AMERICAN IDOL Recap: David Cook Mentors Top-8 to Fresh Takes on 80's Hits (Updated with Pictures)

Just as it did last week, tonight's American Idol featured the Top-8 finalists. After an ill-advised use of the sole judge's save, Sam Woolf remained in the competition long enough to be mentored by former IDOL champ David Cook for this week's 80's theme. With the obvious negligence of "full-time" mentor Randy Jackson, it is staggering to see how much progress can be made with a mentor who is actively engaged in helping the finalists become better singers, performers, and artists.

As I mentioned in my preview, this season has benefitted greatly from new EP Per Blankens' open-ended themes. Gone are the days of such overused 80's songs as "Alone" (done here by Carrie Underwood), "Against All Odds" (done here by Katherine McPhee), and "Man in the Mirror" (done here by Kris Allen). Instead, this week we were treated to three solo songs that had never before been performed on the IDOL stage, and only a handful that had ever been done memorably. Unfortunately, we also got four 80's duets that were predominately disastrous.

After a truly awful 8-bit ColecoVision opening, the contestants and judges made their way to the stage. In celebration of this week's theme, Keith Urban rocked a faux-wrestler's mullet that earned him the nickname "Billy Ray Urban" from Ryan.

Like with most weeks this season, the performances varied, but whether it was the songs, or David Cook's presence, there was a certain freshness to the show tonight that made me excited to see what the rest of the season brings. With that said, on to the performances:

Jena Irene
"I Love Rock N' Roll" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Three-Word Review: Gritty and Dangerous.

Well, there is no doubt that Jena is one heck of a rocker and one of the most adventurous risk-takers in the competition this year. I agreed with the judges that the key was probably a little bit low, and while that inhibited her vocals early on, it gave this well-known song a grittiness and danger that I've never heard before. This wasn't Jena's best performance, but she is still solidly in front of this competition.

Dexter Roberts
"Keep Your Hands to Yourself" by Georgia Satellites
Three-Word Review: What? No Falsetto?

If you are going to do a karaoke version of a classic song, like Dexter seemingly does every week, you can't do so while leaving out the coolest part. While Dexter sounded good (as he always does), he didn't hit those iconic falsetto notes heading into the chorus, so for me, this was a bit of a letdown. Also, despite constantly hearing it from the judges, mentor David Cook, and, unnamed online critics, Dexter still avoided the use of consonants at all costs. While his popularity will probably carry him through this week, I have to think that his refusal to take direction from judges and mentors alike will catch up with him eventually.

Duet #1: Alex Preston and Sam Woolf
"The Girl Is Mine" by Michael Jackson
Six-Word Review: Just Like Jamming in the Hotel.

Malaya Watson
"Through the Fire" by Chaka Khan
Three-Word Review: Belty but Sharp.

In the preview for this week's show, I said that I was a little apprehensive about this song choice. Malaya has gotten into the habit of picking mid-tempo power ballads that let her show off her ridiculous belt, which has allowed her to climb to the top of the second-tier of IDOL competitors. That being said, I'm worried that having been in the Bottom-Three last week, and having the save exhausted prematurely, the repetitive song choice and occasional sharp notes tonight might hurt a contestant that I have become a big fan of.

Duet #2: Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene
"It's Only Love" by Bryan Adams and Tina Turner
Six-Word Review: More Fun Than Anything All Season!

Jessica Meuse
"Call Me" by Blondie
Three-Word Review: Uncomfortable Awkward Strutting

Unfortunately, I knew exactly what this performance was going to be at the top of the song when I saw Jessica's awkward strut while trying to keep time with the music. She doesn't have a bad voice, especially when she lets loose and hits the power notes, however, whatever talent she has was again undermined by her unwillingness, or inability, to make any logical connection with the lyrics and music she sings. If I closed my eyes and just listened, I would have enjoyed it much more (which might bode well for any future album sales), but her untimely grins and robotic gestures just makes me feel a little uncomfortable when I watch her.

Also, if she makes it through to another week, I would advise her to stop doing songs previously done by IDOL's best-ever rock-chick Haley Reinhart, as she has done two of the last three weeks. Why, you ask? Exhibit 1: "Rhiannon" and Exhibit 2: "Call Me."

Sam Woolf
"Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper
Three-Word Review: Justified Judges Save

I was really glad that Sam went with a unique acoustic version of this song, and even more glad that he added a few jumps up in register that showed us a side of his voice that I don't think we have seen all year. I have been clear that I do not think that Sam deserved the save last week, especially if someone goes home prematurely this week or next. However, that's over, and Sam took full advantage of the second chance he was given. I was very glad that he provided an improved performance; the question is, will it be enough of an improvement to keep him safe this week?

Duet #3: Malaya Watson and C.J. Harris
"I Knew You Were Waiting" by Aretha Franklin and George Michael
Six-Word Review: Why This Song On Singing Competition?

Alex Preston
"Every Breath You Take" by The Police
Three-Word Review: Wow! Perfect Performance!

Through sheer honesty and artistry, Alex somehow transformed a song essentially about stalking into a heartfelt lovely lullaby. I'm not even going to waste the keystrokes talking about Alex's spot-on vocal technique, because as a whole, this song was perfect. It was simple, yet complex, and all together moving. One of the best song "reimaginings" in IDOL history, in my opinion. With that said, I agree with Harry Connick Jr.'s differentiation between a performer and an entertainer. As I said two weeks ago, I am afraid that Alex's "coffeehouse vibe" might not translate to the masses.

Duet #4: Dexter Roberts and Jessica Meuse
"Islands in the Stream" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
Six-Word Review: They're Stuck Mid-Stream Without a Paddle?

C.J. Harris
"Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty
Three-Word Review: Oh, not again...

Much like many of the other fresh takes on classics tonight, I appreciated C.J.'s interpretation of the song. However, it is always a variation on a theme with C.J.; he is wonderfully charismatic, but he continually ends up on the losing end of a tenuous battle with pitch. The judges clearly have a soft spot for him, as they routinely hype his connection to the lyrics, but it is lost on me. Perhaps I am too much of a pedant, but I can't get past his inability to sing the proper notes, especially on the world's largest singing competition. Is that so wrong?

Caleb Johnson
"Faithfully" by Journey
Three-Word Review: King of Power-Ballads (I hyphenated it, so it only counts as one word)

While Caleb has been the King of Power-Ballads all season, this song had a different feel to it. There was a palpable emotion in Caleb's performance that hadn't been there before. In his previous songs, he was all about giving the full rockstar treatment with as much vocal theatrics and reckless abandon as he possibly could, but tonight he showed us a little more. Yes, the incredible voice was still there, but so was a bit of heart that we hadn't yet seen. For me, he again proved why he is easily one of the season's frontrunners.

Awkward Aussie Analogy Alert
I don't know how they are remembered in Australia, but someone needs to let Keith know that comparing a performance to a fanny pack, probably doesn't play as a compliment in America.

Should Be Bottom-Three (based on the whole season)
Dexter Roberts
Jessica Meuse
C.J. Harris

Probably Will Be Bottom-Three
Malaya Watson
Sam Woolf
C.J. Harris

Should Be Eliminated
Ryan didn't care to mention whether we would be losing one or two contestants on Thursday, so I will just pick two and see what happens tomorrow:
1) C.J. Harris
2) Dexter Roberts

Best of the Night
Alex Preston

Do you agree with my takes on tonight's performances? Let me know what you thought of the show in the comments below, or on Twitter @BWWMatt. Also, remember to check back with BroadwayWorld TV on Thursday morning for videos of each performance, and Thursday night for my recap of the Elimination Show.

Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta | FOX