AI theme weeks continue! This time around the finalists could only choose from a collection of 50s hits and their mega-star coach was none other than Barry Manilow.

Mandisa started the show off with a HUGE bang. Her rendition of "I Don't Hurt Anymore" began slowly and ended with an audience fully on its feet. I can't remember the last time any AI show has opened so strongly. Even Simon Cowell "absolutely loved it." Bucky Covington had the misfortune of following Mandisa. His take on the Buddy Holly classic "Oh Boy" was what Simon accurately called a "so what performance." It wasn't bad by any means, just not very memorable.

Further blowing Covington out of the water was Paris Bennett's "Fever". Impeccable vocals, maturity, poise and dressing the part all came together for Bennett here.

Chris Daughtry did exactly what regular viewers have come to expect — he took a popular song and completely molded it to fit his style. "I Walk The Line" was simply amazing. It was worlds apart from Johnny Cash's version and yet equally compelling. The depth and emotion in Daughtry's voice made this easily one of the best performances of the night.

Katharine McPhee channeled Ella Fitzgerald in "Come Rain or Come Shine" and it really paid off. Each week McPhee seems to improve in one way or another. Tonight she showed ease changing from one chord to another and her torchy performance seems a hint of great things to come in weeks ahead. Taylor Hicks returned with his usual energy this week. Clad in a powder blue suit he took on Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away". While it wasn't the most vocally challenging performance tonight, he pulled out the stops to make sure that everyone had a good time.