The Top 5 performance night of American Idol 8 was all about the Rat Pack - that collection of music from five friends which will live on in the memories of all those who enjoyed Big Band classics. Naturally, I expected this round to be very, very boring indeed.

The Idols certainly looked the part when they stepped out onstage, the men wearing suits and Allison Iraheta in a very age-appropriate dress. The “mystery” mentor for this week was Oscar winner and successful recording artist Jamie Foxx. His clip showed him to be incredibly charming during his first meeting with the contestants.

Kris Allen chose “The Way You Look Tonight” for the evening, which is just about sappy enough for his usual performance style. Jamie Foxx was so impressed, he told Allen he wants the two of them two work together “when this whole thing is over.” Kris looked and sounded exactly as expected - which is not to say both weren’t great. I’m just wondering how many times we can watch the same performance and listen to sappy love songs and still be entertained. I’m thinking…three weeks ago.

Randy Jackson loved the song choice, and thought the performance was Allen’s best. “You have set the technical standard so incredibly high,” Kara DioGuardi enthused, calling him a “dark horse.” Paula Abdul thinks Allen is an “ever-so-handsome, sophisticated gentleman.” Simon Cowell “thought it was a little bit wet,” meaning he found it “safe” and not so “incredible.” Ryan Seacrest asked Cowell what he meant by using the word wet. The reply? “Not dry.” I think he meant that it was sappy, because that is what it was.

Allison Iraheta is now officially seventeen - Idol’s current youngster celebrated a birthday this week. She chose the absolutely beautiful song “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Jamie Foxx had great advice to offer, and when Allison addressed the mic with her smoky voice it was obvious she took his words to heart. As always, Iraheta’s performance was amazing.

Randy Jackson thought the evening’s theme would be difficult for Allison, but he was pleasantly surprised, saying “that was the bomb!” Kara DioGuardi thought it was a “crime” that Allison’s been in the Bottom Three at all this season, but now she’s no longer worried. DioGuardi predicted that Iraheta would make it to the finals. Paula Abdul found Iraheta’s performance to be “alluring and very tender.” Simon Cowell wanted to know if Allison thought she could win. “I think I can. I think all of us have that chance right now,” she smiled. “I thought it was a great performance,” he offered, adding that Allison might have been “overshadowed” in the competition.

Matt Giraud made the monumental mistake of choosing to sing “My Funny Valentine,” which I think is an absolutely terrible song choice for him…or, anyone. Giraud, a lover of jazz, was thrilled to be part of the Top 5. Jamie Foxx gave Giraud some advice that he felt could land him in the top vote-getting position. Matt took to the stage following just that advice and wearing his hat - which, for once, was appropriate for the evening. Giraud’s got a great voice and Foxx’s advice was totally on-point…it’s still a bad song choice and the whole thing was tragically boring.

“That was probably one of the hardest songs to sing,” Randy Jackson observed. “It was a little bit pitchy,” he pointed out, rating the performance “a six out of ten.” Kara DioGuardi didn’t feel he was “emotionally connected” to the tune. Paula Abdul loved everything about the performance, calling it “pure, simple and really impressive.” Simon Cowell likewise loved the performance. “For me, it was the only believable, authentic song I’ve heard tonight.” He called Giraud “absolutely brilliant.” Matt is the current Vote For The Worst pick.

Danny Gokey chose “Come Rain or Come Shine” for the evening. Jamie Foxx got right in Danny’s face and asked him to sing - a technique he learned from director Michael Mann. The focus is supposed to be on the Idols, but Jamie Foxx stole the show on this performance night. His clips were the highlights of the evening. The audience expected something amazing when Gokey stepped out on stage, and that’s just what they got. When Gokey took his song big, the crowd was enraptured. It’s safe to say he’s still a front-runner after his enormous finish.

“You are the only one I’ve heard, so far, tonight, that actually could have an album of songs like that - and win!” Randy Jackson cried. “This is a singing competition, and you can sing!” He cried. “You have swag tonight!” Kara DioGuardi told him, calling the performance “unbelievable.” “Stellar, stellar performance,” Paula Abdul, who looked gorgeous, enthused. Simon Cowell called the performance “outstanding,” and thanked Jamie Foxx for all his good work.

Adam Lambert again scored the finishing position in the evening’s line up, and I figured right away his performance would be extremely loud and in-your-face…kind of like the suit he wore. He sang “Feeling Good,” and I ended up being a little disappointed with Rat Pack night. I wanted Frank Sinatra’s “Swingin’ on a Star” - and honestly I wanted it from Adam Lambert. But I couldn’t find fault in her performance just the same. The theater guy walked to the stage from a set of fluorescent stairs, absolutely oozing everything that is drama. He sauntered down and belted out his best, completely showing up all those who have come before. One of his notes was no long, I was practically able to brew a cup of coffee while I waited for it to finish. I know exactly why this guy hasn’t been snapped up by a recording studio in the past, however. His vocals are stunning, his look is perfect and his choices are flawless.. But there’s no real personality there to latch onto - it’s all smoke and mirrors and great big vocals with this guy.

Randy Jackson called it “a little theatrical, and a little too drama-filled and a little too Broadway for me, man,” but he spit this criticism out so quickly it was very hard to register. The platitudes soon followed. “Another good performance,” he finished. Kara DioGuardi thinks Lambert is “shocking” and “confusing” and “sleazy” and “way over-the-top,” which pretty well sums it up. “Words cannot describe…” Paula Abdul did find some, though. “You make me feel better than good,” she gushed, likening Lambert to Michael Phelps in an odd Olympics comparison. “Best entrance we’ve had of the year,” Simon Cowell smiled. “That was some strut down the stairs,” Ryan Seacrest admired as he gave out the numbers.

And at the end of it all, the phone lines were available for public voting. The results of this election will be revealed tomorrow night. Idol winner Taylor Hicks (VFTW often claims credit for this, and I believe them) will also perform.

(You can find all the American Idol 8 posts here.)