Nicki Minaj AWOL, Curtis Finch and Janelle Arthur same old on 'American Idol'

Commanding performance, although his usual annoying mannerisms of closed eyes and patterned movements are there. No emotional connection for me — I admire his voice and range, but it doesn't make me want to stand up and shout.

"Excellent," says Keith Urban, with Randy Jackson liking his look. "I'd caution you to now try something a little bit different," he says, since everything up to now has been "inspirational." Mariah Carey liked his "choir feeling," and does like that he does the same thing well each time.

Doing "Gone," which Scotty McCreery sang — stalking around the stage, swallowing her words a bit. Good energy, and some attitude; looking fierce out there. Again, no emotional connection for me, and vocals at best are average.