Hallelujah! Ellen DeGeneres Hugs Tim Urban, Big Mike is Best W/ 'This Woman's Work'

American Idol Wednesday March 10, 2010. The Top 8 guys had a decent night of performances that exploded with a climactic performance from Michael 'Big Mike' Lynche. Of the guys, Big Mike is the one to beat. He and Crystal Bowersox will be battling each other to become America's favorite singer in the singing competition's finals- he and she are the ones to beat.

The host is Ryan Seacrest. The judges are: Randy Jackson; Ellen DeGeneres; Kara DioGuardi; Simon Cowell. In order of appearance, here are the singers-

American Idol Lee Dewyze turned 'Fireflies' by Owl City into a rock song. Simon said, "There was nothing to rave about." There were 'no moments'. Ellen thought Lee was great and called him adorable.

American Idol Alex Lambert truly has a distinct voice. He has a good recording career ahead of him. His version of Ray Lamontagne's 'Trouble' earned praises from Ellen of 'honest, sweet, and real'. But, she warned, "Don't become a cocky banana."

American Idol Tim Urban played the acoustic guitar as he sang Leonard Cohen's song 'Hallelujah' à la Jeff Buckley version. His voice was great; he sang sincerely. Randy told Tim that he had done a 'pretty good job'. But Ellen went right on stage and hugged Tim. She called him fantastic. She felt the judges had dumped on Tim so much in the past that she wanted to give him a hug.

Ellen's hug in TV land is equivalent to being knighted by the Queen of England. Bully for Tim. He deserves it. His version of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' was better than Rupert Wainright's lazy version. Simon took responsibility for Tim's improvement by saying it was because of his critique last week. Ellen casually told Simon that she was 'responsible, Hon'.

American Idol Andrew Garcia is still not living up to his version of Paula's 'Straight Up'. The judges won't let him forget. Is this Groundhog Day? Andrew played guitar and sang Christina Aguilera's 'Genie in a Bottle'. He has a great sound. But there were no 'wow' moments.

American Idol Casey James played the guitar and sang Keith Urban's 'You'll Think of Me'. Eye candy Casey has had hot performances. This was not one of them. But as Simon said, "You sounded great." Kara noted that Casey was singing from the heart but spark was missing from his performance.

American Idol Aaron Kelly was awesome with Lonestar's 'I'm Already There'. The sixteen-year-old can sing. Randy said, "Job well done". Ellen said, "Not terrific." Kara started rambling on about how the song was too old for Tim. What a relief when Simon interrupted her by saying that Kara was talking 'complete utter rubbish'. And she was. Aaron was dynamite with the song and sang with strong emotion. Way to go, Aaron.

American Idol Todrick Hall performed Queen's 'Somebody to Love' as a cross between rock opera and gospel. He did an awesome, awesome job. The judges have criticized him in the past for being a broadway performer- just as they had used to sometimes criticize Adam Lambert last year for being a stage performer. Of course, that criticism for glam man Lambert fell into oblivion. And it does for Todrick, who gave a performance worthy of the Top 10.

American Idol Michael 'Big Mike' Lynche performed Maxwell's 'This Woman's Work' and had Kara in tears. It was a highly memorable performance.

After tonight, the top guy singers are Michael 'Big Mike' Lynche, Aaron Kelly, and yes-indeedy Tim Urban. His voice was mighty fine on 'Hallelujah'. The two guys going home could be Andrew Garcia and Alex Lambert.

Hot Tween-Appeal Tim Urban- Check Out His Abs- He Doesn't Need American Idol;

The Top 8 guy singers, with their ages and hometowns, are:

1. Lee Dewyze, 23, Chicago, Ill.
2. Alex Lambert, 19, North Richland Hills, Texas.
3. Tim Urban, 20, Duncanville, Texas.
4. Andrew Garcia, 24, Moreno Valley, Calif.
5. Casey James, 27, Fort Worth, Texas.
6. Aaron Kelly, 16, Sonestone, Penn.
7. Todrick Hall, 24, Arlington, Texas.
8. Michael 'Big Mike' Lynche, 26, St. Petersburg, Fla.