Idol Worship: Best to Worst of Motown Night

We didn't have very high hopes for the competitors on Motown night, what with last week's crushing Alexis Grace elimination, but we'll admit: for the most part, season 8's Top 10 impressed us. Maybe having Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson in the audience brought out their A-game, or perhaps after witnessing Alexis' departure, they're all realizing how tenuous their standing truly is. Whatever it was, we're glad to see this contest kick into gear. And for that, we have one person to thank: Adam Lambert. Read on for our assessment of Motown's best to worst.

1. Adam Lambert - "Tracks Of My Tears"
Wow. Adam Lambert knocked it out of the park on Wednesday night by toning down the shtick, slicking back his hair and finally putting away those ridiculous finger-less gloves. The result? One of the most memorable performances in Idol history. In fact, by recognizing the inherent beauty of the Smokey Robinson classic "Tracks Of My Tears" and slowing the tempo just so, Adam proved he stands apart from his fellow Top 10-ers in one key area: he has a deeper understanding of music. As far as his look for the night? Somewhere between Elvis Presley, Zac Efron in Hairspray, Joe Jonas and Kurt Russell, Adam exuded star power in a glistening suit and, in the end, truly shined. Still, we wish he'd cut back on the makeup just a bit.

2. Allison Iraheta - "Papa Was A Rolling Stone"
Allison may have been a dark horse coming into the Top 36, but after Wednesday's show-stopping finale (and Alexis' exit), she's now officially the female frontrunner. And for one reason: Allison tackled a song released decades before her birth as if she'd been singing it her whole life. And lest we forget that only two years ago, a 17 year-old Jordin Sparks won the competition largely because of talent that seemed beyond her years. Kara Dioguardi had it right: pipes that strong can only be a gift from God. Hallelujah!

3.  Anoop Desai - "Ooo Baby Baby"
He started the season as a wild card and an underdog, but after Wednesday's "Ooh Baby Baby" bow,  Anoop Desai is quickly emerging as a serious contender. We confess; we didn't see it coming, but Anoop dazzled with an unexpectedly cool, confident and controlled take on the Smokey Robinson classic, emoting just enough to catch our attention, but not too much where it comes off as cheesy. No doubt his ever-growing fanbase was swooning, while we swayed along.

4. Matt Giraud - "Let's Get It On"
Matt played to his strengths with a sexy, soulful, spot-on "Let's Get It On," but with the unfortunate first-of-the-night slot, we had a feeling voter reaction would be tepid. Still, between his turn at the piano, the extra-tight jeans, and Matt's undeniable swagger, there's no doubt he's got star quality and deserves to be in contention. But if at the end of his run he turns into season 8's Elliot Yamin, we're OK with that, too.

5. Kris Allen - "How Sweet It Is"
"How Sweet It Is" was an apt choice for Kris Allen, because it perfectly described his performance: sugary, if not a touch on the saccharine side. While we have to give Kris points for putting his own twist on a song so universally known, we also got a distinct Jason Castro vibe and the sense that we've heard it all before. Still, there's no doubt Kris is easily marketable — and cute — and that should keep him in the game for a few more weeks, if not longer.

6. Scott MacIntyre - "You Can't Hurry Love"
Scott MacIntyre's place is at the piano, and on this performance of the Supremes hit, we got to see him in his comfort zone — visibly excited and not the least bit nervous. By picking up the tempo and adding some flair to his stage presence, it seems Scott's finally breaking out of his shell just a bit, but his delivery is still hit and miss, and his song choices remain questionable. Despite the pressure, he looks to be handling the spotlight with natural ease, if his post-performance chatter with the judges is any indication. His time may soon be up, but Scott has certainly left an indelible mark on this season.

7. Danny Gokey - "Get Ready"
Let's face it, anyone forced to follow Adam Lambert is facing a daunting task — a reality that likely wasn't lost on ol' Danny Gokey. Still, he gave it his all, parading up and down the Idol stage as if his life depended on it, which, in a way, it does. It was a valiant effort, but far from a memorable one for this frontrunner.

8. Lil Rounds - "Heatwave"
Lil Rounds gets a much-needed makeover — a hair style that's of this century and one fabulous Tina Turner-inspired dress — but the results on the vocal end were uninspiring. Maybe she's trying too hard to be everything to everyone, but her "Heatwave" felt a lot more like a meltdown. Though not of disastrous proportions; After all, Lil is the only other girl still legitimately in the running at this point.

9. Michael Sarver - "Ain't Too Proud To Beg"
It was another rough week for sweet Michael Sarver as he bit off just a little more than he could chew. The judges called his jerky "Ain't To Proud To Beg" Vegas lounge, which isn't always a bad thing, but in the case of Motown night, it simply lacked soul, even if Michael did have plenty of spunk. Of course, he wasn't the worst performer of the night, that honor goes to season 8's official puzzler, Megan Joy. 

10. Megan Joy - "For Once In My Life"
We don't understand why Megan's practice sessions with the mentors always sound a hundred times better than her Idol performances. Is it just the nerves that come with being in front of a live television audience of tens of millions? Or is it strategic editing on the part of the Idol package producers, where she's really slipping up worse than they show? But one thing we do know: despite her beauty, and quirky style, Megan Joy is simply not qualified to be in this competition right now. Not that we're transferring our Alexis Grace ouster bitterness on to her. Well, maybe just a little bit, but it's definitely time for Megan to go.

What's everyone else thinking? Does Adam Lambert have it in the bag? Who would duke it out in your dream finale showdown?