Paul McDonald was nearly voted off 'American Idol' last week, so he needed to bring it on tonight's episode. McDonald finally showed us what he is made of, turning in his very best performance of the season.

McDonald opted to perform the cooler-than-thou 'Folsom Prison Blues' by Johnny Cash. Cash is an intimidating icon and those are some major boots to fill, but McDonald jumped in, boots first! He was in assured and confident form, knuckling down on his guitar, clapping his hands and dancing like no one was watching.
 You'd have thought he downed a case of Red Bull before stepping on that stage; he was that energetic and full of life.

We knew he had it in him! McDonald has been flying under the radar quietly for most of the season, leaving us to wonder how he kept advancing. This performance, teeming with gusto, showed us why McDonald is still here. Tonight, McDonald was every inch the rock star he is trying to be!

Randy Jackson had three words for McDonald, and no, they weren't "yo," "dude" or "dog." He simply says, "I … loved … it." Steven Tyler concurrs, saying, "You rocked the house" after calling him an "imperfect perfect boy." We know -- we said "Huh?," too. Jennifer Lopez also praises McDonald, telling him he was right where he needed to be.

It's safe to say that Paul McDonald will be singing for America again next week!

Watch Paul McDonald Perform Johnny Cash's 'Folsom Prison Blues'

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