//American Idol Recap: Top 5 Serve Up Soul On Rat Pack Theme Night//

We’re down to the top 5 singers on eighth season of American Idol. It seems like only yesterday we were laughing at the wacky auditions and crying with Tatiana Del Toro (you ‘member her, ‘member?).

In past seasons, this stage of the competition still had maybe one or two questionable talents in the game, but not this season. While there are clearly a couple front-runners, every single contestant left has what it takes to make some serious noise in the recording industry.

Allison Iraheta, Matt Giraud, Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen all got to stretch their vocal wings like never before last night for Idol’s Rat Pack theme week. What that means is big band numbers, bluesy classics, and plenty of opportunities to show some artistry by making the standards fresh. And who better to lead the kids down the path of Rat Pack greatness than singer/actor Jamie Foxx? Don’t answer that–there are plenty of better mentor choices but Jamie has an album and movie to promote so shove it!

With the top 5 being the best of the best, no one left me disappointed.

Let’s take a look at how it all went down:

Kris Allen – The Way You Look Tonight: Why’d they have to give Kris the completely unhot opening slot!? Tis OK. The dreamy crooner totally owned his rendition of “The Way You Look Tonight” with his charm and soothing vocals, so he should be fine. Jamie Foxx was blown away by Kris just being himself and not trying to do the “throat Olympics.” He vowed he’s make records with Kris if Idol doesn’t work out. I don’t know if he’ll make it to snatch the crown, but top 3 is looking really good if she keeps it up with these confident and controlled performances. Randy thinks it was his best performance to date. Kara and Paula turned to goo. Simon was the only judge not very excited about it. He thought it was “quite nice” but it was “a little bit wet.” OK…

Allison Iraheta – Someone To Watch Over Me: First things first, rock the heck on, Allison, for being the last girl left in this brutal competition. The now 17-year-old chose a big song, but as she’s proven since the beginning of the season, she can take on any song and make it her own. From the first note, she took control and never let the song drown out her sultry, raspy voice. The judges loved it, but Simon said he doesn’t “feel that belief” still and feels she could be in trouble. Shame! But if Allison has to go, she’ll go on top. She was incredible. Kara told Simon he’s crazy for those comments. Kara, you are too right!

Matt Giraud – My Funny Valentine: The moment I heard what the theme this week would be, I knew Matt would be excited for it. I even tweeted to my pal John from Blog! For Your Life that Matt will kill it. Damn, I love to be right! Matt definitely chose the biggest song he could possibly pick for the night, and he did a great job with it. He definitely had a few pitch problems, but they didn’t overcome the performance for me. He added some modern touches to the classic song to make it his own and the big notes…magnificent! Randy and the bugs eating his brain said it was a 6 out of 10. Kara didn’t feel he was emotionally connected to the song. Paula swooned like she does for spiked cola, and Simon waved his Team MG flag and disagreed with Randy calling Matt’s performance the most “believable.”

Danny Gokey – Come Rain or Come Shine: Another I knew would kick total ass this week was Danny Gokey. The boy’s got blues flowing through his veins naturally so I knew he’d be able to turn it on for the night. So right! DG’s vocals are crazy. He is technically the best vocalist in the competition, hands down. He started out nice and smooth, then got rough and tough toward the end. The runs, the control…brilliant. Or stellar to quote Paula. Kara and Simon loved his swagger and “outstanding” vocals, and Randy thinks Danny could release an album of standards and win. AGREED! Danny is going for the gold!

Adam Lambert – Feeling Good: Jamie Foxx vowed Adam would knock everyone’s heads off. Would be really? This is Rat Pack night and Adam so doesn’t seem like the Rat Pack type. Lesson 1 kids: Adam is everything you want him to be and more. He isn’t going to fit in a box so there’s no way to say what theme nights will or won’t work for him. Adam brought his originality to the table adding a bit of his theatrical vocals for an amazing performance of the much-covered “Feeling Good.” And the note at the end!? WOW! The only thing that could possibly match the wow-factor of that note was the sweet entrance Adam made down the super long staircase. All of the judges loved the performance. Paula compared Adam’s showstopping performances to watching Michael Phelps in the Olympics. Much better analogy than the “shopping in women’s” one last week, Abdul!

Predictions: This is so tough! Everyone is great but if I had to pick, and I do, it would be Allison and Matt for the bottom. And I think Simon is right, Allison could be gone.

The results are announced tonight!