IDOL WATCH: Top 9 Rock to Hall of Fame Songs!

Down to just nine performers, American Idol's remaining contestants have proven week after week that they make up perhaps the most talented bunch of finalists in the show's 10 season history. No complaints there, but such a statistic also means that even excellent performances tonight could warrant a ticket home.

That being said, the final nine had plenty of excellent material to work with tonight, being allowed to choose from the "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll" exhibit at Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Only taken on once in Idol past (back in season 7), the list features music by a plethora of artists including: The Who, John Mellencamp, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, and many more.

2001 Hall of Fame inductee Steven Tyler opened the night with an introduction to the rich history of Rock n' Roll.  And this week, the finalists got help not only from Jimmy Iovine and his team of producers, but also from will.i.am and Gwen Stefani.

Switching his song choice last minute from Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On," Jacob kicked off the night with a performance of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror." One of my favorite songs from the Jackson repertoire, I was pleasantly surprised that he didn't bring the usual, out-of-control level of Jacob-theatrics to the song, while it was still a tad dramatic. The song prompted Steven to comment: "every time you sing you bring another little piece of yourself to the party." JLo thought that it was "perfect in every way" and Randy gave him props for having the guts to make the change.

Haley busted out an expected yet great "Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin. Though she started off a little slow, by the end of the song she was clearly having a blast on the stage and her vocal reflected it. I wish that she would have laid off a bit on her signature growl, but this was probably the only song she'll ever sing that she can get away with being excessive. JLo thought she finally proved that she is a contender, and RAndy Loved that she brought back the Haley they fell in love with.

Casey also made a last minute switch from Sting's "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" to "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Playing his upright bass for the first time on the big stage, his performance was polished, smooth, and still energetic. I loved it! Randy said that he's "making the upright bass cool," and Steven gave him kudos for being a ‘true musician' and having the ‘full package.'

Lauren sang Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman"- a song with an Idol history (previously sung by season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson and season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox). Vocally she didn't do anything special, but the performance was solid nonetheless. Though I thought it was underwhelming, JLo and Steven thought that she was amazing and Randy agreed that she did a great job.

James switched it up by singing a ballad- George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." What a surprise! Labeled season 10's designated rocker, I thought for sure he'd sing something crazy, given tonight's theme. If it weren't for the last note, the song would have been flat out boring, though I must admit that I liked that he had the guts to switch it up. JLo liked that he brought vulnerability to the song and Randy agreed that his sensitivity made the performance special. Steven added that the performance should be a proud moment for him.

Scotty channeled the ‘King of Rock n' Roll' with his own rendition of Elvis' "That's Alright, Mamma." The song ended with a swarm of screaming girls worshiping him on stage. Really? He clearly had a great time on the stage, but like Lauren, the vocal was underwhelming compared to what he normally delivers. Randy thought that the performance proved that he's in it to win it. JLo thought that he was funny and showed that he is a true performer.

I've been looking forward to Pia's "River Deep Mountain High" since she announced that she'd be singing it last week, and as usual, she did not disappoint. Vocally the song was perfection, and included a surprise high note at the end. Has anyone else noticed that she's been slowly working her way through Celine Dion's ‘Falling Into You' album? Steven responded to the performance with: "Murderer! Murderer! You killed it!" JLo loved her, but urged that she studies old performers to take it to the next level.

In his traditional ‘moody-ballad' fashion, Stefano chose to sing "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge. I'm definitely not the biggest Stefano fan, but I must point out that it was one of his better performances. I particularly loved the falsetto that he busted out on the first verse. JLo insisted that he brought another layer of emotion to the song, while Randy was disappointed that it didn't leave him jumping up and down.

Paul took tonight's pimp spot, singing Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues." Bringing the audience to their feet right away, the performance was by far one of Paul's best. Definitely adding a very different vibe to the song than the great Mr. Cash, the song might help him live to see another week on the show. Randy simply proclaimed ‘I LOVED IT!" JLo and Steven echoed Randy's thoughts.

My official consensus of the week: Pia gave the best Hall of Fame performance of the evening. Though it's extremely difficult to pick a bottom three, if I had my way, it would consist of Stefano, Jacob, and Haley.

Tune in tomorrow for a performance from Idol alum and Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis! Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH tomorrow night to find out which contestants don't make it past the next elimination! American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox. Vote for your favorite contestants at Americanidol.com!

Miss the Top 11 sing last week? Click here for a full recap!

Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.

Among the many American Idol finalists and winners to appear on the Broadway stage are Fantasia, Justin Guarini ,Jordin Sparks,Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, Tamyra Gray, Constantine Maroulis, Frenchie Davis, Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.

 

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