Seven Finalists Compete

Alicia Keys is tonight's mentor, which is appropriate for the Idol Gives Back show. Alicia Keys' charity foundation is "Keep a Child Alive".

Casey is up first singing "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac. Alicia thinks it's one of the biggest songs in the universe. I don't think I can agree with her on that. She says he needs to make people think "I love him" instead of "I love that song". I don't think he manages to do either. The first two phrases of the song are completely off-key. Ellen is right; he's consistently good, but that's not enough -- he has to be great.

Lee sings "The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel. The judges are appropriately impressed.

Tim is next, singing "Better Days" by the GooGoo Dolls. He's uncharacteristically pitchy. Could he be nervous?

Aaron's choice is "I Can Believe" by Mariah Carey. I've never been inspired by anything Mariah Carey sings and tonight Aaron's off; really pitchy but manages to improve by the end of the song.

Siobhan's choice is "When You Believe" by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, from "The Prince of Egypt". It's just so, so for me and she seems just old. I mean, you can like and appreciate old music without making yourself seem old, but she just comes off old. . . too old.

Michael sings Nickelback's "Hero". I thought it was outstanding. That song was SO played out in our area, that I thought I didn't ever want to hear it again. But I enjoyed Michael's version.

Crystal closed out the show with "People Get Ready" by The Impressions. Her rendition brought me to tears, and, lo and behold the wall came tumbling down and Crystal ended up in tears, too. I'm really hoping she ends up at least in the final three. This girl deserves it.

I'm predicting Tim, Aaron and Siobhan are the Bottom 3 and STILL hoping Tim will be sent home.