American Idol Season 8 Episode 21: The Top 11 Perform

Last week on American Idol, America voted out Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez and the judges chose not to save either with that stupid new veto rule. This week the top 11 are singing Grand Ole Opry songs, with mentoring by Randy Travis. Let’s get right to it!

Michael Sarver is singing “Ain’t Going Down ‘Til the Sun Comes Up.” Randy T. advises him to not mess up the fast-paced wording. Michael’s in his comfort zone and having fun, but he gets breathless and goes flat sometimes. The judges agree that the song showed his personality, but didn’t showcase his vocals.

Allison Iraheta is singing “Blame It On Your Heart.” Randy T. thinks she’s the bees knees but tells her to avoid being cutesy. She’s got some vibrato but mostly she rocks it. Kara, Paula, and Randy loved it but Simon found it tuneless in parts and calls her precocious.

Kris Allen is singing “To Make You Feel My Love.” Randy T. says Kris is a strong balladeer. Kris sounds great but he suffers from a lack of charisma. Paula was pleasantly surprised, Simon found it terrific, and Randy and Kara also praise it.