Welcome Home Party for Matt Giraud

Our top 5 idols are in the spotlight, and they are looking spiffy tonight!

It's "Rat Pack" night, and let me just start by saying that I am DYING for somebody to sing "Fly me to the Moon". (Hey! It's Jillian Barbarie, who now goes by Jillian Reynolds!) Two songs each, and TWO PHONE NUMBERS FOR EACH CONTESTANT TONIGHT:

*I also want to add that people in West Michigan seem to be having a hard tough getting through on cell phones-- might want to try a land line*

WOW-- the big band sounds amazing! And we have a surprise mentor: Jamie Foxx!

(the explanation for why he's on the show during 'Rat Pack': he's an entertainer who has been able to transcend all areas of entertainment)

(am I the only one who doesn't understand that Vitamin water commercial with Mother Nature and the animals???) **

Kris Allen: "The Way You Look Tonight"

What? I think Jamie Foxx just offered Kris a chance to make a record with him! This week, the internet has been buzzing that Kris is the Dark Horse who will end up winning the entire show, or at least making it into the top two. He's a heart-throb, that's for sure. And his voice was nice and clear-- better than I realized before!

RANDY- Dude, you're in it to win it! Best performance to date. KARA- set the technical standard high for the evening. (calls him a Dark Horse) PAULA- a contemporary crooner! SIMON- good, but not as enthusiastic as the others. It was a little bit "wet". Like taking a well-trained spanial for a walk: nice and safe, but not incredible. Doesn't think he can win the competition. (um, Kris's mom looks ANGRY)

Allison Iraheta: "Someone to Watch Over Me"

Says she misses the other girls, but is excited to still be in the competition. Jamie gives her some nice advice about picturing her family watching over her while she's singing. Can't you just picture her in a smoky lounge in the 1960's singing this song?? Love her voice. (Although the arrangement feels a little bit too slow)

RANDY- Yo. That was the bomb! KARA- Girl, it was a crime seeing you in the bottom 3. Not worried about you any more. Gut-wrenching rendition of the song PAULA- waiting so long for you to sing a ballad! Alluring and tender. SIMON- do you think you can win? (says they all have that chance) says it was a great performance, but doesn't get the feeling that she thinks she could win, and has a horrible feeling she's in trouble) See -Simon always clears it up: he says it felt 'mechanical'.. and maybe that's why I was feeling it was 'slow". (Kara says she loves Simon, but he is crazy)

Matt Giraud: "My Funny Valentine"

He looks nervous-- calm down, buddy-- this is your specialty! He talks about loving Jazz (even gives a shout-out to WMU!) Jamie Foxx tells him not to worry-- but after filming, Jamie calls him back in and tells him not to change the key-- and not to riff too much!! Surprised not to see him at the piano-- but love hearing just his voice!!!

Yea, Matty G!!

RANDY- one of the hardest songs, but was pitchy. didn't come together KARA- didn't feel he was emotionally connected. PAULA- loved what he did with the song: pure, simple and excellent. SIMON- disagrees--- with Randy! Thought it was the only believable authentic song tonight, and thought he was absolutely brilliant.

Matt's numbers: 1-866-43657-03 1-866-43657-08

Danny Gokey "Come Rain or Come Shine"

Love, love this guy's voice. and Danny says he listened to what Simon said last week, and became more confident. It shows!

RANDY- you are the only one that actually could have an album of songs like that KARA- loves the rat pack swagger! most creative he's ever been with the melody PAULA-stellar performance. SIMON- finally had confidence, and it was outstanding!