‘American Idol’ Recap: Carole King Songs

While much of the monarchy-less America is obsessed with England's upcoming royal wedding for some reason or other, 'American Idol' was celebrating music royalty in the form of songwriter Carole King this week. Even if you don't know King as a vocalist or even by name, you no doubt know her songs, as pop stars have been belting out her tunes, like 'Will You Still Love me Tomorrow' and 'You've Got a Friend,' for much of the modern era. Here is our recap of the remaining six contestants and how they fared when getting their King on.

Scotty McCreery: McCreery did what he always does (sang with a country twang) and did something he has never done (sing in a soft, refined, elegant voice) for 'You've Got a Friend.' This tactic only served to make us appreciate his low, throaty style even more. The juxtaposition of his signature style and this newer, gentler range was nothing short of stunning.
Watch Scotty McCreery Perform 'You've Got a Friend'

Lauren Alaina: Her voice cracked, but we couldn't help but follow teen queen Lauren Alaina when she confidently put her stamp on 'Where You Lead.' She commanded the stage with some intangibles (swagger and vengeance, so said judge Randy Jackson) and her always soaring voice. She scores bonus points for making Jennifer Lopez cry.
Watch Lauren Alaina Perform 'Where You Lead'

Haley Reinhart: A beautiful girl sang a 'Beautiful' song. Reinhart wasn't pitch-perfect or spot on when she gave it her all on 'Beautiful,' but she apparently can summon deities. That's right -- judge Steven Tyler told Reinhart that she made him hear God with her vocals. We're going to have to call her Holy Moly Haley from now on.
Watch Haley Reinhart Perform 'Beautiful'

Jacob Lusk: Lusk's performance of 'Oh No Not My Baby' was as bright and as effervescent as his colorful ensemble. The strength and scope of the singer's voice was never in question; however, his ability to entertain was. But after a few weeks of camping out in the bottom three and hovering dangerously close to elimination, Lusk got his groove on, strutting across that stage.
Watch Jacob Lusk Perform 'Oh Not Not My Baby'

James Durbin: Yes, we will still love rocker James Durbin tomorrow, since he did a bang up job on the doo-wop hit 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.' He glazed the song with his rock edge, yet he didn't skimp on the tender element that's implicit in the song, either. Randy Jackson even predicted that Durbin might win the whole enchilada after this performance.
Watch James Durbin Perform 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow'

Casey Abrams: Resident jazzman Casey Abrams took on 'Hi-De-Ho' like he was already a superstar with a string of gigs in a club in New Orleans. He's probably a little to "fringe" for mainstream America, but that doesn't stop 'Idol' watchers from remaining glued to the TV when Abrams takes the stage.
Watch Casey Abrams Perform 'Hi-De-Ho'