Nine contestants, ninety minutes of pure music. It was the week that the finalists of American Idol 8 went mentor-less — and the best thing? They got to choose their own song! No themes, just as long as their chosen song is in iTunes most popular downloaded songs. The big problem is, will the Top 9 be able to choose the right song for themselves? According to Kara dioGuardi, this week’s contest is for the singer to show off his/her artistry. Did they rose to the challenge? Watch the performances below and tell us what you think! =) CLICK HERE for the videos.

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He was the first of the Top 10 finalists of American Idol 8 to fall.. And Michael Sarver is coping well with it. When asked about whether he was suprised that the judges didn’t make their decision immediately when he was done “singing for your life” last Wedesday, the oil rigger from Texas replied: “It was actually very cool that they had to think about it. They hadn’t thought so hard with other contestants. I was very, very complimented by the fact that they did think about it, and that whatever I did last night made them think about it. That tells me I do have what it takes to impact the world musically. That was very encouraging.” Michael Sarver also shared he didn’t mind “singing for your life”, saying:

“[I didn't mind] because I didn’t sing for my life hoping to God that maybe they would save me. I sang for my life because if that was going to be my last chance to sing on the show, it was going to be the best I could give it. The fans deserve as much as I can bring.”

If you’re one of the people who took a liking to Michael Sarver, it might be because he has an open face and very smiling. And yes, he really smiles a lot in real life. He says, “I really do [smile a lot] and I’m going to tell you why: I’m a very fulfilled man. I’ve been screwed up just the same as anyone else, there are things I’m not proud of. But my life is so good right now. I’m blessed beyond words. I have nothing to frown about. My smile? I mean it from one end to the other, I’m just a happy man and I just fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine.” Nice! =)

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Last week, Justin Guarini, a former AI contestant said he thought the contestants “lip-synched” on their group numbers. Now a spokesman for American Idol’s producer has confirmed that pre-recorded tracks were indeed being used BUT emphasized they are singing to their own voices. Also, all of the solo performances were 100 percent live. “The New York Times” published the rep’s statement as saying: “Due to extensive choreography and to balance their voices with open mics against a screaming audience, the Idols do sing along to their own prerecorded vocal track during the group performances only.”

“Last week I saw Megan Corkery stop singing for one part as she tried to find her place next to Matt Giraud by the piano,” Macedo said. “Once she got her footing she jumped back in. If something like that happened while someone was doing a solo performance or a duet, and what you were hearing didn’t reflect that, you would instantly know that they were lip-synching. But in a case like this, when it’s a big group singing together, it’s far less obvious.”

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Of all the American Idol 8 finalists who got eliminated, I think only the oil rig worker from Texas left with a sincere smile — thankful that his AI ordeal is over. Michael Sarver sang “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” on his way out of the Top 10 on Motown Week where the judges declined to bring him back. Post-elimination, he talks about singing for his life, the pressure to go country and that now-famous signature grin. First off, how did Michael Sarver about the judges’ decision not to save him? He says:

I’m OK with it. They have to make a decision based on what they believe the future of the show holds. If they thought that I wasn’t quite winning material, then that’s the decision they had to make, and I respect it. Do I believe that I still have what it takes to win? Absolutely. I believe I’m a winner.

So does Michael Sarver feel any pressure to go country like the American Idol judges seemed to want? He says, “Yes. I did feel a little bit of pressure from the media and fans who for some reason put me into that country category … But I will say that my true roots in my heart is R&B and soul, and I plan to explore that.” As for his post-“Idol” plans, Michael Sarver shares, “I hope within the next year, people see an album come out. I want to record right away. I want to stay fresh. This is an incredible platform and I want to take full advantage of it.”

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Motown Week is one of my favorite weeks in any given American Idol season. However, AI season 8 seems to be the one that got to me. Everybody just sang well (umm, except perhaps Megan Joy Corkrey’s kooky performance..), Stevie Wonder’s medley was just mind-blowing good and I really don’t want anybody to go just yet. But of course, somebody has to be eliminated unless the 4 judges saved him/her. So who got eliminated? CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT!

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American Idol season 8 episode 23 is one of the best AI episode I’ve ever seen! Everybody was awesome and the Motown songs were rockin’ good! ^_^ Smokey Robinson (this week’s mentor) and Berry Gordy Jr. watched from the front row as the Top 10 singers performed. Adam Lambert sang an acoustic “The Tracks of My Tears” while Allison Iraheta gave her amazing rendition of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” Anoop Desai was sexxxay with “Ooh Baby Baby” while Megan Joy Corkrey gave a unique take on “For Once in My Life.” Lil Rounds provided the truest Motown vibe with “Heat Wave” while Kris Allen, accompanying himself with acoustic guitar, sang “How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved By You). Matt Giraud was also sexy with “Let’s Get it On” while Michael Sarver performed Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”

WATCH THE WHOLE SHOW HERE!

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Kris Allen
He is quite involved in his church and has been a worship leader plus a missionary overseas. Awesome!! =) More secrets: Kris taught himself to play the guitar at 13 and can also play the piano, viola and ukulele. His wife Katy and him are childhood sweethearts. Aw shucks! ^_^

Matt Giraud
His nickname as a kid was “White Chocolate.” And why is that? Matt Giraud explains: “I was like one of the only lighter kids in the gospel choir in Detroit. They used to call me White Chocolate ’cause I learned to sing like that, and I love that type of music. You know, I sang that soul type of stuff, that church music.” He cites gospel singer Kirk Franklin among his music influences.

Danny Gokey
We all know that his wife Sofia dying after heart surgery just four weeks before his audition. But did you know he set up a foundation in her name called Sophia’s Heart? Its mission: “We exist to help mend and heal the hearts of children who have been touched by poverty, sickness disease, broken families and broken dreams.” Danny Gokey also blogged in the foundation’s website about how important it is “let go” after harmful life events:

“Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting about Sophia but does mean releasing the toxic emotions tied to the situation. However, I can tell you today that I am able to enjoy life more and I’m grabbing hold of new opportunities that would have otherwise been lost. I’m not buried in my bed under my sheets at home being angry at the world and God, but I’m in the stages of healing because my heart is not bound by resentment.”

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