The final season of "Idol" feels like it's moving awfully fast, doesn't it? We're already reaching the Top 6 mark, and we got there by pairing off the Top 8 and challenging them with duets.
Both La' Porsha and Trent and Avalon and Sonika kicked off this most recent episode, and both duets sparkled. They fared well; the others - yeah, no so much.
Dalton was paired with Mackenzie - both front-runners, in my opinion - and rather than inspire and elevate one another they managed to cancel each other out. Their plodding, uninteresting take on the boy band hit "I Want It That Way" was uncomfortable to watch, and they looked uncomfortable singing it - especially the brooding Rappatoni.
Before long the slow purge began, with La' Porsha and Mackenzie the first two to be declared safe for the night. These two will be standing for a few more weeks too. La'Porsha stomped about the stage clobbering "Come Together," and then Mackenzie delivered a ":You Are So Beautiful" that rivaled the late Joe Cocker's.
We were now into the "Idol Playbook" portion of the episode, where contestants tackle songs that have proved popular with those that came and fell (and won) before them. (For the record, I think "Idol Playbook" is misleading; I thought that meant these wannabes would be taking on Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and even Chris Daughtry hits. That would have been cool.)
Trent made it through third, and seems completely uninterested in being likable. From the moment he winked at the camera while, admittedly, doing a fine job on Bill Withers' "Stand By Me," this kid's swagger was off-putting. I think he's the Clark Beckham of this season (the guy whose penchant for being insufferable cost him last season's victory).
Tristan came next, delivering a wobbly Martina McBride tune, her nervousness palpable. She'll have to start owning that stage, and soon, but I doubt that's going to happen.
The last one through was someone we all knew was going to make it through all along - but "Idol" just has to play with its viewers. Dalton Rappatoni had a fine return to form with a completely rearranged "Eleanor Rigby." This is his zone, and this is Dalton's season to lose.
Furthermore, Rappatoni, coupled with Kelly Clarkson way back with the first season win, makes for fine bookends.
This left Avalon, Sonika, and Lee to duke it out for a one-week reprieve, but it really didn't matter. Not a one of them will be left standing when "Idol" closes up shop for good.
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