300th American Idol Show Sets Stage for Season 8 Finals

On Tuesday May 12 "American Idol" turned 300! It was the 300th episode for the popular music reality show. The episode was special not only for its longevity but also because the performances would set the stage for the finals on May 19 and the crowning of a new "American Idol" on May 20.

With only three singers left each contestant performed two songs one of which was chosen by one of the judges. Normally a judge simply chooses a song because it showcases the singer's talent and voice. This time around one judge went even further by securing special permission to use the song choice and worked on the arrangement.

Fans of the show are used to seeing the judges have aggressive words with one another or Paula giving Simon a whack or two but this time their antics resembled a dust up in the local pub with Paula doing more than her share.

It all began with Danny Gokey and Paula's choice of "Dance Little Sister" by Terrence Trent D'Arby at which point Randy said, "let the games begin." While the girls liked the song, Simon felt it was the wrong song choice.

Next came Kris Allen. Randy and Kara chose "Apologize" by One Republic. But once the song was over Kara questioned Kris' choice of playing the piano and his song arrangement. While Randy said it showed the kind of artist Kris could be, Simon called the performance a competent rendition of the original.

Like so often this season the best, and fan favorite, went last. Simon not only chose one of his favorite songs for Adam he helped with the arrangement and secured special permission from Bono so that Adam could sing "One" by U2. The Lambert magic worked again as the judges called the performance brilliant. Kara called Adam an amazing strategist.

Before the singers took the stage one more time with their personal choice of song there was an update on Idol Gives Back. Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood went to Angola to see how some of the over $140 million had bee spent. Malaria is a disease spread by mosquitoes and can be greatly reduced or even prevented with the proper use of mosquito netting. Over 300,000 mosquito nets were distributed in Angola along with training and education on proper used of the nets and Malaria prevention and treatment.

Danny again took the stage performing his version of the Joe Cocker song "You Are So Beautiful" that Simon called a vocal master class.

When Kris returned to the stage he chose a much different path from his first song. Kris chose to play the guitar and sing "Heartless" by Kanye West. Randy said the performance was better than the original and Simon said that after the first song he was ready to write Kris out but the second performance saved Kris.

While Adam frequently manages to startle and amaze his fans and the judges, his song choice genre was no surprise. Adam chose "Crying" by Aerosmith. Randy proclaimed Adam one of the best singers they have ever had. Paula said that if Steven Tyler (lead singer for Aerosmith) had been a mentor he would have nothing to add. Kara only wanted to know how Adam could talk after hitting some of the notes he did. Simon simply reminded everyone that a spot in the finals was not a given, that fans needed to vote.

On the Wednesday results show Ryan will reveal the voters choice for who will compete in the finals and the musical entertainment will be provided by Katy Perry and season 6 "American Idol" winner Jordyn Sparks.