'American Idol' Gets Gimmicky

Perhaps in an effort to make up for a dearth in talent this season, "American Idol" seemed to be getting a little gimmicky Tuesday night.

The show opened with host Ryan Seacrest backstage with the contestants as they prepared for their performances. The judges were also there engaging in a group hug, including judge Simon Cowell giving fellow judge Ellen Degeneres a smooch on the lips.

This wouldn't be the last glimpse behind the scenes. Contestant Siobhan Magnus opened R&B night up with "Through the Fire," which was not one of her best performances. In what seemed like an infinite commentary session afterward, the judges first unanimously told her it was not very good but that they still liked her overall. As she appeared to cry, the judges, except for Cowell, tried over and over to reassure her that she was still good but just didn't have it this night. It didn't really seem to work and when she went back to the green room, the cameras were there as she proceeded to pout, despite the other contestants tying to console her by telling her the performance was good, when, in fact, it really wasn't.

When Didi Benami nearly broke down during the segment in which she sang "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" for mentor Usher, Seacrest pressed her following her live performance as to why that song is so emotional for her. She answered repeatedly that it just means a lot to her, but Seacrest, despite the judges even telling him to back off, continued to ask the question. Finally, he answered it himself, saying there was a reason Benami tried out for "Idol" and this song was a dedication to someone. During auditions, Benami had revealed her best friend had died recently and she was trying out for the show as a sort of memoriam for her.

Andrew Garcia had his best performance in weeks, if not ever, by singing "Forever," but that was easily overshadowed by Seacrest calling his mother over to the judges' table to have words with Cowell after the acerbic judge pointed out he found Garcia's personality to be boring. Never mind he praised him effusively before that and told him he made an excellent song choice. No, the memory was of Garcia's mother coming to the aid of her son and yelling in Spanish into Seacrest's chest microphone.

Still, this is supposed to be a singing competition. As mentioned above, Garcia got back on the right track and Casey James did a very good version of "Hold On I'm Coming." Mike Lynche was solid once again with "Ready for Love" and Aaron Kelly had a strong showing with "Ain't No Sunshine."

Crystal Bowersox showed again why she is the class of the competition right now, singing "Midnight Train to Georgia" and starting from the piano rather than her guitar. She simply knows how to choose the best song for her, no matter the genre, and perform it well.

The best of the night, however, was Lee Dewyze, who sang "Treat Her Like A Lady." He finally had a great stage performance to go along with the outstanding vocals he's displayed in the past. This was what the judges have been looking for out of him and they got it. If he can keep that up, he very might be one of the last two standing.

Having poor performances were Benami, who seems to be unsure of what to do next, and Tim Urban, who sang "Sweet Love." Urban continued to laugh his way through critical comments from the judges, leading Cowell to state "It doesn't matter what we say, he'll keep on smiling and people will keep on voting you through, so good job." He may very well be right. Katie Stevens continues to improve and sang "Chain of Fools." Again, it wasn't the best, but she showed she can really sing.

When the votes are tallied, Benami will likely be the one going home Wednesday, which should make it even tougher to sing her emotional song.