Contestant: Lil Rounds
Song: "I'm Every Woman" (Chaka Khan)
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One of the most powerful of the Seventies feminist anthems, and perhaps an even more powerful statement of empowerment than "I Will Survive," this statement also became a signature song for the former Rufus singer, and another million-selling R&B smash for the Ashford-Simpson songwriting team.
Contestant: Kris Allen
Song: "She Works Hard For The Money" (Donna Summer)
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Not a disco song per se, this early-Eighties dance hit was, not coincidentally, yet another feminist anthem, this one from the perspective of the working-class woman (an actual bathroom attendant Summer met who worked two jobs). Donna's last big hit, it was also the first song by a black female to land on MTV in its earliest, rock-centric days.
Contestant: Danny Gokey
Song: "September" (Earth, Wind and Fire)
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This EWF standard was one of their catchiest and happiest, even for a band which preached love and unity with one ear cocked to the radio; it was originally introduced as the new single from the band's first 1978 Greatest Hits compilation. Its high notes make it a perfect pick for Idol.
Contestant: Allison Iraheta
Song: "Hot Stuff" (Donna Summer)
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Released during the Queen of Disco's absolute peak, this rock-disco anthem found Summer nearly desperate for physical love: "I dialed about a hundred numbers, baby / I'm bound to find somebody home." It won her the first rock vocal Grammy for a black female, even if rock fans weren't accepting the change.
Contestant: Adam Lambert
Song: "If I Can't Have You" (Yvonne Elliman)
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Elliman had been most famous for playing Mary Magdalene in the film version of Jesus Christ Superstar when this Bee Gees-penned song rocketed her to the top of the charts in 1977. Unfortunately, she never found that elusive follow-up, but this one swirling, orchestral, obsessive hit was impressive enough.
Contestant: Matt Giraud
Song: "Stayin' Alive" (Bee Gees)
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Written to order by the Bee Gees for the film Saturday Night Fever, the group's (and disco's) signature hit wasn't quite what was requested -- an eight-minute, three-part opus -- yet the dynamics were so perfect and the rhythm (set to one looped drum track!) so tight, that it went over beyond anyone's expectations.
Contestant: Anoop Desai
Song: "Dim All the Lights" (Donna Summer)
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One of Summer's big ballads that, again, somehow erupted onto the dance floor, this beautiful number was written by the singer for Rod Stewart, but withdrawn; just as well, considering the record-breaking sixteen-second note Donna hits just as the record begins to explode.
Group Song
"Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)" (Jackson 5)
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The Five's first real foray into disco was a monster smash, modeled as it was after a repeated chant in Marvin Gaye's 12-minute opus "Got To Give It Up": "Let's dance! Let's shout! Get funky what it's all about!" Penned by Michael and his brother Randy, it was produced by the duo as well.
