it's beauty. Can our Idols refrain from these overkills for one night and sing a straight-laced version of classic song, or will they have to get creative and stylize songs to fit their voice? Let's see what I have them singing this week.

Adam Lambert – Peter Lawford "Age of Aquarius" and Dean Martin "Blue Moon"

Of all the contestants remaining on the show, Adam is probably in the best position this week. Though he can have one of the most "screechy" voices, he can also have one of the most pure when he tries. He has also showcased more of his tenor range thus far on the show, but we have seen glimpses of what sounds to be a rather nice baritone range as well. I hope that we get to see some of that this week. "Age of Aquarius" seems like a song that Adam can have his usual fun on, seeing as there are so many different arrangements of this song, all being somewhat crazy and a little off-kilter. This would be his "one for him" song choice. The "one for you" song choice could be "Blue Moon." This is a very pretty song, one that Elvis remade, and has become a classic. I can already see Adam singing with the blue lights shining from behind like most of his other slower performances. I think he'll be fine, but this definitely won't be his best week.

Kris Allen - Dean Martin "Sway" and Frank Sinatra "I've Got You Under My Skin"

Kris is in the next best position because he also has a fairly pure tone to his voice that can accompany these kind of arrangements well. I think that these two songs will complement his voice and style quite nicely, giving him an opportunity to pull away from Danny in the standings, since they are still pretty close right now. I can see him pulling out a new look this week- maybe a side part with some hair gel, a suit, and a bow tie. I think people would like that. I think he should be fine this week, but he needs to be praying for Danny to stumble big time.

Danny Gokey - Frank Sinatra "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" and Frank Sinatra "That's Life"

Danny might face a tough week this week. Whereas Adam and Kris can have pretty pure tones to their voice, Danny is the exact opposite. What makes his voice unique is the raspiness, something that you never heard in ANY Rat Pack song. That being said, it is not impossible for him to do well this week. John Mayer did a version of "In the Wee Small Hours" on Letterman and it sounded really good with his breathy voice. I could hear Danny killing a version like that. "That's Life" can also sound good with a more gravely sound. The concern for Danny is great at the moment, because it is no longer just this blog's feeling that Danny is slipping. Other bloggers and entertainment reporters are starting to notice his decline as well. If this trend continues, don't expect Danny in the finals. He needs to be just as suave as these original Kings of Cool were if he wants to maintain his grasp.

Allison Iraheta - Dean Martin “Mambo Italiano” and Frank Sinatra "One for My Baby"

Allison faces the same problems that Danny does this week. Her voice does not fit any of the songs, but she might be able to find some covers that she could pull off. And look, here I am giving them to her! Rosemary Clonney sang a version of "Mambo Italiano" that was very upbeat and fun. I can see her doing that, and maybe adding a little ethnic flair in there. She can also do Bette Midler's version of "One for My Baby." This would not be as good as the first, but she could still pull it off. Plus, it would be a slow song for her, something that she STILL has yet to REALLY do. Now, she might be able to find a loophole in the system since, technically, the Rat Pack is rumored to have let Marilyn Monroe, Shirley MacLaine, and Judy Garland participate in their frivolities. If this is the case, then she might choose to go that safer route. I predicted last week that Allison would kill it this time, since she seems to do just that after being in the bottom 3, but that might not happen.

Matt Giraud – Dean Martin “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” and Sammy Davis Jr. "Mr. Bojangles"

Why can I hear Matt doing an R&B version of "Ain't That a Kick in the Head?" This would actually be pretty good I think. I think he could change it up to fit his style and make it his own without running the risk of disappointing the judges. "Mr. Bojangles" could also be a nice fit for him. I do think that Matt has to sing a perfect set this week if he wants to stay on the show. The fact that he was not in the bottom 3 last week was just the producers saving the judges from looking moronic for saving him. He should DEF be in the bottom 3 this week, just because there is NO WAY that he can be in the top 2.

There you have it, guys. After listening to a lot of these songs, I think I have a newfound respect for this era of music. Just because you can sing a wide variety of styles, with over-the-top melismas and out-of-this-world ranges, doesn't mean you have to. Sometimes, singing the melody is the best way to show the beauty of a song and the voice of it's singer. Restraint is key this week, Idols. Restraint, but with energy. If they can do this, I think America will reward them with plenty of votes.

Your American Idol Junkie,

Billy