‘American Idol’ Contestant Lauren Alaina Brews Up Some ‘Trouble’

For her second performance tonight on ‘American Idol,’ Lauren Alaina switched it into high gear with her rendition of Elvis Presley‘s ‘Trouble.’ The song, which was penned by acclaimed songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, has some seriously bada– lyrics, making the sweet Southern bell question her ability to deliver a solid performance. However, after some words of reassurance from Lady Gaga, Alaina was ready to take on ‘Trouble.’

During rehearsals, Alaina struggled with one particular line, where she found herself having to call herself “evil.” Lady Gaga stepped in, boosting Alaina’s confidence by telling her that she has nothing to be self-conscious about. “You’re not a kid, you’re 16. Let me tell you, when I was 16, I was way too weird to be on ‘American Idol,’” Gaga says. “It’s just a word.”

Alaina listened to Gaga, and it paid off. The performance kicked off with Alaina’s back to the camera. As she started singing, she snapped around her head of wild blond curls and strutted out onto stage. Alaina, who wore a gold sequined dress, was exuding confidence as she sang the line, “Because I’m evil, my middle name is misery / Well I’m evil, so don’t you mess around with me,” which she had been struggling with beforehand. She also kept it playful, giving her version of ‘Trouble’ a nice balance.

Steven Tyler, once again praised Alaina, telling her he loves her as he does every week. Jennifer Lopez had something a little more substantial to say. “I saw a performance quality in you when you came out that I had not seen in you before. It was like total attack and it was really, really good,” she tells Alaina. Jackson was also wowed by Alaina’s commanding stage presence, telling her, “You gotta let go!” We hope America loves you as much as the judges, Lauren! We can’t stand to watch you cry again.

Watch Lauren Alaina Perform ‘Trouble’ on ‘American Idol’