David Archuleta chose the song, “Angels” originally made famous by the British singer Robbie Williams. It appeared on the album, Life Thru a Lens released on September 29, 1997. Jessica Simpson later released the song in 2004. It appeared on her album, In This Skin.

For the first time this season David chose to perform with an instrument–the piano–giving viewers a glimpse of another side of him.

Randy loved the end of the song with the runs. It was CRAZY HOT!! Paula thought it was fantastic! Simon thought it was the best choice of song for the night. He didn’t feel it was his best performance though. He did admit to being nitpicky. No! Simon? Nitpicky? NEVER!

Kristy Lee Cook performed fourth tonight. She chose to stick to her genre of choice by singing the Martina McBride song, “Anyway” which appeared on the album, Waking Up Laughing.

Randy felt there were a couple pitch problems but he loved it. Paula thought she outdid herself. Her best performance by far. Excellent! Simon thought she was very, very good. He felt she looked like a star tonight and that it was a good song choice.

Michael Johns was the first one to take the stage tonight. His song of choice was, “Dream On” by Aerosmith. It appeared on the self-titled album, Aerosmith released in 1973.

Michael made sure to hit some high notes during his performance.

Randy told him it was a pretty good song choice and it had some pitch problems. He didn’t buy that he’s an Aerosmith-type singer. Paula disagreed with Randy. (Take that Randy!) She thought it was the perfect song for him. She thought he looked good too! Simon thought it was a very good performance. He slightly agreed with Randy because he felt it was a bit “wannabeish.”

Jason Castro took the stage third tonight with a ukelele in hand. He chose the song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” originally sung by Ms. Judy Garland. It appeared on the Wizard of Oz soundtrack released in 1939. During Season 5 of American Idol, Katharine McPhee also sang this song.

Randy thought Jason was back in the game tonight. Paula thought he picked the perfect song and he did a good job. Simon thought it was fantastic! Um Hm!

Brooke White closed out the show with the James Taylor song, “You’ve Got a Friend” which appeared on the album, Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, which was released on April 1, 1971. Carole King wrote the song however and it appeared on her Tapestry album.

Randy didn’t feel it was her best performance. It was just okay. Paula thought the song was a perfect way to close the evening. Simon thought it was like a pleasant walk in the park. It was nice.

Carly Smithson was the sixth performer of the night. She chose the Queen song, “The Show Must Go On” which appeared on the album, Innuendo, released on February 4, 1991.

Randy thought it started out good but the middle was a bit pitchy. He thought it was disconnected and didn’t quite hit the mark. Paula agreed a little bit with Randy. She didn’t feel engaged with Carly. Simon used a trademark Paula comment, “You looked good.” He felt it was an unusual choice of song and that she over sang it. He felt it seemed like a bit of an angry performance.

David Cook was the fifth performer this evening with his song of choice, “Innocent” by Our Lady Peace. It appeared on the album, A Decade which was released on November 28, 2006.

David wrote on his hand “Give Back.”

Randy didn’t feel it was one of his strongest weeks. Paula thinks he’s the whole package. Simon didn’t like the performance all that much. He felt it was a bit pompous.

Syesha Mercado was the second person to perform tonight. She chose the song, “I Believe” by Fantasia. It appeared on the album, Free Yourself, which was released on November 23, 2004.

Randy gave Syesha credit. He didn’t feel she had the connection that Fantasia had when she sang it. Paula thought she made it all her own and it was one of her shining nights. Simon thought she sang it very well but it lacked the wave of emotion that Fantasia had when she sang it.