American Idol is in their “Top 8” week with the theme of “Songs of the Cinema.”  On April 13, the show started out with Paul McDonald singing “Old Time Rock and Roll” by Bob Seger from the movie Risky Business with Tom Cruise.

All three judges were enjoyed the performance and Randy Jackson said “we just witnessed the opening song of his first concert.”

Lauren Alaina was next singing “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus from Hannah Montana: the Movie. When Alaina was recording with Jimmy Iovine, he and Will.i.am agreed she “sang it much better than Miley Cyrus.”

Jennifer Lopez said “I love that cry in your voice” and Steven Tyler said “you move me beyond tears.”

Stefano Langone sang “End of the Road” by Boys II Men from the film Boomerang. After his performance, Lopez reminded Langone of the talk they had a week ago. She told him, “You have got to stop singing to stay. You have to start singing to win”, which is exactly how he performed.

As number four, Scotty McCreery performed with another country song, “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait from the movie I Cross My Heart.

Jackson is proud that McCreery is staying with what fits best with him, “if it ain’t broke, don’t even consider fixin’ it” says Jackson.

Casey Abrams sang with his natural bluesy tone with his choice of “Nature Boy” by Nat King Cole from the movie Moulin Rouge. He refused Iovine’s request of picking another song because Iovine believed “no one will here your voice in a whisper.”

The audience and the judges were thrilled with Abrams’ performance and that he took that strong leap of faith by not going with the advice given, especially with the pressure of the judges using the “save” on him.

Haley Reinhart came out with confidence and left with skepticism about her choice of song. Singing “Call Me” by Blondie from the film American Gigolo, Reinhart was having a ball.

At the end of Reinhart’s routine, Lopez stated “you aren’t showing that you are earning your place to win,” to which some audience members disagreed.

Nearing the end, Jacob Lusk sang “Like a Bridge over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel in the movie The Graduate. Lopez said “you are gifted.”

To close the show, James Durbin sang with ice last week, this time fire. Durbin sang “Heavy Metal” by Sammy Hagar from the film Heavy Metal. Lopez said “Real! Who would have thought we would have heavy metal on American Idol?” Tyler said “Great, as usual.”

On April 14, the next unlucky contestant was sent away from the competition, the highly entertaining Paul McDonald.