True confessions time: My knowledge of country music is limited, and my knowledge of the "music popularized by members of the Grand Ole Opry" stretches the outer definitions of the word "knowledge." But is that gonna stop me from suggesting songs for tonight for the top 11 contestants of American Idol’s eighth season? Can I get a "Hell naw"?
For the record, those cantankerous pranksters over at Vote For The Worst claim they’ve got an early list of songs that the current batch of Idol hopefuls were allowed to choose from (click here to see it); interestingly enough, an Idol spokesperson declined to comment on its accuracy. (Hmmm!) From that list, I am truly hoping we hear none of the following tonight: Dolly Patron’s "I Will Always Love You" (yes, Lil, I’m talkin’ to you!); Martina McBride’s "A Broken Wing" (overdone-on-Idol alert); Trace Adkins’ "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk"; Garth Brooks’ "Friends in Low Places"; Johnny Cash’s "I Walk the Line" (done too well by Daughtry back in season 5, thanks); and Trisha Yearwood’s "How Do I Live." And note to the four remaining female contestants: I know you might be tempted to cover Carrie Underwood’s "Jesus Take the Wheel," "Before He Cheats," or "Last Name," but do you really think it’s wise to put your vocal up against that of a megapopular former Idol champ in her chart-topping prime?Nyet!
One other point of interest: While VFTW includes several Johnny Cash tunes among the list of eligible songs, the Grand Ole Opry Web site doesn’t actually list him as a member. (Who knew?) You can click here to check their full roster of artists, then head down to the comments section to suggest songs for your favorite (and least favorite) contestants. And feel free to skip my picks. No, seriously!
Adam Lambert: Johnny Cash’s "Folsom Prison Blues"
Alexis Grace: Trisha Yearwood’s "This Is Me You’re Talking To"
Allison Iraheta: Hank Williams’ "I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry"(those who’ve heard Cowboy Junkies’ version are nodding their heads)
Anoop Desai: Reba McEntire’s "You Lie"
Danny Gokey: Josh Turner’s "Firecracker"
addCredit(“American Idol: Ray Mickshaw/Fox; Randy Travis: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images”)
Kris Allen: Patsy Cline’s "Walkin’ After Midnight"
Lil Rounds: Barbara Mandrell’s "If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don’t Wanna Be Right"
Matt Giraud: Charlie Daniels Band’s "Let It Roll"
Megan Corkrey: Loretta Lynn’s "You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)"
Michael Sarver: Dierks Bentley’s "Settle for a Slowdown"
Scott MacIntyre: Dolly Parton’s "Love Is Like a Butterfly"
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Comments (1-15) of 36 Add your comment
As long as I don’t have to listen to “God Bless the U.S.A.”, I’ll be thrilled!
I agree no one should try to sing Carrie Underwood’s songs as they will butcher them. I think Lil Rounds is the only female with any sort ofrange, so she might be able to pull off a Carrie song, but megan and the rest need to STAY clear from Carrie’s songs. They will destroy them.
Nice shout-out to the Cowboy Junkies!
Okay, given that VFTW list, Adam MUST sing “Shameless”!!! He can so knock that one out of the park!
i think megan should do a patsy cline song. i think it would fit nicely with her voice and it could give her an opportunity to update it to something really cool.
Johnny is not on the Grand Ole Opry website list because the list is only active members. Active members must perform at a certain number of shows each year to retain their active status.
AMEN to NO God Bless the USA.
I think megan should sing walking after midnight not kris
her voice fits that song
Uh…so he knows so little about country, that when he sees that no one can cover Johnny Cash because’s he’s not a Grand Ole Opry member, he predicts someone will sing him anyway because he doesn’t know what else to predict? Oooookay.
Actually, I’d like to hear a couple Carrie Underwood tunes. Maybe “Last Name” by Allison, and “All-American Girl” or “Jesus, Take the Wheel” by Gokey.
Yeah, tonight could be a bit of a train wreck for the lot of them.
So I followed the link to VFTW… after reading a bunch of comments there, I feel the need to take a shower and disinfect my computer. Never again…
I hope someone sings Reba’s “Fancy.” Maybe Alexis.
Alex: T-R-O-U-B-L-E, Travis Tritt
Matt G.: I wouldn’t have missed this for the world- Ronnie Milsap
Allison: If Loving You is wrong- Barbara Mandrell
Kris: Let Me Love You Tonight, Pure Praire League w/ Vince Gill
Scott: The Dance, Garth Brooks
Danny: Forever and Ever Amen, Randy Travis
Matt: This Whiskey Aint Working, Marty Stuart
Anoop: Sure Feels Like Love: Gatlin Brothers
Lil: This ones for the Girls- Martina McBride
Megan: The Pill, L.Lynn
Michael: Friends in Low Places, Garth Brooks
Wow so many amazing country music people to choose from – back before country became watered-down pop. Hope they pick good stuff – but the only thing that jumped out at me was Adam singing T-R-O-U-B-L-E. It can be a little shouty and i can picture him going shreaktastic on the end of the chorus.