CMR

Los Angeles - It’s down to the final eight on American Idol.

Tonight’s theme is inspirational songs which is fitting since tomorrow night is “Idol Gives Back.”

Overall, the performances were just “ok.”

Of Course, David Archuleta was nearly flawless as usuall. Jason Castro was also hot tonight, once again showing how a stong song choice can the difference.

On the bottom end of things was David Cook, who was simply not “on.” The judges also thought Carly Smithson was off her game tonight as well.

As usual, here’s a short recap of what the judges had to say along with each contestant’s song choice.

Michael Johns is first, and he sings “Dream On” (Aerosmith)

Randy believes that this is an important week. Some pitch problems and Aerosmith wasn’t a good choice.
Paula disagrees with Randy and she thinks that it was the perfect song choice. Great high notes.
Simon says that it was a very good performance, but a little bit wannabe.

Michael relates to the song a lot, because dreams can come true, and they did for him.

Syesha Mercado comes up next and her song choice is “I Believe” (Fantasia)

Randy says it was just okay, but gives her credit for picking the song. (But Syesha ain’t a second Fantasia.)
Paula says that Syesha made it her own and it was her shining night.
Simon says that Syesha sang it very well, but their was emotion lacking.

Jason Castro “Over the Rainbow” (Judy Garland)

Lol. Jason’s performance is sort of funny. Not that he hasn’t a good voice, but he’s definitely not the next American Idol. (But you might meet him at the next street corner with his little guitar…)

Randy says Jason was hot tonight.
Paula says it wast the perfect song for him and he did a great job.
Simon says it was fantastic.

I’m still laughing, but the judges loved it… I don’t get it.

Kristy Lee Cook sings “Anyway” (Martina McBride)

Randy says some pitch moments, but really, really, good.
Paula says Kristy’s best performance.
Simon says Kristy was very, very good indeed.

Hate to say it, but Kristy wasn’t too bad tonight. Still hope she gets the boot…

David Cook sings “Innocent” (Our Lady Peace)

David has a “give back” message written on his palm.

Randy is a huge fan of David C., but he didn’t quite get it tonight.
Paula believes in David Cook.
Simon thought the performance a tinsy bit pompous, and the performance wasn’t as good as the last two weeks.

Carly Smithson sings “The Show Must Go On” (Queen)

Ugh, again, Carly has to show off her hideous tattoos. (No, I like tattoos in general, but not hers…)

Randy says it started out good, and it ended up just okay, it didn’t hit the mark.
Paula says Carly’s voice is pretty perfect, but she didn’t feel engaged.
Simon says she looks good (No!) and she oversang and lost control of the song.
Carly explains that she saw Simon’s face in the middle of the song, and that caused her to lose concentration a bit. (Yegods, what a lousy excuse…)

David Archuleta sings “Angels” (Robbie Williams)

Randy says that this what his hottest moment.
Paula says fantastic.
Simon says best song choice of the night. (”Angels” was a huge, huge hit in Britain.) However, not David A. best vocal performance, but Simon admits that he’s only nitpicking.

Brooke White sings “You’ve Got a Friend” (James Taylor)

Randy says it was just okay, (and Brooke looks close to tears, she has very “sparkly” eyes…)
Paula says it was a perfect way to close the evening.
Simon says it was very pleasant, nice, but not original.

Bottom three prediction: Jason Castro, Carly Smithson, Brooke White.

Who goes home, who gets the boot: Jason Castro.

We’ll know Thursday, because on Wednesday, Idol “gives back”…

2008 Idol Gives Back airs tomorrow night on Fox.