American idol, Artist, adams Lamberts, new artist

The theme on this week's American Idol is songs from the Rat Pack era, and the five remaining contestants are mentored by Jamie Foxx. Anyhoo ...

Kris Allen starts things off with "The Way You Look Tonight," one of my favorite songs from that era. The tune starts off slow, then picks up with a jazzy beat in the middle. Really, really nice.

Kara agrees, saying Kris set the technical standard high for the evening. "You are truly a dark horse in this competition," says Kara. Paula says he's made an amazing transition from boy-next-door to sophisticated gentleman. The song really works for her. The Judges: Randy says she looks like Brittney Murphy and sings like Pink. Kara says she's not nervous for Allison anymore, that she's not just a one-trick pony or rock chick. Paula says it was alluring and tender. Simon thinks she might be in trouble tonight and called the song "mechanical." Jamie Foxx doesn't have much to say during rehearsals, but then calls Matt back into the room for more feedback. The performance starts off slow and picks up steam along the way, with Matt adding some nice runs and power. Not my favorite performance tonight, but nice job.

The Judges: Randy says it's probably one of the hardest songs to sing, and it was a little pitchy. Simon agrees with Paula, saying it's the only believable, authentic song he's heard tonight. Danny Gokey is next, singing "Come Rain or Come Shine." During rehearsals, Jamie Foxx kind of intimidates Danny by looking at him intensely about one inch from his face. Foxx says it's like working with director Michael Mann, whom I'm sure is an intense guy. The performance is good, with Danny wearing these beautifully dorky Mad Men-type, black-rimmed glasses. Great job overall, ending with some power notes.

The Judges: Randy says that Danny is the only singer tonight who could actually put out an album of Rat Pack songs. Kara loved his Rat Pack swagger. Paula calls it "stellar." Simon also loves the swagger and confidence, calling the performance "outstanding."

Adam Lambert sings "Feeling Good." The performance stats with a white-suited Adam descending a pink-lighted staircase. Paula likens him to Michael Phelps in the Olympics. Simon loves the showmanship, especially Adam's entrance on the staircase.

Adam Lambert sings "Feeling Good" to close "American Idol's" Rat Pack night, with a little "rock edge" he says. Jamie Foxx calls it "totally incredible."

Adam comes down a flight of pink stairs in a white suit, stops halfway through to spool out the opening notes. Man, he just looks like a star, all backlit. A very interesting take on the song, is speeding up the tempo at times.

It's another classic Lambert performance -- stalks down the stairs, rock music kicks in, he's getting ready to melt this. Is totally on control on the stage; like KISS running full-tilt into Frank Sinatra. Great last note. Not, again, one of his top three, but still memorable as heck and, as always, interesting.

Randy says a little theatrical, bit too much drama, but in the zone, another good performance. Kara says her mouth is always open when he performs -- "shocking and confusing and sleazy" but she really loves him. Paula says "you're our Michael Phelps." Hmmm ... so he's dating Miss California, too?!

Simon gives him some praise, says you want to win, you want to prove a point every week -- best entrance of the year so far.

Tomorrow: Taylor Hicks and Natalie Cole perform.