With the theme of Tuesday's American Idol being "inspiration," it shouldn't have been difficult for the final eight contestants to find a song they could connect with and secure their spot in the top seven. Alas, failure to accomplish the simple is the fuel on which American Idol runs.

Some, including David Archuleta, Jason Castro, and Michael Johns rose to the occasion. Others, namely Brooke White, David Lee Cook, and warmed over former failure Carly Smithson, may find themselves singing a tune of desperation come Thursday night's results show. And speaking of holding on for dear life, it has to be mentioned up top that judge Paula Abdul's breasts were singing their own painful tune, smooshed together and hiked to the sky in a corset-like top not suitable for family television. Paula, if you're reading, never again, please. Ready to recap?

Johns kicked off the show, rocking an ascot-like scarf for the second week in a row, with his version of Aerosmith's "Dream On." He was criticized a bit for departing from his blues-y style and trying to rock out a bit more, but with his good looks and hot Australian accent, he should be safe and sound in the top seven.

After Johns' performance, the camera cut to comedian Sinbad in the audience, officially cementing his place as the most random AI audience member and celebrity of all time.

Next, Syesha Mercado took on "I Believe" the song written for season three's winner, Fantasia Barrino. Mercado has developed the curious and dangerous habit of taking on the signature songs of artists with voices far better than hers—and refuses to heed the judges warnings that move's usually an Idol kiss of death. She may escape this week unscathed, but it's bound to catch up to her eventually.

Mercado was followed by Jason Castro, on the ukulele, singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," but as done by viral video favorite Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole. The judges ate it with a spoon, as did teenage girls the world over. Castro was followed by Kristy Lee Cook singing "Anyways" by Martina McBride. In her strongest showing to date, Cook finally showed America why she was picked to be on this show—up until this point, it had been entirely unclear.

Taking a giant step backward from previous performances was David Cook, who sounded like he was trying to swallow the microphone on an abysmal rendition of "Innocent," by Our Lady Peace. Carly Smithson followed with her own misstep, singing Queen's "The Show Must Go On." Though she sang it well, as she always does, Smithson performed aggressively, out of sync with the gentle "inspiration" theme of the show. Even Paula couldn't praise it—a sure sign that something was missing.

David Archuleta was next, playing the piano and sang "Angels" by Robbie Williams. The gallery of teen girls sitting stage-side loved it, as did the judges.

Closing the show was Brooke White, channeling Carole King's version of "You've Got a Friend." Though White did a better job with song selection this week, her performance could not have been more boring. She took her criticism while trying not to cry—but of all the contestants, her performance felt the most flat.

The regularly scheduled results show is being preempted by the mammoth fundraising effort "Idol Gives Back." Feeling bad about those African orphans you're always seeing on TV? Make your donation via phone or Internet during tonight's two-and-a-half-hour cryfest. The results show is back on Thursday.