"American Idol": Simon calls Adam Lambert's "the best entrance of the season"

The Final Five (All pics: GETTY)

I'm getting a wee bit tired of writing this, but yes, Adam Lambert brought it yet again to the Idol stage last night with a sleazy, snarly, and very Vegas-ready version of "Feelin' Good". Which was entirely appropriate, given that the theme of the week was the songs of the Rat Pack. 

Randy said that the number was a little too Broadway for him, but considering that the song comes from a musical (1965's The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd), that's not exactly surprising. The song was later recorded by many artists, including Sammy Davis, Jr., hence the inclusion in the Rat Pack songbook. And Eli Stone fans may remember that George Michael sang the number on the season finale.

Once again, it was Lambehhhhrrrrrr's well-documented "theatricality" that set him apart from the gang. Week after week this guy has surprised audiences and judges alike, and done exactly what the show has needed for several seasons: Give people a real reason to tune in to see what this guy is gonna do next.

I noted a few weeks back that the show's Savior/Devil juxtaposition of Danny Gokey (in evangelical whites) and Lambert (in the "Ring of Fire") was a bit troubling, and that Little Lord Gothsalot might want to stretch a bit to avoid being pigeonholed as a one-note performer. He's done that and them some, and last night's descent down the stairway from heaven in a white suit proved that he can play both sides of the coin without losing any of his trademark sass and edge.

It was enough for Simon to praise Adam as having the "best entrance of the season", and it was so genuine and well-deserved that I'm not even going to finish the obvious joke. Next week's theme is Rock-and-Roll, which means that Lambehhhhrrrr will probably take the stage in lederhosen and sing "Satisfaction" as an aria.

Until then, enjoy these backstage pics...