IDOL WATCH: Top 5 Take on Now…and Then

It's getting down to the nitty gritty in Idol-land, with the season ten finale three mere weeks away. Three weeks! Where has the time gone? While the bunch that's left certainly isn't the top five that I would have picked out, it's very difficult not to feel totally invested in their fates considering that I've been writing about their every move since January. I just love these kids!

For the first time in a long time, the episode was action packed from start to finish, as they had to fit ten exciting performances into the typical 90 minute time slot. That's right, the top 5 got the chance to belt out two songs tonight- that's the good news. The bad news is that the ‘American Idol' producers truly topped themselves in picking the stupidest theme ever- Now and Then. What exactly does this overly vague and clearly not thought out theme even mean, you ask? Exactly what you think it does- they get to sing songs from now and songs from then. And I thought I hated Carole King!

NOW: James kicked the night off singing 3o Seconds to Mars' "Closer to the Edge." The song felt like a real regression to me- like he took a time machine back to two months ago when his singing was unpolished and pitchy. That really pains me to say because I've so enjoyed watching him improve on this show. Steven said that he ‘kicked the song's ass' JLo agreed. Randy said that he proved that he really wanted to take it all with the performance. Sorry guys, I disagree.

Jacob sang Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown's "No Air" (a song that I'm proud to say that I've perfected on GLEE karaoke). I thought the performance was a very pitchy. Maybe if the song were three keys lower it would have seemed more appropriate. JLo was glad that he picked a song that he would like to record. Randy thought it was corny and sharp, commenting "I don't think this is the way you should go." Steven said that he loves his voice but he's waiting for him to find his niche.

Determined to bring more power to her performance, Lauren chose Carrie Underwood's "Flat on the Floor." Looking perhaps better than ever, she was clearly in her comfort zone. Though she didn't do anything crazy vocally, it was great to see her looking so confident and in control on the stage. RAndy Loved that she brought a fun energy to the song and JLo liked that she ate the song up. Steven told her that ‘the sky is the limit.'

Scotty mixed it up with Montgomery Gentry's "Gone." Though the song screamed country, it definitely had a different feel than his normal selections. This week he was really aggressive vocally and brought his crazy Scotty performance quality full force, acting out every lyric. He was amazing. Steven sang his praises saying, "I saw you dance with the devil tonight." He meant that in a good way. JLo was madly in love with just about everything and Randy agreed comparing the performance to a real concert.

Jimmy Iovine snaggEd Haley an unreleased Lady Gaga song called "You and I." Intriguing right? The performance was no "Rolling in the Deep," but great none-the-less. I never would have guessed that I would like Haley so much a month ago. JLo thought that Jimmy gave her bad advice by singing a song that people didn't know. Randy agreed, commenting that it was a very risky choice and that it didn't do her any favors. Steven disagreed saying that she's ‘one perfect song away from being American Idol.'

THEN: James switched it up with a passionate interpretation of "I Can't Live." It was cute to see him get so emotionally involved in the song, but it didn't make me want to vote for him. What happened to my carefree, scarf tail lovin' James? Maybe I would have cared more if I would have liked his first performance. Randy told him that the competition is his to lose and Steven agreed that the song was beautiful. JLo loved him, claiming that he ‘is a true artist.'

Jacob chose Nazareth's "Love Hurts" for his second song of the evening. It was leaps and bounds better than his first performance- with the exception of his last moan-riff. JLo liked that the vocal took her to another place. Randy pointed out that he might have sang the highest note ever on the Idol stage. Oh Randy, how quickly you've forgotten about Adam Lambert's scream-belt.

Lauren took on the iconic "Unchained Melody." From start to finish she sounded amazing. I really think that if I had my eyes closed I might have confused her for Carrie Underwood. JLo said that it was a beautiful song sang beautifully and that there was ‘nothing to judge.' Steven said that the song was perfect for her and that she was beautiful.

Next up was Scotty, who sang Elvis' "You're Always on My Mind"- a total 180 from his first choice. This time he brought back his subdued vocal and prolonged camera stares. It was very similar to his Carole King performance last week, showcasing his tenderness and vulnerability. It's very interesting that the two young country singers seemed to have identical plans this week. JLo loved that he mixed it up yet felt so comfortable in his own skin. Randy appreciated the simplicity of the performance, and Steven said that he sang ‘a beautiful rendition of that song.'

Haley busted out The Animals' "The House of the Rising Sun" in tonight's pimp spot. Under Sheryl Crow's advice (this week's guest mentor) she sang the first verse entirely acapella. It was flawless. She finished it off with belting-growling-Haley -perfection that brought even the judges to their feet. Randy was blown away by the song and Steven agreed. JLo sang her praises, proclaiming that the song has never been sung quite like that.

My official consensus of the week: Scotty gets top marks for consistency, but Haley gave the best performance of the night. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I wouldn't be surprised to see Jacob go this week.

Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH tomorrow night to find out which contestants don't make it past the next elimination! American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox. Vote for your favorite contestants at Americanidol.com!

Miss the Top 6 sing last week? Click here for a full recap!

Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.

Among the many American Idol finalists and winners to appear on the Broadway stage are Fantasia, Justin Guarini ,Jordin Sparks,Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, Tamyra Gray, Constantine Maroulis, Frenchie Davis, Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.