BWW Recaps: IDOL's Top-8 Separate into Pretenders & Contenders w/ full recaps and photos

As he has been doing throughout Season XIII, new American Idol Executive Producer Per Blankens has again thrown a curveball of a theme at the Top-8. Instead of the well-warn "Motown" and "Burt Bacharach" Weeks, for the first time in IDOL history, the finalists all performed their initial audition songs.

As I mentioned in my preview of this week's show, I felt coming in that there was a chance for this week to turn the competition on its head. With all of the contestants having a chance to revisit the song that earned them their Golden Tickets, I thought that perhaps it could remind those that have been consistently underperforming of what made them stand out in the eyes of the judges initially. I know that after rewatching all of the auditions, my perception of some of the performers' potential drastically changed. However, tonight's versions (along with their duets) seemed to cement the IDOL hierarchy that had been building all season.

Now on to the performances:

Jessica Meuse
"Blue Eyed Lie" by Jessica Meuse
Three Word Review: There It Is

One of the things that got me most excited about this theme was rewatching Jessica's audition. For weeks I have been disappointed that she has seemed completely disinterested in any type of emoting while she sang. While the rasp and snarl of her voice has remained throughout, she hasn't seemed to be able to communicate any type of connection to the lyrics and message of the songs she's chosen. Being able to perform her own material allowed her to open up and show a side of her personality that has been severely lacking in recent weeks. While I would love to see even more of that passion, the fact that we now know that it is there, is encouraging. This was a good night for Ms. Meuse.

CJ Harris
"Soul Shine" by Allman Brothers
Three Word Review: Happy for CJ

This performance from CJ was undoubtedly his most consistent for weeks. It is obvious that he is fighting as hard as he can to remain in this competition for as long as possible. That being said, I am not sure that it was stellar enough to compete with the front-runners who have been turning in better performances week after week. However, no matter what happens for CJ this week, this is a moment for him and his fans to be proud of.

Duet #1
Jena Irene and Alex Preston
"Just Give Me a Reason" by Pink featuring Nate Ruess
Six Word Review: Jena Irene Wins This Battle Round!

I'm not going to comment on all of the duets, but, what in the heck is Alex wearing? He looks like he is playing the Scarecrow in a production of THE WIZARD OF OZ costumed by Urban Outfitters.

Sam Woolf
"Lego House" by Ed Sheeran
Three Word Review: Much More Confident

Before I start on Sam's performance, I have to bring up that during his performance of "Hey There Delilah" last week, the stage was covered with light bulbs, this week he was surrounded by lamps. I can only imagine what lighting accessory will be next. Lava lamps? Black lights? Ok, now to "Lego House;" it was nice to see Sam perform a song that he was completely comfortable with. It has been well documented that he is a shy boy with some confidence issues, so I think that his familiarity and comfort with the song, not unlike Jessica earlier, allowed him to perform at a much higher level than we are used to seeing. As a singer, he is great. As a performer, he is slightly better than mediocre.

Duet #2
Caleb Johnson and Jessica Meuse
"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty
Six Word Review: I'd Buy That For a Dollar

Malaya Watson
"Ain't No Way" by Aretha Franklin
Three Word Review: Wishing For More

Malaya's performance was passionate (if not a little overwrought), controlled, and professional, but I am not sure that this cut of the song gave her enough opportunities to shine. There weren't that many lyrics in the excerpt that she chose, and most of them were just "Ain't no way" over and over. That being said, what she was able to do with it was fantastic. She is quickly moving from dark-horse to front-runner.

Dexter Roberts
"One Mississippi" by Brett Eldredge
Three Word Review: Wait, Wrong Song

Ok, wait a second, I'm pretty sure that Dexter's televised audition was a different song. In fact, IDOL's own YouTube account has video of him singing "I Like to Drive" by Casey James. Now, it's long been understood that contestants perform multiple audition songs for the judges, so it's not like the producers are cheating here; I just find it curious. I'm not sure if it was a licensing issue that forced the switch, but whatever it was, Dexter needs to thank his lucky stars. That was a revelatory performance for a guy that has been stuck in karaoke heaven for far too many weeks. He has a great country voice, and for the first time in far too long, he gave a performance worthy of the platform he is on. However, will it be enough to keep him safe this late in the game? I have my doubts.

Duet #3
Malaya Watson and Sam Woolf
"Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
Six Word Review: Too Slow & All Kinds of Awkward (the "&" is not a word)

I'm sorry, I have to comment on this duet too. It was physically painful to watch Malaya try and try to kickstart some charisma in this duet. This was a perfect microcosm of why Sam, who should be a fan-favorite, is floundering in this competition.

Jena Irene
"Rolling in the Deep" by Adele
Three Word Review: Winner By Knockout

The compliment that JLo gave Jena at her audition was how well she sang such a popular song differently than the original artist. Unfortunately, I think that Jena tried to over-reimagine "Rolling in the Deep" tonight. The verses were too slow and just a little bit strange. However, the way that she attacked (and I mean that literally) the chorus was haunting and, honestly, a little bit magical, and more than redeemed any wonkiness in the arrangement. This competition is hers to lose.

Duet #4
CJ Harris and Dexter Roberts
"Alright" by Darius Rucker
Six Word Review: Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Bottom Two

Caleb Johnson
"Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin
Three Word Review: Where's the Melody?

Like Dexter, Caleb's televised audition was not what he sang tonight. While I was looking forward to seeing his original song "Into the Void" again, Caleb showed that he is able to put his own headbanging spin on any song he tackles. He is a natural on stage, and his interactions with the band and backup singers shows that he was born to be the frontman of a rock 'n' roll band, but this wasn't my favorite performance from him. This song is a classic because of its simple melody, and in his efforts to "make it his own," Caleb completely forgot to give us even the slightest hint of the original tune. If it hadn't been for the background vocals, I would have had no way of knowing that it was the same song.

Alex Preston
"Fairy Tales" by Alex Preston
Three Word Review: Does It Again

Alex could not have picked a more perfect song to introduce himself to the judges last summer. This original song was cool, unique, and interesting, just like Alex. I'm not sure that his artistry completely translates to the masses, but every decision Alex has made this season has been completely in line with who he appears to be as an individual and as an artist. I, for one, love that about him, and I think that as the field is whittled down, Alex's stock will continue to rise.

Should Be Bottom Three
CJ Harris
Dexter Roberts
Sam Woolf

Should Be Eliminated
CJ Harris

Best of the Night
Jena Irene
Alex Preston (close-ish second)

So, was I right, or do you think another trip deserves to be in danger? Let me know in the comments below, or tweet me @BWWMatt.

Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta and Michael Becker | FOX