"American Idol" recap: David Cook is a thriller...

You keep wondering if it's a fluke, that David Cook just picked a good song that week. He wowed us with "Hello" several weeks ago then "Eleanor Rigby" but his very, very, best performance came last night in a brilliantly reworked version of "Billie Jean" that didn'y make me think of Michael Jackson ONCE! He beyond nailed it - he was a revelation and if the competition ended today, he should be the winner and could be considered the front-runner at this point.

I'm also really excited by the talent of Brooke White who is at her best behind the piano singing a ballad. She did the Police's "Every Breath You Take" and was just lovely. The judges felt like the song should have remained simple with just her and the piano without the band kicking in. I see what they mean but it was really good anyway. And I don't get the rap on Carly Smithson who did "Total Eclipse of the Heart" which was a terrific song for her. She has the pipes for it. She is judged on a different scale and it's not really fair because she is terrific - one of the top five. I also thought David John's "We Will Rock You/We Are the World" was solid and good but he leaves me cold.

Kristy Lee Cook finally wowed the judges with "God Bless the USA" which was an inspired song choice and a solid performance. She'll get through and might not even be in the bottom three. David Archuleta sang some wacko song but was still good enough as was Syesha Mercado ("If I Were Your Woman") and Chikezie ("If Only For One Night").

Ramiele Malubay had a cold, went first, and sucked. She should be voted off and I predict she will. But adorable Jason Castro is also wearing thin. I was bored during his song. He was coasting and maybe he'll coast right off the show this week or next.