"American Idol" Tackles the Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber

As I have undoubtedly said before, I've been disappointed in "American Idol" this year. I just haven't seen the star power that has been evident in past years.

Having said that, when I found out that the contestants would be singing the songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber this week, I immediately knew that America was about to get a real glimpse of potential Idol winners. Many of Webber's songs are so complex and difficult, it was evident that only the best of the best would be able to rise to the top.

My prediction was right. A mere few of the singers took the songs and made them their own in order to appropriately sell them. Others fell flat on their faces.

David Archuleta chose the song Think of Me. I am a sometimes on and sometimes off fan of Archuleta; a highly unpopular stance I know. But his rendition of the Broadway song won me over because he sang it with his entire heart and soul.

Randy called his performance "da bomb" and proclaimed him the one to beat. Paula called the performance absolutely perfect, partly because he took a risk and then delivered the goods. Simon said the performance was "pleasant" but he felt it was one of Archuleta's weakest performances.

Carly Smithson chose the song Jesus Christ, Superstar. I have to say that I wasn't looking forward to the performance as the song has been way over done. However, Smithson surprised me with an amazing rendition.

Randy said that he knew the singers with the bigger voices would do well with the Broadway songs because they were well equipped to handle them. He said that Smithson had proved him correct. Paula said that she liked that the performance was "unexpected." Simon pronounced it one of his favorite performances of the night in spite of the fact that it got a "bit shouty in the middle."

Syesha Mercado chose the song One Rock & Roll Too Many. She delivered the music with amazing stage presence, the appropriate amount of sass and class, as well as well controlled vocals. She was definitely my favorite of the night.