Tonight, the top seven performed the songs of Mariah Carey, with a little advice from the lady herself (Mariah Carey wasn't only the theme for the night, she was also the mentor for the top seven show). And what a mentor! I think all of the Idol contestants were a little awed, and more than a little star-struck, as well!

While I was interested in seeing how each contestant would perform, I was really curious about the guys singing Mariah's songs. Her voice and her music are so recognizable that I wondered how any of the men, or even women, would be able to bring their own style to the table and standout. After Ryan introduced the judges, the first Idol stepped on stage…

David Archuleta - "When You Believe"

David's performance was rock solid. Even though I've been wishing to hear him do something different, I just can't fault his performance. It was amazing! One of the areas David excels at, in my opinion, is really connecting to his music, and thereby connecting to his audience. I'd still like to see him have a little more fun though! Randy said, "That was the bomb!" Paula said, "Mariah must be proud." Simon said, "You set the benchmark."

Carly Smithson - "Without You"

While I enjoyed Carly's performance tonight, I didn't love it. My guess is - based on that performance - she'll end up in the bottom three. There wasn't anything wrong with it, it just wasn't as good as it should have been. I think her voice got better as she got further into the song. Randy said, "Once you hit the power parts, it was good." Paula said, "I actually like that you showed some vocal restraint at the beginning." Simon said, "I thought it was an okay version."

Syesha Mercado - "Vanishing"

I thought Syesha sounded pretty good at first, but not so great towards the end. However, she is probably the most improved contestant who is still on the show. I think her biggest issue is she doesn't have a lot of charisma on stage and sort of disappears behind the bigger personalities of the other contestants. Randy said, "You did a good job all things considered." Paula said, "Overall, tonight was unbelievably magical for you." Simon said, "Technically, it was very good."

Brooke White - "Hero"

One of my favorite songs, and I really liked the vibe Brooke put out there by playing the piano and singing. Other than a few off-notes here and there, her performance was pretty good. But, I don't think it was good enough to keep her out of the bottom three this week. Has anyone else notices she cries almost every week after her performance? This is someone who really connects to her art - if nothing else, you have to appreciate that. Randy said, "It was pretty good." Paula said, "You're identifiable." Simon said, "It was like ordering a hamburger and only getting a bun."