About last night: Vocals trump arrangements, apparently

If there's a single thing one should take away from last night's disco showdown, it is the assumption that with the exception of Adam and Kris, the judges would have preferred to hear straight-up arrangements rather than modified ones that suit the finalists better.

It seemed as if every performance had at least one judge putting a damper on the manner in which the song was performed, which is usually not how things go on this show. The positive thing about tonight was the fact that all four judges actually were allowed to get a word in (edgewise, maybe, but in regardless), yet they still managed to finish a minute or so after nine.

But it were the performances that really made the night what it was, for better or for worse. Kicking things off without even so much as a pre-performance video package (what a shame...), Lil got into her groove with "I'm Every Woman." First of all, how many times has the song been sung on this show over the years? Here's a hint: too many. Once again, Lil showed complete and utter disregard for the judges and their warnings with this song choice, and although she was able to hop around the stage with a few bright spots in her vocals, Simon was right on in accusing her of being "copycat." Simon was even more correct when he said this will be the last week we see Lil perform as an Idol finalist. If not, something in the Idol universe has gone horribly wrong.

Deciding to switch things up this week was Kris and his guitar, as the pair performed an unexpected song in "She Works Hard For the Money" (aka Donna Summer song #1). Although hundreds of thousands of Kris' fans most likely simultaneously held their breath in the 30 seconds prior to his performance, they let out a collective sigh of relief as soon as he began his acoustic take on the disco classic. Kris' vocals were as smooth as usual, but the way he configured the song to fit his personal style is something that should be admired. The judges agreed, although a few of them seemed to drag their feet (mainly Kara). Paula had to throw a hitch in what was an otherwise positive critique session, though, as she rambled on about Kris not being afraid to go shopping in women's departments. But Simon was able to paddle back to the center and delivered a glowing review. It would be a semi-shock to see him leave tonight.

Someone else who switched up his song's arrangement to result in a solid performance was Adam, as he defied Simon's $10,000 fake bet that he'd pick a Donna Summer song, instead opting for "If I Can't Have You" from Saturday Night Fever (or Saturday Night Live if you're asking Kara). With a little help from Michael Orland, Adam was able to take a well known song and turn it on its head. It was not his strongest showing to date, but it was a lot better than a few of the night's other performances. However, Paula's tearing up definitely could have been done without.

On the other side of the spectrum, Danny's take on "September" was a little on the overrated side. The dancing was improved, but the vocals were just not really up to speed. The strange thing was everyone pretty much gave Danny a pass on his vocals and praised him for making the song work for him, even though he did not mess with the arrangement. It probably would have worked better had he switched it up a bit, but Simon liked it so that's all that counts. If Kara's into foreshadowing with her "I hope we remember this by the end of the night" comment, it could be very much a possibility that Danny will land in the Bottom 3, although it would be a stretch to believe he's going anywhere.

Another finalist that did not change up the arrangement and once again did not get chewed up was Matt, as the most fortunate member of the Top 7 sang the cursed (in Idol terms) "Stayin' Alive" (aka Bee Gees song #1). Matt's vocals were a mess and his performance was extremely hectic, with the backup singers going out of their element by joining him front and center. Everything about the showing was too much: too much effort put in, too much vocals, too much moving around, too much not good enough. Yet the four talking heads were relatively easy on him, with Paula saying he threw a "strike" and Randy saying he "can really sing." Even though he gave it his all, it looks like Matt's journey on this show is finally over.

Last night's best performance came smack dab in the middle thanks to Allison's well-planned rendition of "Hot Stuff." The song is usually performed in a near joking manner, and Allison managed to transform it into an rocked-out experience. From the beginning when she was sitting vulnerably on the stairs to the last veteran-sounding run, she was able to take command of the stage as well as captivate the audience. But once again, the judges did not like this modified arrangement, with Randy borrowing a page from Simon's page when he called it "overindulgent." That's overindulgent, Randy? Really? And would you guys have preferred to hear another predictable, karaoke-sounding "Hot Stuff" songfest? I guess so.

And to close out the show was a new Anoop with a new look. He still had his old smooth vocal style, though, and his take on "Dim All the Lights" (aka Donna Summer song #2) was pretty solid. Once again, though, the current-sounding arrangement was nothing short of a major miss according to Simon, as were Anoop's vocals, as he called it his worst showing yet. That is for sure a stretch, and Randy, Paula and Kara were more on the money here (something that rarely happens this season). Maybe next time Anoop can do without the pink, though (just ignore Paula on that one, Anoop).

And with that, it's going to be close. At this point it seems like it would be fairly obvious as to who's getting the send-off tonight, but there are a few surprises to be had yet. There has yet to be a "shocker" of an elimination this season, and it might just happen tonight.

Just one more thing: I got answers to my two pre-performance questions. First, only two of seven finalists "took the boring route" and sang Donna Summer songs. Second, only one finalist "opted for the toe-tapping tunes of The Bee Gees."