Season 8 'American Idol' Recap: Disco Night

It is the Disco Night on "American Idol" and two will be sent home if they screw up tonight. And back to its usual judging mode, all the four judges get to say something about a contestant's performance.

The first performer of the night was Lil Rounds with Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman". Randy Jackson was still rambling on how he cannot see Rounds as an artist. Kara DioGuardi thought it was not worth the wait while Paula Abdul threw in some kindness, saying that Round looked great. Simon Cowell played it straight and plain, dropping the "you're going home" bomb.

Kris Allen sang Donna Summer's "She Works Hard for the Money". Although it was a disco song, he brought his guitar and was backed up with an acoustic band. Kara loved the arrangement which was a big risk, Paula felt a "classy Santana" in the performance, Simon said it was "original, well-thought and not karaoke", Randy thought Kris was ready big time.

Danny Gokey chose "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire. Randy was worried about the song choice but thought it still worked. Kara called it "solid", emphasizing that he is a good vocalist who's always on pitch. Paula said he showed his agility as a performer and has taken it a step further. Simon said it was "awkward and clumsy".

A second Donna Summer came from Allison Iraheta who sang "Hot Stuff". Randy didn't like the arrangement but said, "You're one of the best singers in the competition." Kara sounded off Randy's comment, not liking the arrangement. Paula said, "The word compromise does not even exist in your musical vocabulary." Simon gushed, "That was a brilliant performance."

Adam Lambert picked "If I Can't Have You" by Yvonne Elliman. He turned it into a ballad and brought tears to Paula. Randy said he was showing some range while Kara thought it was brilliant and inspiring. Paula said she felt his pain and the performance was not a cliche. Simon said the voice was "immaculate" and thought it was very original.

Matt Giraud sang Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive". Randy hated the song choice plus the arrangement but thought that Matt can sing. Kara said he "brought the disco back" and branded it solid. Paula said, "You pick songs like I bowl, and this was a strike." Simon on the other hand did not like it because it sounded desperate and there was no originality.

Anoop Desai, last performer of the night, brought the third Donna Summer with "Dim All the Lights". Randy thought it was vocally good but again he didn't like the arrangement. Kara said it was a good song choice and it could be on radio. Paula praised his vocal, his fashion and his teeth while Simon called it "mediocre at best" and "the worst performance by you in a mile."