Scotty Gets Emotional and Lauren Gets in Trouble on Idol [VIDEOS]

The Top 4 on American Idol had to sing not once, but twice.  The first was a song of inspiration for each contestant.  Scotty McCreery made the perfect choice of Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning).”  The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.  He could have been a little ”pitchy” and it wouldn’t have mattered.  But he wasn’t.  He even got a little choked up while singing. 

For the second choice, it was songs by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.  And each contestant was mentored by Lady Gaga.  Scotty chose “Young Blood” and showed his fun side.  The judges give Scotty props for both his songs at the end of the video.  Randy even calls him a star and says he’s ready for a great career.  Win or lose, Scotty will be heard on country radio across the country soon.

Lauren Alaina, who was in the bottom two last week, needed to step it up.  And if you’re going to go big, you may as well choose a song from Martina McBride.  Lauren took on her inspirational song “Anyway,” which is the first song Martina co-wrote.  Lauren also made the smart choice in dedicating her song to the victims of the latest storms in her hometown.

Lauren’s second choice was “Trouble.”  With a little help from Lady Gaga, she managed to give the song a little attitude.  I think its the first time I’ve seen her with that much confidence on stage.  But will it be enough to keep her around for another week. 

James Durbin went with Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin,’” a song judge Randy Jackson knows well, since he palyed in the band for years.

His second choice was a strange one.  Love Potion Number 9.  But it worked, proving James can sing anything.

Haley Reinhart made a strange choice for her inspirational song.  She picked Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” which didn’t earn her much praise from the judges.  And she didn’t take the criticism well.  At the end of the video, watch her reaction to the judges critiques. 

In true Haley fashion, she came back with a bang and a standing ovation from the judges for her performance of “I Who Have Nothing.”

One more is sent packing tonight, one week before hometown visits.  It may be just me, but Haley may be the one in trouble.  Not because of her voice, because of her attitude.  I’ve read many remarks about her coming off as snotty and self righteous.  She may not be that way, but it’s the way she’s being perceived by the public.  And as my husband likes to tell me, perception is reality.  Last night she did seem to argue with the judges over thier critique of her Michael Jackson song.  And I tended to agree with them.  She did sound like she was screaming, a lot.  Haley doesn’t deal well with anything other than praise and has this attitude of expecting to win.  And the public sees it.  Dont’ get me wrong, the girl can sing.  She just needs to learn how to be humble. 

Past Idol winner Jordin Sparks returns tonight when one more will be sent home.  Tune in to FOX at 8 or we’ll get you up to date tomorrow morning.  So who do you think is going home?