American Idol Down to Final Four Contestants on Performance Night

American Idol's ninety minute performance night featured four contestants. James Durbin, Scotty McCreery, Haley Reinhart and Lauren Alaina remain in the American Idol competition after Jacob Lusk was voted off in the previous week's result show. Each American Idol contestant performed two songs tonight and were mentored by the guest mentor, Lady Gaga. Tonight the song theme's were personal inspirational songs and songs written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, a popular post World War 2 lyricist and composer team.

Ryan Seacrest, the American Idol show host, joined Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez, the three judges. The top four American Idol contestant's started out singing their selected inspirational songs.

James Durbin started the night singing the first inspirational song choice, "Don't Stop Believing," by the rock band, Journey. Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez believed Jame's performance was great. Randy Jackson, an original member of the group Journey, thought James took the highest degree of difficulty with his song performance hot.

Haley Reinhart's inspirational song choice was, "Earth Song," by Michael Jackson. Jennifer Lopez wanted Haley to be careful of song choice even though Haley believed she felt the song. Randy Jackson thought Haley's song choice was confusing on who she was as artist, and believed she screamed parts of the song. Steven Tyler disagreed with both judges, believing Haley nailed it.

Scotty McCreery's inspirational song choice was, "Where were you when the world stopped turning?" by Alan Jackson. A song based on 9/11 which gave Scotty a standing ovation. Randy Jackson thought it was the perfect song choice for what was happening today in the world. Steven Tyler enjoyed seeing Scotty's emotional passion show in the song, and Jennifer Lopez loved what Scotty stood for.

Lauren Alaina chose Martina McBride's song, "Do It Anyway," as her inspirational song. Steven Tyler thought she was the whole package. Jennifer Lopez was proud of her and thought it was a great vocal performance, and Randy Jackson thought Lauren was back to win it.

Randy thought it was a tie between Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and James Durbin for round one.

A video of Lady Gaga's musical story played before the four American Idol contestants sang songs from Leiber & Stoller's songbook.

Starting the second round, Haley Reinhart sang, "I Who Have Nothing." Lady Gaga advised Haley to put theatricals and drama in her song performance. Haley had performed one of Lady Gaga's songs the previous week, receiving a poor judge critique. Tonight Haley received a standing ovation from both the audience and the judges. Jennifer Lopez thought it was one of the best performances of the year. Randy Jackson said Haley put herself in it to win it and Steven Tyler said she shot herself to next week.

Lady Gaga loved Scotty McCreery's sense of humor, advising him to make love to his mike as if it was his girlfriend so people could hear him and to open up his personality. Scotty sang, "Young Blood," sung by the Coasters. Randy Jackson liked his version of a fun song and said they saw both sides of a Scotty concert. Steven Tyler loved Scotty's humor and Jennifer Lopez said he hit his stride.

Lauren Alaina chose, "Trouble," sung by Elvis Presley. Lady Gaga told Lauren to allow herself to get involved in the song no matter what her morals are. "Evil," was one of the word lyrics Lauren had difficulty singing. Steven Tyler said her character came out and thought it was great. Jennifer Lopez said she showed a good mature performance, and Randy Jackson liked her rocker side and the fact she let herself go.

James Durbin ended the show. He chose, "Love Potion Number Nine." Lady Gaga advised James to loosen up, move his hips and perform the song. James did a rock version of the song exciting the audience. Jennifer Lopez said James showed her he could sing anything. Randy Jackson said James has a moment with every weekly performance. Steven Tyler said it was a beautiful thing.

Tomorrow night is American Idol's result show. The top three contestants left in the competition will have an opportunity to travel for a home town visit.

You can find further information about American Idol, the American Idol contestants and the American Idol song choices via their official website. www.americanidol.com

The American Idol tour concert tickets go on sale May 13, 2011.