Recap of 'American Idol' Top 9 Performance: Top 100 Downloads

"American Idol" is loosening up a bit on the song theme this week after the specific ones in the last three weeks, Michael Jackson, country and motown. The Top 9 get to choose out of 100 songs that sit on the top position of iTunes downloads, meaning many genres like pop and hip-hop will be heard. Also, there is no mentor this week.

First to take the stage was Anoop Desai who sang some Usher, tackling the up-beat "Caught Up". Randy Jackson immediately jabbed on the song choice, reasoning that the vocal was alright but the song was not. Kara DioGuardi meanwhile asked whether he was challenged by some frat boys to sing that song. Simon Cowell kept it short, "a complete and utter mess".

Second to go was Megan Corkrey who chose to go with "Turn Your Lights Down Low" by Bob Marley. The judges didn't like it, Paula Abdul advised her to sit on a stool and stop dancing while Simon called it boring and monotonous. Kara thought that Megan is "in trouble".

Danny Gokey whose grandfather died last week, performed Rascal Flatts' "What Hurts the Most". The judges loved his slow version of the song with Simon deeming it as his best since the Top 13 performance. Paula mentioned that she wanted to push a "repeat" after hearing the song and Kara said that she had goosebumps.

Allison Iraheta went with No Doubt's "Don't Speak" and her guitar on. Instead of giving comments on the vocal, the judges were rather distracted by the outfit Allison wore. Simon said that she was like a precocious daughter dressing up like rock star and singing like one. Paula meanwhile, said that Allison could out sing singer twice her age.

Scott MacIntyre chose to go a little classic with Billy Joel's "I Love You Just the Way You Are" and sat behind his piano. Paula said, "Out of all the contestants that have graced the stage, I'm most proud of you and I want the audience to know it has nothing to do about your challenge but everything to do that makes me forget about that challenge." Kara praised his decision to sing the song and said that she loved his new look. Simon added that it was Scott's best performance so far.

Matt Giraud went with one of the songs released this year, The Fray's "You Found Me" while standing behind a keyboard. Simon thought it was not a commercial at all and the rest of the judges sounded off similar comments. Paula, who was usually nice even said "you aborted things we love most about you".

Next was Lil Rounds with "I Surrender" by Celine Dion. Simon dropped the wedding performance comment, thinking that it was too safe a choice. Randy didn't like the song choice but said that it was an overall good. Paula wanted to see a younger version of Lil Rounds.

Adam Lambert sang Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music". Paula raved about the performance, calling him a genius one. Randy also expected less when he heard of the song choice but was surprised by the outcome. Simon praised it to be non-karaoke type of singing while Kara said, "It's like Studio 57 up in here."

Last performance of the night was by Kris Allen who sang Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" with piano on. All the judges were unanimous in saying that it was a good one. The combination of the piano and the string quartet blew Simon's mind off and Kara called it "artistry".