The show opened up with a “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” promo featuring Ben Stiller and friends (and by “friends,” I mean “castmates”). Apparently the “Idol” judges’ desk is a new addition to the Smithsonian’s collection.
The promo was witty on several counts. Firstly, it poked fun at Paula’s incoherence -- always a crowd pleaser! It also brought to light the ridiculousness of a desk once belonging to Randy, Simon and Paula being housed under the same roof as a desk once belonging to Thomas Jefferson.
History writes itself, I guess. Last but not least, unlike, say, um, I don’t know -- AT&T, Coca-Cola, Ford and iTunes -- the “Museum” crew didn’t pretend to be there out of the goodness of their hearts. Basically, they came out and said they had a movie to promote.
Seacrest announced that over 88 million votes came in on Tuesday but implied that we shouldn’t count our chickens before they hatch because there were “just over 1 million votes” separating the Top 2. Close call, America! I bet you wish you’d voted that extra time.
The first-ever all-guy Ford music video featured our trio exhibiting their own super powers in a very a-ha: "Take on Me” cartoon kind of way. Adam Lambert’s power seemed to have something to do with grilling out. I’m not sure what Kris Allen’s power was; I was so distracted by how damn good looking he was -- even as a cartoon!
Gokey’s power seemed to have religious undertones, of course, as he parted cars on a crowded street like Moses parting the Red Sea. (The only thing red, though, was the Ford Mustang.)
Again, no “Idol Gives Back” this year. Instead, Alicia Keys came out to talk about the charity Keep a Child Alive and Noah from Rwanda, a singer who wants to record an album so that he can help children suffering from AIDS in his country. A noble cause, no doubt. In fact, Noah apparently learned to sing the English words to “I’m the World’s Greatest” in just one week -- and looks like he learned to dance in just one day. From Danny Gokey.
Viewers were able to donate $5 by texting “alive” to a special number. Again, a noble cause. But, seriously, Noah’s performance was a little too peppy and joyful to inspire a donation. Remember when the little African choir sang with Josh Groban? Now that left me teary-eyed.
Before the finalists could be revealed, it was time to watch clips of their “Hometown Hero” moments. Danny was up first, with his trip to Milwaukee. Featured prominently was a stalker in plaid pants and a pink feather boa, a sign saying “Scream On” and Jamar Rogers.
For those of you who don’t remember, Jamar and Danny are good friends and made it all the way to Hollywood Week together, until Rogers was robbed of a spot in the Top 12. (Still confused about that one.)
Also featured were tears -- lots of tears.
