In the days since the sudden and shocking death of Michael Jackson, my inbox has rapidly filled up with emails announcing tributes to the King of Pop that were sweet, strange and (in a few cases) deeply cynical. But one that struck me as decidedly appropriate was Fox's decision to present an encore presentation of American Idol's season 8 Top 13 performance show, during which contestants tackled selections from the Michael Jackson songbook. Watching the untested baker's dozen tackle hits from Jackson's decades-spanning career is a fascinating way to understand the depth of the man's musical legacy. So if you get the chance, set your DVR and catch Kris Allen's soulful, acoustic "Remember the Time," Adam Lambert's ferocious, politically charged "Black or White," Alexis Grace's searing "Dirty Diana," Megan Joy's jazzy "Rockin' Robin" (sue me, I liked it!) and several other solid performances from the two-hour telecast. My favorite, not surprisingly, came from The Rocker, Allison Iraheta. Her electric take on the lesser-known "Give in to Me" is embedded below. Check it out, then share your favorite Michael Jackson covers (Idol and otherwise) in the comments section below!
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Sorry Mike, Gokey owned that night with PYT.
Slezak, I believe it was Kris who talked Allison into doing that song. So, you can thank him for that.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, the Season 8 contestants did a fine job on Michael Jackson week. But none of them came close to David Cook’s brilliant rendition of “Billie Jean” from Season7. Now THAT would be a tribute truly worth another viewing!
I absolutely agree: Danny Gokey won the night with PYT!!!
Does anyone remember the comments Simon and/or the judges gave to Adam, Allison and Kris?
Does anyone remember the comments that Simon and the other judges gave to Adam, Allison, and Kris? Just curious!
Yes, he died and it was a tragedy. But do we really need to see every little thing he’s every done or that has ever been done about him? The guy was a freak and a child molester! Yes, he made good music once upon a time, but he was a has-been in this country!
Martin,
I don’t know about Kris and Allison’s comments but the judges said to Adam…Randy:”I love who you are,” Kara:”Who hits notes like that?” “I hope MJ is watching,” Paula: “We will be seeing you in the finals,” “Never in the history of the show have I seen someone so comfortable and seasoned on that stage…I don’t even notice the stage b/c my eyes are transfixed on you” Simon said: “That was in a totally different league that anything else we seen tonight …you are someone ppl are going to talk about…to do MJ you have to be over the top and be comfortable with it.”
Martin: I think Simon called Kris “forgettable!” LOL!
Sorry, no, I don’t remember Simon’s comments.
Since he is all about manipulation, I find his comments to be forgettable.
I think this is a very fitting tribute for Fox to air – showing how the next generation of singers is still being so heavily influenced by MJ and his amazing legacy.
I’m looking forward to seeing the top 13 now that we know how it all plays out for the season too.
In hindsight, I couldn’t even remember what most of these people performed (sorry, Kris!) I remembered Adam as being explosive and scene-stealing (surprise, surprise!) Danny being pretty decent, Megan being crazy (caw caw!) and Anoop butchering Beat it.
I remember I had not heard that song in YEARS when she did it. I cocked my head to the side, thought, “Huh, I used to love that song” and then strolled over to my computer and downloaded it.
Yeah, Simon called Kris forgettable. He didn’t have too kind words for his vocals either. He loved Adam. And Allison too I think. Also Danny.
Still, it’s a great show all in all. I can’t wait to see it again!
This was Adam’s first performance after his “shocking” kissing pictures were exposed, and I think the judges gave him a little extra love to show their support. It was also the only night I remember him tearing up at the judges comments although he was subsequently praised many times. He put so much personal emotion into that song!
That season was not all that great. American Idol should definitely put David Cooks version of “Billy Jean”.
When that version came on my mouth dropped. I loved it almost as much as the original.