Everybody sung both their songs well. This competition is much tighter than we imagined. So tight that James Durbin is out of the competition probably because he had to sing a song he didn't connect with- Love Potiion No. 9. Here is how it went down.

James Durbin “Don’t Stop Believing.” Journey
Second song: “Love Potion No. 9.”
The first song was spectacular. The second song was a lightweight silly song that he couldn't transform. Had the song order been the other way around, he might still be in the competition.

Haley Reinhart First song: “The Earth Song.”
Second song: “I Who Have Nothing.”
For some reason, I don't necessarily "get" Haley the first time I hear her songs. It is only after I listen to it again that I like it. I though both of her songs were amazing. She got really lucky to have "I who have nothing" in the category- just as James was really unlucky to sing "Love Potion # 9. So if you concede that all of the contestants are talented, then luck will come into play. Last week I wanted Haley gone but she stepped up. And Randy was wrong about "The Earth Song". It was good.

Scotty McCreery
First song: “Where Were You When the World Stop turning.”
Second song: “Young Blood.”
This guy can transform himself into a 40-year-old reflective country legend as he did with Alan Jackson's tribute to 911, and then back into a playful kid singing a silly song that should have sunk him. I don't know how he survived it. I guess he charmed enough fans.


Lauren Alaina
First song: “Anyway.”
Second song: “Trouble.”
Best of the night. This is the girl I remember. She has been my favorite from the beginning but I didn't expect her to win the last 3 weeks. I think she and Scotty will be the last standing. But I can't underestimate Haley who has been at the bottom before when there was a dozen left in the competition.
I think Steven Tyler is in love with her.


"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein