adam lambert tears for fears

Adam Lambert delivered a rendition of Tears for Fears' "Mad World" that was phenomenal. I was particularly impressed, as this is one of my favorite songs. Adam's version was reminiscent of the Gary Jules arrangement, rather than the original Tears for Fears.

However, where Gary Jules delivered a more monotone sing song vocal, Adam's version was filled with varying degrees of light and shade. I have been hesitant in my admiration of Adam because of his penchant for the dramatic. Tonight he dispensed with the antics and displayed a softness and vulnerability I have not seen from him before.

With the stage bathed in blue light, Adam struck just the right melancholy tone. Adam's voice soared with angelic purity and at other times it's simplicity was breathtaking. .He was pitch perfect. Earning a standing ovation from Simon is nothing short of a miracle, but Adam managed it. . He really is in a class by himself. The performance was restrained and pared down with a nod to the melody and the definite artistry of a consummate performer.

The 27-year-old actor from Los Angeles received a standing ovation from none other than Cowell following his rendition of "Mad World" by Tears for Fears.

Meanwhile,Lil Rounds continued her streak of disappointment on "American Idol."

The 24-year-old Memphis mom's eyes welled with tears as judge Simon Cowell derided her performance of "What's Love Got To Do With It" Tuesday night as a "second- or third-rate version of Tina Turner."

"I have no idea who you are," Cowell told Rounds. "You're not making the impact you should be making on the show. ... You've got to start becoming more original."

Cowell and his fellow judges loved Matt Giraud's slick take on the Stevie Wonder hit "Part-Time Lover." Giraud is a piano player from Kalamazoo, Mich.

Kris Allen generally gets good reviews, but the judges' panel mostly soured to the heartthrob's cover of "All She Wants To Do Is Dance." Cowell used some of his favorite words -- "indulgent, boring, forgettable" -- to describe it, causing audience members to shout their support of Allen: "You're hot!!!"

Responded Cowell: "So am I, but it's not about that."

One of the eight remaining finalists will get the boot on Wednesday night's results show. In a new rule this season, judges can save a contestant they feel has been wrongly eliminated by voting viewers.

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