‘Idols’ Go Inspirational

“Idol Gives Back” influenced the competition on “American Idol” this week when the contestants were asked to choose inspirational songs as they continued to battle it out to en route to the finale at the Los Angeles Nokia Theatre.

With the competition down to just eight contenders, many of the hopefuls put on their best duds and pulled tricks from their sleeves, including covers of popular songs and messages on their hands in an attempt to sway voters to their camp.

Australian Michael Johns tackled the first tune of the night – a cover of Aerosmith’s “Dream On.” Though he made a faithful rendition of the tune, it didn’t win over the judges.

“I really believe that this one of the important weeks for us … ‘cause you guys are telling us who you are … I thought it was a good song choice, but it had some pitch problems for me,” judge Randy Jackson said. “I don’t buy you anyway with Aerosmith.”

Fellow judge Simon Cowell echoed Randy’s sentiment.

“I don’t like it when you do an impersonation of a rock star,” Simon said. “I prefer the more blues and R&B [thing].”

They were just as tough on Syesha Mercado, who for the second week in a row tackled a song made famous by a diva. Last week Syesha sang a Whitney Houston standard and on Tuesday, it was Fantasia’s “I Believe.”

“Of course there’s going to be a comparison. [Fantasia] sang that song when she won the competition,” Simon told Syesha after Randy and Paula referenced the “Idol” Season 2 winner’s rendition in their comments. “What it lacked for me was that big wave of emotion that I got when Fantasia sang it.”

Dreadlocked Jason Castro faired better however, when he took on “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

“Dude,” Randy enthused. “Jason Castro is back in the hunt. That was blazing, molten, hot!”

Country cutie Kristy Lee Cook also found herself on the receiving end of good news after she sang Martina McBride’s “Anyway.”

“There were a couple little pitch problems but I loved that,” Randy said.

Dressed in a white jacket and with “Give Back” written on his hand, rocker David Cook sang “Innocent.” But he was stained with the judge’s comments.

“David, I didn’t like this performance very much at all,” Simon said. “I thought it was a teensy weensy bit pompous.”

Carly Smithson who sang “Show Must Go On” also received bad news from the judges.

“I didn’t feel engaged with you and I usually am,” Paula Abdul said.

“You’ve chosen the wrong song and I think you might be in a bit of trouble tonight,” Simon added.

David Archuleta chose the Robbie Williams classic “Angels” for his inspirational song and it touched the judges.

“David, best song choice of the night so far,” Simon said. “You are going to sail through to the next round.”

Last on stage was Brooke White, who performed “You’ve Got A Friend.” Sadly for the blonde contestant, none of her pals were in the judge’s chairs.

“It was just OK. I wasn’t like jumping up and down. I wasn’t mad. It was just alright,” Randy noted.

The next “Idol” to be sent home won’t find out their fate until Thursday. On Wednesday, Fox will air the “Idol Gives Back” special, followed on Thursday by the elimination show.