Last week left many fans reeling as Ramiele Malubay was viciously cast aside falling well short of becoming the first Philipino American to win American idol and not even close to Jasmine Trias' third place a few years ago.

Tonight the Top 8 are performing inspirational songs but how inspiring will they be? Inspiring enough that everyone will feel compelled to dig deep tomorrow night for Idol Gives Back 2008?

I'm also guessing, that based on last years show, there wont be an elimination this week and that votes will be carried through to next week. Can anyone clarify this? Scratch that! The results are on Thursday at 8pm 7 Central.

If you haven't already, why not join one of our Office Pools on the right and see if you can pick who is going and who is staying.

Also, If you need the voting numbers, they can be found here.

Here is tonight's recap:

Michael Johns

Original: Dream On
Pre-Order Michael's version here
or the video here
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I really do like this song and Michael is having a pretty good crack at it. I don't think it's his best performance but it's up there.

Randy: "I really believe this is one of the important weeks. You're telling us who you really are. Pretty good song choice but some pitch problems. It was alright for me."

Paula: "I think it was a perfect song and you sound as good as you look and the high notes that you hit. I think my chihuahuas are gonna join you on stage."

Simon: "I thought it was a pretty good performance. I don't like the impersonation of a rockstar though. I thought it was a little wannabe-ish."

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Syesha Mercado

Original: I Believe
Pre-Order Syesha's version here
or the video here
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Is this the first time on American Idol that a current contestant has taken on a previous Idol winners song? Big risk! Not sure it really paid off. Loved the big note though.

Randy: "I have to give you credit again. I think Fantasia is one of the best singers to ever grace this stage. But it was just ok."

Paula: "Not many people can take on songs like that but you flipped it a bit and made it your own. I think hands down this is one of your shining moments."

Simon: "Of course there's gonna be a comparison. I think you sang it very well but it lacked that big wave of emotion you got when Fantasia sang it."

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Jason Castro

Original: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Pre-Order Jason's version here
or the video here
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That was just awesome! Fantastic version of a classic song!

Randy: "Dude, Jason Castro is back in the hunt. That was blazing! Molten hot!"

Paula: "You have the most definitive sound. Perfect song and I love that version."

Simon: "The first time I heard that version I wasn't sure. Second time, loved it. Third time, fantastic!"

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Kristy Lee Cook

Original: Anyway
Pre-Order Kristy's version here
or the video here
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At least she's consistent. And she's definitely performing for her fans. Does she have enough to keep her around though?

Randy: "There were a couple pitch moments but it was really good."

Paula: "Not only would my chihuahuas have liked it but this was your best. It's so easy singing songs that inspire you. Excellent!"

Simon: "Randy's point about a choice this broad you have an opportunity to show off who you really are. I thought you were very good indeed. Tonight you look like a star and you're appealing to your audience."

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David Cook

Original: Innocent
Pre-Order David's version here
or the video here
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This really sounds bad in comparison to how he's sounded the last couple of weeks. What's going on David? Are you going to be our first shock elimination this year?

Randy: "I'm a huge fan of yours. I'm not sure this was one of your strongest weeks. You've been so good but tonight was different."

Paula: "You are the full package."

Simon: "I thought it was a teency weency bit pompous. I didn't like the white jacket. We say this week after week - originality, choice of song and this was your weakest performance. Not anywhere near as good as the last two weeks."

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Carly Smithson

Original: The Show Must Go On
Pre-Order Carly's version here
or the video
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I really can't stand Carly's affected voice. Just sing the freakin' song! Terrible, terrible performance! Perhaps Idol will give back and send her home.

Randy: "It started out good but got pitchy in the middle. It was just ok for me."

Paula: "Your voice as always is pretty perfect. Didn't feel engaged with you though and I usually am. Your voice sounded amazing."

Simon: "You look good but if I'm being honest with you, you oversang it and lost control of the song near the end. Came over as an angry performance and I think you chose the wrong song and you might be in some trouble."

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David Archuleta

Original: Angels
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or the video here
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Yet another sleepy song from David Archuleta. A million times better than Robbie Williams version though. I do have to admit that David has the best artistry of the remaining contestants despite being able to perform anything above 100bpm.

Randy: "When you did that refrain at the end with the runs, that's the David I love! That was your hottest moment all season. Crazy hot!"

Paula: "That sums it up for me. Fantastic!"

Simon: "Best song choice of the night so far. This is one of the best pop songs written. Not your best vocal. A bit nasally and the end was better than the beginning. You are gonna sail through to the next round."

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Brooke White

Original: You've Got A Friend
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or the video here
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An incredibly boring performance.

Randy: "I don't think it was your best."

Paula: "My sister played that song when i was young and I loved it growing up."

Simon: "It was like a pleasant walk in the park. Was it original? No. Was it pleasant? Yes."

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So, we might be in for a real shock this week as there were a few performances that didn't really cut it from contestants who we were probably expecting more from.

Tonight's bottom three for me would have to be Carly Smithson, David Cook and Brooke White.

I guess we'll see what happens with the results on Thursday night. Till then, don't forget Idol Gives Back tomorrow night.