It’s the magical and mysterious "Songs from the Year You Were Born" Week on American Idol, which means we’ll get plenty of ’80s music, and a terrifying reminder that one of the remaining contenders was born after I graduated from high school. (Gulp.) Anyhow, after a little bit of Internet research, here are my song suggestions for the top 8 of season 8. Ch-ch-check ‘em out, then make suggestions of your own in the comments section below!
- Danny Gokey (1980): Pete Townshend’s "Let My Love Open the Door" or Dionne Warwick’s "Déjà Vu"
- Adam Lambert (1982): Quarterflash’s "Harden My Heart" or The Motels’ "Only the Lonely"
- Lil Rounds (1984): Madonna’s "Borderline" (the 2006 Jody Watley rendition) or Tracey Ullman’s "They Don’t Know" [Note: Please, please, please…no "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)"!]
- Kris Allen (1985): Bruce Springsteen’s "I’m on Fire" or Power Station’s "Some Like It Hot"
- Matt Giraud (1985): Madonna’s "Angel" or The Honeydrippers’ "Sea of Love"
- Scott MacIntyre (1985): ABC’s "Be Near Me" or Survivor’s "I Can’t Hold Back"
- Anoop Desai (1986): Nu Shooz’s "I Can’t Wait" or Lisa Lisa’s "All Cried Out"
- Allison Iraheta (1992): Shakespear’s Sister’s "Stay" or Red Hot Chili Peppers’ "Under the Bridge"
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allison should totally sing My Lovin’ by En Vogue. It’s a fun song and she could really turn it into a great rocker riffing piece of awesome. KEEP ADORABLE TEENS OUT OF THE BOTTOM 3!
I will lose my head if Kris Allen sings “I’m on Fire.” Doubt it’ll happen though.
Oh wow. I would love Allison to sing “Under the Bridge” (but could that song EVER get cleared??)…. Kris with “I’m on Fire”? Some people were spoiling that for Cook last year and I would be THRILLED to see Kris take it on. It’d be super sexy. I’d also love to hear Matt sing “Sea of Love.” I only know the Cat Power cover though, but it’s fab and Matt could have a moment with it if he translated Cat Power’s guitar to piano…
MJ suggested Kris also try an upbeat Huey Lewis’ “The Power of Love.” I think he could make that song extremely modern.
I echo the sentiment — no no no “Against All Odds”!!
I don’t believe I’ve posted over here before, but I’ve been following Idolatry for a while and I love it. I’ve recently gotten my mom to watch Idolatry as well! Thanks for the great comments every week.
seriously? No “Can’t fight this feeling”? “Take on me”? Someone’s gotta sing some “Raspberry beret”…1985 had such good songs, these are weak picks!
Michael — you’re SO my man! I was totally thinking Adam should do “Only the Lonely.” He could do the sensitive artiste bit showing that he doesn’t always have to rock. He could do the gender bending bit, since it’s a Martha Davis tune (actually, she’s kinda manish… but, whatever works!) Or, I was thinking he could do “Open Arms” and out-Steve-Perry Steve Perry
What a great list of songs! Have not seen the videos for most of these in a long time. I’ll be surprised if one of your choices make the show – there are too many songs to choose from.
i’m sorry but these are terrible song choices…. is there a listing somewhere on a website of every song available for a given year?
I think Adam Lambert should sing “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This” by Eurythmics. It would be amazing in his voice, and he could make his own version.
Everyone could pack their bags now,
Anoop is bringing down the house.
2009 American Idol winner, Anoop Desai.
It is so funny you mentioned that.
I just watched a movie called American Dreamz.
Wherein it is a SPOOF version of American Idol.
So I guess the President would be present in the finale with Anoop in the final 2.
Adam: I Love Rock n Roll, Harden My Heart (agreed with u Michael), Open Arm, Don’t Stop Believin’. And for a joke (Physical or I’ve Never Been to Me. Those two will be very funny for him to sing. Hehe
You are so right – Lil Rounds is definitely singing Against All Odds. And it will suck. P.S. Who are the people who are actually voting for Lil and Danny? They suck.
Bryan Adam’s “Heaven” would also be perfect for Kris.
I haven’t heard of half the songs Slezak has suggested, and that might be a problem for some of the singers.
As I wrote last week,
My picks for what the contestants should sing (feedback please!):
Adam Lambert: Rosanna (Toto)
Lil Rounds: Drive (Cars)
Scott MacIntyre: We Are the World (USA For Africa)
Matt Giraud: Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears)
Allison Iraheta: All That She Wants (Ace of Base)
Danny Gokey: While You See a Chance (Steve Winwood)
Anoop Desai: Take My Breath Away (Berlin) or Overjoyed (Stevie Wonder, and he already did it if I remember correctly)…he might actually have trouble finding the perfect song
Kris Allen: Power of Love (Huey Lewis and the News) (also not sure for him, but he can easily take a lesser song and strip it bare)
I would love to hear allison sing walking on broken glass by annie lennox… I think she would do really well with that song!