Smallscreen Features

Adam, Danny and Allison shine for Rat Pack night

By April MacIntyre Apr 29, 2009, 15:24 GMT

Now, the best performer by a mile was the last, Adam Lambert. He totally went over the top in singing "Feeling Good," turning it into a post-modern Bowie glam rock capper. Photo courtesy of FOX

The Rat Pack was the pre-women's lib era celebrity fraternity that dominated the clubs, casinos, films and musical stages of 1950's to mid 1960's.  

Life for these rich male stars was one big groovy party, baby.

The group included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and even Shirley MacLaine, the sole female honorary member.

Last night, American Idol channeled their spirits for the five remaining contestants to perform their standards. 

Jamie Foxx did very well as mentor - offering good advice tailored to each talent left.  His exchange with Allison was especially sweet.

The finale is now only three weeks away and the remaining talent all have their strengths. But someone will have to go tonight.

Kris Allen did a stylized version of "The Way You Look Tonight," earning high marks from judge Kara DioGuardi who loved his "diction" and "impeccable phrasing," Simon Cowell was less impressed and compared the kid to a "well-trained Spaniel."

Allison Iraheta did a great turn with "Someone to Watch Over Me." Foxx was especially tuned into her because of her age and ability.  Randy was effusive for her.  "You did it in your own rough, kinda gruff, kinda style" Randy said. "If that doesn't land you in the finals, I don't know what will," added Kara. Paula loved it too. Simon threw it down and put the curse of Cowell on her: "I have a horrible feeling" that Allison could be going home, he said.

Matt Giraud did "My Funny Valentine," and his performance was good, but I tuned out most of it, he didn't grab me.  Randy cited pitch problems and Kara didn't feel him and noted he lacked an emotional connection to the song. Simon agreed with Paula and added, "I thought you were absolutely brilliant."

Danny Gokey belted out "Come Rain or Come Shine" as Randy was in full "yo Dog"mode:  "You are the only one I've heard so far tonight that actually could have an album of songs like that—and win!" exclaimed Randy.

The girls all loved the emergence of Gokey's "swagger" and Cowell added that he was "outstanding."

Now, the best performer by a mile was the last, Adam Lambert. He totally went over the top in singing "Feeling Good," turning it into a post-modern Bowie glam rock capper.

Say what you will, when this kid is on stage, all eyes are on him.  He works the camera like a ten dollar hooker.  Randy tells Adam he isn't into the "theatrical" part of the performance, but Simon quickly said that was asking a cow not to moo, Kara loves this guy, saying he was "shocking and sleazy and superb and way over the top in a good way.  Paula concurred, adding: "With every performance that I see, it's like watching the Olympics and you're our Michael Phelps."

So, who is going home?