Last night’s episode of “American Idol” proved one thing–the talent pool, at least so far among the guys, is through the roof. But before they began singing, host Ryan Seacrest announced that on Thursday’s results show, the Top 5 guys and Top 5 girls will be announced, and that the judges would advance the rest as wild cards, meaning that the judges are eliminating contestants this week, not America. America is only voting for their favorites. Very interesting. But regardless, these judges know talent, and are primarily responsible for the wealth of talent this season. With that, let’s break down last night’s performances…..

THE REALLY GOOD
Clint Jun Gamboa kicked things off last night, not an easy assignment, but he knocked it out of the park with a flawless version of “Superstitious.” He had great energy and inserted a few legitimate screams that were not falsetto screams. Steven said that Clint started strong and ended strong; J-Lo said Clint got the jitters out; and Randy said it was brilliant and not a karaoke version like they’ve had in the past on the show.

James Durbin, the guy I was just back-handedly accusing of doling out fake Adam Lambert screams, delivered a rock solid version of Judas Priest’s “You Got Another Thing Coming.” It was probably the first time anyone sang Judas Priest on the show, and it was awesome. Steven said it was “crazy good;” J-Lo said she loves the way James performs; and Randy said “This is how you do it!”

Jacob Lusk did Luther Vandross’ “Still in Love” and once again showed that his talent is otherworldly. Steven called it “Divine intervention;” J-Lo said Luther is her favorite artist, and that although he’s gone, we now have Jacob to carry the torch; and Randy said Luther would be proud. Indeed.

Casey Abrams closed out the night with a stunning, emotive version of “I Put a Spell on You” that was original and absolutely kickass. Steven said that it was as good as it gets; J-Lo called him sexy and that said Casey proved that he “wants this bad;” and Randy said he loves that Casey transforms himself to fit each song. The main thing is, dude was amazing.

THE GOOD
Scotty McCreery is about as authentic a country singer as they’ve ever had on this show, and he delivered a great version of John Michael Montgomery’s “Letters from Home.” Steven said it was a great song choice, J-Lo said Scotty was born to sing country music; and Randy said Scotty was a great “throwback” country singer. Yep.

Stefano Langone took on Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” and delivered one of his best efforts since first auditioning for the show. Steven said his voice cut through; J-Lo said Stefano is consistent; and Randy said it was like watching a real concert and that his version of the song could be on the radio right now.

THE PRETTY GOOD
Tim Halperin did Rob Thomas’ “Come On Over, “ and it was an okay song choice, but not a good choice for Tim to dance. Steven said the song did Tim no justice and I agree with that assessment; J-Lo said the song didn’t showcase Tim’s strength but that he did it well; and Randy said Tim has been better before.

Robbie Rosen is only 17 and a great young singer, but he had the misfortune of following Durbin’s Judas Priest. Robbie did a really cool guitar-centric version of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel.” It was good but not anywhere near the lofty awesomeness we’ve come to expect from young Robbie. Steven said it was a great ballad; J-Lo said she loves the way Robbie “tells a story;” and Randy punctured Robbie’s balloon by saying it wasn’t his best and was pitching in spots.

Paul McDonald did an interesting version of Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May,” and as Steven said, he’s got real character. J-Lo added that Paul has character in both his moves and in his big smile; and Randy said he loves that Paul is so quirky and different. Yeah, but he wasn’t nearly in the class of some of the others last night.

THE JUST OKAY
Jovany Baretto went right after Clint, so doing a sappy ballad was both risky and smart. Jovany did Edwin McCain’s “I’ll Be” but he didn’t do much with the song other than sing it fairly well. Steven said he loved it, J-Lo said “You did it!” and Randy said he didn’t get it and that it wasn’t unique enough. You go, Randy Cowell! But I agreed with him completely.

Jordan Dorsey did Usher’s “OMG” and it really was just “eh.” It sounded like a tough song and not a great choice for Jordan. Steven said it wasn’t his favorite Jordan performance; J-Lo asked Jordan if that was “who he is;” and Randy said it was a bad choice and not even close to the original version.

THE NOT SO GOOD
Brett Loewenstern did The Doors’ “Light My Fire” and for my money, was pretty bad. Steven said Brett brought it home and J-Lo said she liked it. Randy said it was pitchy but fun and cool. Whatever….I just didn’t think it was very good, and I think the judges were just posturing because they made a mistake letting Brett make the cut last week.

So there you have it. Tonight the ladies perform and then we have the results tomorrow night. What did you think of the guys? Let me know in the space below and see you all back here tomorrow….