( USA TODAY )- It could have been a hard day's night when the 12 American Idol finalists tackled the Lennon/McCartney songbook. But a number of contestants rose to the occasion - notably the lightly regarded Chikezie, who fused bluegrass and classic soul on a raving version of She's a Woman that ranks with the season's best performances to date.
David Cook's impassioned Eleanor Rigby and Carly Smithson's wailing Come Together were also highlights, making up for a flat In My Life from Ramiele Malubay, a dismally countrified Eight Days a Week by Kristy Lee Cook and a misguided I Saw Her Standing There by David Hernandez. Surprisingly, front-runner David Archuleta stumbled (and forgot lyrics) on We Can Work It Out, perhaps delaying his instant coronation.
Tonight (Fox, 9 ET/PT) one contestant will be sent home. Musical justice would dictate that Kristy Lee will earn that distinction.