So, the fun part of the season is FINALLY here. I'm doing this on minimal sleep. I watched the show last night in a hotel room, but I did watch it live. Here are my thoughts.

As usual, there were some BIG disappointments which - with the talent this season - i was hoping not to see. But it always happens. they get to teh big stage, and their sense of song selection leaves them.

Here are my rankings.

1) James Durbin - Another Thing Coming - A Judas Priest song on Idol...and he NAILS it. This is what I call a GOOD Adam Lambert. This guy is humble, this guy is sincere, this is what he was meant to do. Excellent song choice, brilliant performance.

2) Casey James - This is almost a tie with James. Great song choice, we see yet another side of Casey, and he was having fun like James.

3) Jacob - Yes, we've heard this song too much on Idol but this boy can sang. It doesn't match is Hollywood week, but it was great nonetheless.

4) Paul - I love this guy's voice and the song was perfect for him. I hope he sticks around because i think he can do so much more.

5) Scotty - Another guy born to do this. To me, it seemed a bit karaoke, i wish he would have changed some of it up, but it was a completely comfortable performance by him. He did good. I worry about him making it through though.

6) Brett - I didn't think i'd like it as much as i did, but you could see - again like casey and James - he was meant to do this. he was completely in his element and I liked his take on teh song - a song i usually don't enjoy.

7) Clint - I think he was trying way too hard, but his voice is golden. Hold back a bit, be more real, and you would have nailed it.

8) Stefano - I kept saying 'karaoke' to myself...why didn't the judges?

9) Robbie - Whoa, that was all over the place.

10) Jovany - Snoozer

11) Tim - Agreed. terrible song selection.

12) Jordan - Who, Dude, you blew it big time. Very very disappointing.

"I think what Randy Travis was trying to say was 'What the hell was that?!'" - S. Cowell