We’re down to the final 7 on “American Idol” and this week, in the spirit of tonight’s special “Idol Gives Back” episode, the contestants were mentored by Alicia Keys and sang inspirational songs. Here is the recap as we saw it…

THE REALLY GOOD

Crystal Bowersox remains about three cuts above everyone else, and last night she hit a grand slam out of the pimp slot. She sang The Impressions’ “People Get Ready” and punctuated a fantastic performance with real tears as she looked out at her dad in the audience. At this point, if Crystal does not win or at least make it to the finale, something is afoot in the universe. Randy said he’s been a fan since Day 1 and gave Crystal a standing ovation….Ellen said she looked beautiful and sounded awesome and keeps evolving….Kara said Crystal took a risk, reached yet another level and schooled everyone else last night….and Simon said “now THAT was inspirational” and that she’s in a different class than everyone else. Yep, pretty much.

THE GOOD

Lee Dewyze, unless he falls off a cliff, is a very likely candidate to reach the finale with Crystal. The dude keeps getting better, just like Kris Allen did last season, and also, like Allen, is likable and sings from the heart. Lee did Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” and it was a current, nicely done version. Randy said he’s one of Lee’s biggest fans and that he is a true artist…Ellen said it was a great choice with soul and depth and maybe Lee’s best performance to date…Kara said that this was Lee’s moment….and Simon said it was staggeringly better than Casey’s performance, who went first.

THE IN BETWEEN

Aaron Kelly took on namesake R. Kelly’s (has there ever been such a disparity in namesakes?) “I Believe I Can Fly” and it wasn’t bad at all, though the kid just stood there mostly. He also had some pitch troubles in spots. Randy said it was a good job with a “giant song”….Ellen said Aaron handled the song well….Kara said Aaron “took off” in flight, like the song said….and Simon said it was gutsy and Aaron tried hard, but that if he heard it on the radio he would have turned it off. Ouch, but somewhat accurate.

Michael Lynche sang Nickelback’s “Hero” and it wasn’t bad, but was still somewhat bland. Randy said he was worried about the song choice but that Michael held his own with it….Ellen said it was a great job….Kara said it wasn’t her favorite performance of Michael’s…and Simon said he sang it well but it felt a bit artificial and not inspired. Then Simon added that he thinks Mike is safe this week. Well of course he thinks that, after the judges saved him two weeks back.

THE UNINSPIRED

Casey James continues to play it totally safe, this time singing Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop.” Casey once again proved that he can play the guitar like a madman, while choosing very vanilla songs that don’t show what he can really do vocally. Randy said it was good but that he keeps showing the same thing each week….Ellen said it was great guitar playing but that Casey needs to step it up at this stage….Kara said it had too much of a jam band feel and that Casey is not separating himself from the pack…and Simon said he was amazed by the song choice, that Casey showed zero emotion and was lazy with his selection.

Siobhan Magnus took on Mariah Carey’s “When You Believe” and it was another sleepy performance that Siobhan accentuated with a few screams as well as excuses. I think my early pick to contend may be going home this week. Randy said it was the toughest song choice of the night, but that it was “just okay”….Ellen disagreed with Randy….Kara said Siobhan did well technically but that she didn’t want to go buy the record….and Simon said it was “old-fashioned” and “all over the place.”

THE PRETTY BAD

Tim Urban has hung on like MacGyver but this week he may have blown it. He sang the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Better Days” and it was so all over the place, it made you wonder how Tim is still on the show. I know I have been more of a critic than everyone else on this kid, but maybe that’s because I know he’s got the potential for a train wreck like this. Randy said it was “just okay” and kind of like bad karaoke…Ellen said as soups of the day go, this was bad soup….Kara said Tim has found his lane, but the execution wasn’t good this time….and Simon said this was a letdown after Tim showed improvement the last few weeks. Yeah, pretty much.

So that’s it. I think your Bottom 3 will be Tim, Siobhan and either Michael or Casey or Aaron. Yeah, Crystal and Lee are safe and nobody else. And I think this is finally the week Tim goes home.
Of course, before we get there, we’ll have the “star studded” Idol Gives Back special. See you all tomorrow with the results!