Contestants Tackle Lennon-McCartney Songbook Week on American Idol

This week on American Idol, the top nine contestants sang songs from the Lennon-McCartney songbook. I was thrilled about this, because The Beatles is my favorite band, and they didn't do Lennon-McCartney songbook week last season, but the season before. I'm not thrilled with American Idol this season, but hearing that they'd be singing Lennon-McCartney songs, made me thrilled.

Even though Paul is on tour and was unable to be there to mentor, he sent his love via video, to the contestants. The contestants usually have a mentor every week, reflecting the theme of the week. However, I suppose they could find no one to replace Paul McCartney. I think this is a great move, as anyone else other that Paul would have been a pathetic excuse for a replacement. In lieu of sessions with a mentor, videos of fellow contestants' commentaries on each contestant before they sang.

Up first, was Aaron Kelley, the youngest contestant left on the Idol stage at this point in the game. Aaron sang "The Long and Winding Road," from the album, "Let it Be." As always, I felt he sounded the same. He's boring and makes every song sound like it was sang by The Rascal Flatts. To hear him sing this Paul McCartney ballad, left me feeling disappointed, since Paul sings it so well. Aaron proved, once again, that he's a one-trick pony. I have a feeling he won't be there much longer. Or at least I hope. We don't need another Kris Allen.

Second up was youngster, 17-year-old, Katie Stevens, one of my least favorite contestants. To date, I've only voted for her once. First off, her outfit was a little ridiculous. For singer-songwriters, Lennon and McCartney, who wrote their most recognizable hits in the 60s and 70s, her outfit was incredibly 80s. Katie sang one of my most favorite Beatles songs, "Let it Be." The arrangement was kept similar, about which I am happy. Remarkably, I didn't find it terrible. It was actually quite decent. I'd have to agree with Randy Jackson, who said it was her best performance to date.

The third performer of the night was Andrew Garcia, who has done good and really bad this season. Week after week, we have heard how he has had to try to top his performance of Paula Abdul's hit of "Straight Up" during Hollywood week. Last week, he was, pretty much, back on top of his game. This week, Andrew sang "Can't Buy Me Love." The arrangement was very Andrew. However, I feel like he tried to cross The Beatles with Elvis a little too much. To me, it was mediocre at best. I just can't get on board with Andrew.

After Andrew's performance, Michael "Big Mike" Lynche was up to perform fourth. Mike has had some really great performances, and has rarely been bad. Last night, Mike sang "Eleanor Rigby." Mike brought his own flavor of soul to the arrangement. He said he was in a family band growing up, and sang this song often. Apparently, he has mastered it well. I was very impressed. Simon said it was a little too over-the-top. To that, I say: Remember Adam Lambert? He was over-the-top, and Simon called him so. Look how well Adam Lambert is doing to this day.

The fifth performer of the night was Crystal Bowersox, one of my two favorite performers. A lot of people, including myself, speculated that she would sing "Helter Skelter," written by Paul McCartney. We speculated wrong. Crystal sang "Come Together," which was another fantastic choice for her. I love that a didjeridu was incorporated into the arrangement. Crystal did an amazing job, per usual. She has so much bluesy energy that made this work so well for her. As Randy said, it was not her best performance, but it was awesome, as always.

The sixth contestant to sing their pick from the Lennon-McCartney songbook was Tim Urban. In my opinion, Tim is cheesy, annoying, arrogant, and consistently bad. He's always positive, though. He says he wants to brighten peoples' days, but honestly, he comes off a bit creepy to me. Anyway, it's baffled me as to why he hasn't been sent home yet. Last night, he sang "All My Loving." He doesn't have a bad voice, but he always comes off sounding like a lounge singer. No matter if he does well or not, he ruins it by seeming phony and annoying. Last night, he didn't impress me, as always. I just didn't like it. However, I will agree with Randy-- it was a better "Tim performance" than it has been any other week... since the week he sang Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah," which is the only time I've ever voted for him.

Seventh up to perform last night was my other favorite, Casey James. Representing men with long hair, Casey sang John Lennon's song, "Jealous Guy." Playing his acoustic guitar and providing clear and strong vocals, Casey did an amazing job with this John Lennon song from the album, "Imagine." Simon thought it was the best performance of the night, at that point, which made me smile. I am glad that he knows good talent when he hears it... sometimes.

Siobhan Magnus, who I am realizing looks like Ally Sheedy, was next to last as the eighth performer of the night, and she sang "Across the Universe." I loved the arrangement with the piano. She did absolutely amazing and brought tears to my eyes. That's pretty amazing, because I don't like anyone from Boston (especially their baseball players.) I didn't until now anyway. She also looked fantastic. It was great to see another side of her last night.

The last performer of the night was Lee DeWyze. I've had a hard time forgiving him for his really bad version of the already-bad song,"Fireflies" by Owl City a a few weeks ago. However, he's kicked his performances up a few notches here lately. Last night, Lee sang "Hey Jude." While I think he would have kicked ass at singing "Come Together," his arrangement of "Hey Jude" was amazing. The addition of the bagpipes was amazing, even though Simon thought it was silly. I think I may have fallen in love a little bit.

After all the performances, I voted for six of the nine contestants--the most I've voted for in one night this season. I was impressed... even though no one sang "Imagine."

Tonight is the result night. People who I feel have no connection to Lennon-McCartney week--Jason Derulo, Rhianna, and David Archuleta will be performing. Tune in at 9 p.m. EST to watch who stays and which contestant gets sent packing to go back home.