American Idol: The Rat Pack

Now that there are but five contestants remaining on Idol and three weeks until the finals, everyone had to step up their game including "American Idol". The theme for this week was Standards of the Rat Pack Era. The four guys and a doll were donned in their finest attire to croon and swoon the fans and judges. The theme this week came with a surprise mentor. Noting that there were not many people who were popular in the era and none of the members of the Rat Pack still alive the Idols were at a loss as to who their mentor might be. Oscar and American Music Award winner Jamie Foxx lent his skills as a classically trained musician to the Idols. Foxx starred as Ray Charles In the movie "Ray", appeared in "Dreamgirls", and is the star in the new movie "The Soloist".

With only five singers remaining it was the first night that all five performances were up to par despite the varied remarks and opinions from the judges panel.

First up was Kris Allen performing "The Way You Look Tonight". In his preview tape Jamie Foxx stated that he would be willing to do an album with Kris. While Randy called it the best performance by Kris to date and Kara praised Kris on his technical skills saying that he bar had been set very high for the night; Simon called it simply a good performance.

Next came the last of the dolls with Allison Iraheta who turned 17 on Monday. While preparing for her performance of "Someone to Watch Over Me" Jamie Foxx said that Allison was leaps and bounds ahead of her time. Randy loved Allison's rendition of the song and Kara said tha t Allison's trips to the bottom three in previous weeks was a crime. Kara also agreed that Allison was beyond her years. Paula called the performance alluring and tender but Simon was less than convinced that Allison really wanted to win the competition. He added that he had a horrible feeling that Allison was in trouble. Allison's friends and family threw her a surprise birthday party but Allison is hoping the surprise doesn't include a trip home just yet.

Matt Giraud had been waiting for this week's theme because he felt it was his forte but Randy did not agree saying that for him the performance didn't quite all come together. Paula loved what Matt did but Kara said she didn't feel a connection either, agreeing with Randy. Simon created a bit of tension by saying that he disagreed and paused before saying with Randy calling it the only believable performance so far.

Danny Gokey took on "Come Rain or Come Shine" in a performance that Paula called stellar and had all the judges agreeing that the rendition was outstanding. Randy said that he could see Danny recording an entire album of such songs.

Once again Adam Lambert finished out the night with "Feeling Good". True to Lambert form, Adam performed a version that was not typical of the style. As Adam performed for Jaie Foxx the "Soloist" star simply said "What!" and calledthe rehearsal absolutely incredible. But not all of the judges agreed with Foxx's thoughts. Kara called Adam jaw dropping and Paula said that Adam made her feel better than good; but the guys remarked on Adam's performance as being theatrical Adam - donned in a white suit - started out on the stairs and worked his way to the stage as he sang. Near the end of the song Adam showed some incredible breath control by holding a single note for an extended length of time. However, all agreed that Adam's excursion down the stairs was the entrance fothe night. Simon even told host Ryan Seacrest that he could't use the stair for his entry again - Seacrest's usual entry is down the stairs as the show opens.

The results show will see one more Idol eliminated and performances by Natalie Cole, mentor Jamie Foxx, and Taylor Hicks as the returning American Idol.