James Sims - Sofa Snark: Jaime Foxx Gets Gangster with Adam Lambert

James Sims is the Editor-in-Chief of TalkTVWorld.com and Senior Editor of BroadwayWorld.com. Sofa Snark is an ongoing critical blog focusing on all aspects of show business, from television entertainment to Broadway offerings and general pop culture.  This column also appears on the Huffington Post and SofaSnark.com.  Follow James on Twitter @simsjames for daily show business links, musings and a bit of snark.

There might just be another flaw in “American Idol’s” ivory tower of reality competition schlock. Looks like iTunes accidentally leaked the number of downloads each performer earned. Could the finale consist of Adam Lambert and Kris Allen? One of the two does not belong.

Five contestants remain, yet somehow the show found a way to run long, again. Nice one producers. It’s not like you haven’t had a few years to work the kinks out. The kiddies were given a chance to send up the Rat Pack era, allowing Kris an opportunity to wow viewers with his astute powers of observation. He so kindly pointed out that all of those Frank Sinatra types are dead. Someone should let Tony Bennett know its time to buy that burial plot.

Actor Jaime Foxx showed up this week to mentor the gang. It was gangster meets teenie bopper on “Idol.” Epic stuff. At least the producers didn’t call on the king of sap, Michael Buble. I say, let Canada have him.

All snark aside for a moment, the evening started off smooth with a subtle performance of “The Way You Look Tonight” by Kris Allen. Dapper in a suit and tie, giving Ryan Seacrest a run for his money, Kris got Paula Abdul beaming. This kid is no Bobby Darin, but his childlike charm and underage girl appeal will lead to a steady career of Top 40 background noise.

The final vixen on “Idol,” now 17-year-old Allison Iraheta, cleaned up well. Her prematurely aged voice hit every note of “Someone to Watch Over Me” with A-list charm. Someone that young shouldn’t be able to connect with a melancholy song so well. Underdog or not, I love me some Allison in this competition.

Then there’s Matt Giraud. Like he needed an excuse to wear that hipster fedora. A night of “Idol” wouldn’t be complete without a cliche-ridden bit from its resident poser. “My Funny Valentine” was on the menu, and Matt ate it up with all of his usual uninspired charm. Randy Jackson was generous with a six out of ten vote. Time for this kid to pick up a scotch and drink away his sorrows, or at least drown out the ones I have after sitting through another week of his singing.

Jaime Foxx got up close and personal with Danny Gokey in hopes of getting the singer geared up for a stellar take on “Come Rain or Come Shine.” Unlike his fellow pop gladiators, Danny’s voice has always been suited for the Sinatra genre. And he has Michael McDonald to thank for laying the groundwork. I’ve said it nearly every week. Danny and Adam Lambert are destined for a finale fight to the death.

Adam had the grand entrance he deserved Tuesday, descending the ruby red staircase while belting out “Feeling Good.” In a nice screw you style, he turned the typical standards sound on its head and delivered a crowd-winning performance. The judges call it too Broadway, but I call it recording gold. There’s no more cabaret acts in his future. It’s time for the big leagues.

Photo by Frank Micelotta / FOX