American Idol Top 4: I'll Make You So Sure About It

We have reached Top 4 week on American Idol and the end is near. Tonight the elimination is entirely in the voters hands and the judges' save is kaput. Finally. Like last week we will lose a contestant mid-show, but the remaining hopefuls will have the chance to perform twice tonight with themes that...do not go together at all but I'm kind of excited about them. Round 1 will be classic rock songs, mentored by Stevie Van Zandt, and Round 2 will be a Sia round that was mentored by Sia and her wig. Who will make it through the first round unscathed? Let's find out. 

ROUND 1
Contestant: La'Porsha Renae
Song: "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi

As I watch the pre-performance video, I'm wondering how La'Porsha is going to sell herself as a cowboy riding a steel horse. The answer? New hair, don't care. She works the stage and sells herself as a badass who's rocked a million faces instead. Am I more excited to hear her sing Sia than I was to hear her cover classic rock? Yup. But as The Dawg would say: "Girl, you did your thing up there tonight."

Judges Say: Keith loves that La'Porsha picked a song that normally would not be a La'Porsha song and he notes that she brought out some blues and swagger with her performance. JLo busts out the long awaited "you could sing the phone book" compliment, and Harry says La'Porsha reminded him of Tina Turner. He's also very pleased with how she slowed down her vibrato for the song. 

----------------------------

Contestant: Mackenzie Bourg

Song: "I Want You To Want Me" by Cheap Trick

MacKenzie knows not to really attempt the "rock" part of this song so he completely redoes the arrangement. It starts off a little rough, and then it's okay at times, but overall I'm not digging it. I'm normally a big fan of the singer/songwriter vibe MacKenzie puts out but this was really snoozy for me. 

Judges Say: JLo says she did not love the arrangement and then she forgets Stevie's name and I can no longer listen to her. Harry thinks the performance was just alright and Keith haaaaaaaaated the arrangement.  

----------------------------

Trent, Sonika and Dalton take center stage as we get the "who's going home, dim the lights" portion of the night squared away. The Bottom 2 are Sonika (natch) and Dalton, who looks like he could cry at any moment. We eventually say goodbye to Sonika just before Round 2 starts and the poor kid doesn't get to sing either of the songs she's spent the last week rehearsing. We do, however, hear her Sia song play during her journey video. She tearfully thanks her mom before leaving the stage and I just want to give her a hug. 

Contestant: Trent Harmon

Song: "Sharp Dressed Man" by ZZ Top

Trent goes with a slooooow and sexy opening to the song and I initially worry that this will be the pace of the performance. You can't do that with a ZZ Top song in a classic rock round dude. But my worries are taken right away as the band kicks in and Trent turns on the sass. His falsetto is totally on point and he may have just run away with Round 1. 

Judges Say: Harry thinks the performance was brilliant and Keith says the performance was a 10 out of 10. JLo tells Trent this was the performance everyone has been waiting for. 

----------------------------

Contestant: Dalton Rappatoni

Song: "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys

Dalton had originally wanted to sing "Seven Nation Army" this week, but Stevie and Scott Borchetta completely wore him down and convinced him to go with a backup song instead. Dalton chooses this somber tune by The Beach Boys, and while this is one of my favorite Beach Boys songs, I feel like the blue-eyed beauty sucks the life out of the room with this over anguished performance. I get that he is trying to communicate a profound message to America and all, but for me the slow, slouched, sad walk around the judges table was too much. And yes, I realize that I will receive many boos for that opinion....

Judges Say: Keith was impressed by the performance and JLo thinks Dalton had a really good moment with that song. Harry says the arrangement showed Dalton's vulnerability and tells Dalton he did a great job getting into the lyrics. 

----------------------------

ROUND 2

Contestant: La'Porsha Renae

Song: "Elastic Heart"

Yessssss. I love this song. I love La'Porsha singing this song. Sia loves La'Porsha singing this song. So. Much. Love. From the opening with the harsh drum beats all the way through to the soft finish with the purple lights, this performance is just wonderful. She gave two strong performances tonight and I'm thrilled for her. 

Judges Say: JLo calls La'Porsha "a fully realized artist" and Harry feels like he's in the passenger seat of a NASCAR driver. Keith compares the performance to something awesome he'd watch on an awards show. 

----------------------------

Contestant: Mackenzie Bourg

Song: "Titanium"

MacKenzie is worried about the high notes in this song but Sia wants him to challenge himself, and really he has to at this point. MacKenize is accompanied by a strings section and the performance starts off really well. He gets to the first "ti-taaaan-iiii-ummm" part though and his voice is shaky and he knows it. By the time he hits the second one, MacKenzie looks like he has lost all confidence. Bummer. 

Judges Say: Harry thinks the performance was "nice," but then gives MacKenzie a whole bunch of crap about making the performance all about one note. Keith liked the arrangement and he's glad MacKenzie was able to ride through "that moment." That moment? Awww. Keith is trying so hard to balance out Harry's unnecessary scolding.  JLo thinks MacKenzie needed to go out of his comfort zone tonight and mentions that everyone was rooting for him....also trying to be very nice. 

----------------------------

Contestant: Trent Harmon

Song: "Chandelier" 

This is a gutsy song choice, but if anyone can handle "Chandelier" it's definitely the guy with the killer falsetto. I mean, wow. Trent might have just run away with Round 2 as well with this performance. He hits notes I never, ever thought we'd hear from and I've got goosies. I would have looooooooooved for Kristen Wiig to storm the stage at one point, but this is probably the best performance of the night even without a mesmerizing dance in the background. La'Porsha's "Elastic Heart" is a very close second though. I still love you, boo. 

Judges Say: Keith says "Chandelier" played to everything that is special about Trent and calls the performance exquisite. JLo tells Trent he can sing anything, and Harry thinks the performance was phenomenal from the first note to the last note. He gives it 100 out of 100. 

----------------------------

Contestant: Dalton Rappatoni

Song: "Bird Set Free"

Dalton closes the show tonight with a lesser known Sia song. He's really feeling it though. The performance is less about pouty faces, watery eyes and being dramatic (see performance #1) and more about Dalton throwing himself into something and totally letting go. He cries when the song ends and I'm clapping and cheering for him as if he can hear me. I'm not sure what the next two weeks hold for Dalton, but this would be a very worthy swan song if this ends up being the end of the road for him. 

Judges Say: JLo says the room is cheering for Dalton's bravery and she also says he touches everyone's hearts each time he gets on stage. Harry tells Dalton this song was a great match for him and Keith compliments Dalton on always trying to push through his limits. 

----------------------------

While Stevie Van Zandt possibly stormed out of the building when JLo couldn't remember his name, Sia stuck around and performed "Cheap Thrills" and gave me those funky dancers I've been waiting for. American Idol also welcomed back David Cook and Katherine McPhee which brought back some fun memories. David sang his new song "Heartbeat" while a montage of Idol finale confetti moments played on the screen behind him. Sniff. If Katherine McPhee was watching the performance, I'm sure she grimaced remembering how she lost to Taylor Hicks. Maybe it actually got her all fired up though....because when Katherine took the stage to reprise her version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," she slayed it. 

Next week we will find out who makes it to the final finale ever! Really, Trent and La'Porsha were in a league of their own this evening with Trent winning the night. In my mind MacKenzie and Dalton should both be worried going into next week, but they're both so darn cute their fans might just come through for them. Will there be drama? An upset? Will Jenny from the block realize she slighted a member of the freaking E Street Band who grew up in New Jersey? Man I hope so. We'll see if there's any commotion when the contestants face off in the semi-finals. Til then!

American Idol Top 6 (Then 5): The Lessons I Learned

Tonight on American Idol, the Top 6 will take the stage and one contestant will be eliminated mid-episode. Thaaaank you. I'm all for having Round 1 and Round 2, but getting through twelve performances can sometimes be rough on this show. Oh and tonight's theme? America chooses for the contestants. Yup. This has the potential to be an awesome night or two hour hot mess. 

On the bright side, Idol welcomes home Season 8 runner up, Adam Lambert, this evening and he opens the show with his "Mad World" cover, which is just as haunting and amazing now as it was back when he was a contestant. The bar has been set, kids. Good luck. 

ROUND 1

Contestant: Trent Harmon

Song: "Counting Stars" by OneRepulic

As nice as it is to see Trent try to cut loose with this up tempo song, the "song" part is where he struggles. The first verse is almost inaudible and there are a series of questionable notes from the first chorus through the end of the performance. Not a good start, but at least he still has another performance ahead of him tonight. 

Judges Say: Keith found himself watching Trent but not being pulled in by the performance. He doesn't think it came together. JLo acknowledges that America chose this song for Trent and it's not a tune he would have chosen for himself. She says he did the best he could with it. I don't know about that. Harry agrees, saying Trent is a lot better than that. 

---------------------------------------

Contestant: Dalton Rappatoni

Song: "Numb" by Linkin Park

Much like Trent before him, this song choice does Dalton no favors. I can't tell if the look on his face is the normal "young angsty musician" look he tends to have, or if he's pleading for the performance to just be over. Here's hoping song number 2 is a home run. 

Judges Say: JLo thinks Dalton took the "umph" out of the song and did not like the arrangement. Harry thinks Dalton poured his guts into the lyrics but says Dalton was ahead of the beat with his guitar. Keith wishes Dalton had stripped the song down more and "Dalton-ized" it.  

---------------------------------------

Contestant: La'Porsha Renae

Song: "Ready For Love" by India.Aire

Whew. Thankfully America got it right in choosing this song for La'Porsha. She is very subdued in this performance but her approach fits the song perfectly. The fog, the violins, and the neat video candles in the background create this small venue setting where La'Porsha can be a seated story teller. Loved it. 

Judges Say: Harry says the performance was pleading and mournful and "everything the lyrics called for." He calls the performance phenomenal. Keith did not feel like a judge during the performance - he felt like he was more of an audience member captivated. JLo looooooves India.Aire and says La'Porsha has the same type of spirit she has. JLo thinks La'Porsha gave a "complete" performance.  

---------------------------------------

Contestant: MacKenzie Bourg

Song: "Wild World" by Cat Stevens

GREAT song. I'm sure there are many young viewers out there who never heard this song before tonight. MacKenzie picks up the tempo and sings with a huge smile on his face....even though "Wild World" is a sad tune about a break up. I'm going to let that slide for now. There's no vocal showcase for MacKenzie here but at least he did not get saddled with a song that makes us (and him) long for Round 2. 

Judges Say: Keith compares MacKenzie to cake batter: "even when it's not cooked it's still really good." JLo says MacKenzie has so much likability and she always feels like he's singing directly to her. Harry thinks MacKenzie could record the song and release it as a hit (iTunes will keep us posted on that). 

---------------------------------------

Contestant: Tristan McIntosh

Song: "Independence Day" by Martina McBride

So Tristan and Sonika are in the bottom 2 tonight and the judges will still have the chance to "save" one of them even though that's a little ludicrous at this point in the competition. Can't the person with the lowest votes just be eliminated? Anyway, Tristan's rendition of "Independence Day" is heartfelt and lovely, and she has never sounded better than she has in these last few minutes. Did she do anything to stand out tonight though? No. not really. She's still just a sweet kid who can sure sing some good country music. 

Judges Say: JLo feels that Tristan needs to try different things because we are seeing the same performance over and over again. Harry thinks these types of songs are Tristan's sweet spot but he says time is going to be her best friend going forward. Keith agrees, saying the 15 year old is going to grow a lot in her career. All of these critiques sound like a send off. 

---------------------------------------

Contestant: Sonika Vaid

Song: "Let It Go" by Adele Dazeem Idina Menzel but Demi Lovato's version

Knowing that Tristan gave a fairly solid performance just now, Sonika lays all of her cards on the table in this song. I mean, given the song's title and content, she kinda has to. She has some pitch issues here and there ("Let It Go" is a beast for any singer), but unlike Tristan, Sonika is showing the judges she still has a lot of fight in her. 

Judges Say: Harry thinks the performance was strong but warns Sonika not to get lost when there's a strong underscore accompanying her. Keith says Sonika is coming out of her shell and JLo compliments Sonika on her growth throughout the season. In the end, the judges save Sonkia and we say goodbye to young Tristan.  

---------------------------------------

ROUND 2

Contestant: Dalton Rappatoni

Song: "Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel

This is much, much better than his first performance. Dalton makes this song more of an angry rock tune rather than the campfire ballad we're used to, and he seems far more comfortable selling the lyrics than he was earlier. I realllllly wish he hadn't plopped down on the stage with criss-cross applesauce legs and a sad face at the end though. He had built the performance up to something very cool right until that point. 

Judges Say: Keith feels like Dalton really brought the audience in during the performance and JLo says the performance was powerful. Harry compares Dalton to a graffiti artist the way he "paints" the stage when he delivers lyrics.  

---------------------------------------

Contestant: MacKenzie Bourg

Song: "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson

Oh my. I'm taken back to David Cook's version of this song when MacKenzie begins his performance, but he does do something different (and kind of awesome) here. His whole singer/songwriter vibe really helped him "flip" this song, and this performance is a standout for him for sure. MacKenzie sounds great, he's freaking adorable, and he tells us the story. I totally believe the kid is not his. Totally. 

Judges Say: JLo says this performance reminds us why MacKenzie is in the Top 5. She was riveted the whole time. Harry can tell that MacKenzie spends a lot of time thinking about arrangements and lyrics and really puts a lot into his performances. Keith talks a little bit about the Disney film Bolt, and then makes sure MacKenzie knows what a big fan he is.  

---------------------------------------

Contestant: Trent Harmon

Song: "Simple Man" by Lynard Skynyrd

Trent brings us back to his questionable hat days (that I actually much preferred) as he takes on this classic Skynyrd song, and seriously, this might be his best performance ever. Trent's southern roots and killer vocals gives him a boost in this song and he sure takes advantage of it. This should be enough to wipe that OneRepublic performance clean off his slate for tonight. Well done. 

Judges Say: Harry wants to hear a duet between Trent and Adam Lambert and he really enjoyed the performance. Keith loved the song to begin with and loved how Trent interpreted it. JLo is emotional and says one of her favorite things about Idol is her front seat to witnessing the perfect song meeting the perfect singer. Trent starts to cry as well and he says "Thank you, Ms. Jennifer." Awwww. 

---------------------------------------

Contestant: Sonika Vaid

Song: "Clarity" by Zedd

So...no. It's a good thing she went with "Let It Go" when she was looking for the judges' save because this performance would have given Tristan an edge. I get it - Sonika is trying to be versatile. She's trying to open up and show her personality. But she's jumping up and down on the stage and losing her breath for a song that isn't a great choice for her to begin with.

Judges Say: Keith wants Sonika to keep letting go and JLo agrees to an extent. She did not love the song choice and says Sonika needs to find a way to be grounded to the song while still having fun...or something. Harry really seems to like Sonika as a person, so she's got that going for her. 

---------------------------------------

Contestant: La'Porsha Renae

Song: "No More Drama" by Mary J. Blige

La'Porsha's pre-performance video package includes her story of escaping an abusive relationship. She cries while talking into the camera about not feeling like a woman during that time and also feeling dead. And she's going to sing "No More Drama?" Lord let me pause the TiVo and grab the tissue box. This performance is amazing. I'm just going to post the video and go collect myself. 

Judges Say: Keith and JLo and standing and fist pumping and yelling things. La'Porsha is sobbing. JLo is still standing and now crying as she starts her "critique." She says La'Porsha is an inspiration and thanks her for that moment. We're out of time and don't get to hear from Harry and Keith but I'm sure their sentiments would have been similar. 

---------------------------------------

Adam Lambert did join us one more time this episode to perform his single "Welcome to the Show," which I had not heard before tonight. Very catchy indeed. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Mr. Entertainment take the American Idol stage again one last time. I would have also loved an Adam/Allison Iraheta duet tonight (remember "Slow Ride?") but I'll take what I can get. 

My eyes adore you. 

Next week the judges' save is out the window (finally) and the eliminations are now solely up to America. Did Sonika win some voters with "Let If Go" only to lose them again with "Clarity?" Did MacKenzie and Trent just slingshot themselves into the outskirts of La'Porsha's atmosphere with their second performances? Can La'Porsha really be stopped at this point? And my biggest question/I want this to happen: can JLo and Dalton swap eye makeup next week? Please? Okay...probably not, but I would certainly be even more drawn into his performances if they did. Regardless, we'll see what happens with these last five contestants when they face off again in a week. Til then!

American Idol Top 8: Tell Me Why

The American Idol Top 8 are anxious tonight as we face another double elimination that is kinda decided by the voters but is really left up to the judges. Tonight's theme is "The American Idol Songbook," which translates to "songs contestants have already performed on the show over the years." Okay wait. Did I hear that right? Let me...let me just rewind real quick. Ugh. I complain enough when we hear the same songs over and over again each season, but tonight we're doing it ON PURPOSE? My brain hurts already. The contestants are also participating in duets this evening, and we are starting off the show with those...probably to give me a chance to simmer down. 

DUET: La'Porsha and Trent
Song: "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa & Charlie Puth

So right out of the gate we've got a song that is typically a tear-jerker. I'm not trying to be a hot mess in the first five minutes of the show Idol! Turns out I don't have to be. While La'Porsha and Trent sound fantastic together, the emotional connection to the lyrics is not really featured here. Still a good start to the night though. 

Judges Say: Keith thinks the song was perfect for Trent and La'Porsha and he loved the performance. JLo says the whole thing was magical. Harry tells the duo that their voices blend perfectly together. 

----------------------------------

DUET: Sonika and Avalon

Song: "Rise Up" by Andra Day

I'm actually not familiar with this song. Sonika and Avalon sing beautifully together though and I'm just happy the show has started off well with two strong performances. We've been having some "meh" beginnings lately. 

Judges Say: JLo says the two voices are so angelic and thinks the girls were really pushing each other during the performance. Harry classifies Avalon as the more rhythmic singer and Sonika as the more melodic singer and he feels the advantage went to Avalon. Keith calls the collaboration interesting but compliments both singers on their talent. 

----------------------------------

DUET: Dalton and MacKenzie

Song: "I Want It That Way" by The Backstreet Boys

Okay, why? Why this song? Just because the two guys have the whole teen heartthrob thing happening right now doesn't mean you need to saddle them with a cheesy boy band tune. Or at least pick a better one! Dalton and MacKenzie do the best they can with it, but the show just took a step backward. 

Judges Say: Harry is not a fan of the song choice and he gets "boo"ed immediately. Keith agrees, saying the song didn't benefit either voice. JLo was disappointed that their version was so much like the original. 

----------------------------------

DUET: Tristan and Lee

Song: "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith

Awww. These two youngsters are singing a 90s love song (from a movie they've probably never seen) to one another...and Lee is just soooo much shorter than Tristan. It's kind of adorable until the kids get to the first chorus. It pretty much goes downhill at that moment as the song really begins to build. "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" is way too big for Lee and he's pitchy with a side of pitchy throughout the whole thing. Tristan holds her own but I don't think this pairing did her any favors. 

Judges Say: Keith thinks the duo did they best they could but says the song did not play to "both" of their strengths. JLo adds "Tristan, your voice really shined in that song...and Lee, you were hanging in there." Ha! Thank you. Finally some for real criticism for this kid. Harry is all pissed off about the arrangement of the song, but I seriously doubt a different arrangement would have made this a legendary performance. 

----------------------------------

Contestant: La'Porsha Renae

Song: "Come Together" by The Beatles

As yes, The Beatles songbook. Soooo many hours of the American Idol live performances have been devoted to The Beatles songbook. This song suits La'Porsha very well, and she struts out on the stage in some kind of leather ensemble and just owns it. She even pauses near Harry and makes him blush a little. Love it.

Judges Say: JLo says she "feels cool" when she watches La'Porsha perform. Harry still has a big smile on his face and he tells La'Porsha she is absolutely incredible. Keith thinks the song choice was terrific, but he also says she can probably choose any song she wants to at this point. Well Keith, since we are regurgitating the done to death Idol songs tonight, why not just say she could sing the phone book? 

----------------------------------

Contestant: MacKenzie Bourg

Song: "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker

MacKenzie ditches the guitar and stands on a foggy stage surrounded by a strings section for this tune and I'm digging it. Or maybe I'm just digging the violinists. They're pretty cool. Anyway, it's nice to see something a little different from MacKenzie and he gives us a subtle, tender performance here. Anything was going to be better than "I Want It That Way," but he should definitely be proud of what he accomplished in Round 2 tonight. 

Judges Say: Harry says MacKenzie could not have picked a better song and Keith loves that MacKenzie picked a song from the 60s and made it sound brand new. JLo thinks MacKenzie has a beautiful blend of old and new and it's due to the fact he always puts his heart in his performances. 

----------------------------------

Contestant: Trent Harmon

Song: "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King

I love it when the backup singers get to visually be a part of the performances, especially when one of those singers is Allison Iraheta. Her band, Halo Circus, just put out a new video/single, "Desire." It's awesome, she's awesome, and I will be seeing them on our this summer. Okay, back to Trent. Holy falsetto, Batman! He does an amazing job with this song. I think some of his choreographed moves are unintentionally goofy, but this might be my favorite Trent performance this season. 

Judges Say: Keith talks about how much Trent has grown in the competition and JLo calls him a badass. Harry suggests that Trent sink into the rhythm more but thinks he did a fantastic job. 

----------------------------------

Contestant: Tristan McIntosh
Song: "A Broken Wing" by Martina McBride

Tristan's relationship with her grandpa tugs at my heartstrings for sure. Last week's performance gave her some standout moments so she is looking to keep the momentum going tonight in choosing a song that reminds her of him. Tristan hits some kick ass notes, and she hits some 'uh-oh' notes, but overall I'd say she did pretty well and made her grandpa proud. 

Judges Say: JLo thinks the song choice was perfect and tells Tristan she did a good job. Harry agrees with JLo and Keith says Tristan's voice was tailor made for the song. He then plugs Martina's new album. Nice. 

----------------------------------

Contestant: Dalton Rapattoni
Song: "Eleanor Rigby" by (yup) The Beatles

The band is awesome here but I have a really hard time hearing Dalton through most of the performance. When I do hear him, he's out of breath and singing very low. Finally in the last 15 seconds of the song he unleashes and reminds us while he's in the Top 6. Took a little too long to get there tonight, dude. 

Judges Say: Harry says Dalton pushed the song as high as it could go key-wise and I'm wondering if things just sounded really different in the venue. Or maybe I don't know anything keys. Keith thinks Dalton brought out the dark undercurrent in the song and JLo loved the big ending. 

----------------------------------

BOTTOM 3

Contestant: Avalon Young

Song: "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" by Michael Jackson

So the bottom 3 consists of Avalon (again), Lee (thank you), and Sonika (bummer). I really enjoy what Avalon does with "P.Y.T." She keeps it fun and she's totally herself in this performance. Her interaction with the audience doesn't seem forced and I just find her very refreshing. Was this a hit it out of the park performance that should earn her a spot in the Top 6? I'm not so sure... 

Judges Say: Keith tells Avalon she does a great job connecting with everyone and doesn't understand why she's not being voted through. JLo says this performance was a lot like her other ones and should she stick around for another week, JLo encourages Avalon to do something a little different. Harry calls Avalon's voice incredible but says she needs more urgency in her performances. 

----------------------------------

Contestant: Lee Jean

Song: "Let It Be" by The Beatles

So out of the eight "let's do songs again that we probably should not do" performances, three of them have been by The Beatles. Not only is this my favorite song by the Fab Four, this is one of my favorite songs ever. It's a great song. It's not, however, a great song for Lee to sing. His voice is shaky and he's consistent with his pitch problems. This has to be his swan song, right?

Judges Say: JLo pretty much tells Lee he's going home and Harry kindly comments on the pitch problems. Keith drives the final nail in the coffin by saying Lee is young and has plenty of time to work on his craft. See ya. 

----------------------------------

Contestant: Sonika Vaid

Song: "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston

I was wondering when someone would do Whitney. There was no way to get through this night without Whitney, Michael, and The Beatles. Sonika does the song justice for sure, but she is noooo J-Hud. Pretty sure she just earned that spot in the Top 6 though. 

Judges Say: Harry says the song has been done six times on American Idol but I'm pretty sure it's been done more than that. He loved the performance and Keith and JLo agree quickly because we're running out of time.

----------------------------------

Ultimately the judges save Sonika and we say goodbye to Lee Jean and Avalon Young. I'm going to miss Avalon. She probably never had a hope in hell of winning this thing but she sure was fun to have around. Her Steven Tyler-esque reaction during Sonika's performance alone makes me love her. But next week the remaining six hopefuls have another shot at "choosing the right song" and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we are done with the duplicates. Really kids. I know you were inexplicably forced this week, but do us viewers a solid and pick something new on Top 6 night. Did Sonika's take on Whitney earn her some new voting fans for next week? Will La'Porsha's reign of awesomeness continue? Will Adam Lambert's return give the show a boost going into the final episodes? We'll find out next week when the Top 6 take the stage once more. Til then!

American Idol Top 10 (Again): Gonna Make You Notice

Tonight the Top 8 contestants will be revealed as two more youngsters will be sent packing. All ten will take the stage again tonight and the judges will then save one person from the bottom 3. Got it? After last week's emotional roller coaster (which Ryan is making us relive as he opens the show), I'm hoping to keep my tears in check this evening but I'm also hoping some of these kids step up their game tonight. With the theme being "The Grammys," the song choices are really going to make or break the contestants' chances going forward. Let's see how they do!

Contestant: Dalton Rapattoni

Song: "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons

Part of Dalton's rehearsal package critique was "it needs to rock harder." It certainly does. I love Dalton...and his hair products...and his beautiful eyes, but he waits until the last 15 seconds of the song to bring some serious energy to it. Maybe he's nervous?

Judges Say: Keith did not love the song choice at all and says this performance did not set Dalton apart from the other contestants. JLo and her fancy hair agree and she tells Dalton that he needs to get out of his own head. Harry says this is the first time Dalton was missing "electricity."

-------------------------------------

Contestant: Lee Jean

Song: "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon

Lee's pre-performance video package includes him talking about how much he loves Ed Sheeran. I swear if he chooses another Ed Sheeran song... whew... he doesn't. Instead he picks a song that is way too big for him. I absolutely appreciate the energy he tries to put into the performance, but this song doesn't do him any favors either. 

Judges Say: JLo liked the song choice but thinks Lee could stretch himself a little bit more. Harry thought it was a great song choice too (huh?) and he tells Lee he gave a strong performance. Keith disagrees about the song choice but he loves that Lee tried to do something different. Sigh. Is he going to be one of those contestants we praise just cuz?

-------------------------------------

Contestant: Sonika Vaid

Song: "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson

I think it's rather ballsy to do a Kelly Clarkson song tonight when the internet is still abuzz from her appearance on the show last week. That being said, she does a pretty good job for a kid whose never had a boyfriend. Her badassery was much better last week though with "Bring Me Back To Life," so she doesn't really raise her game with this performance. And of course...the best live version of this song ever is here. 

Judges Say: Harry tells Sonika she is very talented but he didn't get angst from her during the song. Keith agrees, saying Sonika's voice is so good but there needed to be more fire. JLo thinks Sonika "came alive" at times but really needs to let go. 

-------------------------------------

Contestant: MacKenzie Bourg

Song: "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston

Wow! Definitely not a song I ever would have chosen for MacKenzie but this is amazeballs. He mentioned in his pre-performance video package that he's looking to break out and have some "moments." I'd say he is setting himself apart from some of his competitors tonight. It's not a version that's going to be at the top of any club playlists, but MacKenzie's Jason Mraz-y rendition is a fun take on a classic Grammy winning song and I'm loving it. Dude is really enjoying himself too and his smile is kind of infectious. Okay, his smile is totally infectious. The judges also have big grins on their faces throughout the song and I may have even caught Harry slightly dancing in his seat. At the 45 minute mark, I think the show finally started. 

Judges Say: Keith says he's never heard a guy sing that song before and he loved it. JLo says the switch up of the song really worked, but Harry tells MacKenzie the performance was "fine." He additionally says the arrangement could have been more inventive. Humph. But Lee's performance was strong?!?

-------------------------------------

Contestant: La'Porsha Renae

Song; "Halo" by Beyonce

La'Porsha let the Idol stylists do some maintenance on that very large head of hair she's been carrying around and she looks great. She also sounds great. La'Porsha hits and holds notes so effortlessly throughout the performance and she chooses to close the song a capella. La'Porsha does not drop the mic like I want her to, but her performance is fantastic just the same. Love. Her. 

Judges Say: JLo says La'Porsha is the one to beat and Harry thinks she is a master of "arcing" a song. Keith tells La'Porsha her performance was incredible.

-------------------------------------

Contestant: Trent Harmon 

Song: "When A Man Loves A Woman" by Percy Sledge

Trent says he has been working on his facial expressions...but who cares about that when he sounds SO good? Well, except for that last note anyway. That one hurt a little. But overall I'd say tonight's performance was far superior to last week's. 

Judges Say: Harry loves Trent's voice and compliments him on a great performance. Keith cautions Trent not to get too caught up in the facial expression issue because it affects his ability to emote. JLo tells Trent he's amazing and she sees a vision of Trent and La'Porsha at the end of the competition. Damn, JLo - we're only at the Top 8!

-------------------------------------

Contestant: Tristan McIntosh

Song: "Go Rest High On That Mountain" by Vince Gill

Tristan had a tough time preparing this week and went through a couple of different song choices trying to find something that was right for her. Um, this is it. She accompanies herself on the piano and just singgggs this song. Tristan is connected to the lyrics, her voice sounds very mature and controlled, and I think people will really take notice of her after this performance. Well done. 

Judges Say: Keith and JLo are both on their feet when the song ends and Tristan is a bit emotional. Keith gives Tristan that million dollar smile and says she did a great job. JLo thinks Tristan sang the song beautifully and Harry says she is a true country music singer. 

-------------------------------------

BOTTOM 3

Contestant: Avalon Young

Song; "Earned It" by The Weekend

Oh snap! This is also a tune I wouldn't have picked for Avalon but she's all over it. I'm shouting "woo!" throughout the song and Gianna and Olivia have their work cut out for them now. Get it girl. 

Judges Say: JLo says this is what Avalon needed to come out and do tonight. Harry calls the performance fantastic and Keith thinks her take on the song was very clever. 

-------------------------------------

Contestant: Olivia Rox

Song: "Trouble" by P!nk

Olivia has been pretty sick since last week and I feel for her. I generally like her and I wish she had been among the safe contestants tonight. For someone battling the flu though, I'd say she's doing a damn good job with this song. Perhaps Avalon should start worrying... 

Judges Say: Harry loves that Olivia gave 100% but pretty much tells her Avalon was better. Keith, however, says Olivia's performance is going to make the decision very tough on the judges. JLo agrees with Harry though. Olivia is tearing up by the end of JLo's rambling critique and I just want to give her a hug. 

-------------------------------------

Contestant: Gianna Isabella 

Song: "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys

Kind of like "Listen" last week, Gianna picks a big song with a lot of emotion behind it...and doesn't quite deliver on the vocals or the message. Happy trails, kid. 

Judges Say: Keith says Gianna's voice is gorgeous but he wanted a little more heart from her tonight. JLo says Gianna should be proud of herself ("see ya") and Harry tells Gianna she has an incredible vocal gift. 

-------------------------------------

There were some additional performances tonight as Harry and....Demi Lovato each took the stage. I love Demi. She's really grown on me over the years. But why Demi and not one of the many American Idol alum who we have yet to see this season? Hell, Taylor Hicks was in the audience. I can't stand him but with the finale of the last freaking season only 5 weeks away, I'm not sure how you follow "Kelly Clarkson is amazing" week with no Idol guests at all. Just sayin'. 

Anyway, when it came down to Avalon, Olivia, and Gianna, the judges chose to save Avalon which was absolutely the right call. I will miss Olivia but I can't say I'm too broken up about Gianna's exit. Next week the remaining contestants will duke it out again and we'll see what kind of unnecessary praise is heaped on Lee while Sonika gets a silent cheer from the judges. Will Dalton get back his electricity? Will Trent be able to stay away from facial movements straight out of The Mask? Will we see a previous Idol contestant (beyond a wave from the audience) for crying out loud?  We'll find out during the Top 8 performance show. Til then!