[Brian_Baldwin]

Ring of Fire is a classic that will be living long after I am dead. When folks think of this song, they often think of Johnny Cash – and believe me, having seen Johnny Cash live more than once, and the pure electricity of a Cash show which is almost indescribable, yes I am a big fan of him and always will be.

That song is particularly interesting. Others have also performed it in amazing ways.

What comes to mind for me is Eric Burdon & The Animals rendition of Ring of Fire. It is an amazing rendition.

And I have to say, Adam Lambert who is not a country singer picked the right song for him to make it his own. It was right down the venue of the The Animals and their 1960’s style. When Adam Lambert delivered it, he was definitely thinking of this style, the ideation of literal fire embedded into the sound vocals. I have to say, I am beginning to think that Simon doesn’t know anything about music for his age group. He has very little sense of musical tradition, and meaning, and projection, and, for that matter, history of song and music.

Adam’s rendition tonight of this wonderful classic of music called Ring of Fire was absolutely on the mark – it was fire itself. That is in part, the very idea of the song. I do not approve of drugs, but in part it was the 1960’s and this was definitely an Animals cut of that song, and it was done perfectly.

Adam Lambert showed, not self indulgence as Simon would say, but genius for that song, and I think he even know some history of that classic.

Wonderful rendition, Adam, you got my vote, you have a genius in you. I don't give a damn if you wear black polish on your nails, damn good job, I would buy the song for sure.

[Palladin]

No one can doubt Adam’s musicianship, and his grasp of music history. He is almost too professional for this competition.

However, he is too “out there” — too far from the mainstream, to be the American Idol.

I’ll admit he has the chutzpah necessary to be a star.

And his rendition of “Ring of Fire”, though it had old Johnny spinnin’ in his grave, was unique and mesmerizing.

[Captain Beyond]

Eric Burdon has an really interesting voice. He can go from soothing to growling in the same song and make it work.